The three-ring binder, with its satisfying clickity-clack, is where students can keep their paperwork organized. Despite the widespread usage of digital learning tools like computers and tablets, paper remains an essential medium for schoolwork. Students of different ages have varying needs, and our list of the top five best student binders could help our readers find the right organizer to suit their needs.
A survey of 2,000 American parents of school-aged kids finds three out of four (76%) were originally excited about learning from home during March of 2020, but then became tired of it six weeks into virtual learning. In fact, during the pandemic, most kids (72%) treated at-home schooling like a summer vacation. Fifty-nine percent of parents struggled to wake their kids up for school in the morning.
“We know that everyone’s morning routine looks a little different, whether starting the school day in the classroom or at home. Families can create a routine that saves them time and helps them more seamlessly conquer their morning to-do list before a hectic school day or their evening activities after a long day of learning,” says Kunal Patel, Head of Product, Alexa Proactive & Routines, in a statement.
A different study group of parents were posed with the question, “What’s the first thing you think about when waking up in the morning?” A third of them answered: “I have so much to do today.” That’s according to a recent survey of 1,500 parents of school-aged kids and 500 teachers – 97 percent of whom are parents of school-aged children themselves, and more than one-third (35%) of whom have the same first thought when they wake up. During the back-to-school season, both parents and teachers most commonly feel overwhelmed (26% and 25%) more than any other emotion.
It all starts with the morning routine, with the average parent waking at 6:10 a.m. and spending about 64 minutes on tasks such as making breakfast (49%), taking a shower (42%), giving their kids a bath (39%), eating breakfast (30%), and packing school lunches (25%). In fact, parents are so overwhelmed that many admit to making a few morning routine mistakes. Those include forgetting to pack lunch (50%), oversleeping (50%), and forgetting to eat breakfast (49%).
With so much happening during the morning bustle of a busy household, the last thing anyone wants to do is struggle to gather up loose sheets of paper and vital bits of homework. Our sources were there for us to aid in ranking the best binders for students of all ages. Did we miss your favorite organizer? Let us know in the comments!
The List: Best Student Binders, According to Experts
1. Case-It Mighty Zip Tab Zipper Binder
With a catchy mouthful for a name, the Case-It Mighty Zip Tab Zipper Binder has everything a student needs to stay organized including a shoulder strap. The Mighty Zip Tab Zipper Binder is briefcase-adjacent regarding the number of documents and essentials it can store. Life Goal Hero offers up a rave review, “This selection is from one of those binder brands that has a really good reputation. In fact, this binder just looks durable, as if it could stand up to even the most demanding class schedule… A carrying handle and a shoulder strap are included for ease of transport from class to class.”
Life Savvy praises this model. Why? “An organizer and tote for students, the Case-it binder works like a charm with its many features and fun colors. Open the binder with the gusseted zipper and it can lay flat on a table, [it] features three-inch O-rings, which hold up to 600 sheets of paper. Plus, five-color tab separators help organize class papers like hand-outs, rubrics, and assignments.”
“Take your classroom with you anywhere! This large-capacity binder features… no shortage of interior and exterior zippered pockets; you can keep more items contained in one place. the exterior zipper pocket is great for storing a couple of pencils or pens for quick access,” exclaims BestReviews.Guide.
2. Forevermore Portfolios Padfolio Binders
This sharp looking folder is lauded by our sources as a great choice for college students. The soft suede look evokes a scholarly feel. Insider recommends this item: “Students can use this faux leather binder to keep their papers organized for class and also have a professional binder ready to go for even the most last-minute interview. Plus, with this binder, it’s easy to remove the three-ring binder portion to create more of a portfolio. When used for class, it has everything students need.”
A Business Insider reviewer adds, “By the time you get to college, you might feel that you don’t need a binder anymore… In my experience, it’s still a really good idea to have at least one binder. Even though my professors posted their PowerPoints presentations online, I liked to print them out so I could write extra notes right on the slide; a binder is a great way to organize these printouts.”
Home EDU adds that, “This binder for college from Forever Portfolios brings so much durability to anyone who uses it. Aside from securing documents, this binder can accommodate and secure phones, tablets, and even small laptops. My first impression when checking this product is that [the box] it comes in excellent quality… the packaging and the embossed logo on the outer box [provides] excellent presentation.”
3. Mead Zipper Binder with Expanding File, 3 Ring Binder
Mead is a trusted name in binders that has a company history dating all the way back to the 1850s. Mead also offered one of the most iconic binders of all time, the Trapper Keeper, which was sold from the 1970s through the 1990s. Beast Office describes the current best of Mead’s binders, saying it “can hold up to 300 sheets. The full zipper closure keeps everything within the binder neat and secure. The tough fabric material has a very long lifespan.”
“The Mead Zipper Binder with Expanding File is the best binder if you want an all-in-one carrying case. The tight interior and exterior pockets offer ample storage for pens, pencils, and calculators. They are versatile as well, meaning they can hold any extra papers that don’t fit in the five-inch three-ring binder,” adds Fractus Learning.
“For organizing assignments, handouts, exam planning and so [much] more, the expanding files are perfect. This binder can be devoted to a [single] class or subject, but you can use it for all of them as well. It’s easy to carry… the tight interior and exterior pockets provide adequate room,” details Help To Study.
4. AVERY Durable View 3 Ring Binder
Avery is a no-frills option that gets the job done. These simple three ring binders are ideal for projects that must be turned in, as well as a binder that stays with you. Kiiky explains, “Avery durable view 3-ring binder with one-inch slant rings remains the top choice for editors and students looking for the best binders for college. Avery binders can hold up to 250 sheets. The one-inch slant rings help to keep your sheets in place.”
“The Avery Durable View Binder, featuring split-resistant edges and a tear-resistant spine, is a heavy-duty binder known for its strength and toughness. When one talks of school binders, it is a top candidate. Its layout makes sure the binder lasts longer and does not break quickly,” adds Help To Study.
Home EDU chimes in with another positive review: “If you have a massive pile of documents, this binder will significantly help the organization. With its more than an inch spine width, this binder can hold a lot of documents. The three rings inside will help in securing and protecting the documents. This product is one of the best quality [binders] I have seen in terms of construction.”
5. Five Star Zipper Binder
Five Star is another great brand that enjoys plenty of name recognition with today’s parents. The current crop of Five Star Zipper Binders is available in several colors and are a nice mid-range option. “With a flexible, expandable file design, the Five Star Multi-Access zipper binder enables easy access to papers from within or outside the binder… There are a total of six roomy compartments that can hold nearly everything,” according to Beast Office.
Insider adds: “Most middle school students still need a lot of help organizing all of their school gear, and a three-ring zipper binder is the perfect school supply to keep them on track. The Five Star Multi-Access Zipper Binder comes in four different colors, and the water-resistant fabric, zipper, and rings are designed to withstand the wear and tear a middle-schooler will place on it during the school year.”
“Another reason to go for this choice is the full zipper closure, which ensures that none of your papers get lost. There’s also a carrying handle to make transport a snap. An inner pocket, which has a zipper closure, is provided for pens, pencils and other accessories. The cover is made of water resistant, durable material, which is why so many people recommend this binder. However, the carrying handle seems less durable, as some critics point out,” critiques Life Goal Hero.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Places to Buy School Supplies
- Best Healthy Lunch Snacks for Kids
- Best Backpacks for Kids
- Best Tablets for Kids
Sources:
- Life Goal Hero
- Life Savvy
- BestReviews.Guide
- Insider
- Business Insider
- Home Edu
- Beast Office
- Fractus Learning
- Help To Study
- Kiiky
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.