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10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
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 by1,337
Color Range
Lightfastness
Core Hardness
Most important from
60191 reviews
#2
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Soft Core 36 Count
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
8.8
Color Range
Core Hardness
Price
Most important from
48980 reviews
#3
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
8.8
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Core Hardness
Most important from
8798 reviews
Top 10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 150 Count - Ultra-Smooth, Durable, Vibrant Colors
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 1337 this week
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Soft Core 36 Count
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
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
Prismacolor Colored Pencils, Premier Soft Core Pencils, Assorted, 72 Count - Ultra-Smooth, Durable, Vibrant Colors
Prismacolor Colored Pencils, Premier Soft Core Pencils, Assorted, 72 Count - Ultra-Smooth, Durable, Vibrant Colors
Type of Colored Pencils: Soft Core
Color Range: 72 colors
Lightfastness: lightfast
Core Hardness: Soft, thick cores
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
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Up to 36% off
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
Caran d'Ache Pablo Colored Pencil Set Of 120
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
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Teen Girl Boys Gifts, Soft Core Color Pencil Set for Kids Art Supplies, Coloring Drawing Sketching Pencils
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Teen Girl Boys Gifts, Soft Core Color Pencil Set for Kids Art Supplies, Coloring Drawing Sketching Pencils
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 72
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: Soucolor
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
#10
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
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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.