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10 Best Colored Pencils 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 36 Count - Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
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
10.0
Chosen by1,386
Color Range
Core Hardness
Price
Most important from
49646 reviews
#2
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
9.4
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Core Hardness
Most important from
10244 reviews
#3
Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core Color Pencil Set for Artist Drawing Sketching Crafting
The Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils set offers a huge range of 172 unique colors, including 12 metallic shades, making it perfect for detailed coloring, sketching, or crafting for beginners, adult coloring enthusiasts, or artists. Each pencil is clearly labeled with both the color name and number, and the pencil’s body color matches the core, allowing for quick and easy shade selection. The soft cores glide smoothly on paper, enabling easy blending and layering, which is excellent for shading and creating vibrant artwork. Despite their softness, the cores resist breaking under normal use, and the pencils are made with quality wood for easy sharpening. Safety is also ensured as these pencils meet U.S. and European safety standards, making them suitable for all ages, including children.
Rating
9.1
Color Range
Core Hardness
Lightfastness
Most important from
25606 reviews
Top 10 Best Colored Pencils 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
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
Chosen by 1386 this week
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
Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core Color Pencil Set for Artist Drawing Sketching Crafting
Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core Color Pencil Set for Artist Drawing Sketching Crafting
Type of Colored Pencils: Soft cores
Color Range: 172 Colors
Lightfastness: Not ideal for very high lightfastness
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: 4.7/5 stars from 25,402 reviews
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
Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils 100 Tin, Set of 100, 4mm Wide Core, 100% Lightfast, No Fade for 100 Yrs, Oil-based, Premium Core, Creamy, Ideal for Drawing, Coloring, Professional Quality (2306017)
Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils 100 Tin, Set of 100, 4mm Wide Core, 100% Lightfast, No Fade for 100 Yrs, Oil-based, Premium Core, Creamy, Ideal for Drawing, Coloring, Professional Quality (2306017)
Type of Colored Pencils: Lightfast Colored Pencils
Color Range: 100
Lightfastness: 100% lightfast
Core Hardness: Oil-based formula
Brand Reputation: Well-regarded in art community
Price: Higher side
Related Products
Up to 15% off
Shuttle Art 138 Colored Pencils for Adults, Soft Core Coloring Pencils Set with 1 Coloring Book,1 Sketch Pad, 4 Sharpener, 2 Pencil Extender, Perfect for Artists Kids Adults, Drawing
Shuttle Art 138 Colored Pencils for Adults, Soft Core Coloring Pencils Set with 1 Coloring Book,1 Sketch Pad, 4 Sharpener, 2 Pencil Extender, Perfect for Artists Kids Adults, Drawing
Type of Colored Pencils: Soft cores
Color Range: 138 Colors
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: Trusted brand, many positive reviews
Price: Reasonable
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 72
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: Soucolor
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
Crayola Colored Pencils Set for Kids (120ct), Coloring Book Pencils, Christmas Gifts for Grandkids, Bulk Colored Pencils for Boys & Girls, Ages 3, 4, 5
Crayola Colored Pencils Set for Kids (120ct), Coloring Book Pencils, Christmas Gifts for Grandkids, Bulk Colored Pencils for Boys & Girls, Ages 3, 4, 5
Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 120 colors
Brand Reputation: trusted brand
#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.