If you’re a college student, then you know how critical it is for you to stay as organized as possible. The most highly recommended way to do this is through using binders. However, there are a lot of binders out there. Which are the best binders for college?
We decided to take a deep dive into this subject so that we could help you make a better decision. For weeks, we tested many of the most highly recommended binders to see which ones would make it to the top of our list.
These eight finalists represent the results of our testing. Read on to learn more.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to youTable of Contens
- 8 Best Binders for Students:
- 1. AmazonBasics 3-Ring Binder
- 2. AmazonBasics 3-Ring Binder with Zipper – D-Ring
- 3. Pigskinz 3-Ring Football Card Binder
- 4. Forevermore Portfolio Padfolio with Zippered Closure, Removable 3 Ring Binder
- 5. Avery Economy Showcase View 3 Ring Binder
- 6. Five Star Zipper Binder, 3 Ring Binder
- 7. Wilson Jones 3 Ring Binder
- 8. Case-it Mighty Zip Tab Zipper Binder
- Making the Decision
8 Best Binders for Students:
1. AmazonBasics 3-Ring Binder
Review
If you are looking for the best 3 ring binder that covers all of the basics, then go with this economical selection.
You get four one-inch binders that are designed for everyday use. Each binder features a transparent plastic overlay on the front, back and spine so that you can customize them any way you wish with artwork, a schedule or your latest to-do list.
Ideally sized for holding standard sized eight-and-a-half by eleven-inch paper, these binders also have two interior pockets for holding loose pages.
This is an affordable choice that functions exactly as it should. Designate one binder for each class or project. Buying two or more sets definitely won’t break your budget.
What Consumers Are Saying
Most users say that these binders are a convenient and dependable choice that is perfect for teachers and students. Critics say that it’s pretty hard to slip anything into the plastic overlay on the spine.
- Affordable and functional
- Plastic overlays on both covers and the spine
- Sturdy enough for every day usage
- It’s hard to slide anything into the plastic overlay on the spine
Summary
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and dependable solution to getting organized, then this is an excellent choice.
2. AmazonBasics 3-Ring Binder with Zipper – D-Ring
Review
Are you hard on your binders? Then maybe it’s time to choose something that’s designed to take abuse.
That’s the case with these sturdy binders by AmazonBasics. This is a three-ring binder that’s covered with a zippered cover. Inside the binder are four-inch D rings, giving you the maximum in terms of how much paper you can squeeze into one binder.
Plus, D-shaped rings are handy for keeping things organized and making it easier to turn pages.
The sturdy cover is equipped with a handle and a shoulder strap so that this binder is ready to go wherever you are. The cover is resistant to tears and water damage, which means that it can stand up to regular use.
Additionally, you get a zippered pocket on the outside and a zippered mesh pouch on the inside for holding pens, sticky notes and other small items.
Also inside is a five-pocket expanding file, and everything is held with Velcro.
What Consumers Are Saying
Because they love how large and tough it is, many people recommend this binder. Others think it’s a little too large, saying that it won’t fit on many school desks.
- Protects everything in a water-resistant cover
- Comes with a handle and shoulder strap
- Tons of useful storage solutions
- May be a little too large for some students
Summary
If you want a binder that can be an all-in-one tool, then this may be the right choice for you.
3. Pigskinz 3-Ring Football Card Binder
Review
Are you obsessed with your school’s football team? If so, then this is the binder for you. The cover is styled to look like a football, and the textured cover even mimics the feel of a real football.
This is among the more unique binders for school. In fact, it’s actually designed to hold a collection of football cards. Nonetheless, it has three sturdy rings with a one-and-a-half inch capacity, so there’s no reason why you couldn’t use it to organize your studies instead.
The eleven-inch square size is easily big enough for holding standard eight-and-a-half by eleven inch paper.
What Consumers Are Saying
Anyone who is looking for a binder that will reflect their personality will probably love this one. People who have tried it have nothing but praise for the unique look and feel of the cover. However, a few of them think the cover may be too flimsy to use every day.
- Looks and feels like a football
- Lets you express your personality
- One-and-a-half inch rings are the perfect size
- May be slightly flimsy for daily usage
Summary
The football fan in your life definitely needs this binder.
4. Forevermore Portfolio Padfolio with Zippered Closure, Removable 3 Ring Binder
Review
Here’s a convenient, all-in-one solution that will take you through your college days and even looks professional enough to take along to interviews. These great binders have fashionable synthetic leather covers that look like the real thing.
The cover can be zippered closed so that none of your stuff falls out. Inside, you’ll find a three-ring binder that can be removed for those times when you need to travel light.
Also inside are convenient envelopes for holding credit cards, business cards and your passport. A windowed envelope is the perfect place to put your driver’s license or student ID.
With plenty of storage capacity, you can keep your smart phone and tablet inside the binder. A spiral-bound notepad also is included.
What Consumers Are Saying
Because it looks sleek and stylish and has a surprisingly large capacity, most people are fans of this binder. Others just wish that the zipper opened from the top instead of the bottom.
- A sleek, professional appearance
- Can hold all sorts of things in addition to documents
- Zippered closure keeps your items secure
- The zipper opens from the bottom instead of the top
Summary
College students who are looking for a binder to take on interviews will love this pick.
5. Avery Economy Showcase View 3 Ring Binder
Review
Avery is a well-known brand name in the world of school and office supplies, so it is no surprise that they make some of the best binders for school. This half-inch ring size may be exactly what you’re looking for that certain project. It easily holds up to 100 pieces of paper.
The plain black cover features a clear plastic overlay so that you can customize it however you like. Two clear pockets also are included on the inside cover.
What Consumers Are Saying
Simple, sturdy and durable, these are a reliable choice for the college student. People who use it frequently remark that this is a binder that can survive regular use. Nonetheless, some people have had issues with the seams splitting.
- Plain but customizable
- Holds up to 100 pages in a compact size
- Has pockets both inside and out
- The seams may split with heavy use
Summary
When it is time to find a plain but serviceable binder, this one will definitely do.
6. Five Star Zipper Binder, 3 Ring Binder
Review
Five Star is a big name in office and school supplies. Because it is exceptionally durable, this binder for college students is absolutely one of the best.
It’s equipped with two-inch rings and includes a six-pocket expanding file. The two-inch rings can hold as many as 380 sheets while the extending file can easily accommodate 500 sheets. This kind of capacity is what makes this binder a great choice for college students.
Another reason to go for this choice is the full zipper closure, which ensures that none of your papers get lost. There’s also a carrying handle to make transport a snap. An inner pocket, which has a zipper closure, is provided for pens, pencils and other accessories.
What Consumers Are Saying
The cover is made of water resistant, durable material, which is why so many people recommend this binder. However, the carrying handle seems less durable, as some critics point out.
- Zippered, water-resistant cover
- Includes a three-ring binder and expanding file
- Contains a pocket for pens and pencils
- The carrying handle may break
Summary
Trust in this brand name to offer you a reliable binder with great capacity.
7. Wilson Jones 3 Ring Binder
Review
Sometimes the minimalist approach is the best. This is one of those cool 3 inch binders for school that has a clear plastic overlay on both covers and the spine, which means that you can make it your own.
Thanks to the round three-inch rings, you can easily fit 550 sheets into this binder. You may also like that that these binders are made from 100-percent recycled chipboard and with 75-percent post-consumer waste.
Two interior pockets are included for capturing loose papers and other items.
What Consumers Are Saying
Many people recommend using these binders for school and a wide variety of other purposes, saying that the quality and durability seem good. However, some people find that the rings are really hard to open.
- Easy to customize
- Three-inch rings boast plenty of capacity
- Made with recycled materials
- Some users may have a hard time opening and rings
Summary
If you have strong fingers and need to carry around a lot of papers, then this may be the binder for you.
8. Case-it Mighty Zip Tab Zipper Binder
Review
This selection is from one of those binder brands that has a really good reputation. In fact, this binder just looks durable, as if it could stand up to even the most demanding class schedule.
Go for the subdued black or choose the mint or pink to express yourself with the tough zippered cover. A carrying handle and a shoulder strap are included for ease of transport from class to class.
The three-inch rings give you plenty of room for storing hundreds of sheets of paper. There’s also a five-color tabbed expanding file for other documents and notes.
You’ll love the interior of this binder as it includes mesh pouches for holding pens, calculators and other accessories. The expanding file is secured with a Velcro strap.
What Consumers Are Saying
People love the extra zipper on the cover that lets them access the expanding file without opening the whole binder. Nonetheless, some people have had trouble with the zippers breaking.
- Tough overall construction
- Can access the expanding file without opening the whole binder
- Holds hundreds of sheets and all of your accessories
- Zippers may break
Summary
With acceptable durability and great capacity, this binder is an excellent choice.
Making the Decision
After considerable thought, we’ve decided to name the AmazonBasics Three-Ring Binder as the best college binders. Their one-inch capacity is pretty small, but with more college classes becoming digital and note taking following suit, students are likely to see less need to carry around really bulky binders. These are slim, functional and affordable while also offering a good level of durability. If you take reasonably good care of your stuff, then there’s no reason why these couldn’t be a brilliant solution for you.
