The Avery Heavy Duty View Binder is the one to get.

The Avery Heavy Duty View Binder in one-inch is the best school binder you can buy for the money.

It’s the standard for a reason: the rings are low-profile so papers don’t catch when you flip pages, and the clear view covers are on the front, back, and spine so you can slide in a labeled cover page and still read it when it’s stuffed in a backpack. The vinyl is thick enough that corners don’t peel by Thanksgiving.

Samsill makes a cheaper one that’s fine if you’re on a budget, but the rings are noticeably flimsier. Five Star has reinforced edges, but their clear view is more of an afterthought and the prices keep creeping up. If you want heavy-duty without gambling, Avery is the