10 Best Colored Pencils Reviewed in 2024
Coloring used to be just a pastime for children to keep them occupied with a creative art form that is pleasing and fun. Today, it is enjoyed by all ages and all talent levels to be a unique way of expressing yourself. Adults and kids love to create with colored pencils in their many magical hues of the rainbow. Manufacturers have created complete sets of these colored writing implements to satisfy even the most exquisite palates of design. For shading, layering, and blending various hues, these products can open a whole new world of possibilities on paper. Hours and hours of fun are to be had by just simply picking one up and dragging it across the paper to create many beautiful pictures and images. We are excited to highlight them for you in this informative buying guide to enhance your shopping experience. Here are the best, colored pencils.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 26 hrs of research
Pigments are richly saturated and lightfast
Robust, thick leads will not chip or crack
Each pencil is labeled for identity
Comes in separate trays in the large storage box
For professionals, beginners, adults, and children
- Prismacolor Premier Soft Core 150 Count
- Sargent Art Premium Pack of 50
- Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Set of 24
- Crayola Colored 50 Count
- Prismacolor 92807 Soft Smooth Leads
- Castle Art Supplies Set of 72
- Studio Series Set of 30
- Everyday Essentials Premium Set of 72
- Crayola 240 Ct Classpack
- Arteza Professional Set of 48
10 Best Colored Pencils
1. Prismacolor Premier Soft Core 150 Count
Pigments are richly saturated and lightfast
Robust, thick leads will not chip or crack
Each pencil is labeled for identity
Comes in separate trays in the large storage box
For professionals, beginners, adults, and children
Tips can break easily when sharpening
Printed names and numbers of the colors might be smudged
Having over 12,400 online reviews from mostly satisfied customers, the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Set is by far the most popular item of this category. This incredible set of 150 premium pencils also has the highest rating from buyers too.
Read moreThe robust, thick leads will not chip or crack as they are durable and thick. Ideal for any project type, each pencil is labeled well for identity and comes in separate trays of various hues that fit neatly in the large storage box. Good for professionals and beginners as well as adults and children, this wonderful set is from Prismacolor, a leading manufacturer of high-quality art supplies for over seventy years.
Materials
Whether you are interested in this set for an adult or a child, they will appreciate and enjoy the rich mixture of colors and varied hues that can be used for layering and blending colors.
Ease of use
The cores are soft for perfect layering, shading, and blending, and the pigments are richly saturated and lightfast. Colors lay down even and ultra-smooth to create smooth shadows, delicate blends, and forceful lines.
Creativity
With 150 colored pencils from this well-known maker, your child can have almost every color of the rainbow to draw, sketch, and doodle within their creativity time at home or school.
Portability
You can always keep this assortment of hues neatly organized with the individual trays and the lovely storage box. Leaving them in an orderly fashion helps them remain in great condition each time they are used.
2. Sargent Art Premium Pack of 50
Leads and the barrels match in color
The window box is see-through and peggable
Comes with an extra pencil of black and white
Colors are versatile and smooth
Are non-toxic and educator-preferred
Leads can be harder and lighter than some others
Some of the lead colors do not match the indicated color
Made for artists of all ages, the Sargent Art Premium Coloring Pencil Set is a combination of fifty different colors in various hues and shades.
Read moreThe window box is see-through and peggable for convenience. You get 48 different colors plus an additional black and a white pencil that are non-toxic and educator-preferred. Perfect for illustrators, these terrific pencils are ideal for anyone three-years-old and older. This fabulous company has a 75-year reputation for high-quality materials for art, as its products are competitively economical.
Materials
Because larger sets of colored pencils can be quite expensive for the higher quality brands, competitive economical brands such as Sargent’s is refreshing. You can have almost the same quality product but at a better price.
Ease of use
Certified AP, the wonderful leads and the comfortable barrels match in coordinated colors. The leads are 3.3mm thick, and the assorted colors are versatile and smooth.
Creativity
With 48 various hues projects of all kinds can be accomplished. Whether it is an adult or child working on their art, these terrific pencils can work for shading and contrasting for different effects.
Portability
Even though these items do not have a hard container or box, they can be kept nicely in the window box that they come in. You can see the colors through the window and even put the whole set away neatly on a pegboard.
3. Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Set of 24
For shadowing, blending, and shading
Color laydown is even and ultra-smooth
For both beginners and advanced artists
Waterproof, durable, and blends easily
Packaged in two trays and a colorful metal tin
The wood can fray when sharpened
Leads might smear and flake if pressure is used
Made for both beginners and advanced artists alike, the Prismacolor Premier Soft-Core Colored Pencil Set is perfect for shadowing, blending, and shading.
Read moreIt is a great set of 24 assorted and vibrant colors with thick and soft cores and a color laydown that is even and ultra-smooth. The terrific pigments are richly saturated and lightfast, and the robust and thick leads will not chip or crack. Some of the more interesting colors included are Spanish Orange, Goldenrod, Mulberry, Sienna Brown, Indigo Blue, Apple Green, and Crimson Red. Popular for producing high-quality materials, Prismacolor is a well-known brand of art supplies that have been in business for more than 75 years.
Materials
To have a good result for the artwork you do you must have top quality pencils, to begin with. This package of 24 colors has a wonderful result on paper since the cores are smooth, rich, and soft.
Ease of use
Good for adults or children, the colors are waterproof, do not wear quickly, and blend easily. These unsharpened pencils are packaged in two flat trays that are neatly placed in a colorful metal tin for storage.
Creativity
Part of the fun of coloring is getting to use the beautiful colors in your artwork. This incredible set has some very interesting names that will make you try them all for added flavor and pizzazz.
Portability
You will love the container that the company uses to package these superb pencils in for you. It is a little metal tin that is decorated nicely and has two trays inside to keep the items neatly organized.
4. Crayola Colored 50 Count
Durable, strong, and pre-sharpened
Reshapes easily and remains sharp longer
Soft graphite will not break easily
Colors are smooth for blending and mixing
For detailed artwork and school projects
Can be hard to sharpen
Colors may come out very light
Durable, strong, and pre-sharpened, the Crayola Colored Pencil Set is a package of fifty intense and bright colors that are certified AP non-toxic.
Read moreThe durable points reshape easily and remain sharp longer since they are of premium quality. Great for ages six and older, the points of soft graphite will not break easily, and the colors are smooth for blending and mixing. This incredible mix comes in a portable box for storage and is great for detailed artwork and school projects. Ideal creative tools for adults and kids, this fabulous product inspires imagination and self-expression of all ages.
Materials
Having fifty colored pencils in a wide mix of colorful hues is like having an endless rainbow palate to choose from. You can mix and blend these to make many more shades to make your artwork spectacular.
Ease of use
Blending and mixing of colors are possible with this fabulous group of soft graphite pencils. They are less prone to breaking and stay sharp longer than regular colored pencils.
Creativity
Seen as a simple childhood pastime, coloring has become very popular with adults now. It is products like this one that inspires and sparks imagination and self-expression in any age of the artist.
Portability
Because this is such a huge set of pencils, the company provides a nice box for them. you can leave them in this box to keep them organized and to carry your set with you wherever you go.
5. Prismacolor 92807 Soft Smooth Leads
Pigments are vibrant and brilliant
Cores are hardened to prevent breakage
Leads are smooth, creamy, and soft
Easy to store in the easel packaging
The case stands on its own when configured
Overall quality is lacking according to a few people
Some buyers were missing pencils in the shipment
As a package of 48 various colors, this Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencil Set has pigments that are vibrant and brilliant.
Read moreThe marvelous cores are hardened to prevent breakage and are fantastic for crafters and artists of all ages and talent levels. The supplied case stands on its own when configured to make retrieving and placement of the pencils easy and quick. Some of the more interesting color names are Copenhagen Blue, Neon Pink, Vermillion Red, Yellow Ochre, and Aquamarine. This wonderful product is certified PMA to be non-toxic and safe.
Materials
Whether you plan on purchasing these instruments for adults or children, you will be glad to know that the time they spend using them will be safe and productive. These are certified as non-toxic and free from harmful substances.
Ease of use
The plastic case for this pencil combination is amazing. It not only holds the writing utensils neatly together but can also be used in a standing position to hold the pencils ready for use.
Creativity
The great leads are smooth, creamy, and soft making them perfect for shading and blending. This is good for visual effects that cannot be created with just basic pencils of a few hues.
Portability
They are easy to store in the easel packaging that folds compactly to fit into backpacks, bags, and desks. Kids can use them at home or school for all sorts of projects and artwork.
6. Castle Art Supplies Set of 72
Neatly organized in three separate trays
Easy identification of number and color
Trays pack away in the sturdy black tin box
Will not break when sharpening or using
Excellent layering, blending, and shading
Are not packaged in any order for color
Can be hard to remove the trays from the box
The Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencil Set is a package of 72 vibrantly colored pencils that are neatly organized in three separate trays for easy identification of number and color.
Read moreThe terrific trays pack away nicely in the sturdy hard, black tin box for storage and portability. The fabulous pigment content of the writing utensils is high to take your projects and artwork to a whole new level. Made for professionals, schools, and artists, the reliable and strong lead cores will not break when sharpening or using. Performance is enhanced as these are soft and smooth for excellent layering, blending, and shading.
Materials
Leads breaking during sharpening and coloring is a common problem with colored pencils. These, however, will not break allowing you to use them trouble-free and keep them longer for use.
Ease of use
Smooth centers for pencils are important and necessary for various techniques. Packs of pencils like this one with the many different hues of a color can be blended and layered for some stunning results.
Creativity
Being able to lay out all of these exciting colors for choosing the most ideal one is a huge plus to creating. With the three open trays that come in the box, you are able to be inspired by seeing all of the hues at once.
Portability
Users get a superb box for putting the trays of pencils in this assortment. Because they can remain in the trays as you work, smaller spaces for artwork can be used and enjoyed.
7. Studio Series Set of 30
Comes with an eraser and a sharpener
Eraser is moldable into other shapes and reusable
Included is a storage case that is transparent
Barrels are comfortable and easy to hold
Case backing has many techniques and tips
Lead colors do not seem to match the indicated colors well
Might not have enough basic colors in the set
Blending and shading are easy and effective with the Studio Series Colored Pencil Set as it brings all sorts of drawings and projects of yours to life vividly.
Read moreThe high-quality sharpener ensures fine points on the pencils, and the kneaded eraser is moldable into various shapes and is reusable endlessly. Working softly, the superb eraser lifts the color off the paper gently without smudging or tearing. Colors are rich, soft, and smooth, and the leads will not crumble. The barrels are comfortable and easy to hold and use, making this ideal product great for advanced artists and beginners. The case back even has suggested techniques and tips on how to enhance your artwork and drawings.
Materials
This impressive group of thirty writing implements has color laydown that is superb with the leads that have soft cores. It comes with an eraser and a sharpener to make the product a complete functional combination.
Ease of use
A kneaded eraser and a quality sharpener come with this lovely set of pencils. The sharpener will make a great point, and the fun eraser can be shaped into various forms.
Creativity
On the rear of the case that holds these implements, you will find many suggestions for improving your technique of coloring, shading, and blending. It is like a miniature course on how to make your artwork better and add some skills.
Portability
Included is a storage case that is transparent and reusable. Even though this is one of the smaller assortments of pencils featured on this page, you will appreciate the case for keeping these neat and orderly.
8. Everyday Essentials Premium Set of 72
Pigments have a rich saturation of color
Cores are thick and soft for shading and blending
Are pre-sharpened and ready to use
Has a soft canvas bag that protects the points
Includes two pencil sharpeners
Leads can be hard with little coverage
True colors might not be present
The Everyday Essentials Premium Colored Pencil Set is a group of 72 different colors with 48 of them being unique and interesting.
Read moreIdentifying is simple with the numbers and colors on each of these special writing implements, plus two nice pencil sharpeners are included. This superb item comes with a soft canvas bag to hold each implement individually in a loop of fabric. This bag protects the tips of the pencils well, as the fabric slots securely hold each pencil in place making them accessible and neatly organized. The user of this group of pencils will feel like a professional because the setup is so wonderful.
Materials
While most pencil sets have only the true basic colors that we all know and love, this one has 48 different colors that you might not have used or have even heard of before now.
Ease of use
Each pencil is held in its own place on the canvas of the supplied bag. This arrangement makes the pencils easy to see, pick up, and wrap up quickly when you want to stop.
Creativity
The pigments are high-grade with rich saturation of the color, and the cores are thick and soft for superior shading and blending. Great for sketching, drawing, and writing, these are pre-sharpened and ready to use.
Portability
Instead of tin, box, or hard case to store this large set of writing implements, the set comes in a lovely canvas bag. It has flaps on the sides to protect the points of the pencils and holds them each individually and securely.
9. Crayola 240 Ct Classpack
Organized into twelve various color sets
Comes with twelve sharpeners
Includes a handy organization box for storage
Perfect for adults or children
Non-toxic and safe
The overall quality of the set was disappointing for some people
All of the colors might not be equally represented in the set
The Crayola Colored Pencil Classpack contains 240 pencils of color organized into twelve various color sets. It comes with twelve sharpeners of three alternate hues and is ideal for schools, daycare facilities, and families with several children.
Read moreIncluded are twenty pencils of red, orange, red-orange, yellow, green, yellow-green, blue, sky blue, violet, black, brown, and white that are non-toxic and safe. Each one comes already sharpened and divided into sections of twelve in the handy organization box for storage. Perfect for adults as well or groups of adults, it is perfect for ages four-years-old and older.
Materials
For families with several children, daycare facilities, or schools, this is a wonderful set of pencils that will get good use. There is more than enough to go around and a good assortment of colors in various hues.
Ease of use
This package is best for multiple sets of kids or adults that love to color. Grown-ups can use them for adult coloring books and kids can have fun with their own books to bring to life.
Creativity
It does not take many colors to be creative and draw what images pop into the mind. With the twenty pencils to a pack, kids or adults can create their pictures or color ones they already have.
Portability
Already packaged in a lovely storage box, these terrific colored pencils also come with plenty of sharpeners to keep your coloring adventure in flow. You only need a design or some blank paper to get the fun started.
10. Arteza Professional Set of 48
Great for coloring, shading, and drawing
Comes in a useful hinged box for storage
Blends well and goes on smoothly
Each one is numbered and labeled
Cores are break-resistant, soft, and wax-based
Might not contain a good number of neutral colors
Does not blend well according to some people
The Arteza Colored Pencil Set is a professional set of colored pencils that contains 48 items and is great for coloring, shading, and drawing.
Read moreThis affordable outstanding set comes in a useful tin box for neat storage that is double-hinged and durable. Sturdy and long-lasting, these perform well on paper by blending well and going on smoothly with the coverage of the paper being deep and rich. The various colors are saturated and brilliant in an assortment of hues that will sharpen well every time without breaking. Identification is simple as each one is numbered and labeled plainly.
Materials
The high-quality cores are wax-based, break-resistant, and soft, and the barrels are comfortable to hold. This set is certainly of higher quality than just regular brands of pencils.
Ease of use
Because there are so many of these implements in the set, you may not be able to identify them according to their hue. This is okay because each one is numbered and labeled precisely for the exact color name for you.
Creativity
One of the biggest problems with pencils, in general, is that the cores break often. This makes the implement impossible to use, but these quality pencils will not give you that problem.
Portability
You will not have to find a box or container to put these superb implements in for storage. They come in an excellent metal box that is hinged to keep them organized and in good condition.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
All colored pencils are made of a wooden barrel for holding and a lead or core made of the color that is put on paper. These leads can be soft or hard depending on the quality of the items and their purpose. Soft cores are better for recreational projects and pictures because they go on the paper smoothly and are rich and creamy in texture. The wooden barrel holds this center firmly in order for the color to be used. If you try several sets and brands of these products, you will develop a preference for the type of core that you like best. Not all makers create these items the same, as you will find out.
Ease of Use
Because some of these products are very large sets of pencils, they come with additional accessories such as boxes or cases to keep them in. This increases the portability of the item and also the ease with which it can be used by the child. sharpeners and numbers of each pencil for identification make them easier to use also. The larger sets do not just go by the name of the color since that would be confusing most of the time. With the included sharpeners, kids will not have to purchase those separately.
Creativity
Imagination and self-expression are just two of the qualities that are exercised when a person participates in coloring of any kind. Children love to explore the wonderful and wide color palette, while adults like to see how they can create varied visual effects and blends of shades. As we create, we learn about the world of colors and hues and how far our capabilities go for mixing and layering the different colors of our environment. By simply shading in a pre-drawn picture, we draw on our imaginations and self-preferences to make the image as unique as we are ourselves.
Portability
Colored pencils are art on the go because they are usable anywhere and anytime. They do not make any noise and do not disturb others even when they are being used to create loud and bold pictures to excite the artist. Kids and adults can use them in the car, in the waiting rooms of doctor’s offices, at relative’s homes, in a treehouse, or in a quiet room at home. They can go anywhere you do to provide the user with endless joy and creativity possibilities for long periods of time.
Blending, shading, and layering are most difficult with hard cores if not impossible. Most of these products have soft cores that are easier to use with rich colors and textures.
Once the leads or cores of pencils are broken, using them from that point on will be a challenge. The lead separates from the wooden barrel and will continuously come out causing the user to keep sharpening the pencil until it is a nub and unusable.
Other Factors to Consider
Price Range
Prismacolor and Castle Art are the most expensive makers of these featured colored pencils with the others being of a normal expected range. The ones sold as professional or for adults tend to carry a heavier price tag than the ones sported primarily for children, such as Crayola. These larger assortments also have a wide variety of hues of the basic colors for more intricate coloring, shading, drawing, and blending. For the more sophisticated types of artistic coloring, the expensive sets are required to get an outstanding visual effect.
Age Range
While there is no specific age range for coloring with pencils, there is a minimum age. Kids must be about six years old before they begin to truly appreciate the art of coloring with various hues. Adults love to do this craft for relaxation and creative purposes now with many coloring books of intricate patterns designed just for them. we may not like to admit it, but we all love to color, as it is soothing and pleasing to the mind and body. There is no age limit to having fun and that is exactly what a package of colored pencils is – fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Is there a large difference in the color assortments of these sets?
No, not really. The assortments with a larger amount of pencils naturally have more of a variety of colors. They all should contain the basic colors needed for simple projects and images. If you want more color hues for blending, layering, and shading, then you will certainly want to get one of the sets that have 48 pencils or more in them.
q: What is the most common complaint from buyers about these items?
The most negative feedback from buyers concerns the leads in the pencils breaking when used or sharpened. Broken leads can happen in shipment or as they are being manufactured. Unfortunately, the buyer does not become aware of this fact until they receive pencils and start to sharpen or use them for coloring. Once the leads or cores are broken, using them from that point on will be a challenge. The lead separates from the wooden barrel and will continuously come out causing the user to keep sharpening the pencil until it is a nub and unusable. Not much can prevent this occurrence. If enough of them are broken, it is wise to contact the seller for a replacement.
q: Are these pencil sets for certain ages now that adults use coloring as a pastime?
Anyone will enjoy any of these featured sets because there are no age limits. Kids can be too young to appreciate colored pencils, so there is an age minimum of about three to six-years-old. Children must see the pencils as a writing instrument and not something to chew on. Adults can also use any of these products well. Even the more economical ones will provide hours and hours of fun and excitement.
q: What is the difference in the core types of these colored pencils?
A hard core means that the lead is hard and stiff, and a soft core is a lead that is creamy and smooth. It is best to use a soft core when coloring for the best result.
q: What is the point of knowing the core type of pencils?
The core type tells you how the pencils will perform on the paper. Soft cores or leads will give a smooth appearance of the shade because they are creamy in texture. These do not need much pressure to get good coverage and present in rich dark colors. Hard leads must be pressed harder to get the same coverage on the paper and do not come off the pencil as smooth or creamy. They are much harder to work with and get a good result.
q: Which of these products should a beginner to the art of coloring start with?
Kids love to color with pencils or any other implement they can grab, so they will be most likely satisfied with any set that is economical and has plenty of hues. For adults, the most expensive sets such as Prismacolor may be the better choice. The leads are softer and creamier to give a better coloring experience in shading, layering, and blending the various shades. It might be best to see if the adult really likes coloring as a pastime before investing in the sets with the hefty prices. Start small and go from there. You can never have enough colored pencils once you are well into the craft.
Sources
- THE ULTIMATE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO COLORED PENCILS, Online Article ,
- Colored Pencil Basics and Tips, Online Article ,
- Tips for Shading With Colored Pencils , Online Article ,