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10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
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
10.0
Chosen by1,106
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Core Hardness
Most important from
9418 reviews
#2
Castle Art Supplies - Set of 72 colored pencils with soft core for artists, professionals and adult colorists, sturdy zipper case for easy carrying
Castle Art Supplies’ 72-piece colored pencil set is designed primarily for adult artists, professionals, and serious color enthusiasts. It offers a wide color range neatly organized by color families, making it easy to find and select the right shade quickly. The pencils have soft cores that are creamy and richly pigmented, which means they lay down color smoothly and blend well—perfect if you like layering or burnishing for texture. Despite being soft, the cores are surprisingly durable, resisting breakage and holding a fine point for detailed work.
Rating
9.4
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Price
Most important from
11196 reviews
#3
Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils - Tin of 120 Colors - Premium Quality Artist Pencils
The Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils are highly regarded in the world of art supplies, particularly for those who take their coloring seriously. With a range of 120 vibrant colors, these pencils offer an impressive palette that can cater to various artistic needs, making them suitable for both professionals and art enthusiasts. One of their standout features is unsurpassed lightfastness, which ensures that the colors remain vibrant and do not fade over time, ideal for works meant for display or long-term preservation.
Rating
8.8
Color Range
Core Hardness
Brand Reputation
Most important from
9537 reviews
Top 10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
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
Chosen by 1106 this week
Castle Art Supplies - Set of 72 colored pencils with soft core for artists, professionals and adult colorists, sturdy zipper case for easy carrying
Castle Art Supplies - Set of 72 colored pencils with soft core for artists, professionals and adult colorists, sturdy zipper case for easy carrying
Type of Colored Pencils: 72-piece colored pencil set
Color Range: Wide color range
Core Hardness: 5.0
Brand Reputation: Strong reputation with positive reviews
Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils - Tin of 120 Colors - Premium Quality Artist Pencils
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
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
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
Related Products
Up to 30% off
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
Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils Set | 120 Premium Soft Core Coloring Pencils for Adults | Organized in Presentation Tin Case
Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils Set | 120 Premium Soft Core Coloring Pencils for Adults | Organized in Presentation Tin Case
Type of Colored Pencils: soft core
Color Range: 120 colors
Core Hardness: soft and durable
Brand Reputation: trusted, 2.5M users, 4.8 rating
Crayola Colored Pencils Set (120ct), Coloring Book Pencils, Kids Classroom Art Supplies, Bulk Colored Pencils, Presharpened, Gifts for Kids, Ages 3, 4, 5
Crayola Colored Pencils Set (120ct), Coloring Book Pencils, Kids Classroom Art Supplies, Bulk Colored Pencils, Presharpened, Gifts for Kids, Ages 3, 4, 5
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 120 colors
Brand Reputation: trusted brand
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct), Stocking Stuffer for Kids & Teens, No Sharpen Colored Pencils For Kids Coloring Books, Drawing & Sketching, 4+
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct), Stocking Stuffer for Kids & Teens, No Sharpen Colored Pencils For Kids Coloring Books, Drawing & Sketching, 4+
Type of Colored Pencils: Twistables Colored Pencil
Color Range: 50 colors
Lightfastness: not as vibrant or long-lasting
Core Hardness: consistent core, less likely to break
Brand Reputation: well-reputed for quality and safety
Price: competitively priced
#10
Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils with Zipper | Quality Soft Coloured Leads for Adult Artists, Professionals and Colorists | In Zipper Pouch
Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils with Zipper | Quality Soft Coloured Leads for Adult Artists, Professionals and Colorists | In Zipper Pouch
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 120
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.