Best Ring Planners in 2026

If you’re shopping for ring planners, then you likely have questions. I sure did. Ring planning is a big world, and a complicated one.

Which brands rank best? How is each different? What size should I buy? Where do I find compatible inserts?

Yep, there are plenty of factors to consider, and planners aren’t cheap, so you need clear answers. Yet the information is surprisingly hard to find. I am a home office blogger and planner junkie who spent countless hours scouring the internet, taking endless notes, and flooding my brain with tiny facts that were hard to keep straight. Ironically, planning for planners was anything but organized.

Luckily, you won’t suffer the same fate. In this article, I lay out the best ring planners out today, and below this list I provide everything you need to know about planners to make the right choice. (Pay special attention to the sections on inserts and rings to ensure you own a planner you will want to use for years to come.)

If you need inserts, I provide a list of providers and offer my very own custom design you can by on Etsy. (For a deeper look at the inserts, check out this article). And if you are interested in how I use my planners, check out my YouTube channel.

Winners

• Cloth & Paper: Lowest starting price with excellent insert options
• Erin Condren: Best overall value
• Filofax: Most comprehensive offerings (planners, inserts, and eco options)
• Franklin Covey: Best planning system features (see planner for special deals)
• Moterm: Best luxury designs at an affordable price
• MeePlus: Best small-ring minimalist planner
• Van Der Spek: Best custom leather planners
• Gillio: Best high-end leather designs
• Louis Vuitton: Best for luxury fashion enthusiasts

Best Ring Planners of 2026

Here are the best of the best in order of price from low to high. I use the starting price as my guide.

If you know anything about ring planners, you will notice I opted not to include At-A-GLANCE. This is a best-of-the-best planner list, and the AT-A-GLANCE planners are not durable or well-made, so I skipped them. I owned one, and it broke down in under a year. Most of the planners also have a crooked logo on the front, which shows the level of quality you get.

Cloth & Paper

Lowest starting price with excellent insert options
 

Website: https://www.clothandpaper.com

Pricing

Planner cover pricing varies by material (leather, clear vinyl, or frosted plastic) and size.

• Personal: $11 – $160
  • in plastic frosted: $11
  • in clear vinyl: $17
  • in leather: $140
• A5: $13-$160
  • in plastic frosted: $13
  • in clear vinyl$ 25
  • in leather: $160

Background

Cloth & Paper is known for its sophisticated, minimalist style, offering sleek, modern planners that appeal to professionals and design-focused users. The brand emphasizes clean lines, high-quality materials, and a neutral color palette, setting itself apart from more decorative planner brands. But their ring planner options go beyond leather. The company offers the lowest entry point with alternative vinyl and plastic covers.

How They Differ from Other Planners

Cloth and Paper is best known for its planner inserts. They offer a range of designs that fit Filofax and Franklin Covey sizing, making them viable for all other planners on this list. But their planners are excellent. The leather versions evoke understated luxury. Instead of colorful patterns or bold designs, Cloth & Paper delivers planners with a polished, modern aesthetic. Their covers are designed to feel high-end and pair well with a range of stylish accessories. You can even add your initials to the inside cover in tasteful, colorless embossing. The only issue I find is that the rings aren’t replaceable, so you are stuck with the 30mm size, which is pretty big for me, and the rings could get damaged down the road.

Unlike other brands, the company also offers clear vinyl and frosted plastic covers that are incredibly affordable and an excellent entry into working with inserts from them and Filofax. They also show promise with their cactus leather, currently limited to covers for their disc-bound planning system. Hopefully they will put it in ring planners soon. If they do, they will have a fully eco- and ethically responsible planner on the market, which is truly a standout in the ring planner world.

What I Think

I think this company is great for three reasons:

• The leather planner designs and colors are understated, tasteful, and beautiful. These are definitely “treat yourself” planners—both in price and feel—but worth it if you love that sleek look.
• The vinyl and plastic cover options are the best entry into ring planning.
• The company provides everything you need in one shop, from planner to inserts, accessories, embossing, and even leather conditioner.

I am impressed with the company’s cactus leather option for notebook and disc-bound planner covers, and I hope they include it in ringed planners. That eco-friendly, sustainable, cruelty-free option would be a huge plus in the ring planner category.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful and tasteful designs
• Quality presentation
• Excellent assortment of inserts
• Best entry point into ring planners when buying vinyl or plastic covers
• Embossing

Cons

• Not specified as full-grain leather (listed as cowhide only)
• Limited sizing
• Limited leather planner designs (only one in leather, called the Foundations line)
• Rings cannot be removed
• Only one ring diameter: 30mm

Planner Materials

Covers: Leather, clear vinyl, or frosted plastic.

Leather Maintenance

Leather conditioner (offered through the company)

Ring Finishes

Chrome for leather and frosted plastic, black for vinyl planners

Ring Brand

Not specified

Are Rings Replaceable?

No—rings are fixed and not designed to be replaced

Sizing

Here are the names of all sizes from smallest to largest, their compatibility with Filofax and Franklin inserts, and the available ring sizes.

Planner Size	Offers Own Inserts	Filofax Compatibility	Franklin Covey Compatibility	Ring size
Personal	Yes	Yes, Personal	Yes, Personal (but a slight overhang)	30mm
A5	Yes	Yes, A5	No	30mm

Erin Condren

Best overall value

Website: https://www.erincondren.com

Pricing

The company offers only one size, but in two options:

• A5 planner: $35 – $60
• A5 planner with inserts: $90

Background

Erin Condren is well known for vibrant, customizable planners in a range of designs beyond ringed versions, but here I’m concentrating on their ringed planners. The company offers two styles of A5 planners: a bi-fold and a tri-fold. Both are attractive and come in beautiful colors. You can buy the planners empty or with their patented Daily LifePlanner system, which includes an all-in-one calendar, daily planner, and journal.

The system and related planners are feminine (gold rings and snaps, and inserts with feminine color tones), so if you are more on the masculine side, this may not be the brand for you.

How This Company Differs from Others

This brand’s ring planners come in only one size, but the prices are incredibly low, offering an elegant alternative to Cloth and Paper’s plastic and vinyl options. They also offer inserts, but you aren’t limited to theirs. Filofax A5 fits nicely. Blend them however you like. The 30mm rings give you plenty of room.

What I Think

Like I said early on, these planners and insert system are feminine, so they’re not a strong fit if you like masculine or even neutral styling. That said, if you are getting into the world of ring planners and don’t mind being locked into non-leather A5 sizing, this is a solid choice. The look is simple and clean, and the price point makes it easy to experiment with inserts. Choose theirs, Filofax, or other makers online that follow Filofax sizing.

The A5 size combined with the 30mm rings makes these planners large, so you’ll need to go big or go home. You can replace the rings if you are crafty (YouTube will be your friend), but the company doesn’t offer replacements. You’ll need to shop on Amazon.

The fake leather means the planner will break down sooner than a leather planner.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent quality for the price point
• Clean design
• The option of their own planner system inserts
• Compatible with Filofax

Cons:

• Only one size: A5
• The feminine styling isn’t a match for everyone
• The non-leather design will break down sooner than other leather planners

Planner Materials

• Covers: Vegan leather

Leather Maintenance:

N/A

Ring Finishes:

Gold

Ring Brand:

Unknown

Are Rings Replaceable?

Not officially, but you can do it if you are crafty.

Sizes

The planner comes in A5 only. Below, I show the compatibility with Filofax and Franklin inserts, along with the ring size.

Planner Name	Offers Own Inserts	Filofax Compatibility	Franklin Covey Compatibility	Ring size options
Agenda (A5)	Yes (their “LifePlanner” system)	Yes, A5	No	30mm

Filofax

Most comprehensive offerings (planners, inserts, and eco options)

Website: https://us.filofax.com

Pricing

Filofax pricing varies by planner design, material type, ring size, and special-edition production. I include sizing details and insert compatibility in the last section of this planner review. Here is general pricing per size:

• Mini: $50–$127
• Pocket: $34–$150
• Personal: $37–$180
• A5: $49–$241

Background

Filofax has a long history. Established in 1921, the company is known for launching the original loose-leaf ring binder; the brand continues to offer a range of ring-bound planners, paper inserts, dividers, dashboards, and accessories. The line is known for clean, tasteful designs that fit well in any setting. Their products are well-supported globally, and their sizing is often used as a benchmark for other planner brands.

How It Differs from Other Planners

Filofax offers one of the widest selections of planner sizes and material finishes, from vegan-friendly synthetic options to premium leather lines. It offers eight different lines, plus a wide range of colors and material options. It also offers one of the largest ranges in planner sizing – everything from tiny mini planners to large A4 formats. The A4 comes in inexpensive PU leather binders, great if you want to get your feet wet with the brand.

Itis also known for its accessibility — inserts, covers, and refills are available through their website, major online retailers, and a wide variety of Etsy shops. Since you are buying from the original, the Filofax inserts work like a charm. The company allows some partial customization of its inserts.

Filofax now offers two planners in its assortment, each with unique benefits. The Camden planner offers two benefits. First, it has a slide-out ring mechanism, called Camden. This feature means you can replace the rings (a first for Filofax), and the cover can double as a book-bound planner cover if you prefer. The planner is also made of post-consumer plastic, utilizing material that has already been made to limit plastic waste. And since it is plastic, it is vegan-friendly.

But this isn’t the only eco-friendly option. The other unique planner is the Eco Essential line, an even more serious attempt at offering an environmentally and socially conscious planner line. The cover, tabs, bookmark, and paper are specially designed to biodegrade naturally. That’s a big dea.

What I Think

My first four planners were Filofax because the covers and inserts were clean, modern, and easy to find in stores. Whenever I would step into a quality paper store, a Filofax display was often tucked in one corner. Today, Filofax is almost exclusively sold online.

Overall, I like the brand and think it’s a great one-stop shop for binders and inserts. With so many styles, colors, and materials, anyone can find a planner they like here. My one gripe: the multilingual inserts (with English, French, German, etc.) made the pages feel cluttered and impersonal; however, you may appreciate the international flair. They definitely look high-end.

The Personal size can fit Franklin Covey Compact inserts. The dividers/tabs will stick out slightly, but some users prefer that.

I appreciate that the company produced the Camden line to use existing plastic, but we’ll have to see whether the cardboard holding the rings is durable. I’m also rooting for the Eco Essentials line, but again I am not sure the durability is there, but we’ll see.

Many planners won’t lie flat at first (especially the Personal size). They will over time, but it is annoying at first.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Eight product lines in a range of colors and materials
• Reliable brand with a long presence
• Inserts and accessories are beautiful and come in a broad range of offerings
• Full-grain leather
• The Personal size will fit Franklin Covey Compact
• The company now offers two of the most eco ring planner lines: Camden and Eco Essentials
• One of the most accessible brands offered online and in stores
• The slide-out rings on the Camden planner expand the usage to both ring and bound planners.
• Has an option for partially customizable inserts

Cons

• The multiple languages on the inserts are distracting.
• They don’t offer a vertical week on two pages for all sizes.
• Not sure the eco line has the durability needed.
• Many planners won’t lie flat at first (especially the Personal size).

Planner Materials

Cover: top-grain leather, PU leather, grain leather, canvas, or eco blends depending on the model.

Leather Maintenance

Filofax does not provide specific leather-care maintenance instructions on its official website.

Ring Finishes

Primarily chrome, but some models feature gold or matte black rings depending on the design.

Ring Brand

Filofax uses proprietary rings.

Are Rings Replaceable?

Their Camden planner offers a slide-out ring mechanism, but the rings on the other planners are riveted and not designed to be replaced.

Sizes

Planner sizes vary slightly by model. Here are all sizes from smallest to largest, their compatibility with Filofax and Franklin inserts, and the available ring sizes. Note: The Personal size accommodates Franklin Covey Compact inserts, though the tabs will stick out from the planner edge just slightly.

Planner Size	Offers Own Inserts	Filofax Compatibility	Franklin Covey Compatibility	Ring sizing
Mini	Yes	Yes	No	15mm
Pocket	Yes	Yes	No	11mm, 15mm, 19mm, 25mm
Personal	Yes	Yes	Yes, Compact (The tabs stick out, but less so on some of the wider personal-sized planners.)	11mm, 15mm, 23mm, 30mm
A5	Yes	Yes	No	20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm

Franklin Covey

Best planning system features

Website: Franklin Planner

Special Deals:

Save 20% Off Your Entire Order!
Coupon Code: LABORDAY
8/28 – 9/2

Pricing

Franklin Covey offers a variety of planners, with prices varying by planner size, ring size, and material. I include sizing details and insert compatibility in the last section of this planner review.

General pricing

• Pocket: $50 – $300
• Compact : $49 – $300
• Classic: $49 – $300
• Monarch: $50 – $300
  

Background

Franklin has been around since 1983 and has a long reputation as a powerful tool for businesses and management. The company’s philosophy, training classes, and planning tools help users prioritize tasks, set goals, and manage time effectively. This is the best planner for business tasks. I include in my roundup of the best productivity planners. The company offers a full range of planners, inserts, and accessories.

How It Differs from Other Planners

These planners work well for people who lead teams and use a planner to get things done. The planners are durable, and the system is effective. The company sets the bar for daily planning and offers nearly every insert you need for serious work. The sizing of the pages is also larger than the other standard insert sizing by Filofax, which allows for more room for thinking and writing.

The planners are rather square on the side, and many have large rings. Both are because their most famous planning system includes a lot of paper, especially in the calendar section. Overall, the planning system is comprehensive, integrating goal setting, task management, and scheduling. Without a computer, their system is the best way to stay organized and reduce rewriting tasks. The brand offers a massive range of planner lines (I stopped counting at 14) and inserts and accessories tailored to their planning methodology.

This is the only planner company on the list with an 8.5″ x 11″ ring planner option.

What I Think

I was introduced to this company during my time in professional advertising and used their planning system and products for years. Keep in mind I am a design enthusiast and prefer clean design over everything, including food and water, so switching to their products was painful because I wasn’t a fan of the planner and insert designs. (Even though they offer a ton of them.) But once I started working with the system, I stuck with it – a testament to its effectiveness. It is by far the best system for those who want a paper planner.

Like many users, I found that I wasted paper when using their day-on-two-pages system. Other daily, weekly, and monthly options exist, but the two-page option is the best way to get the most out of the system. 

For those seeking a structured approach to planning focused on productivity and goal achievement, Franklin Covey provides a robust system backed by decades of expertise.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Hands down, the best planning system
• Excellent assortment of inserts
• Broad range of planners
• One of the few ring planners that goes larger than A5, holding 8 1/2″ x 11″

Cons:

• The planner designs look very square at the edges, but that’s so the inserts fit well.
• I’m not a fan of the insert designs, but they work perfectly.

Planner Materials

Cover: Genuine leather, faux leather, or fabric. 

Leather Maintenance

The company does not provide specific leather care or cleaning instructions for its leather planners.

Ring Finishes

Silver-tone

Ring Brand

Proprietary to Franklin Covey

Are Rings Replaceable?

Yes

Sizes

Planner sizes vary slightly by model. Here are all sizes, from smallest to largest, their compatibility with Filofax and Franklin inserts, and the available ring sizes. Note: The Compact size fits Personal Size Filofax, though the Filofax pages are smaller

Planner Size	Offers Own Inserts	Filofax Compatibility	Franklin Covey Compatibility	Ring Sizes
Pocket	Yes	No	Yes	15.8mm, 19.05mm, 22.2mm, 25.4mm
Compact	Yes	Yes, Personal size. The Filofax inserts are slightly smaller but still fit.	Yes	16.8mm, 19.05mm, 22.2mm, 25.4mm
Classic	Yes	No	Yes	25.4mm, 28.58mm, 31.75mm, 38.1mm
Monarch	Yes	No	Yes	44.45mm, 50.8mm

Moterm

Best Luxury Design at an Affordable Price

Website: https://moterm.com

Pricing

Prices vary by size, design, and materials. I include sizing details and insert compatibility in the last section of this planner review.

• A9: $30 – $42
• A8: $40 – $52
• Pocket (A7): $43 – $100
• Personal: $66 – $103
• Personal Wide: $74-$103
• A6: $68-$100
• A5: $75-$130

Background

Moterm is a popular brand that offers affordable leather planners in attractive styles. It’s well-loved for offering features of other higher-priced planners—full-grain leather, large-capacity rings, a range of ring sizes, lots of pockets—but at a fraction of the price of luxury brands. I own and use a Moterm as my A5 and personal-size planners. Here is a peek at the look of each.

Choose from four planner designs. The differences are a bit hard to understand on their website, so here’s a summary:

• Regular: A simple design series that comes standard with a smaller-diameter ring, making it more suitable for carrying around. The button strap has no padding, so you will eventually see the button’s texture. This planner has no stiffener. It includes a back pocket.
• Luxe: An upgraded alternate to the Regular. It has more structure (uses a stiffener) and a larger ring diameter. This means the planner leather is made slightly wider to accommodate it. (This may make you think you can swap 30mm for 25mm rings to gain a bit more width in the Personal Size to fit Franklin Covey inserts, but it doesn’t really help. You are better off with the Personal Wide size for Franklin.) It also has padding on the snap, keeping the button edge from showing over time. You get two button snaps on the cover, rather than just one. It includes a back pocket.
• Versa: This series is a ring planner and leather cover in one. You can remove the planner from the outer leather case, which also includes an exterior pocket. This design is similar to the famous Mia Cara by Gillio and is the highest priced in its assortment.
• Elite-R: A simple planner without a large back pocket, so it lays flatter. This planner comes in either Franklin Covey or Filofax insert sizes for the Personal size. This is the planner I own.

My Moterm A5 Elite-R planner

How It Differs from Other Planners

Moterm offers a ton of flexibility at an accessible price. You can get planners with replaceable rings, multiple leather types, and different layouts (like the Versa line, which lets you swap out the insert booklets). You can even order Personal Wide-sized planners, a rarity in the planner world. It’s especially known for making luxury-style designs affordable for people who don’t want to splurge on brands like Gillio or Van Der Spek.

What I Think

If you want a quality planner at a more reasonable price than Gillio and Van Der Spek, Moterm is the one to pick. I was very impressed with the quality of what I received – so much so that I haven’t felt any need to upgrade. This is an impressive statement, given that it is under $70. But that’s not all it has going for it.

You get real leather, big rings, and premium features without the premium price tag. The leather is soft, yet feels durable. Also, Moterm, Van Der Spek, and Gillio are the only companies that offer Personal Wide planners, a mid-sized planner between the Personal and A5. (I go over this size in more detail at the end of this article.) You’re sure to find a planner size you like with Moterm.

A huge benefit of Moterm is that the rings are replaceable, including in different sizes. This means you can choose different thicknesses and replace them when they go bad – a huge bonus for longevity. (I use the 19mm rings, a perfect size for my needs.) They aren’t Krause rings, but still good quality.

I also like that on some models, the planner’s interior left-side zipper is covered with a small piece of leather. Other planners on this list (the more expensive ones, too) have exposed zippers that can scratch a leather flyleaf, which is the planner’s first page.

Finally, these planners are insanely durable. I’m not a huge fan of the black tag inside, but at the lower price, it’s worth it.

You won’t get Krause rings, which are considered the best quality, but since the rings are replaceable, this planner works perfectly fine.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Best value for the price, often seen as an alternative to Van Der Spek or Gillio
• Customizable
• Extremely durable
• Offers styles comparable to higher-end providers
• Can swap out rings
• Offers Personal Wide, a rarity in the planner world
• Clean designs
• The pocketless design of the Elite planner is a helpful option
• The planners are fully leather (no plastic)

Cons:

• Though the planners are well made for the price, the seams can sometimes not be as straight as other high-end manufacturers.
• The inserts they offer are rather basic.
• Not a fan of the exposed logo tag

Planner Materials

• Covers: Full-grain leather, vegetable-tanned leather, and pebbled leather
• Coating: Moterm leathers are generally lightly coated, offering some protection but still allowing for a natural leather feel
• The Luxe collection has stiffener inside (a common cardboard-like material used in planners to reduce floppiness)

Leather Maintenance

Moterm does not provide detailed leather care instructions on their site.

Ring Finishes

Silver, gold, and rose gold, depending on the model

Ring Brand

Unknown brand

Are Rings Replaceable?

Yes—Moterm planners are designed with replaceable rings, prolonging your planner’s life and letting you easily change ring sizes in a given planner to what you prefer most.

Sizes

Planner sizes vary slightly by model. Here are all sizes, from smallest to largest, their compatibility with Filofax and Franklin inserts, and the available ring sizes. Moterm offers its own inserts, but the designs are rather basic.

Note that the ring sizes shown can be put into planners that do not have those sizes. You may need to do the work yourself, but they sell them.

Planner Name	Offers Own Inserts	Filofax Compatibility	Franklin Covey Compatibility	Ring size options
A9	Yes (basic only)	No	No	19mm
A8	Yes (basic only)	No	No	15mm, 19mm
Pocket (A7)	Yes (basic only)	No	No	19mm, 30mm
A6	Yes (basic only)	No	Yes, Compact	19mm, 30mm
Personal	Yes (basic only)	Yes, Personal	Yes, Compact (but the tabs will overhang on some planner models)	19mm, 25mm, 30mm
Personal Wide	Yes (basic only)	No	Yes, Compact	19mm, 25mm, 30mm (replaceable using Personal Size rings)
A5	Yes (basic only)	Yes, A5	No	19mm, 25mm, 30mm

MeePlus (a “Plotter” Alternative)

Best small-ring minimalist planner

Website: https://mee-plus.com/

Pricing

Prices vary depending on the leather and metal used for the rings.

• Mini: $99 – $129
• Pocket: $109 – $139
• Narrow: $139 – $179
• Personal: $139 – $179
• A5: $199 – $249

Background

MeePlus is relatively new to the market and entered our lives by copying the design of another relatively new company, Plotter. But MeePlus has added refinements that actually make it my preferred choice. Apparently (this still needs to be verified), even the leather comes from the same source, but at the very least, both companies use high-quality Italian leather.

MeePlus and Plotter planners have become very popular because they offer a more streamlined, thin-profile, minimalist planner design. They also offer a range of unique inserts and accessories for these thinner systems. (Note that MeePlus A5 inserts are 6mm narrower than Filofax, but will accommodate Filofax. I go into how to deal with this issue in a bit.)

How MeePlus Differs from Other Planners

A big part of the difference between MeePlus and Plotter, compared with other planner designs, is the ring design. They offer Krause rings only in small sizes (both offer 11mm, and MeePlus offers a secondary 16mm). This makes both companies a minimalist alternative to 25mm and 30mm planners on this list.

There are also other differences. They have a long, exposed metal portion that hides the screw holes on the outside. The cover design also has no interior zippers, sleeves, pockets, or button closures. Any items you need beyond the simple, lean leather cover come as inserts, such as an elastic strap or zipper pouch.

The MeePlus design is pretty much a copy of Plotter but with added perks. Here are some differences between the two companies:

• The MeePlus is slightly lower in cost.
• The exposed metal rod on the outside of the Plotter is sharper on the top and bottom edges, making it less comfortable to use by hand in some use cases. MeePlus softened those same edges.
• The Plotter planners only come in 11mm, whereas MeePlus added 16mm.
• MeePlus offers custom cover sizes, allowing for wider designs to hide side tabs if needed. For some reason, both MeePlus and Plotter, in their standard sizes, work best with tabs on top, so a custom size option is a big plus for side tabs. For some reason, the inserts by both companies (depending on the size) are narrower than Filofax, so if you buy any Filofax-compatible inserts, you will want that extra 5mm added to the width, plus more for any tabs. I recommend adding 10mm.
• MeePlus offers three metal options for their rings and backplate, vs. Plotter’s two.

What I Think

I absolutely love the design of both the MeePlus and Plotter planners. Not only are they handsome, but they also let you avoid the bells and whistles that become drawbacks in other planners, like zippers that scar the interior leather and pockets you may never need.

I think the leathers are beautiful, but I do see some challenges. (I will likely still buy one since this planner is the best fit for my needs. If I do, I will discuss these and other challenges in more detail. One massive drawback is that with both planner companies, the leather molds around the rings over time, which means that ring bumps show on the front and back – even when a second leather protective strip is added to the rings to protect the outer cover. Some people love this patina-like look, but I don’t. I’m pretty sure that if the companies found a way around this issue, everyone would appreciate it.

I do love the smaller ring sizes from both companies, especially the 16mm from MeePlus. think that smaller rings than 25mm and 30mm make more sense for comfortable writing. Wider rings really get in the way of my hand, limiting the desire for longer writing sessions. Smaller rings cut down on this issue, but they also bring challenges. One issue is obvious: they severely limit what you can carry. Another issue is that the 11mm designs of both the MeePlus and Plotter are so small that the paper is hard to turn. Any paper in the left and right rings ends up too close together, catching on each other. For these reasons, I recommend the 16mm from MeePlus, and since that company is the only one offering 16mm, I am choosing MeePlus as my recommendation.

I also love MeePlus for its custom-size option to hide side tabs. You can request any width you need. The company is very open to personal size customizations. This really comes into play when ordering the A5 version from MeePlus. Since that size is narrower than Filofax (6mm difference), you will want the extra width to allow for Filofax, and even more if you want side tabs. I recommend a 10mm width customization.

Some find the pricing of MeePlus and Plotter high for what you get, but MeePlus is slightly cheaper and doesn’t seem to sacrifice much on the quality. Some have mentioned seeing glue marks on the inside over the planners (I believe they were on used versions), but I’m not seeing any direct comparison with Plotter on that.

Finally, I appreciate that MeePlus offers more ring finish choices.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Tied with Plotter for my pick for the most minimalist, handsome ring planner designs
• The 16mm rings make turning pages easier and allow for more insert storage
• The softer metal edge on the exterior metal strip on the MeePlus is a nice bonus over the Plotter
• Three metal finishes: gold, brass, and silver
• Custom sizing from MeePlus is a massive benefit

Cons

• May require the strap to close properly, especially on certain leather options. I don’t love the strap option, but other users love it. Hopefully over time, mine will simply lay flat.
• Ring bumps start to show strongly on the front and back of the planner

Planner Materials

Leather, metal

Leather Maintenance

None. Hand oils add to their beauty over time.

Ring Finishes

Gold, brass, and silver

Ring Brand

Krause (top quality)

Are Rings Replaceable?

Unknown, but probably not. Plotters are, so it may be worth checking with MeePlus.

Sizes

Planner Size	Offers Own Inserts	Filofax Compatibility	Franklin Covey Compatibility	Ring sizes
Mini	Yes	Yes, Mini	No	11mm, 16mm
Pocket, A7)	Yes	Yes, Pocket	No	11mm, 16mm
Narrow (like a Traveler’s Journal size)	Yes	No	No	11mm, 16mm
Personal	Yes	Yes, Personal	Yes, Compact	11mm, 16mm
A5	Yes (o.6mm narrower than Filofax)	Yes	No	11mm, 16mm

Van Der Spek

Best custom leather planners

Website: https://vdsshop.com

Pricing

Price depends on the planner size, material, design, and ring size. I include sizing details and insert compatibility in the last section of this planner review. Note that you minimize cost with its pre-produced line called Touch Me. You can also buy quality used planners online, many in excellent shape. See the Saving on Cost section at the end of this article.

• Mini: – $140
• Junior : $123 – $170
• Senior: $180 – $190
• A6: $134
• Standard (Personal): $152 – $215
• B6: $246
• Personal Wide (a custom design): $208
• Personal Wide for Franklin Compact (a custom design): Price TBD
• Manager (A5): $179 – $275

Background

This Dutch company Van Der Spek (VDS) has been around since 1926 and has a stellar reputation for handmade leather planners. Those looking for quality leather often know Van Der Spek and choose between it and Gillio. VDS offers ready-to-ship designs and custom service, letting you choose everything from leather color to stitching and interior layout. They have extensive expertise and expert customer service to help you make a great custom planner.

Petra Van Der Spek owns the company, and she handles most custom orders herself. Planner owners mention her in-depth knowledge, helpful suggestions, and wonderful customer service, and after corresponding with her a few times myself, I have to agree. Also, her explainer videos on YouTube are excellent in clearly explaining the company’s offerings. She makes everything easy.

How It Differs from Other Planners

You get superb craftsmanship and top-quality leather, which makes this brand one of the best of the best, but full customization is by far its biggest standout feature. No other company on this list comes close. Whether you want two-tone leather, colored stitching, or extra pockets, they can make it happen. Van Der Spek offers both natural, uncoated leathers (which develop a patina faster) and leathers with light protective coatings (like their Touch Me collection). You can pick what works best for your needs. They have a fantastic video explaining each of their leathers.

Another big benefit is that the company sources hides from cows that are a by-product of the meat industry. This means they guarantee no cows are killed for their leather alone. Only Van Der Spek and Gillio offer this.

The company also makes Personal Wide-sized planners AND slightly smaller versions to accommodate Franklin Compact sizing. This second trait is a stand-out benefit. No others offer it. And for the Personal Wide, only Van Der Spek, Gillio, and Moterm sell them. Generally speaking, the Personal Wide is the same as Franklin’s own Aurora planner, so yes, it works well.

Van Der Spek’s “Standard” sizing is about an inch wider than its biggest competitor: Gillio’s popular Compagna planner. This gives you a bit more wiggle room for regular Personal inserts, especially if you opt for 25 or 20mm rings. (You may need to buy the 20mm rings from another company, since they aren’t offered on the website. Be mindful of the length you buy.)

As for the pen loop, Van Der Spek adds an elastic section to their leather, which is great for unconventionally sized pens.

The main issue with VDS is that the planners are floppy, especially the wider Personal Wide and A5 sizes. To address this, the company offers the option to add a stiffener, a cardboard-like structure. The company offers two types: one like typical cardboard and another made from a synthetic material called Bontex. Here is a fantastic video by Filofaxy showing each.

The VDS Touch Me line, their standard stock line, has slightly rounded edges, but you can order square-edged covers as a custom planner.

What I Think

When it comes to luxury leather planners that celebrate the leather itself, most users choose between Van Der Spek and Gillio. Both offer natural hides, but Van Der Spek offers the benefit of protected leather options and the option of fully customizable planners, and those two benefits are big.

The planners are perfect for those who prioritize superior leather quality and craftsmanship and love the option to buy from their ready line or create something one-of-a-kind. I love that you can choose between super-natural leather or one that’s a bit more protected and easier to care for. The craftsmanship and flexibility are hard to beat.

The fact that the leather is a by-product of the meat industry is also what makes it one of my favorites. And the fact it offers a Personal Wide option is nice too. I love the fact that the tab closure is clean, whereas with Gillio you can start to see a circle develop where the button sits.

The planners come naturally floppy, but you can choose firmer leather (here’s a video they made about that), and you can work with them to include stiffener in a custom order. The planners aren’t cheap, so to avoid issues, talk to their customer service department. They are superb.

The zippers on some models will scratch the optional inside fly leaf. If that bothers you, I recommend not buying zipper models. Some pleather is used for the interiors of the pockets on standard orders, but I corresponded with the owner, Petra, personally, and she let me know she offers leather interior lining in custom orders. She also once used fabric supplied by a customer, which could be fun for a more decorative interior lining. She does not offer any fabrics through her company.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fully customizable: this is the only planner company on this list to offer this, and it’s a big benefit if you like the wider Franklin Covey inserts. No size restrictions, though I recommend discussing your thoughts with Van Der Spek. They can help to make sure it works properly.
• Stellar quality and hide selections
• Offers both natural and coated leather selections
• The planners lay flat instantly
• Offers Personal Wide size (as a custom order)
• Better button enclosure than Gillio. (Won’t show button material)
• Offers a special custom option for Franklin Compact size (a rarity!)
• Replaceable rings
• Comparable to Gillio but at a slightly lower price point
• Name plates available
• Flyleaf available
• The company offers fully leather interior pockets in custom orders. Fabric may also be an option; you would need to check with the owner, Petra, first, as well as supply it. (Most orders use pleather in the pockets).

Cons

• The floppy design is a main gripe, but you can order stiffener in a custom order
• The internal zipper damages your planner paper and/or leather flyleaf. If that’s an issue for you, buy planners without the zipper or don’t include the flyleaf.

Planner Materials

Cover: Full-grain leather, coated or uncoated, and pleather in the pockets (leather and customer-supplied fabric options available for pockets in custom orders).

Leather Maintenance

Van Der Spek provides care info on their site. They recommend conditioning your leather regularly and being extra gentle with their uncoated leather options, which can mark and patina easily. See their website for exact details!

Ring Finishes

Silver or gold

Ring Brand

Krause (top quality)

Are Rings Replaceable?

Yes—screwed in and easy to swap

Sizes

Sizing will vary by planner design, but here is a look at the inserts that fit to give you a basic idea. I show if Filofax and Franklin Covey fit, and also indicate the ring sizes. Note that this is the only company that allows for a specialized size for Franklin Compact planner pages. It is 13mm wider than their standard Personal Size. You can also order a Personal Wide size (26mm larger than Personal Wide).

Planner Size	Offers Own Inserts	Filofax Compatibility	Franklin Covey Compatibility	Ring sizes
Mini	No	Yes, Mini	No	13mm, 16mm
Junior (Pocket, A7)	No	Yes, Pocket	No	16mm, 20mm, 25mm
Senior (a very compact A6)	No	Yes, Pocket	Yes, Pocket, but only if widened by 13mm	20mm, 25mm
A6	No	Yes, Pocket	Yes, Pocket, but only if widened by 13mm	25mm, 30mm
Standard (Personal)	No	Yes, Personal	Yes, Compact, fits with widened option	13mm, 25mm,30 mm (20mm works if Krause, but not offered through the company)
B6	No	Unsure	Unsure	30MM
Standard Wide Custom (for Franklin Compact, +13mm)	No	Yes, Personal (will look shallow)	Yes, Compact	25MM, 30MM
Standard Wide (Personal Wide, +26MM)	No	Yes, Personal (will look shallow)	Yes, Compact	25MM, 30MM
Manager (A5)	No	Yes	No	35mm

Gillio

Best high-end leather designs

Website: https://www.gillio.be/en/leather-items/planners-covers

Pricing

Price depends on the planner size, material, design, and ring size. I include sizing details and insert compatibility in the last section of this planner review. Note that the company offers two ways to save on these costs:

• Choose the “Premium Good Deal” selection at checkout. These planners aren’t perfect, but they’re still excellent. The cost reduction is often minimal, but it’s something.
• Buy from their 40% off sample selections page. These are special never-released items that never made it to full production, but are still wonderfully made. They just don’t want to lose money on them, so think of it as them selling them at cost.
• You can also look for used planners online. There is a big market for them. See the Saving on Cost section at the end of this article.

Standard pricing:

• Mini: $220 – $922
• Pocket: $450 – $1321
• A6: $415 – $786
• Medium (Personal): $357 – $822
• Medium XL: $426 – $845
• Personal Wide: $387 – $405
• A5: $486 – $1500

Background

Gillio is a Belgian company that focuses on luxury leather planners and has a cult following thanks to its gorgeous Italian leather and careful craftsmanship. People who love leather planners and fine craftsmanship often choose between Gillio to Van Der Spek. Of the two, Gillio comes in first place, and the price reflects it. Typically, users rave about the quality: the leather selections, the look, the feel, the touch, and the smell.

How It Differs from Other Planners

Gillio works with a range of artisanal leather companies, primarily in Tuscany, to produce their planners. Gillio focuses intently on superior hide and build quality, and this shows in the final product. They want the leather experience to take center stage.

The planners are made from full-grain Italian leather in dyed and undyed leathers. The undyed planners have no protective coating, so they develop a rich patina over time thanks to hand oils. This also means that scars and imperfections, though reduced, can be part of the look and are actually valued by many users.

These planners are the best leather hides and the best leather production quality you will find, but they do have some drawbacks.

• Scratches on these planners can happen. As I said earlier, the leather has no protection. Yes, some scratches can be rubbed out on darker models, but you’ll have a harder time hiding scratches with the lighter ones. Your best bet is to hope that the leather repairs itself slightly over time (like skin, but not as effective) and that the patina from your hand oils hides them.
• These planners are more sensitive to stains (including water stains). Again, your hand oils may hide the issue somewhat over time.

These are formidable challenges; Gillio does this on purpose. Unlike some brands that use heavily coated leather that can feel more plastic, Gillio leathers are soft, supple, and natural-feeling right out of the box. The beauty and feel of these planners are second to none.

Some people are afraid to use the planners because the leather is unprotected, but handling it often is ironically the best way to protect it. So in summary, yes, a stain may stay and break your heart if you are a perfectionist. You will need to believe in the world of patina, and it can actually improve the look of your planner overall.

Due to strong demand and the small production crew of outside artisans, there always seems to be a color or style that is out of stock. The company also experiences delays in restocking, but once users get their planner, they are simply blown away – nearly speechless. These planners are truly worth the wait and price.

Like Van Der Spek, Gillio sources hides from cows that are a by-product of the meat industry. This means that no cows are killed for their leather alone. Unlike Van Der Spek, the brand doesn’t offer customizable planners. You are also limited to their button and ring options, which vary by leather color and, depending on your ring color choice, may not match. However, you can choose from pebble and smooth-grain leather hides.

In terms of the product line of ring planners, the company offers three:

Compagna: Their most popular line by far. This line has an extra thick option (Medium XL), and a Personal Wide size, making it the most universal. The design includes a zipper on the right side, helping prevent scratches to the planner. (Phew.)

Amica: This is a more streamlined version of the Compagna. It has no back pocket or zipper.

Mia Cara: This is a true luxury product. It combines a dual planner and planner cover, so you can remove the planner from the outer leather sleeve and even use the cover for another purpose, such as housing a notebook or book-bound planner. It has a large pocket on the inside left for items like pens and money, plus a pen sleeve in the middle of the planner cover as an alternative to a pen loop. Some users feel conflicted about the pen bumping up against the ring planner, and the ring planner section is quite narrow, working best with top-mounted dividers. That said, the quality is magnificent and superior to Moterm’s similar version, called Versa. It made a peculiar choice to put the zipper on the left side, which could damage the leather on the ring section, making it a very expensive annoyance. But I don’t hear many people complaining.

What I Think

Gillio is the gold standard if you want luxury leather that tells a richer story over time. If you value the look, feel, and touch of quality leather products that develop a patina, this is the company for you. The price is high, but you get what you pay for. If you’re not afraid of your planner picking up a few marks along the way, this is a fantastic choice. Their color selections aren’t always ideal for each leather option, but you get superb leather and production quality.

The Gillio also has some finer production traits versus its biggest competitor, Van Der Spek. For example, all edges of the leather, such as the pockets and flyleafs, are colored completely. VDS leaves theirs looking undyed. Also, the card slots are better looking in terms of construction, though they are angled, which I find a bit odd.

I like that the leather is a by-product of the meat industry, which is also what makes it one of my favorites. I do have some issues that are surprising given how much work they put into their quality. Since these planners aren’t cheap, you deserve to know these issues beforehand.

• Planners with zippers on the left become damaged. The Mia Cara planner includes a zipper on the left that rubs against the leather ring planner. I have no idea why they did that. I don’t understand the risk they created. I’m surprised they allow for this problem given how much time and effort they put into their products, and this planner is their premium offering. The Compagna has a zipper on the right, which causes no issues (but could create an uneven writing surface if you have coins or thick items in it). The Amica has no zipper.
• The button on the closer shows through over time. It creates a darker, round, shadow-like effect from your hand oils. Van Der Spek doesn’t have this issue, which I believe is because of their protection and the fact that they pad the closure.
• Some users are afraid to use it. The price is high, and the users love the look so much that they don’t want to damage or stain it. I’ve gone through that dilemma with a high-end Filofax and found it kept me from using it properly. Planners are really work tools and meant to be used. I recommend ordering black to limit the look of stains.
• The planners without stiffener are floppy. This issue depends on the leather thickness, but it is also a drawback and a benefit. A planner that feels loose and goopy will lay flat instantly.
• The non-protected coating: We covered that earlier, but it’s worth mentioning again in case you skipped ahead. These will stain and scratch.
• Some pleather is used: This may be for a good reason, but you are not getting a fully leather planner.

Since inserts and rings are a frequent topic with both Gillio and Van Der Spek, I should touch on this briefly.

• The Franklin Covey Compact inserts are highly valued by users, but don’t fit well in many Personal planners. In most cases, the tabs stick a bit of the edge. Gillio can have the same problem, but there are workarounds. If you are open to sizes other than Gillio’s Medium (Personal), prioritize Personal Wide and Medium XL (a thicker version of their Personal “Medium” size). They give you the most room. The Personal Wide is about the size of Franklin Covey’s Aurora planner, so yes, the fit is nice. The Medium XL has 30mm rings that can be switched out to 25mm for a bit more room, but be wary because this was tried with Moterm planners and the difference was negligible. You might be better off with 20mm, sold separately. Be mindful of the 20mm Krause to ensure it is the right length.)
• If you want to stick with the smaller Medium (Personal) size, some Gillio planners are designed slightly wider than their others, so prioritize those to avoid the tabs of Franklin Covey inserts poking from the sides. The Amica planner is slightly wider than the Campagna, so a better choice for Franklin Compact. If you put in smaller rings, you get a tad more room as well.
• You can use dividers that face up in all planners, rather than the side, for a cleaner look from the side.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The best leather quality and craftsmanship, hands down.
• Offers both Medium XL and Personal Wide.
• The untreated leather options allow for a gorgeous patina.

Cons

• Extremely high price for some leathers, even exceeding Louis Vuitton.
• The lack of leather protection is a drawback for some users. I suggest ordering black.
• Zipped planners are more easily damaged.
• Button closures become noticeable over time with hand oils.
• Some planner leathers are floppy. You can’t apply stiffener to all styles.
• It doesn’t offer custom orders beyond limited options (you can choose between pebble or smooth grain). See Van Der Spek for similar, fully-customizable planners.
• The button and ring finish options are listed separately in your order and don’t always match, which can be confusing. Choose carefully.

Planner Materials

Cover: Full-grain Italian leather (minimal to no coating for a natural feel) and pleather in the pockets.

Leather Maintenance

Do not use water or any harsh cleaners! Gillio suggests wiping with a soft, barely damp cloth. Your hand oils will help disguise the rest. The patina becomes part of its charm.

Ring Finishes

Silver, gold, or black matte, depending on the model

Ring Brand

Krause (top quality brand)

Are Rings Replaceable?

Yes. You can do it yourself but the existing rings will break during removal.

Size

Sizing will depend on the model. For a basic understanding, I put together this breakdown of each planner with comparable insert sizes by Filofax and Franklin Covey. Note that Franklin Covey Compact inserts fit best in the Personal Wide size and in the Medium XL with 25mm rings. You can still do the 30mm version in the XL, but the tabs will poke a bit off the edge. Some like that look, but I prefer the cleaner look of the 25mm. For other models in personal size, try to choose the largest designs possible. For example, the Amica planner is wider than the Compagna.

Planner Size	Offers Own Inserts	Filofax Compatibility	Franklin Covey Compatibility	Ring Sizing
Mini	No	Yes, Mini	No	10mm, 15mm
Pocket	No	Yes, Pocket	No	16mm, 20mm
A6	No	No	Yes, Pocket	23mm, 30mm
Medium and Slim (Personal)	No	Yes	No (fits holes but pokes out the side)	25mm (20mm works if Krause, but not offered through the company. Slim ring sizes not listed.)
Medium XL (designed for 30mm ring but can request or install a 25mm, making it slightly wider than personal.)	No	Yes	Yes, Compact (tabs are slightly exposed in 30mm rings. I recommend 25mm)	25mm, 30mm (20mm may work if Krause, but not offered through the company, and I have not seen it done)
Personal Wide	No	Yes, Personal, but will look shallow	Yes, Compact	25mm, 30mm
A5	No	Yes, A5	No	25mm, 30mm

Louis Vuitton

Best for luxury fashion enthusiasts

Website: https://www.louisvuitton.com

Pricing

The company offers three ring agenda sizes, with prices that vary by material. You can also find used versions (“pre-loved”) online, but you often pay the same for a planner in good condition because of the brand’s overwhelming demand. This is also the most knocked-off brand worldwide, so be cautious when you see good deals. You also won’t enjoy the benefits of a true Louis Vuitton product, which I cover in detail here.

• PM: aka “small” (Pocket): Approximately $495 – $525
• MM: aka “medium” (Personal): Approximately $740 – $810
• GM: aka “large” (A5): Approximately $930 – $950

Background

Louis Vuitton is a renowned French fashion house dating back to the late 1800s. It is referenced as “the world’s most valuable luxury brand.” Its appeal is partly due to superb craftsmanship, but it also offers a lesson in how to build a luxury brand.

In terms of design, the brand balances traditional and modern, and that’s not easy to do. For example, the logo, materials, and locks (not on the planners) date back to Mr. Vuitton’s first product: his steamer trunks. Yet the look, feel, and care put into the brand is so good that we could easily mistake it for a relatively new brand.

Then there are the manufacturing costs, which are high across the board. The items are still made in France rather than in lower-income areas overseas. The material costs are also high. The company also uses highly skilled craftsmen, and each item takes many hours to make.

Finally, production volume is low while serving a global market, which drastically drives up demand. The output is so low that the brand famously never has sales. Even new ideas are limited production lines.

All of these traits combined make Louis Vuitton agendas one of the most expensive agendas on the market. But are they worth it? Read on.

How It Differs from Other Planners

Sure, the traits above set the company’s ring agendas apart, but Louis Vuitton’s line stands out for other reasons too. One is the use of their “monogram canvas,” a PVC-coated canvas on the front that looks and feels like leather. It is also fairly resistant to water and chemicals and more lightweight than leather. This material is just as much a signature of the brand as the logo itself, and it is wonderful in the hand. It truly feels like leather and is extremely durable. It was developed for the brand’s steamer trunks, so you know it’s strong. Real leather is then used on the inside lining. It still offers all-leather agendas as well in different, more subtle styles, but the canvas is the calling card.

(Note that the PVC coating is not eco-friendly.)

The company periodically releases limited edition agenda models, but here is a breakdown of their standard lineup:

• Monogram: the large LV logo repeated on the outside. (It’s signature branding logo style.) Done in Monogram canvas on the exterior and leather on the interior. Will lay flat eventually.
• Damier Ebene: A checkerboard look in the same color and material as the Monogram. Only one brand identifier sits in one of the small squares in the lower right. Will lay flat eventually.
• Damier Graphite: Same as Damier Ebene, but in a grey-and-black pattern. Will lay flat eventually.
• Epi Leather: A coated, embossed, horizontally textured grain in all black, with a single black LV logo in the lower right. The material is the most durable in its lineup. The planner has a stronger structure and weight than the canvas planners. Dust seems to get stuck in the material, so it requires more frequent cleaning than the next leather on this list.
• Taiga Leather: Leather that has been sanded and smoothed and then embossed with a slight texture you often see on wallets. It has a black LV logo in the lower right. (This option is a favorite for men and my personal favorite.) The planner has a stronger structure and weight than the canvas planners.

You can personalize all agendas with hot stamping your initials on the inside cover. The rings are removable, helping to maximize the life of the planners. They also offer their own line of inserts, but also work with Filofax.

What I Think

If status is what you want, this brand wins, but I have some major issues with the company and their agendas – and I’m not the only one. This is a brand people like, hate, or both. I’m in the latter camp, and here’s why.

Since they use PVC-coated canvas on some planners, I don’t see how the material helps justify the price. Sure, it’s durable, but it’s manufactured canvas with a PVC coating, and we all know those materials can be produced at scale to keep costs within reach for more buyers. So what we’re really paying for is their business model of production scarcity vs. demand. In fact, they may be (and are likely) producing the material at a scale that maximizes their wholesale profit. It’s the scarcity in product output that inflates the material’s value.

Now there is a scarcity of eco ring planners on the market (Filofax is one of the few), so this would be a helpful option if it was just canvas, setting it out from the crowd (and perhaps improving its status and reputation further), but the PVC coating isn’t eco.

You benefit over leather in some ways with its protection against water and chemicals, and the lighter feel is nice too. And yes, the canvas feels and looks like real leather and is totally addictive to hold in your hands, even with a stiffener in the design. Still, there is another issue I can’t avoid.

I actively dislike the look and color of the canvas patterns and the company’s logo. The material may have been a calling card for the brand when they produced large steamer trunks, but I find the look ugly and tacky. (There, I said it!) It reads to me as shameless advertising, which goes against my definition of luxury. So many people love the look’s status that I feel like I’m the only one telling the emperor he has no clothes, but there you have it.

Thankfully for me, they offer the cleaner-looking agendas in leather, but this leads me to another issue. The leather agendas are embossed, a common remedy for hiding imperfections done by low-quality leather producers trying to use less-than-ideal hides. Sure, the clean look is nice, but why the high price? How could embossed leather exceed the scarcity cost of, say, high-quality leather? The first option is easily scalable; the second requires more work and financial risk to pull off.

Apparently the Epi agenda is as durable as embossed leather, but it’s still embossed, which leaves me wondering. The Tiaga leather agenda durability appears suspect. So yes, I am not thrilled with their materials vs. cost across the board.

As for other differences between the leather and canvas planners, the button on the closure has a bit of a bump on the leather (the canvas has an exposed metal button instead), and the leather planner structure is firmer, which means it doesn’t lie flat at first, if ever. The leather is also heavier than the canvas.

As for the inserts, I don’t care for them. They are okay for scheduling lunches, but they aren’t for serious work.

At this point, you probably think I hate the brand, but as I said before, I’m not a complete hater. I held it in my hands and inspected the Taiga Leather agenda up close and found it to be beautifully crafted and one of the most beautiful planners I have seen. Thankfully, the logo is relegated to one at the far lower-right corner in the same color as the leather, so it isn’t a constant eyesore for me. Still, it looks like a wallet material I have seen used by other brands and have trouble equating it to the more than $700 price. I saw it online and noticed some appear scratched, so I also question its durability.

All that aside, if you love value high-end fashion and wish to incorporate it into your daily planning, Louis Vuitton’s agendas are obviously an answer, and arguably the best. If you love the look and durability of PVC/canvas, you’ll be happy. While the agendas come at an ultra- premium price, especially considering the curious materials, the craftsmanship is superb, durability is closely considered, and the brand’s prestige and demand are strong, justifying investment by luxury aficionados. I hate to say it, but the brand image alone can be a benefit. You can resell it for a great price, often the same as what you paid. And if you use the planner for work (hopefully with different inserts), the cost and prestige associations also show others that you’re ready for business. If you carry a Louis Vuitton for work, you show that you value luxury, which shows you value making money.

Yes, you will own an excellent planner, but if you are stretching your budget, be aware that the agendas aren’t bulletproof. Follow their official care instructions closely to maximize your investment (and resale). Apparently, good care goes a long way with these planners.

If you buy “pre-loved,” you likely won’t save money due to the brand’s demand, so don’t expect much help there.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent manufacturing quality
• Beautiful, elegant design
• Quality brand association
• Luxury status
• Offers branded inserts (sold separately)
• Removable rings
• The leather planners are entirely leather (no plastic)

Cons:

• Hard to justify pricing
• Doesn’t hold Franklin Compact size inserts completely (tabs stick out on the side, but are ok on the top)
• Insert options aren’t ideal for real work. Shop elsewhere.
• The PVC coating on the canvas is not eco-friendly.

Planner Materials

Leather Maintenance

Louis Vuitton does not provide specific maintenance instructions for their ring agendas on their official website. They recommend contacting Louis Vuitton directly.

Ring Finishes

Either gold or silver, depending on the product you buy

Ring Brand

Not specified by Louis Vuitton

Are Rings Replaceable?

Yes. Users have reported success in replacing the original rings with high-quality alternatives like Krause rings.

Sizes

The sizing of LV agendas falls into standard Pocket, Personal, and A5 sizing and is compatible with Filofax. Louis Vuitton offers branded inserts for their agendas. Here is a look at the compatibilities and ring sizing.

Planner Size	Offers Own Inserts	Filofax Compatibility	Franklin Covey Compatibility	Ring Sizing
PM (Pocket)	Yes	Yes, Pocket	No	TBD
MM (Personal)	Yes	Yes, Personal	Yes, Personal (divider tabs stick out a bit on the side and top, but still looks nice.)	TBD
GM (A5)	Yes	Yes, A5	No	TBD

Things I Wish I Knew Before Shopping

Near the start of this article, I mention two important elements to understand before buying: the inserts and rings. I cover them here, including sizing for the two main insert providers. I follow this information up with other facts worth knowing that helped me make the right choice.

Inserts

Some planner companies offer inserts (calendar pages, note pages, goal pages, dividers, etc.), but those that don’t typically accommodate Filofax or Franklin Covey inserts and, in some sizes, both. (Not all holes have the same quantity or spacing between Filofax and Franklin, so you’ll need ring planners that can accommodate both.) If you don’t like the inserts from those companies, you can buy preprinted and/or printable designs from other companies in the same sizing – or make your own if you are crafty!

I created printable planner designs for A5 and personal-size ring planners on Etsy. (For a full description of it, check out my article or my YouTube channel.) I made both dated and undated versions.

Some other popular sources are:

• Rosstopia Inserts:
• May Paper Co.
• Cloth & Paper
• 8Lotus
• Peanuts Planner Co.
• Agendio (fully customizable designs)

Since Filofax and Franklin have set the stage for insert sizing and hole placements, let’s take a closer look at each since they may dictate the planner size and company you choose. Only Filofax Personal and Franklin Compact have the same hole placements, and even then, Franklin inserts are wider, so combining them looks odd.

Here are insert sizes and hole quantities from each company. Later on, I show which one fits in each planner. 

A few notes:

• A new insert size called Personal Wide is not offered by Filofax and Franklin. It is about an inch wider than Personal. Companies making Personal Wide may offer the inserts, or you can buy them from the other companies I list above. 
• If you like A6 sizing, see the end of this article for important details about that size.
• Franklin’s Compact inserts sit close to the edge or poke out of the side of most Personal-sized planners. They work best in Franklin planners, Personal Wide planners, and specific planner options I cover for each brand.

Franklin Covey Inserts *	Insert size (mm)	Insert size (inches)	Number of holes
Pocket	89mm x 153mm	3½” x 6″	6, uneven
Compact (fits in Filofax Personal size planners)	108mm x 172mm	4¼” x 6¾”	6, uneven
Classic	140mm x 216mm	5½” x 8½”	7, even
Monarch	216mm x 280mm	8½” x 11″	7, even

Planners that Fit Franklin Covey Inserts

To recap, Franklin’s insert sizes differ from Filofax. (The Compact from Franklin is wider than the Filofax Personal size, and the Classic is taller and less wide than the Filofax A5). Franklin offers their own planners to fit these sizes, but the Compact inserts also fits in three specialized personal sizes on the market:

Personal Wide is about an inch wider than the standard personal size but the same height. As a result, the planner looks more square. Planner companies made this size to address the problem and to keep Franklin Compact inserts from extending off the outside edge of their Personal-sized planners. (Of the planners listed in this article, Moterm, Van Der Spek, and Gillio offer Personal Wide.)

Medium XL is a planner size offered by Gillio, and Van Der Spek offers a similar size that is unnamed. (Van Der Spek offers a custom 13mm wider addition to their Personal.) Gillo’s Medium XL is a personal-sized planner designed to hold extra-large 30mm rings, which you can then switch to smaller 25mm rings to make the planner wider.

Moterm Elite-R is a new option from Moterm, specially made for Franklin Compact.

The Confusion About A6 vs. Personal

As you may know, some sizing changes a bit internationally, which becomes a pain when you order, and the best example is A6 size. The A6 is essentially an A5 folded in half from the top down, with the longer section sitting upwards and the narrower section left to right. You will then have a page that is shorter and wider than a standard Personal.

It’s a great size, but you’ll benefit from making your own pages if using them for two reasons:

• If you try to buy them online, you’ll often discover that the sizing is off. For some reason, Chinese planner page manufacturers occasionally mention A6 as the Personal. Not helpful.
• On a true A6, the holes won’t fit a Personal planner.

Rings

Your ring size determines your insert quantities and how the planner looks and feels. Planners with large rings have more girth and heft and create more rounded edges in some planners. Ring sizing also determines how well paper sits away from the edge of the planner. The smaller the ring, the more room you get, and vice versa. 

Here are common ring sizes with insert quantities. The number of dividers and accessories you use will also affect the quantity.

Ring Sizing and Insert Quantities:

• 11 mm rings: 55-65 sheets
• 13 mm rings: 75-85 sheets
• 15 mm rings: 95-105 sheets
• 19 mm rings: 125-135 sheets
• 20 mm rings: 135-145 sheets
• 25 mm rings: 170-180 sheets
• 30 mm rings: 210-225 sheets
• 35 rings: 250-270 sheets

Can You Change Rings?

Yes, depending on the company. You may even be able to try other ring sizes or replace bent or broken rings. (I cover these details with each planner.) I recommend buying planners with replaceable rings to maximize your planner’s life. 

Can You Fix Bent or Broken Rings?

Yes, but it can be challenging. (YouTube is a great source for tips.) Not all planners accommodate it. (Filofax doesn’t.) For this reason, prioritize quality Krause rings and buy planners that let you swap them out easily.

A Note About 25mm and 30mm Rings

The two most popular planner sizes are Personal and A5, and in those planners, the most common sizes are 25mm and 30mm. That said, trends do change, and some planners are exploring ultra-small sizes, like 11mm and 16mm. I cover some in this article.

Krause rings are the best quality, so hopefully your choice will have them. If so, I noticed contradictory statements about the 25mm and 30mm sizes related to Krause rings. In some instances, I hear the metal backing on both sizes is the same size, making the planner thickness from the side the same. HOWEVER, I also heard that putting 30mm rings on a 25mm backing causes 30mm rings in some planners to bump against the front cover. That wouldn’t be the case if the backings matched. Since I still haven’t gotten a final answer, expect the same visual thickness.

Ring Planners vs. Disc Planners

Ring planners have metal ring systems that hold paper inserts and dividers and open and close as one unit, making it easy to add, remove, and reorder multiple pieces of paper. The cover hides the rings and houses sleeves and pockets inside to help with planning and organizing.

While shopping, you may come across disc planners. They are similar but have key differences. The discs are much larger and travel through the entire planner, making them noticeable from the outside.  (Some companies make secondary covers to hide the look of the rings.) Many discs are closed, but some open independently. This makes loading and uploading harder, so the planners often come with “slit paper” that is cut near the holes to make adding or removing a few pages easier.

Saving on Cost

Yes, planners can be expensive, especially the leather ones, but as you can see above, some are more affordable than others. Some offer great introductory price points that let you get your feet wet, and you can simply use those long term. Here are some other tips for cutting down costs:

• Buy from the company’s clearance section. Sometimes a planner is less than perfect, and you may be fine with it – especially if the price is right.
• Buy through the company’s payment installment program.
• Buy the planner used. Many used leather planners sell well, and you can often find ones that look as good as new. You also get it right away instead of waiting for a new one to be made. Check marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark, Etsy, and buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook. There you can search by brand, for example, “Gillio Marketplace.“
• Inversely, you may get a good price for your planner if you ever decide to sell it to recoup the cost. Used planners kept in good condition can fetch high prices.
• Rethink your planner material. Material cost can significantly reduce the price.

Understanding Material Choices

Here is a breakdown of each material with its pros and cons.

Leather

Leather is the most common material across all brands and often fetches the highest price, but it can vary greatly (from $55 to $1000). Here are reasons why. 

• The layer of skin used. Hides aren’t just skin; they are layers of skin. Hides made from the outer skin (full-grain leather) are the best because they are strongest, most durable, and easiest to repair. That layer fetches the highest price. When listing hides from highest to lowest quality, the order is full-grain leather, top-grain leather, genuine leather (also known as premium leather), split-grain leather, and bonded leather.
• Leather hide quality: The cleaner and more attractive the leather is, the higher the price. This is because less of the hide is used, which creates more waste.
• Ethically sourced leathers: Some leather is also more ethically sourced, which costs more.
• Production quality: The care (time and expertise) put into manufacturing will raise the price.
• Custom/bespoke production: The more individualized the production is (specific pockets, etc.), the more you will pay. Alternatively, the more generic the offering (from their standard line) the less you will pay.

Leather Patina and Coating

Leather will patina (change to a slightly darker, richer color and become shinier) when the leather is uncoated, and the oils from the user’s hand soak into the leather. This may sound like a negative at first, but it often improves the look of the planner. Hand oils from regular use also help keep the leather from drying out and cracking. (Note that some unprotected planners can receive lotion, but not all. Check with your specific planner model because a lotion can destroy the look of the planner.)

Some leather planners have an outer coating for added protection and easier cleaning. The manufacturer will often state whether a protective coating is applied, but if not, a shiny/reflective finish on a new planner is usually an indicator. Alternatively, the less shiny it is and the softer and more supple it is, the more natural the leather exterior is and the more susceptible it is to staining (or, on the plus side, gaining a beautiful patina)

Viewing leather online can be misleading, so check the company’s product description to see whether protection is applied.

Planner Environmental and Cruelty Concerns Plus Solutions

You may be cautious about buying leather for eco and animal welfare concerns. I was too, and still am in some ways, but I’ve learned leather can be a viable option. It depends on how you look at it. Here’s the data so you can decide.

Eco concerns:

On the subject of the environment, many faux leather / vegan-friendly leather planners are made of plastics derived from oil that take a long time to decompose: hundreds of years for PU leather, up to 450 years for pleather (polyester), around 450 years for PVC, and up to thousands of years for vegan leather. At the same time, each releases toxic chemicals and carcinogens into the environment as it degrades. Your best option for a new product is one made from post-consumer plastic. (The Camden planner by Filofax wins that honor.) The best solution by far is to buy a used planner.

Alternatively, leather decomposes in only 10 to 50 years in a landfill. The binder rings can be perpetually recycled. The biggest issue during this time is toxic tanning materials seeping into the ground and water, but you can avoid this by buying vegetable-tanned leather. Note that there is sometimes plastic inside leather planners (“pleather”) in areas like secretarial pockets and back pockets, but you can simply buy an all-leather planner or custom order one. (In the above planners, Van Der Spek offers this option).

In terms of energy usage, you will read in leather discussions that leather production is energy intensive – as much as three times more – but this is misleading. Those statistics include the entire cattle-raising process, of which 99% of cattle are raised for meat and dairy. Leather makes up only 6 to 8% (and as low as 1%) of the profit. This leads some to see leather as an efficient use of existing material. Still, cattle meat profit margins are low, so meat and leather are interdependent and share some of the eco costs that come from meat.

Things are amplified when the animals are raised with leather as a larger factor in the profit margin. Snakes, alligators, and ostriches are raised primarily for the leather, with ostriches accounting for as much as 80% of the profit. Here we can say that yes, leather is pretty bad in terms of eco-production.

Things change drastically if you buy a used planner. No production or cattle raising is required. There is a massive second-hand market for used planners because new ones are expensive, and many used planners are excellent quality.

You can also opt for a planner with fewer pockets or a smaller planner so less leather is used.

To recap, non-leather is a more eco-friendly production option (cattle leather is TBD), but vegetable-tanned leather wins for the degrading process. In all cases, you do best by buying items used. When you are done, resell it to someone else or toss it if the leather is vegetable tanned. Recycle the rings.

Cruelty:

Here we again need to distinguish between cattle and non-cattle leather. As mentioned, some justify cattle leather usage by saying that it would be wasted otherwise, but since leather contributes to the profit margins from cattle, even at a minor 6 to 8%, some see leather as contributing to the problem. If leather wasn’t part of the margin, would cattle still be raised for meat? Sure, but demand might lessen.

Again, the cruelty component is raising other animals for their skin alone, which is mostly an issue with snakes, alligators, and ostriches.

For a more ethical (and eco) approach, buy a second-hand leather planner, and prioritize vegetable-tanned planners if possible. No raising, killing, and manufacturing is required. Sure, the seller may go and buy a new leather planner, and perhaps you can see your actions as aiding that problem, but not sellers.

When you are done, resell it or toss it if vegetable-tanned, and recycle the rings.

If using leather still concerns you, here are other materials worth considering, but be ready for surprises.

Faux leather / Vegan Leather / PU Leather / Pleather

As I said earlier, faux leather is plastic derived from oil. Quality is improving, and it looks, feels, and even smells like real leather. These are the lowest-priced planners, come in the widest array of colors, and often look, feel, and even smell like leather. They are also remarkably water-resistant. Liquids in general are the enemy of leather and fabric planners. Still, faux leather does present challenges.

First and foremost, Most faux leather is bad for the environment. Most planners are made of plastic that can’t be recycled and take hundreds of years to biodegrade while impacting the water, soil, and air in the process. Unless the planner specifically says it can be recycled, it can’t. Yes, this means “eco-leather” is most often not eco. In this case, the best we can hope for is a planner made from post-consumer plastic. The Filofax Camden is one option.

Another issue is damage. Unlike animal leather, which works a bit like living skin in repairing itself (to a minor degree), faux leather scratches and damage are there to stay. It’s also often less resilient, breaking down and flaking in a short time.

Fabric

This material is either a natural cloth or synthetic. The natural options are eco-friendly and often soft and comfortable in the hand, but they may not last as long as leather. The fabric can stain, and threads can come apart. (Pro tip: Lightly burning the tip of loose threads prevents them from unraveling.)

Understanding How to Clean and Repair Your Planner

Leather Cleaning and Repair

Clean and repair leather damage, such as ink stains and scratches, with extreme caution. Not all leather is made to be cleaned or treated, and you may only make matters worse. Also, issues aren’t always easy to fix, especially with certain brands. (The more coating the leather has, the better). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or recommendations. They can provide them, but I also list some of their tips in my descriptions of each brand above. 

For cleaning, use a specialized leather cleaner the manufacturer recommends. Be careful not to stray too far from what they say or you could further damage the leather. For ink stains, you may be able to use that same material, but ask first. If no cleaning material is suggested, you can try gently dabbing the stain with a cotton swab dipped in a blend of rubbing alcohol, diluted soap and water, or mild detergent and warm water. Be careful. Some leather can show water stains. 

Fabric Cleaning and Repair

Brush off loose dirt and use a small amount of mild soap on a microfiber cloth to wipe it down. Don’t get the canvas too wet, or it will show water rings and stains. For stubborn stains, scrub lightly. Once done, let the canvas air dry. If you have an ink stain, dab the exact area with a Q-tip coated with alcohol, but don’t rub, or you will spread the ink.

Faux Leather Cleaning and Repair

You won’t have to do much. Just wipe with a slightly damp cloth. You can remove ink stains with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol or mild soap, or vinegar. A Magic Eraser may work too. 

Thread Maintenance

If you have any loose threads used in the sewing, you can lightly burn the edge of the loose thread; it will shrink and tie itself into a knot, securing it. But be careful not to hover the flame over the planner too long, or you could burn the cover material, especially if it is canvas. Just a quick waft of the flame over the loose thread. The quicker, the better.