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10 Best Colored Pencils 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 36 Count - Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 36 Count, are designed primarily for adults who enjoy coloring and shading. One of the standout features is the soft, thick cores which make these pencils ideal for creating smooth, even color layers, and achieving rich shading and shadows.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,358
Color Range
Core Hardness
Price
Most important from
49593 reviews
#2
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils are an impressive option for anyone interested in art, whether you're an adult, kid, or a beginner. One of the standout features of this set is its vibrant color range; with 72 different hues, you're likely to find the perfect shade for any drawing or coloring project. The pencils are made with a soft core, allowing for smooth application and easy blending, which is excellent for creating depth in your artwork. Their break-resistant design adds to their durability, making them suitable for regular use.
Rating
9.7
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Core Hardness
Most important from
10150 reviews
#3
Derwent Coloured Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (2301843)
The Derwent Coloured Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils offer a vibrant and versatile option for artists and hobbyists alike. With a range of 72 colors, these pencils feature a soft 4mm lead core that allows for bold and expressive artwork. Their high pigment concentration ensures your drawings will stand out with rich colors. One of the standout features is their water-soluble capability, which opens up creative avenues; you can use them dry for traditional drawing or add water for an ink-like effect. This dual functionality makes them ideal for various projects, from paper to fabrics like silk and cotton.
Rating
8.8
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Lightfastness
Most important from
9047 reviews
Top 10 Best Colored Pencils 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 36 Count - Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 36 Count - Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 36 shades
Lightfastness: Resistant to fading
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: Prismacolor
Chosen by 1358 this week
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 72 hues
Lightfastness: not as lightfast as pro pencils
Core Hardness: soft core
Derwent Coloured Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (2301843)
Derwent Coloured Pencils, Inktense Ink Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (2301843)
Type of Colored Pencils: Inktense Ink Pencils
Color Range: 72 colors
Core Hardness: soft 4mm lead
Brand Reputation: Derwent
Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core Color Pencil Set for Artist Drawing Sketching Crafting
Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core Color Pencil Set for Artist Drawing Sketching Crafting
Type of Colored Pencils: Soft cores
Color Range: 172 Colors
Lightfastness: Not ideal for very high lightfastness
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: 4.7/5 stars from 25,402 reviews
Shuttle Art 138 Colored Pencils for Adults, Soft Core Coloring Pencils Set with 1 Coloring Book,1 Sketch Pad, 4 Sharpener, 2 Pencil Extender, Perfect for Artists Kids Adults, Drawing
Shuttle Art 138 Colored Pencils for Adults, Soft Core Coloring Pencils Set with 1 Coloring Book,1 Sketch Pad, 4 Sharpener, 2 Pencil Extender, Perfect for Artists Kids Adults, Drawing
Type of Colored Pencils: Soft cores
Color Range: 138 Colors
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: Trusted brand, many positive reviews
Price: Reasonable
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Up to 18% off
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 72
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: Soucolor
Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Ages 3+
Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Ages 3+
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 36 colors
Core Hardness: Soft cores
Brand Reputation: Crayola
Price: reasonable
Derwent Colored Pencils, WaterColour, Water Color Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (32889)
Derwent Colored Pencils, WaterColour, Water Color Pencils, Drawing, Art, Metal Tin, 72 Count (32889)
Type of Colored Pencils: Watercolour Colored Pencils
Color Range: 72 colors
Core Hardness: 3.4mm core, soft lead
Brand Reputation: Derwent
Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils 100 Tin, Set of 100, 4mm Wide Core, 100% Lightfast, No Fade for 100 Yrs, Oil-based, Premium Core, Creamy, Ideal for Drawing, Coloring, Professional Quality (2306017)
Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils 100 Tin, Set of 100, 4mm Wide Core, 100% Lightfast, No Fade for 100 Yrs, Oil-based, Premium Core, Creamy, Ideal for Drawing, Coloring, Professional Quality (2306017)
Type of Colored Pencils: Lightfast Colored Pencils
Color Range: 100
Lightfastness: 100% lightfast
Core Hardness: Oil-based formula
Brand Reputation: Well-regarded in art community
Price: Higher side
#10
Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils Set | 72 Premium Soft Core Colored Leads for Adult Artists | Organized in Presentation Tin Case
Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils Set | 72 Premium Soft Core Colored Leads for Adult Artists | Organized in Presentation Tin Case
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 72
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: Castle Art Supplies
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Buying Guide for the Best Colored Pencils
Choosing the right colored pencils can greatly enhance your drawing and coloring experience. Whether you are a beginner, a hobbyist, or a professional artist, understanding the key specifications of colored pencils will help you make an informed decision. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting colored pencils:Type of Colored PencilsColored pencils come in different types, primarily wax-based, oil-based, and watercolor pencils. Wax-based pencils are the most common and are known for their smooth application and vibrant colors. Oil-based pencils are harder and less prone to breakage, offering more precision and durability. Watercolor pencils can be used dry or with water to create a watercolor effect. Choose wax-based pencils for general use and vibrant colors, oil-based for detailed work and durability, and watercolor pencils if you enjoy blending with water.
Color RangeThe color range refers to the number of different colors available in a set. Smaller sets may have 12 to 24 colors, which are suitable for beginners or casual use. Larger sets can have 48, 72, or even more colors, providing a wider variety of shades and tones for more detailed and professional work. If you are just starting, a smaller set may be sufficient. For more advanced or professional work, a larger set with a broader color range will offer more versatility.
LightfastnessLightfastness is the resistance of the pencil's color to fading when exposed to light over time. This is particularly important for artists who want their work to last. Lightfastness is usually rated on a scale, with higher ratings indicating better resistance to fading. If you are creating artwork that you want to preserve for a long time, look for pencils with high lightfastness ratings. For casual or temporary projects, lightfastness may be less critical.
Core HardnessThe hardness of the pencil core affects how the pencil feels and performs. Softer cores provide richer, more vibrant colors and are easier to blend, but they wear down faster and may break more easily. Harder cores are more durable and better for fine details and sharp lines but may not be as vibrant. Choose softer cores for blending and vibrant colors, and harder cores for detailed work and durability.
Brand ReputationThe reputation of the brand can be an indicator of the quality of the colored pencils. Established brands often have a history of producing high-quality products and may offer better consistency and reliability. Researching reviews and recommendations from other artists can help you identify reputable brands. If quality and consistency are important to you, consider choosing pencils from well-known and trusted brands.
PriceWhile budget is not the focus here, it's important to note that the price of colored pencils can vary widely based on the type, color range, and brand. Higher-priced pencils often offer better quality, durability, and performance. Consider what features are most important to you and how often you will use the pencils to determine the best value for your needs.