10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

The Crayola Colored Pencils Set with 120 colors is a great choice for kids and classrooms thanks to its large color range and trusted brand reputation. These pencils have a smooth, creamy core that makes coloring and blending easy, which is especially helpful for young artists just starting out. The pencils come pre-sharpened, so kids can dive right into their artwork without any hassle.

While Crayola is known for quality and safe materials, these pencils are designed primarily for casual use rather than professional or archival artwork, so they may not offer strong lightfastness (resistance to fading over time) or very hard cores that some artists prefer for fine detail. The set is quite affordable considering the quantity, making it an excellent value for schools, homeschooling, or families with multiple children.

With so many colors, some shades might be quite similar, which could be a bit overwhelming or unnecessary for beginners. If you are looking for a fun, reliable, and budget-friendly pencil set mainly for kids or general coloring activities, this Crayola set delivers well without being overly specialized.

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.

In terms of quality, the pencils are crafted from high-quality basswood, which sharpens easily and produces a nice finish. While the soft core provides smooth application, it may not be ideal for all artists, especially those who prefer harder leads for fine details. Additionally, while the vibrant colors are great for adult coloring books, some users have expressed that the colors might not be as lightfast as professional-grade pencils, meaning they could fade over time under certain conditions.

The KALOUR pencils are also non-toxic and safe for children, making them a suitable gift for young budding artists. However, if you’re a more advanced artist looking for professional-grade materials, you might find these pencils somewhat lacking in comparison to higher-end brands. For the price point, they offer good value, especially as a starter set for those new to coloring and drawing. If you're looking for a reliable and colorful option to express your creativity, KALOUR's 72 Count Colored Pencils could be a delightful addition to your art supplies.

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.

The oil-based formulation of these pencils allows for smooth application and easy blending, enabling artists to create layered effects without much effort. The break-resistant leads add to their durability, making them a reliable choice for extended use, especially in a classroom or studio environment. Plus, Faber-Castell's reputation for high-quality art materials since 1761 reassures buyers about the product’s value.

The price point is on the higher side compared to other colored pencils, which might deter casual users or beginners. While these pencils are designed for artists, those who are just dabbling in coloring might find them more than what they need. Furthermore, the core hardness being rated as 'H' means that they may not be as soft as some artists prefer for certain techniques, potentially requiring a bit more pressure when applying color.

The Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils are a premium option best suited for serious artists who appreciate quality, durability, and versatility in their tools. While they come with a higher price tag, the benefits in performance and longevity make them a worthy investment for those who will use them regularly.