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 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.

The Caran d'Ache Luminance 6901 set offers 100 richly pigmented colored pencils that are highly suited for artists and serious hobbyists looking for quality and durability. These pencils stand out with their excellent pigment quality, providing bright, intense colors thanks to a high concentration of lightfast pigments that resist fading over time. The cores are smooth and soft enough to blend easily while still maintaining enough hardness for detailed work and layering. This makes them versatile for various techniques like shading, burnishing, and mixing colors smoothly.

The large color range of 100 shades gives plenty of options for creativity, covering subtle tones and vibrant hues alike. Each pencil is well-made, featuring a sturdy 3.8mm lead that’s less prone to breaking and is water-resistant, helping maintain artwork integrity even if exposed to moisture. They also come with a full blender and a pencil blender, enhancing the ability to create seamless transitions.

These pencils are priced at a premium, which may be a consideration for beginners or casual users. While the pencils are durable, professional artists may still need to sharpen carefully due to their softness. This set is ideal for adults and students who want high-quality, durable colored pencils with excellent color payoff and blendability for professional or advanced artistic work.