In this article, I’ll share my honest thoughts after using the Amazon Basics Classic Notebook for one year.
I started using it as an alternative to Moleskine, but it turned out to be much better than I expected.
What Is the Amazon Basics Classic Notebook?
The Amazon Basics Classic Notebook is a 240-page hardcover notebook.
It uses acid-free paper, making it resistant to deterioration caused by light and air.
It also comes with a bookmark ribbon, an elastic closure band, and an expandable pocket, making it feel like a very “proper” notebook.
The cover is firm and sturdy, which makes it easy to write even while standing.
Another nice point is that the pages don’t bend easily while carrying it around.
There’s also a rear pocket where you can store small items like notes, receipts, or business cards.
And the moment most people see this notebook, they’ll probably think:
“Wait… isn’t this basically a Moleskine?”
A Notebook That Looks Almost Exactly Like a Moleskine
Yes, this notebook is extremely similar to a Moleskine.
The size, paper color, elastic band, and pocket design all feel very familiar.
Even the small details are closely replicated.
It was probably — no, definitely — designed with Moleskine in mind.
And because of that, I think longtime Moleskine users can switch over without much discomfort.
Why I Bought the Amazon Basics Classic Notebook
The reason is simple: Moleskine notebooks have become very expensive.
Back when I started using Moleskine around 2013, it felt like “a slightly premium notebook you could still use daily.”
Of course, it wasn’t cheap, but the large page count and long usability made the price feel reasonable.
However, prices have increased significantly over the past few years.
There was even another price increase in April 2025, making them even harder to buy casually.
“At this price, it’s hard to use them freely just for taking notes…”
That was what led me to try the Amazon Basics Classic Notebook.
It costs less than half the price of a Moleskine, making it much easier to pick up.
What I Liked
It Feels Almost Like a Moleskine
Honestly, while using it, I barely notice a difference.
That’s because the elements directly related to the writing experience — like the paper color and overall size — feel extremely similar.
The most important part is probably the paper quality.
The feel of the paper greatly affects how a notebook feels to use, so differences there become noticeable immediately.
But even compared to a Moleskine, this notebook doesn’t feel particularly out of place.
And honestly, Moleskine notebooks were never really known for having amazing paper quality in the first place.
The paper isn’t especially smooth, and fountain pens will still bleed through the pages.
Because of that, I’ve been able to use this Amazon Basics version without any real complaints.
Downsides
The Cover Durability Is Weak
The one major issue is the durability of the cover.
When carrying it around in a bag every day, the corners start to wear down quite badly.
Real Moleskine notebooks tend to stay in better condition even after long-term use, so this feels like a clear difference between the two.
People who carry their notebook daily may notice this more.
Final Thoughts
As an everyday notebook, I think the overall quality is more than good enough.
In fact, I’m still using it today.
That said, I still use Moleskine for journaling.
Moleskine feels like a longtime companion that has been with me through different periods of my life.
So I can’t really imagine completely stopping its use.
Still, the price is undeniably high.
And it keeps getting more expensive every year.
For journaling, though, the notebook lasts much longer, so it’s still manageable for me.
If you:
- like the atmosphere of Moleskine notebooks
- want something more affordable
- want a notebook you can use freely without worrying too much
then I think the Amazon Basics Classic Notebook is actually a very good option.ar of Use
