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10 Best Pocket Sketchbooks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leda Art Supply Pocket Sketch Book - Thick Drawing Paper for Marker Watercolor Pencil Mixed Media - 160 Blank Pages - Small Size, Ideal for Artists - Drawing Notebook, 3.5 x 5.5 Art Journal

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,102
Size
Paper Quality
Cover Material

Most important from
5622 reviews

Size
The sketchbook's compact size is perfect for travel, making it easy to manage and ideal for drawing on the go.
Paper Quality
The pages are thin but handle watercolor and acrylic washes beautifully, adding a charming crinkle to the paper.
Cover Material
The soft-bound cover is a real asset for sketching, holding up better than soft leather-bound books even with extensive use.

The Leda Art Supply Pocket Sketchbook is a compact and portable option for artists, measuring 3.5 x 5.5 inches, making it ideal for sketching on the go. One of its standout features is the 81-pound paper density, which supports a variety of media including pencils, ink, pens, charcoal, and light watercolor. The paper is smooth and cream-toned, enhancing the appearance of your artwork.

With 160 pages, it offers ample space for your creations. The sketchbook also includes practical features like an elastic band to keep the pages together and an accordion back pocket for storage, which can be very useful for keeping loose papers or small art supplies. The binding is durable, and the cover is made from fine vegan leather, providing a stylish and sturdy surface.

The sketchbook's pages erase well and hold up to heavy use, making it durable for frequent sketches. While it is lightweight at 1.2 ounces, the small size may limit the scope of larger or more detailed projects. This sketchbook is best suited for artists who need a reliable and portable option for quick sketches and mixed media work.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,102
Size
Paper Quality
Cover Material

Most important from
5622 reviews

Size
The sketchbook's compact size is perfect for travel, making it easy to manage and ideal for drawing on the go.
Paper Quality
The pages are thin but handle watercolor and acrylic washes beautifully, adding a charming crinkle to the paper.
Cover Material
The soft-bound cover is a real asset for sketching, holding up better than soft leather-bound books even with extensive use.
#2

Paper Junkie 48 Pack Small Blank Notebooks for Kids Bulk, Kraft Paper Journals for Students, Sketching Drawing, Writing (4.3 x 5.6 In)

Rating
9.8
Paper Quality
Number of Pages

Most important from
1108 reviews

Paper Quality
Excellent value for teaching journaling to small groups, with thick and durable paper suitable for markers, pens, and pencils.
Number of Pages
Perforated pages allow for easy removal, making these notebooks versatile for group projects or personal sketching.

The Paper Junkie 48 Pack Small Blank Notebooks stand out for their bulk quantity, making them ideal for classrooms, art projects, or events where you need to distribute a lot of sketchbooks. Each notebook measures 4.3 x 5.6 inches, which is a convenient pocket size for kids and adults alike, making them easy to carry around for on-the-go sketching or note-taking. The kraft paper cover is sturdy with a 250gsm thickness, providing decent durability for frequent handling, while the 120gsm blank paper inside is suitable for drawing and writing without significant ink bleed-through.

However, these notebooks might not hold up well to wet media like watercolors due to the paper's weight and texture. The staple-bound spine allows the notebooks to lay flat, which is a plus for drawing and writing, though it may not be as durable as sewn or spiral bindings for long-term use. Each notebook contains 48 pages (24 sheets), which is sufficient for short-term projects and frequent replacements.

The simplistic brown kraft cover lends itself to easy customization using stamps, markers, or stickers, which can be a fun activity for kids or a way to personalize for professional use. Despite lacking the sturdiness that a hardcover provides, these notebooks might not withstand rough handling over time. This set offers excellent value for bulk needs, especially if you prioritize quantity and customization over premium durability.

Rating
9.8
Paper Quality
Number of Pages

Most important from
1108 reviews

Paper Quality
Excellent value for teaching journaling to small groups, with thick and durable paper suitable for markers, pens, and pencils.
Number of Pages
Perforated pages allow for easy removal, making these notebooks versatile for group projects or personal sketching.
#3

Moleskine Art Watercolor Album, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Plain/Blank, Black, 60 Pages

Rating
9.7
Size
Paper Quality

Most important from
1925 reviews

Size
The portability is unmatched; it fits perfectly in a purse with all essentials for spontaneous painting sessions.
Paper Quality
Perfect for travel, with enough pages and thick, high-quality paper that pairs well with a compact watercolor kit.

The Moleskine Art Watercolor Album is portable and pocket-sized, measuring 3.5" x 5.5", which makes it convenient for on-the-go sketching and notes. It features a robust hard cover that is durable and has a leather-like feel, providing good protection for your sketches. The album comes with an elastic closure band and inner storage folders, adding to its practicality.

The paper quality is a standout feature, with thick, ivory 120 gsm pages that are well-suited for watercolor, as well as various pens and pencils. However, with only 60 pages, it might fill up quickly for prolific artists. The binding is strong, ensuring the pages lie flat when opened, which is helpful when sketching or painting.

This sketchbook is a solid choice for artists who value quality and portability. Its classic black cover gives it a professional appearance. One downside might be its higher price point compared to other pocket sketchbooks, but the quality of materials and construction justifies the investment for serious users.

Rating
9.7
Size
Paper Quality

Most important from
1925 reviews

Size
The portability is unmatched; it fits perfectly in a purse with all essentials for spontaneous painting sessions.
Paper Quality
Perfect for travel, with enough pages and thick, high-quality paper that pairs well with a compact watercolor kit.

Buying Guide for the Best Pocket Sketchbooks

Choosing the right pocket sketchbook can greatly enhance your drawing experience. Whether you're a professional artist or a hobbyist, having a sketchbook that fits your needs can make a big difference. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a pocket sketchbook, along with explanations to help you make the best choice for your needs.
SizeThe size of a pocket sketchbook is crucial because it determines how portable and convenient it is to carry around. Pocket sketchbooks typically range from 3.5 x 5.5 inches to 5 x 8 inches. Smaller sizes are more portable and can easily fit into a pocket or small bag, making them ideal for quick sketches on the go. Larger sizes provide more space for detailed drawings but may be less convenient to carry. Consider how and where you plan to use your sketchbook to choose the right size for you.
Paper QualityPaper quality is important because it affects how your drawings will look and how well the paper will hold up to different media. Look for sketchbooks with acid-free paper to ensure your artwork doesn't yellow over time. The weight of the paper, measured in GSM (grams per square meter), is also important. Lighter paper (around 80-100 GSM) is suitable for dry media like pencils and pens, while heavier paper (above 120 GSM) can handle wet media like watercolors and markers without bleeding or warping. Choose the paper quality based on the type of media you plan to use.
BindingThe binding of a sketchbook affects its durability and how easily you can use it. Common types of binding include stitched, spiral, and glue-bound. Stitched binding is durable and allows the sketchbook to lay flat when open, which is great for drawing across two pages. Spiral binding also allows the sketchbook to lay flat and makes it easy to flip through pages, but it can be bulkier. Glue-bound sketchbooks are usually more compact but may not lay flat as easily. Consider how you like to draw and how you plan to use your sketchbook to choose the best binding for you.
Cover MaterialThe cover material of a sketchbook can affect its durability and appearance. Common cover materials include cardboard, leather, and fabric. Cardboard covers are lightweight and affordable but may not be as durable. Leather covers are more durable and have a classic look, but they can be more expensive. Fabric covers offer a balance between durability and aesthetics. If you plan to carry your sketchbook around frequently, a more durable cover material may be a better choice.
Number of PagesThe number of pages in a sketchbook determines how much drawing space you have. Pocket sketchbooks typically have between 50 to 200 pages. More pages mean you can use the sketchbook for a longer time before needing a new one, but it also makes the sketchbook thicker and potentially less portable. Fewer pages make the sketchbook lighter and more portable but may require you to replace it more often. Consider how frequently you draw and how important portability is to you when choosing the number of pages.

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