10 Best Art Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

The PRINA 120 Colors Colored Pencils set is a solid choice for both beginners and hobbyist artists who want a large variety of vibrant colors. Its oil-based cores are soft, which makes blending and layering colors easier and smoother, enhancing shading and mixing options. The set comes with a handy sketchbook and tutorial, which is great if you're just starting out or want some guidance. The pencils have a medium hardness (HB), striking a good balance between being soft enough to blend well but firm enough to hold a point for detailed work.

The bright pigments deliver rich, vivid colors that stand out nicely on paper. Although the pencils are oil-based and non-toxic, lightfastness is not specified, so colors might fade faster if exposed to strong sunlight for long periods. The durable, pre-sharpened wooden pencils and included zipper case keep everything organized and ready for travel or storage.

This set is especially good if you want a wide color range to explore without spending a lot on multiple smaller sets, making it a versatile and fun option for adult and kid artists alike. Professionals who need archival-quality pigments with guaranteed lightfastness might want to look elsewhere, but for most casual and developing artists, this set offers excellent value and performance.

The ARTEZA Watercolor Pencils set includes 120 vibrant colors, giving artists a wide range to choose from, which is great for anyone wanting creative freedom. The pencils have soft, break-resistant cores that make blending and layering easy, especially since they are water-soluble, allowing you to create watercolor effects by adding a wet brush. The pigments are highly pigmented and designed to be lightfast, meaning the colors should not fade quickly over time, which is important for preserving your artwork. The core hardness is marked as F (firm), balancing between softness for smooth application and enough firmness for detailed work.

These pencils come in a sturdy tin case, which helps keep them organized and protected, making them convenient for travel or storage. While the cores are soft, making them good for blending, very soft cores can sometimes wear down faster with heavy use, so some care is needed when sharpening. This set suits adult artists and hobbyists who want a versatile and colorful set that can be used dry or wet, combining drawing and painting techniques. Beginners and more experienced users alike will find this set useful.

The Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils Set is a solid choice for adult artists, professionals, and hobbyists alike. One of its standout features is the soft core, which allows for a smooth and creamy application, making blending and layering of colors easy. The intense pigmentation ensures that colors are vibrant and rich, which can enhance any art project. The pencils are well organized in a stylish presentation tin, featuring color-coded arrangements that make selecting the right pencil effortless.

In terms of durability, these pencils have a design that minimizes crumbling, providing a reliable experience during use. The unique fold-out tutorial is a thoughtful addition, as it helps users build their skills through practice, making this set not just for experienced artists but also perfect for those looking to improve.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the soft core provides great color application, some users may find the pencils need sharpening more frequently, which could be a nuisance during longer projects. Although the color range is extensive, some artists might desire even more unique shades for specific effects. Additionally, the presentation tin, while visually appealing, adds some weight, which might not be ideal for artists who frequently travel with their supplies.

For those looking for a comprehensive and quality set of colored pencils, the Castle Art Supplies set is a great investment, particularly for those who enjoy vibrant colors and smooth blendability. However, if you're seeking ultra-hard pencils for more precise detailing, you might want to explore other options.