Choosing the right planner refill matters more than you might think. The paper size, hole pattern, layout (monthly vs weekly), and build quality determine how useful your planner will be day to day. These recommendations come from hands‑on testing, cross‑referenced specifications, and consumer feedback to help you pick the refill that fits your binder, planning style, and budget.
How we tested and chose
- Real‑world use: We loaded each refill into compatible binders and used monthly and weekly spreads for at least a week to assess layout, ink behavior, and tab durability.
- Technical checks: Paper weight, hole alignment, tab construction, and date range were measured against product specs.
- Expert & consumer input: We reviewed brand reputation, warranty/return policy, and aggregated user feedback for durability and design issues.
- Scoring: Each refill was scored on compatibility, paper quality (ink bleed/ghosting), usability (layout and notes space), and value (pages per dollar). Final picks balance performance with real‑world convenience.
A5 Weekly + Monthly Refill
Compact A5 refill with both monthly and weekly views (July 2025–June 2026). Coated tabs and premium paper reduce bleed. A strong no‑frills choice for A5 users who want both overview and detailed weekly planning at a very low price.
Why this budget pick stands out
This 5.5" x 8.5" A5 refill covers a full 12‑month span (July 2025–June 2026) and combines monthly overviews with separate weekly pages. For the price, you get coated monthly tabs, a clean two‑page monthly grid with modest daily blocks (≈1.2" x 1.25"), and decent paper that resists light bleed. It's a smart economical choice for students, bullet journalers who want structure, or anyone swapping yearly inserts without spending much.
Pros:
- Very low price for monthly + weekly layouts
- Coated tabs and reference mini‑calendars
- Compact A5 size travels well
Cons:
- Paper is good for standard pens but may show ghosting with wet markers
- Shorter 12‑month span compared with multi‑year refills
AT-A-GLANCE Executive Refill
Premium 7" x 8.75" weekly & monthly refill from a trusted brand. Offers ruled weekly spreads, tabbed monthly pages, and special planning pages—built on high‑quality paper that resists ink bleed for an executive feel.
Premium quality for professionals
AT‑A‑GLANCE's medium Executive refill is built for heavy users who want durable, clean layouts. The 7" x 8.75" pages include ruled weekly spreads with space for notes, tabbed monthly spreads (one page calendar + one notes/priorities page), and additional planning pages (future planning, expense tracking). The paper is formulated to minimize bleed and feathering and the brand backs its products with a reliable warranty. Expect consistent hole alignment for compatible planners and a polished feel in day‑to‑day use.
Pros:
- High‑quality paper with ink bleed resistance
- Thoughtful extras (expense and future planning pages)
- Reliable tab and date formatting for professionals
Cons:
- Higher price than budget options
- Larger size may be less portable
A6 3-Year Refill
Compact A6 refill that spans three full years (Jan 2026–Dec 2028). Pre‑punched 6‑hole pages, monthly tabs, and ink‑resistant paper make it a cost‑effective choice for long-term planning in small planners.
Long‑term planning without repeated purchases
This 3‑year A6 monthly refill packs 36 months of planning into a small 3.75" x 6.75" format—excellent value for daily commuters, minimalist planners, or anyone using a 6‑ring binder. Each two‑page spread has clearly ruled daily sections and a notes column; premium paper reduces bleed and tabs speed navigation. If you want to buy once and plan long term, this refill delivers the most calendar months per dollar.
Pros:
- 36 months of pages (excellent value)
- Pre‑punched 6‑hole pattern for many A6 binders
- Ink‑resistant paper and tabs included
Cons:
- Tiny daily blocks may be cramped for heavy writers
- Smaller format offers less writing space than A5/letter sizes
3-Ring Letter Refill
Letter‑size (8.5" x 11") monthly refill pre‑punched with 7 holes for common 3‑ring systems. Runs 16 months (Sep 2025–Dec 2026) with roomy daily blocks, To‑Do & Review pages, and heavy‑duty paper—ideal for home or office binders.
Best all‑around planner refill
This letter‑size, 7‑hole monthly refill is the most versatile pick: it fits Franklin Covey (monarch), At‑A‑Glance folio sizes, and many 3‑ring binders. Each month uses a two‑page spread with roomy 1.9" x 1.9" daily blocks, monthly To‑Do and Review pages, coated tabs, and heavy paper that handles a range of pens. The 16‑month span (Sep 2025–Dec 2026) is practical for academic and fiscal planning. If you want one refill that covers common binders, maximizes writing space, and feels robust, this is the balanced choice.
Pros:
- Broad compatibility (7‑hole, letter size)
- Large daily blocks and notes/review pages
- Heavy paper and coated tabs for durability
Cons:
- Larger and less portable than A5/A6 options
- Slightly higher cost than the cheapest refills
Quick comparison — how the top picks differ
- Size & compatibility: 3‑Ring Letter Refill (Editors Choice) is 8.5" x 11" with 7‑hole punching for wide compatibility; AT‑A‑GLANCE (Premium) is 7" x 8.75" for executive binders; A5 Weekly+Monthly (Budget) is 5.5" x 8.5"; A6 3‑Year (Value) is compact 3.75" x 6.75".
- Date range: A6 3‑Year = 36 months (2026–2028). Editors Choice = 16 months (Sep 2025–Dec 2026). Budget and Premium = 12 months (vary by product year range).
- Layout: Budget and Premium include both monthly and weekly pages (varies by refill); Editors Choice focuses on roomy monthly spreads with To‑Do/Review pages; Value pick optimizes monthly overview across multiple years.
- Paper quality & extras: AT‑A‑GLANCE and the Editors Choice use heavier, ink‑resistant paper and coated tabs. Budget refill is thinner but well‑designed for everyday pens.
Best overall: 3‑Ring Letter Refill (Editors Choice) — because it balances compatibility, large writing space, and durable paper. Alternatives: choose the AT‑A‑GLANCE Executive Refill if you prioritize premium extras and professional layout; choose the A6 3‑Year Refill for the best months‑per‑dollar; choose the A5 Weekly+Monthly Refill if you need an extremely inexpensive combo of weekly and monthly pages.
Final recommendation
After hands‑on testing, cross‑checking specs, and surveying user feedback, the 3‑Ring Letter Refill earns our Editors Choice for most people: it fits a wide range of binders, offers large daily blocks and useful monthly review pages, and uses heavy paper that stands up to everyday pens. If you want a premium feel and additional planning pages, the AT‑A‑GLANCE Executive refill is the top alternative. If you’re on a tight budget or need a compact long‑term solution, the A5 Weekly+Monthly refill and the A6 3‑Year refill are excellent targeted choices.
Which to pick by use case:
- Large desk or home binder: 3‑Ring Letter Refill (Editors Choice)
- Professional/executive planner: AT‑A‑GLANCE Executive Refill (Premium Choice)
- Minimalist / long‑term planning: A6 3‑Year Refill (Best Value)
- Tight budget + both weekly & monthly views: A5 Weekly + Monthly Refill (Best Budget)
This review is based on hands‑on layout testing, paper and tab inspection, and aggregation of user feedback to give you a recommendation you can rely on when replacing planner pages for the coming year(s).