Planner Comparisons: Finding the Right Fit for Your Style

Choosing the right planner can help you stay organized and make planning enjoyable. Here’s a quick look at four popular options for 2025:

  • Hobonichi Weeks: Compact and portable with a weekly layout and extra space for notes. Ideal for minimalists and on-the-go planning.
  • Hobonichi Cousin: Larger A5 planner with yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily views. Great for detailed planning and journaling.
  • Erin Condren Life Planner: Vibrant designs with structured layouts. Perfect for goal-setting and balancing busy schedules.
  • Bullet Journal: Fully customizable blank notebook for ultimate flexibility. Best for creative thinkers who want control over their layouts.

Quick Comparison

Planner Type Size Layout Options Best For Key Features
Hobonichi Weeks Compact Weekly + Notes Minimalists, portability Graph paper, yearly index
Hobonichi Cousin A5 Yearly, Monthly, Weekly, Daily Detailed planning, journaling Tomoe River paper, daily pages
Erin Condren 7×9 or 8.5×11 Vertical, Horizontal, Monthly Professionals, goal-setting Pre-designed layouts, customization
Bullet Journal Varies Customizable Creative thinkers, flexibility Blank canvas, adaptable layouts

Each planner fits different needs. For structure and creativity, try the Hobonichi Cousin. Need portability? Go with Hobonichi Weeks. Prefer bold designs? Choose Erin Condren. Want full control? Start a Bullet Journal.

1. Hobonichi Weeks

Hobonichi

The Hobonichi Weeks is a sleek, portable planner designed to keep your planning simple yet effective. It features a unique weekly layout: the left page shows your week at a glance, while the right page is completely open for notes, doodles, or whatever else you need. It’s a great mix of structure and freedom.

You can choose between the standard version or the MEGA version, which adds extra graph paper for even more room to jot down ideas, sketch, or create custom layouts. At the front, there’s a yearly index that makes it easy to plan ahead. The graph paper format throughout is perfect for blending organization with creativity.

Here’s how the Hobonichi Weeks works for different planning needs:

Planning Style How It Fits
Minimalist Simple weekly layout for essentials
Creative Open space for sketches or decorations
Task-Oriented Clear area for weekly to-dos
Note-Taking Extra graph paper for detailed notes

The paper quality is top-notch, handling fountain pens, markers, and stickers without issue. This makes it a go-to for both functional planning and creative projects. Its compact size and dual-purpose layout make it a standout option for anyone who wants planning on the go.

If you’re looking for a larger planner with more space, the Hobonichi Cousin might be a better fit.

2. Hobonichi Cousin

The Hobonichi Cousin is the largest planner in the Hobonichi lineup, offering an A5 size that provides double the space of the Original version. Its 180-degree lay-flat binding makes it easy to use, and the premium Tomoe River paper is designed to handle a variety of writing tools without bleeding.

Planning View Features Best Used For
Yearly Full calendar overview Long-term project tracking
Monthly Vertical layout Appointment scheduling
Weekly Exclusive grid format Time blocking and habit tracking
Daily One page per day Detailed planning and journaling

What makes the Cousin stand out is its thoughtful design. Each month kicks off with a "Remember This" page, which is perfect for jotting down goals or reflections. In the back, you’ll find extras like a weekly timetable and graph paper for creating your own layouts.

Each daily page includes task checkboxes and a small monthly calendar for quick reference. The Tomoe River paper works well with various artistic tools, making it a great choice for memory keeping and creative journaling. The larger A5 size means you have plenty of room for detailed planning, intricate layouts, or artistic projects.

One thing to note: the daily quotes are in Japanese, which may not resonate with those looking for English content.

The weekly section is ideal for tracking projects, health goals, or travel plans. This makes the Cousin a solid choice for those who want to combine detailed project management with creative journaling. Its layout is flexible enough to suit a range of planning styles.

If you’re looking for a more structured and visually bold planner, the Erin Condren Life Planner offers a completely different style of organization and creativity.

3. Erin Condren Life Planner

Erin Condren

The Erin Condren Life Planner blends bold design options with practical features. It comes in two sizes (7×9 inches and 8.5×11 inches) and offers multiple layout choices to match different planning preferences.

Layout Option Features Ideal Use
Vertical Weekly Hourly time blocks Detailed scheduling
Horizontal Weekly Open, flexible design Notes and journaling
Monthly View Goal-setting sections Tracking projects
Notes Section Dot grid pages Brainstorming

What sets this planner apart is its built-in system that organizes your month, week, and day in one place. The sturdy paper handles most pens and markers well, though it might not be ideal for fountain pens.

Customization is a key feature here. You can choose interchangeable covers and use pre-designed sticker sheets to personalize your planner. It’s priced as a premium product and includes extras like reinforced covers, monthly dashboards, goal-setting pages, a sticker pocket, and paper designed for smooth writing.

The weekly layouts cater to a variety of needs:

  • Vertical: Perfect for scheduling hourly appointments.
  • Horizontal: Great for freeform journaling.
  • Monthly: Ideal for tracking goals and deadlines.

This planner is especially useful for professionals balancing appointments and to-do lists. Its structured design guides users from setting monthly goals to breaking them into weekly tasks, offering a clear workflow. Unlike the open-ended style of Hobonichi planners or bullet journals, it provides more structure for those who need it.

It’s beginner-friendly but also flexible enough for experienced planners to make it their own. This planner is a great mix of organization and creativity, making it suitable for a variety of planning styles.

If you’re looking for complete customization, bullet journals might be a better fit.

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4. Bullet Journals

Bullet journals are a blank canvas for organizing your life. Unlike pre-designed planners, they start as plain notebooks, letting you create layouts that match your personal style and planning needs.

Feature Description Best For
Index Numbered pages for quick reference Keeping things organized
Future Log A spread for long-term plans Tracking big-picture goals
Monthly Log Combines a calendar and task list Managing ongoing projects
Daily Log Space for daily notes and tasks Keeping track of details

The beauty of this system is its simplicity. You use symbols like dots for tasks, circles for events, and crosses for completed items to stay organized. Plus, there’s a huge online community sharing layout ideas and tips to spark your creativity.

"The bullet journal is a method, not a product. It’s a way to organize your time and tasks." – Ryder Carroll [4]

When picking a bullet journal, look for notebooks with good paper quality (100gsm or higher), A5 size for portability, and a sturdy binding that can handle frequent use. Basic notebooks start at around $10, while premium options like Leuchtturm1917 or Archer & Olive can cost up to $30.

Setting up a bullet journal takes more effort than using a pre-designed planner, but it’s worth it. You can start with simple layouts and gradually add more features as you get comfortable. This makes it a great option for anyone whose planning needs change over time.

Bullet journals are perfect for visual thinkers who like to sketch out ideas or for anyone looking for a planning system that grows with them. If you’re used to structured planners, the open-ended nature of bullet journaling might feel daunting at first. But with time, its flexibility becomes one of its biggest advantages. For those who value creativity and control in their planning, bullet journals offer an unmatched alternative to traditional planners.

Pros and Cons

Choosing the right planner involves weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each option to find one that fits your creative style and organizational needs.

Planner Type Pros Cons
Hobonichi Cousin • A5 size with plenty of writing space
• High-quality Tomoe River paper
• Lay-flat binding for ease of use
• Weekly diary section included
• One-page-per-day format
• Bulky and expensive for some users
• Japanese quotes may not appeal to non-Japanese speakers
• Availability mainly limited to Hobonichi store
Hobonichi Weeks • Compact and portable (3.7 x 7.3 in.)
• Includes yearly index
• Efficient weekly spread layout
• Easy to carry around
• Limited space for daily notes
• Less room for creative journaling
• Weekly-only format may not suit detailed planners
Erin Condren Life Planner • Vibrant, decorative designs
• Pre-designed layouts for convenience
• Durable coil binding
• Goal-setting sections included
• Less customization due to decorative elements
• Limited writing space
• Heavier than simpler planners
Bullet Journal • Fully customizable layouts
• Flexible organization system
• Budget-friendly starting point
• Can adapt to changing needs
• Initial setup takes time
• Designing layouts can be tricky for beginners
• No pre-printed templates available

The Hobonichi Cousin is a great fit for those who want both structure and creative freedom. Its A5 size and premium paper are perfect for detailed planning and artistic journaling [1][2]. However, its Japanese elements and limited purchasing options might be a drawback for some.

The Hobonichi Weeks is ideal for minimalists who value portability. Its compact weekly layout is excellent for quick, on-the-go planning [3]. That said, its smaller size could be limiting for anyone needing more room for daily notes.

The Erin Condren Life Planner brings a colorful, pre-structured approach to planning. With built-in goal-setting tools and vibrant designs, it’s ready to inspire. But the decorative elements and fixed format might feel restrictive to those seeking more flexibility.

For those who want complete control, the Bullet Journal offers unmatched customization. While it’s a blank slate for creativity, the setup process can be time-consuming and potentially overwhelming for beginners.

Your ideal planner depends on how much structure or freedom you’re looking for in your planning routine.

Conclusion

When comparing popular planners, it’s clear that each one caters to different preferences and styles. The right choice depends on what you need for planning and creativity.

The Hobonichi Cousin is perfect for those who value both structure and room for creativity, offering plenty of space and high-quality paper [1]. If portability and simplicity are top priorities, the Hobonichi Weeks delivers with its compact design and straightforward functionality. The Erin Condren Life Planner stands out with vibrant designs and pre-made layouts, ideal for anyone looking for an inspiring, ready-to-use option. For those who prefer full control, the Bullet Journal offers unmatched flexibility but does require a bit more effort to set up.

To personalize your planner, try adding themed stickers or other decorative touches. Remember, the best planner isn’t about price or trends – it’s about how well it aligns with your needs and helps you stay organized while sparking creativity.

Ultimately, your planner should make life easier and inspire you to achieve your goals. Pick the one that works best for you.

Next, let’s explore some practical tips for getting the most out of your planner.

FAQs

What to do with planner stickers?

Planner stickers can make your planning experience both more organized and visually appealing. Here’s how you can use them effectively:

For Organization and Style

  • Highlight key deadlines and appointments
  • Track habits, routines, or progress
  • Categorize budgets or financial goals
  • Fix mistakes or update changed plans
  • Add a personal touch and consistent design to your pages

Stickers combine practicality with creativity, helping you stay organized while making your planner feel uniquely yours.

Planner Type Best Sticker Usage
Hobonichi Weeks Small, functional stickers for compact layouts
Hobonichi Cousin Mix of decorative and functional stickers
Erin Condren Bold, colorful stickers for pre-designed layouts

The type of planner you use will guide your sticker choices. Compact planners like Hobonichi Weeks work well with smaller stickers, while larger ones like Hobonichi Cousin let you get more creative with decorative designs.

Tips for Using Stickers:

  • Begin with functional stickers, then layer in decorative ones
  • Develop a consistent system for categories like tasks, events, or goals
  • Pair stickers with washi tape for added creativity
  • Choose stickers that won’t damage your planner’s paper [1]

If you’re new to planner stickers, start small with just a few basics and expand as you figure out your style. Whether you’re aiming for practicality or flair, stickers can help you organize your planner while making it truly your own.

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I’m Rachael Snow, a lifelong artist and entrepreneur, and I started Dark Moon Paper to blend my love of art, technology, and the mysterious beauty of the world around us. My sticker kits are meant to set the mood, tell a story, and give you a little escape from the ordinary. 

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