The 5 Best Binders for College Students of 2020

If you are a college student or know someone who will soon be heading off to college, then you probably know how vital it is to be prepared with the right supplies. Among the most important of these supplies are binders.

The best binders for college students are not necessarily the same ones that worked in high school. College students may need larger capacity binders and binders that have more features.

Accordingly, it may be necessary to consider binders that have a more professional aesthetic, zippered closure or a safe place to keep a tablet.

If you’ve been wondering, “What kind of binder is best for college?” you’ve come to the right place. This list of the best binders for college students is designed to answer your questions.

5 Best Binders for College Student

1. STYLIO Padfolio/Resume Portfolio Folder – Interview/Legal Document Organizer & Business Card Holder – with Letter-Sized Writing Pad – Handsome Piano Noir Faux Leather Matte Finish & Accent Stitching

If you want to begin earning your degree with the best college supplies, then you can’t go wrong with the STYLIO Padfolio. It takes the straightforward concept of the padfolio and enhances it so that it is incredibly sleek, stylish and functional.

This is one of the best student binders because it could easily accompany you into your professional life. You’ll notice that the SYTLIO Padfolio is different before you even flip open the cover. Its faux leather, but this doesn’t count against it.

That’s because this textile is rich and supple, with a deep, dark hue that the manufacturer refers to as “piano black.” The contrasting white stitching draws the eye and provides essential reinforcement to make this a sturdy option.

Open the cover, and you’ll find numerous features that are designed to keep you organized. The left side of the folder has a document holder that can corral as much as 30 sheets of paper. Also on this site is an easy access pocket and a holder for business or credit cards.

The inside of the folder’s spine has a pen loop. On the right side is a refillable pad holder that is suitable for both letter- and A4-size pads. This binder is perfectly suitable for men and women, college students, professionals and others.

Overall, this is an extremely desirable binder for college students and professionals. It will keep you organized and make sure that you look great at the same time. With excellent durability, you’ll be using this folder for years.

2. Case-it Executive Zippered Padfolio with Removable 3-Ring Binder and Letter Size Writing Pad, Black, PAD-40

If you carry around numerous loose items that you always seem to be losing or trying to control, then you may be better served by a binder with a zipper. Getting the best zipper binder can be tricky.

After all, some of them have zippers that tend to stick or catch, which just leaves you frustrated. However, the Case-It Executive Zippered Padfolio is not one that will leave you in the lurch.

Good binders like this one are designed to stand the test of time. The backbone of this folder is Kraft board as opposed to the more commonly used PE board.

This provides greater stiffness to protect against buckling and warping.

The Kraft board is covered by a good-quality, black material that feels good in the hands and appears durable. On the binder’s spine is a handle for easy transport.

Inside the binder is a one-inch, three-ring binder that can be removed. Two pen holders and a document holder also are included.

Several slots for ID, cards and business cards as well as an elastic pocket for an electronic accessory are found on the left-hand side. A letter-sized writing pad sits on the right-hand side.

It could easily transition from school to work, so you may be able to get years of use out of it. However, it’s also valuable to know that this binder is definitely bulkier than the STYLIO option.

The zipper is a welcome addition, but this is a bulky binder that may not be convenient to carry everywhere.

3. Five Star Advance Spiral Notebook, 5 Subject, College Ruled Paper, 200 Sheets, 11 x 8-1/2 inches, Black

Mead’s Five Star products are popular with students at every academic level. This item from that line is easily one of the best binders for college students. It deserves this designation thanks to its intelligent design, which is purpose-built for academic efforts.

This is, without a doubt, one of those cute binders for high school and college students. It likely won’t serve you in the professional world, but you’ll certainly get your money’s worth in school. It’s available in numerous bright colors, so you might consider getting a different hue for your various classes.

One of the outstanding features of this binder is the movable pocket dividers. Essentially, this is a five-subject notebook with dividers, and it certainly is convenient to be able to move these around.

Between the dividers are 200 college-ruled sheets bound in a spiral notebook? Each divider has two expanding pockets for holding papers and other items. The front and back covers are plastic and equipped with a pen loop. A writable label on the spine is a plus as is the fabric cover on the metal spiral. However, this fabric covering frequently loosens and falls off.

Functional for students, you can’t expect this binder to last forever. Still, the moveable dividers, complete with expandable pockets, are a nice touch.

4. COSSINI Premium Business Portfolio with Zipper – Padfolio – Superior Business Impressions Begin with PU Vegan Leather, 10.1 Inch Tablet Sleeve, Smart Storage, Solar Calculator, Writing Pad

If you prefer brown to black, then you’ll want to check out this high-quality leather binder. Its looks are undoubtedly stylish, but you’ll be even more impressed with its functionality. One of the best features in this binder is the sleeve that is specially made to hold a tablet.

This binder is equipped with a zipper to help you to corral all of your possessions. Cool zipper binders can be hard to find, but this is definitely one of them. Inside the cover, you’ll find an extra pocket for storing small items, a calendar measuring three-and-a-half inches by two inches, a calculator and four cardholder slots.

There’s also a spot for holding two pens and an A4-sized notebook. This is a smart choice for a durable binder that you could easily take with you from academics to the professional world.

It is quite large and bulky with measurements of 10 inches by 13.6 inches by 1.6 inches.

5. AmazonBasics 3-Ring Binder, 2 Inch – Black, 4-Pack

If you’re looking for a basic but beautiful ring binders, then this is the right choice for you. This set of four binders is available in either black or white. Moreover, you can choose from among the one-inch, one-and-a-half-inch or two-inch sizes. The largest size is capable of holding up to 375 sheets of paper.

A transparent plastic overlay is affixed to both the front and back covers as well as the spine so that it is easy to customize each of these binders. If you need to keep a major project, presentation or homework assignment organized, then this may be an affordable answer.

These binders are designed to hold letter-sized documents, and there are two interior pockets for storing loose papers. The cover is made from PVC-free polypropylene, which gives it improved durability when compared with binders made from vinyl.

You can make these chic binders with your own artwork or other customization on the cover. Other than that, these are really basic three-ring binders. Some users report that the quality of these products isn’t as good as it could be. Statements regarding problems with the cover falling apart or the rings being misaligned are relatively common.

Still, other people swear by the durability of this product.

These straightforward three-ring binders won’t necessarily impress anyone with their style, but they are still functional. They also are customizable thanks to the translucent plastic sleeves on the cover.

Tips for Choosing the Best Binders for College Students

College is an important time for any young adult. This is because it is academic preparation for the career they hope to pursue.

Accordingly, it is critical that the student is prepared for all of the opportunities and challenges that they will encounter.

This means having the right supplies, and a quality binder is foremost among these. The right binder helps the student to organize their papers and other vital supplies.

It offers a safe place to store research and notes when the student is on the go.

Moreover, a quality binder assists with the transition from academia to a professional sphere. It’s the ideal place to keep resumes and cover letters when interviewing for internships and jobs.

On-the-job, it can be just as important for taking notes in meetings, collating the details of a project or for consultations with clients.

The student’s goals may affect their choice of a binder. If they are looking for something for a strictly academic purpose, then a basic three-ring binder may do.

Alternatively, they may want something that is more durable and has a more polished and professional appearance.

Consideration should be given to how the binder will be used before a purchase is made.

Factors to Consider When Buying Binders for College Students

The primary consideration before purchasing any binder has to be how the binder will be used. Will the binder be used to organize classroom notes for this quarter’s classes?

If so, the student’s requirements may be different than if they are looking for a binder to take with them while interviewing for an internship.

The student further will want to consider whether or not a zippered binder makes sense. Some students wouldn’t dream of using a binder that doesn’t have a zippered closure because this added level of security means that they are less likely to lose things.

Other students dislike the hassle of having to use a zipper every time they get into their binder.

College students who are looking for a binder that will transition with them from school to their professional life will probably want something better and more durable than a simple three-ring binder.

For them, one of the sleek, professional-looking binders on this list is more suitable. With places to store business cards, credit cards, loose documents and more, these binders easily switch between school and work.

The size and weight of the binder also are critical elements to consider. Some of the binders on this list are bulky. However, that added size may be necessary for the student who needs to take a lot of items everywhere they go.

Alternatively, some students only want to bring the essentials so a more pared-down binder works for them.

Regardless of which binder is ultimately purchased, the final choice typically rests with the intended use.

If college students are looking for a binder that will stand the test of time and give them a polished and confident look, then it’s hard to go wrong with the STYLIO Padfolio. Take a closer look at it today to find out if it’s the right binder for you