Handouts are a teacher’s best friend, but they can be a student’s worst nightmare. It’s difficult to keep track of all the papers that students throughout the school year. Folders hold up for a few weeks, but after a few assignments, they’re almost entirely useless.
Regular binders serve their purpose for longer, but it’s easy to lose track of the important papers once a binder fills up. It’s nearly impossible to keep track of old papers in a regular binder, and having one for each subject can mean a backpack is splitting at the seams.
Finding a quality zipper binder is the best solution to these problems. Zipper binders keep students organized and allow them to keep track of all of their work in one place. There’s no need to carry around copious amounts of folders and binders when a zipper binder can do the trick.
In many cases, a good zipper binder can replace a backpack. A lot of them offer internal pouches to keep classroom necessities like calculators and pencils safe from harm. Here are seven of the best zipper binders you can find!
Top Zipper Binder Options Compared
 | Case-it Mighty Zip Tab 3-Inch Zipper Binder Lowest Price | Check price at |
 | Case-it Universal 2-inch 3-ring Zipper Binder | Check price at |
 | Case-it Sidekick 2-inch O-Ring Zipper Binder with Removable Tab File | Check price at |
 | Five Star 2-inch Zipper Binder and Multi-Access File | Check price at |
 | Mead Zipper Binder with Expanding File | Check price at |
 | Case-it X-Hugger 2-inch Round Ring Zipper Binder with Book Holder on Front | Check price at |
 | Five Star 2-inch Zipper Binder, Removable Pencil Pouch Included | Check price at |
Best Zipper School Binder Reviewed
Case-it Mighty Zip Tab 3-Inch Zipper Binder
The Case-it Mighty 2-inch 3-ring Zipper Binder is one of the finest zip-up binders on the market. It’s durable and water-resistant, meaning you can look forward to keeping this binder for years to come. This Case-it zipper binder is made with a Kraft board, meaning the binder will retain its shape, unlike other binders that bend and warp after only a few uses.
The Mighty Zip Tab binder uses a unique zipper design that allows easy access to the documents inside. Unlike many other binders of this kind, this binder’s zippers won’t stick or break. The built-in straps make for easy portability with no backpack needed. The standard three-inch 3 ring binder holds up to 600 sheets of paper, a mesh pocket inside for pens and small items, and the book holder at the front cover makes it perfect to organize school supplies. The heavy-duty Case-it Mighty Tap binder is perfect for parents who are tired of buying new binders for their kids every year.
Top Binder Features:
- Angled zipper for easy opening and closing
- 5-Color tabbed expanding file
- 3-inch O-rings
- Large capacity
Best for: Projects, note-taking, classroom item storage, organization
Ages: 8+
Case-it Universal 2-inch 3-ring Zipper Binder
The Case-it Universal 2-inch 3-ring Zip Binder provides storage for everything needed in the modern classroom. Schools are requiring some form of laptop or tablet more and more as they become focal points of the learning experience. Carrying these items in a backpack is leaving them open to damage.
The padded laptop pocket comfortably fits any laptop or tablet up to 13 inches. This eliminates the need for an extra carrying case and lowers the risk of potential damage to expensive equipment. The patented zipper design makes sure the inside pockets stay out of your way while the binder is open.
This product is truly universal and allows students to carry all of their classroom essentials in one place; the best binder for students who like to be organized. With a 2-inch metal ring binder, inside pockets, and exterior tech pouch it is one of the best binders to accommodate paper, writing utensils, a laptop, and other school supplies in one zipper binder.
Top Binder Features:
- Exterior laptop pocket (up to 13 inches)
- Two interior pockets
- 2-inch round-rings
- Angled zipper design
- Built-in handle
- Built-in shoulder strap
Best for: all-in-one carrying case, note-taking, laptop/tablet transport
Ages: 12+
Case-it Sidekick 2-inch O-Ring Zipper Binder with Removable Tab File
The Case-it Sidekick 2-inch O-Ring Zipper Binder with Removable Tab File is big enough to fit everything needed for class but small enough that it doesn’t take up too much space. It fits comfortably on the arm and can carry all the handouts and notes a student needs for all of their classes.
Like all Case-it binders, the Sidekick isn’t going to warp and bend throughout its lifecycle, meaning it will likely last for years of schooling. The removable tab file will expand to accommodate paper and allow your student to keep all of their note pads, calculators, and writing utensils in a separate compartment. Don’t worry about them falling out either, as the pouch is fastened with Velcro for additional support.
The removable compartment also includes color-coated tabs that assist in organization. It gives students the ability to keep their classes separate and find necessary papers much easier.
Top Binder Features:
- External zipper pocket
- 2-inch O-metal rings
- 5-color removable expanding file
- Easy opening and closing
Best for: Organization, note-taking, small-item storage, all-in-one binder
Ages: 8 +
Five Star 2-inch Zipper Binder and Multi-Access File
Five Star Binders are some of the best around and this Multi-Access File offers everything you need in a zipper binder without being too cumbersome to carry around. Five Star zipper binders are known for their quality, so there won’t be any need to replace your binder halfway through the school year.
This binder specializes in keeping all of your three-hole punched papers secure while offering ample storage for all other handouts, two interior pockets in different sizes for school supplies. The compact design of the binder will serve note-taking needs but will fit snugly in a medium-sized backpack. If you want to carry it on its own, you’re in luck. The durable handle won’t tear from too much weight, meaning it can be handled on its own and dedicated to one handout-heavy class if needed.
Top Binder Features:
- 2- inch metal rings with 380 sheet capacity
- Six pocket expanding file
- Additional inside pockets
- External handle
Best for: Note-taking, organization, carrying case
Ages: 8+
Mead Zipper Binder with Expanding File
The Mead Zipper Binder with Expanding File may have a simpler design than some of the other binders on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less efficient. The durability of the metal rings makes up for its lack of capacity. The ring binder is easy to open but don’t let that fool you. The rings aren’t going to quit snapping after a few months and leave your papers floating around the binder.
The expanding files are perfect for organizing homework, handouts, test preparation and so much more. You can dedicate this binder to class or subject, but you can also use it for all of them. It’s easy to carry, but it also fits in a backpack, meaning you won’t be forced to carry the binder by itself with the rest of your necessities in a backpack.
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 5-inch 3-ring binder.
Top Binder Features:
- 5-inch round ring (up to 300 sheets)
- Durable fabric material
- Tabbed interior pockets for organization
- Three color options
Best for: Compact use, note taking, organization of loose papers, pen/pencil storage
Ages: 8 +
Case-it X-Hugger 2-inch Round Ring Zipper Binder with Book Holder on Front
The Case-it X-Hugger 2-inch Round Ring Zipper Binder’s unique selling point is its expandable book holder. Other binders require textbooks to be carried separately, while this binder allows a student to carry everything in one place.
Carrying this binder means that there’s no need to stop at a locker in-between classes. In many cases, it can even substitute for a backpack. The durable handle and shoulder strap are enough to comfortably carry the binder on its own.
Top Binder Features:
- X-Hugger – used to store a large text book or multiple smaller books
- 2-inch O-rings
- Internal mesh pockets
- Built-in handle
- Built-in shoulder strap
- Angled zipper design
- Six front cover color options
Best for: Textbook storage, English class/multiple book storage, organization, all-in-one carrying case
Ages: 12+
Five Star 2-inch Zipper Binder, Removable Pencil Pouch Included
The Five Star 2” Zipper Binder is the classic for a reason. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack but large enough to carry everything a student needs for class. Unlike most other binders of its kind, the classic Five Star binder with zipper is flexible, meaning they are less cumbersome and easier to use as a notebook.
The storage of this binder may not seem up to par with the rest, but that’s before you consider the handy external pouch. You can fit a couple of notebooks in this section alone, leaving the inside for handouts and other necessary material. The binder features internal mesh pockets for school supplies and a removable pen holder that helps students stay organized.
The removable pencil pouch is another useful aspect of this product. Just because it’s called a pencil pouch doesn’t mean it only fits pencils. You can fit a protractor, calculator, ruler, or anything else you may need for class in this pouch. It’s especially handy for math class, where these items are the most necessary.
Top Binder Features:
- Up to 380 sheet capacity
- Easy to access external zipper pocket
- Two large internal pockets
- Matching removable pencil pouch
- Durable but flexible
Best for: Note-taking, pen/pencil/ruler storage, notebook storage
Ages: 8+
Have you tried one of these binders for your children or students? let us know your picks in the comments below!
Feature image courtesy of Flickr, clicksense.