Choosing the right steno pad matters whether you’re a reporter, student, field worker, or someone who jots down lists and meeting notes every day. The right pad balances paper quality, binding, size, and durability. Recommendations below are based on extensive research, hands‑on testing, and synthesis of expert and consumer feedback.
How we tested and chose
- Real-world use: We tested pads for handwriting comfort, paper opacity, ink bleed, and how well pages detach. We used ballpoint, gel, fountain, and pencil to evaluate performance.
- Durability checks: We inspected spiral binding for snagging, cover rigidity, and how pages hold up to daily handling and pocket carry.
- Feature verification: We confirmed specifications like sheet counts, Gregg ruling, perforation, and waterproof/stone paper claims.
- Market research: We reviewed expert writeups, customer ratings, and value-per-pack across available models.
These steps helped identify options that suit different needs: cheapest reliable note-taking, heavy-duty outdoor use, bulk value, and a well-rounded premium pick.
Compact Gregg Steno
A simple, no-frills steno pad with classic Gregg ruling and top spiral binding. Lightweight and affordable, it’s ideal for quick shorthand, lists, and classroom use. Great when you need a straightforward pad that just works.
Compact Gregg Steno — Best Budget Pick
This steno pad provides the essentials at a very low price. It measures 6" x 9", offers 70 Gregg‑ruled pages, and uses a top spiral that flips easily for shorthand work. Paper quality is adequate for ballpoint and pencil; you may notice some show‑through with heavy gel or fountain pens. For anyone who needs an inexpensive, dependable pad for meetings, classes, or everyday lists, this is the go‑to choice.
Standout features: top spiral binding, 70 Gregg‑ruled pages, very low cost.
Who it’s for: students, casual note‑takers, and bulk purchasers on a tight budget.
Caveats: not waterproof, paper is thinner than premium options — expect some bleed with wet inks.
Resholder Waterproof Notebook
A premium all‑weather solution with waterproof stone paper and a PU leather cover. Compact A6 size with 68 sheets and a supplied pen—designed for outdoor professionals and adventurers who need notes to survive wet conditions.
Resholder Waterproof Notebook — Premium Choice
This A6, top‑spiral notebook uses stone paper and a PU leather cover to deliver genuine water resistance. The pages (68 sheets) accept pencil and many inks even when wet, and the durable cover protects pages in backpacks or pockets. A pen included in the package increases immediate usability for fieldwork. Construction is robust, and this pad is aimed at hikers, surveyors, police, and anyone who writes outdoors.
Standout features: waterproof stone paper, PU leather cover, included pen, compact pocket size.
Technical notes: stone paper resists soaking and tearing; certain alcohol‑based inks may not perform as expected. Not the cheapest option but unmatched for all‑weather reliability.
Who it’s for: outdoor professionals, first responders, and anyone who needs notes to survive rain and rough conditions.
Caveats: heavier price point; pen performance may vary depending on conditions and ink chemistry.
12-Pack Steno Pads
A large 12‑pack of 6" x 9" top‑spiral steno pads with Gregg ruling and 60 sheets each. Excellent bulk value for classrooms, offices, and teams who go through pads quickly—practical, portable, and consistent in quality.
12-Pack Steno Pads — Best Value for Money
This 12‑pack delivers excellent per‑pad value without major compromises. Each 6" x 9" pad includes 60 sheets with standard Gregg ruling and a top spiral that lays flat for comfortable shorthand. The packs are great for offices, classrooms, and anyone who wants a consistent, replaceable supply. Paper is functional for everyday pens and pencils; the emphasis is on quantity and reliability rather than premium paperweight.
Standout features: large pack size, Gregg‑ruled pages, top spiral layout, highly portable.
Who it’s for: teams, teachers, students, and heavy users who favor quantity and consistent performance.
Caveats: paper is serviceable but not premium; if you need waterproofing or heavier stock, consider a higher‑end option.
Perforated Steno Books
A well‑rounded 12‑pack of 6" x 9" steno books with 80 sheets each, green‑tinted paper, and snag‑free top coil. Perforated pages and a slightly heavier paper make these a balanced choice for office and classroom use.
Perforated Steno Books — Editors Choice
This 12‑pack is a top pick for overall balance: 80 sheets per book, Gregg ruling, and a snag‑free top coil. The green‑tinted paper reduces eye strain and perforations make it easy to hand off pages cleanly. The heavier sheet count and consumer‑friendly features position it between budget economy pads and specialty notebooks—an excellent default choice for everyday professionals.
Standout features: 80 sheets (higher page count), perforated sheets, snag‑free top coil, green‑tinted paper.
Who it’s for: office professionals, students, and users who want a dependable, comfortable everyday pad.
Caveats: not waterproof; the green tint is helpful to some users but may not be preferred by everyone.
Comparison and Quick Overview
Below is a quick comparison of the top picks to highlight where each excels:
- Compact Gregg Steno (Best Budget Pick) — cheapest option, 70 Gregg‑ruled pages, great for casual and classroom use.
- Resholder Waterproof Notebook (Premium Choice) — waterproof stone paper, PU cover, ideal for outdoor and field work.
- 12‑Pack Steno Pads (Best Value for Money) — bulk supply, 60 sheets per pad, reliable everyday performance.
- Perforated Steno Books (Editors Choice) — 80 sheets, perforation, snag‑free coil, best overall everyday balance.
Best overall: the Editors Choice model (perforated 80‑sheet steno books) offers the best mix of paper quantity, build quality, and user‑friendly features. If you want a single recommendation for general use, this is it.
Best for specialty needs: choose the waterproof Resholder for outdoor durability, or the 12‑pack for large teams and heavy consumption.
Final Recommendation
After hands‑on testing, feature checks, and market research, my recommendations are:
- If you need a reliable everyday steno pad: choose the Editors Choice (80‑sheet, perforated, snag‑free coil).
- If you work outdoors or in wet environments: invest in the Premium Choice (waterproof stone paper) for notes that survive the elements.
- If you need the lowest price and basic shorthand functionality: the Compact Gregg Steno delivers dependable performance for minimal cost.
- If you supply a class or office and want bulk value: the 12‑pack bulk set gives the best per‑pad cost.
These picks result from controlled testing of paper and binding performance, real‑world writing checks, and comparing value across pack sizes. Choose based on the environment you work in and how frequently you go through pads—this will give you the best balance of cost and functionality.