The best colored pencils in 2021 for all budgets
The best colored pencils are not the hardest thing to buy, but you have to be sure that you are getting good quality when you hand over your cash. That’s where we come in with our guide to the best colored pencils for artists.
You may be in the market for colored pencils because you like adult coloring and naturally any of these can get the job done too, whether you are looking for something to color using scratching or cross-hatching, scraping or polishing your paper. or create rubbings from coins or fossils if that is what interests you. You may also be layering or mixing colors, and these outfits are great for that.
We are looking here for the best colored pencil sets labeled as artist quality. You can also look for similar language that indicates that a set of colored pencils is intended for “serious” use, such as professional, professional, or expert. These colored pencil sets will also come in handy for school work if you are looking for that purpose, but these are not sets for basic preschool or primary use.
There are a wide variety of pencils and you can get a large quantity in one pack – you’ll see packs of 48, 72, 120, 160, and even more. How much you want to get is up to you, but we’re mostly concentrating on the best-value packages here, usually with 72 pencils included.
The best colored pencils for artists brands and prices
01. Castle Arts colored pencils (recommended)
A soft-touch finish and clear labels make for a very attractive package.
Point type: Medium | Boxed number: 72 | Other: soft touch finish
- Easy sharpening
- Soft touch finish
- Also in a larger set of 120 pieces
Castle Arts 72 colored pencils They are a fantastic game that offers the best of all worlds: they are well priced, there are many options, and they allow you to easily layer colors. Yes, they also have blending and layering qualities as well as a soft-touch finish so they won’t be harsh on your fingers during extended wear.
There is even a tutorial included to teach you how to draw the unicorn on the front of the box. Castle Arts colored pencils are also available in a larger pencil size of 120, while you can easily check the colors used thanks to the light color labeling.
02. Arteza colored pencils (Recommended)
Ergonomic design and break resistant tips.
Point type: broad | Boxed number: 72 | Other: break resistant tips
- Break resistant tips
- Also in 48, 120 games
This game of 72 Arteza colored pencils It is well thought out with break resistant tips that should last well (4mm leads won’t break if dropped, for example) and an ergonomic design. Each pencil is also labeled with its color name, color number for easy reference, and lightfastness.
They are ideal for all uses, whether you want to draw or create gradients, detailed line drawings, or hatch / cross hatch. They are also completely mixable.
A welcome color chart is included inside the durable double-hinged tin, perfect to carry if you create frequently on the go.
03. Prismacolor Premier colored pencils
There are many high quality pigments found here.
Point type: broad | Boxed number: 72 | Other: break resistant tips
- Tear resistant
- Also in sets of 24, 36, 48 None
These artist-quality pencils are considered good for “all experience levels” with high-quality pigments and a “smooth color arrangement for excellent blending and shading,” making them a solid entry for our best-of-breed list. colored pencils.
The Sanford Prismacolor Premier colored pencils They are ‘soft core’ so they may not be for everyone, but user reviews suggest that they are really great for mixing, with great quality results. The tips are not right, so you may want to look elsewhere for fine details.
Each color is named and numbered on the pencil itself and the leads are resistant to breakage. All pencils come in a high quality pencil case measuring around 8.5 “x 8.5” that does not open when in a bag. Sanford Prismacolor pencils are made in the USA.
04. Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils
These traditional pencils are water and smudge resistant.
Tip type: fine | Boxed number: 60 | Other: tear-resistant, waterproof
- Waterproof
- Also in sets of 12, 24, 36, 120
Founded in 1761, the German company Faber-Castell produces some of the best equipment for artists, so it’s no wonder they make some of the best colored pencils.
Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils They have a 3.8m thick oil-based lead bonded to prevent breakage, giving a water- and stain-resistant finish. The pencils also use an eco-friendly water-based varnish and have a smooth, yet vibrant, uniform color arrangement.
These pencils are also available in a wide variety of pack sizes, from a compact set of 12 pencils to a huge professional-oriented 120-piece case, but here we are looking at all 60 packs. They are also specific pencil sets for watercolors.
05. Derwent Coloursoft colored pencils
These pencils are resistant to breakage.
Point type: broad | Boxed number: 72 | Other: 88 percent lightfast
$ 55.32See on AmazonSee all prices (4 found)
- Light resistant
- Also in 6, 12, 24, 36 sets
Another option on our list of the best colored pencils, these are available in a wide variety of sizes ranging from a can of just 6 to this one with 72. There is also a choice of 24 and 48 pencils in a wooden presentation box. , which is a great idea if you are looking for a gift.
Suitable for a wide range of drawing styles, pencils colors Derwent Coloursoft will provide a fast, dense application of vivid, vibrant colors. Since they are also smooth, they can be easily combined for all applications, from landscapes to detailed illustrations. These can also be sharpened to a fine point.
06. Monarch Premium Grade Black Widow Colored Pencils
With a point designed to stay sharp
Tip type: fine | Boxed number: 48 | Other: rich pigment that builds up like velvet
- Comfortable to hold
- Nice black paint finish
- Named colors
These Monarch Premium Grade Black Widow colored pencils They are a premium set with fine tips that won’t break when sharpened (leads are 3.3mm thick). Like many of the others here, these pencils are water soluble, so they are not designed to be used with watercolor. The hexagonal design is designed to provide maximum comfort in your hand, while they also won’t slip when you place them on the table.
The rich pigment results in a waxy finish with deep color. They are easy to mix and comfortable to hold with a ‘spider black’ finish for a premium look. Each color name is engraved on the pencil along with a catalog number.
07. Magicfly colored pencils
Wax-based pencils at a good price
Point type: Medium | Boxed number: 72 | Other: durable core, protective sleeve
- 3mm core
- Protective case
With a 3mm core, these colored pencils are designed for durability and ease of sharpening, although Magicfly recommends manual sharpeners rather than an electric sharpener. The tin box is designed to be sturdy and protect pencils while allowing you to easily select the correct color.
Like many of the best colored pencils, colored pencils Magicfly They have the name and number of the color stamped on the outer surface of the pencil so you always know what you used before when you go back to the same shade. Coating and mixing is easy, with rich, vibrant pigments.
You can also get a set of Magicfly watercolor pencils.
08. Shuttle Art Soft Core Colored Pencil Set
Excellent off-road pencils that are suitable for everyone.
Point type: Bold | Boxed number: 172 | Other: durable 3mm core
- Durable core
- Bumper package
- Cardboard case, so not for travel.
What a bumper pack: 172 pencils. The Shuttle Art Soft Core colored pencil set It is one of the best off-road vehicles. The pencils have a bold but smooth lead with premium wood for easy sharpening. They are round, which may not be for everyone, but although they are inexpensive, they feature color names and numbers on the side.
However, they come packaged in cardboard, so they are probably not what you are looking for if you are going to take them out often. However, they still come arranged in trays for easy color selection.
A thick 3mm tear resistant core means you won’t run into broken pencils so easily and they will last longer.