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10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 150 Count - Ultra-Smooth, Durable, Vibrant Colors

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils offer a large and vibrant collection of 150 colors, making them well-suited for adults who enjoy detailed coloring, sketching, or art projects. Their soft, thick cores are ideal for smooth shading and blending, which artists often appreciate for creating rich, even layers of color. The pigments are lightfast, meaning your artwork will resist fading over time, which is a big plus if you want your pieces to last.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,334
Color Range
Lightfastness
Core Hardness

Most important from
60219 reviews

Color Range
The colors are richly saturated and glide on smoothly, making blending and layering effortless for detailed artwork.
Lightfastness
The pigment's lightfast quality ensures artwork remains vibrant and resistant to fading over time.
Core Hardness
Soft, buttery cores allow for smooth shading and vibrant color application, ideal for serious hobbyists and artists.
Price
Despite the higher price, the extensive 150-color set offers excellent value, especially for those who want a wide variety of shades without buying individually.
#2
9.4 score

ARTEZA Watercolor Pencils Set of 120 Water-Soluble Colored Pencils for Blending, Layering, Painting, Lightfast Pigments with Soft Cores in Tin Case, Art Supplies for Adults, Artists, Holiday Gift Set

The ARTEZA Watercolor Pencils Set offers 120 vibrant, water-soluble colored pencils, making it a great choice for artists who enjoy blending and layering with water effects. The pencils have soft, break-resistant cores with lightfast pigments, meaning your artwork should retain its color well over time without fading. With such a large color range, you get plenty of options to express creativity and add depth to your pieces. The pencils come neatly organized in a sturdy tin case, which is handy for storage and travel. The core hardness is labeled as F (firm), which provides a good balance between softness for smooth shading and enough firmness to keep points sharp.

Rating
9.4
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Core Hardness

Most important from
2260 reviews

Type of Colored Pencils
The pencils deliver super saturated colors that blend beautifully when used with water, allowing for vibrant and pastel effects alike.
Color Range
The large color range offers excellent versatility, though organizing the pencils to match the included color chart improves usability.
Core Hardness
Soft cores remain intact even after multiple sharpenings, providing reliable durability without frequent breakage.
#3
9.1 score

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
9.1
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Core Hardness

Most important from
8901 reviews

Type of Colored Pencils
Definitely a good set for beginning artists or anyone coloring for fun but wanting a decent pencil.
Color Range
The 72 vibrant shades provide an incredible range for blending, shading, and detailed work.
Core Hardness
The soft cores make coloring smooth and effortless while allowing for great layering and gradients.
Price
The set offers great value for the quality and variety it provides.

Top 10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 150 Count - Ultra-Smooth, Durable, Vibrant Colors

Type of Colored Pencils: Soft
Color Range: 150 colors
Lightfastness: Pigments are lightfast
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Chosen by 1334 this week

Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils - Tin of 120 Colors - Premium Quality Artist Pencils

Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 120
Lightfastness: unsurpassed
Core Hardness: H
Brand Reputation: Faber-Castell, high-quality since 1761
Price: higher side

Caran d'Ache Pablo Colored Pencil Set Of 120

Type of Colored Pencils: Pablo Colored Pencil Set
Color Range: 120 colors
Lightfastness: exceptional
Core Hardness: 3.7mm leads, balanced hardness
Brand Reputation: well-respected
Price: expensive

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Soft Core 36 Count

Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 36 shades
Lightfastness: Resistant to fading
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: Prismacolor
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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.

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