Best budget colored pencils for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Derwent Coloursoft 72-set is the top pick for anyone who wants rich, blendable color and a premium feel for a relatively modest investment.
The Arteza set is the best starting point for beginners, while the Castle Art Supplies set is the editor’s choice for its consistent quality and unbeatable value.
Colored pencils are one of the most forgiving and portable art mediums, but good ones used to mean spending a small fortune. Today’s budget-friendly sets prove you don’t need to break the bank to get vibrant pigment, smooth laydown, and decent lightfastness. The key is to understand what you’re paying for: wax-based cores (softer, more blendable) vs. oil-based (harder, better for detail), the number of hues in the set, and whether the pencils are refillable or single-sided. We sorted through owner feedback, published reviews, and community reputation to find three sets that each excel in a different role. Whether you’re a curious beginner, a hobbyist, or a semi-pro craving soft layering, there’s a budget-friendly option here that won’t disappoint.
Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count
the premium-feel pick
4.8out of 5Derwent’s Coloursoft range lives up to its name: the cores are creamy and deposit color with almost buttery smoothness. The 72-color set offers excellent variety, and the pencils sharpen without crumbling. The trade-off is that the softness means they wear down faster and aren’t as suited for fine linework. Overall, the best choice if you want a luxurious drawing experience without stepping into true artist-grade pricing.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count
the beginner’s best friend
4.3out of 5Arteza’s 72-piece set is a reliable gateway into colored pencil work. The pigment is good for the price, and the range includes useful earth tones and pastels. Blending requires a bit more effort than with pricier brands, and the cores can feel slightly gritty in light layers. Still, for everyday coloring, adult coloring books, and first-time artists, it’s a solid, affordable choice.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils, 72 Count
the editor’s pick
4.6out of 5Castle Art Supplies has carved out a reputation for delivering reliable quality at a very friendly price. This 72-set strikes an impressive balance: the cores are firm enough for detail but soften up well for shading. Color payoff is consistent, and the included extras (like a sharpener and eraser) add convenience. It’s not quite as buttery as Derwent, but it outperforms many sets at double the price, the clear all-around winner for most people.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.8 / 5 | $$$ | Artists and hobbyists who prioritize blending, shading, and a smooth, painterly finish. | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Beginners, hobbyists, and anyone who wants a large color range without a big investment. | Check price → |
| Best value | Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.6 / 5 | $$ | Versatile everyday use, great for both detailed work and general coloring by students, hob | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the premium-feel pick
Best overallDerwent’s Coloursoft range lives up to its name: the cores are creamy and deposit color with almost buttery smoothness. The 72-color set offers excellent variety, and the pencils sharpen without crumbling. The trade-off is that the softness means they wear down faster and aren’t as suited for fine linework. Overall, the best choice if you want a luxurious drawing experience without stepping into true artist-grade pricing.
Pros
- Exceptionally soft and creamy laydown
- Vivid, highly pigmented colors
- Wide 72-color range covers most hues
- Sharpen cleanly without excessive breakage
Cons
- Soft cores wear down quickly with heavy use
- Not ideal for very fine detail or precise linework
- Lightfastness varies; some colors may fade in direct sunlight
Who it’s for
Artists and hobbyists who prioritize blending, shading, and a smooth, painterly finish.Who should skip it
You need a durable pencil for sharp, consistent fine lines or plan to work in humid climates (soft wax cores can become tacky).2. Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the beginner’s best friend
Runner-upArteza’s 72-piece set is a reliable gateway into colored pencil work. The pigment is good for the price, and the range includes useful earth tones and pastels. Blending requires a bit more effort than with pricier brands, and the cores can feel slightly gritty in light layers. Still, for everyday coloring, adult coloring books, and first-time artists, it’s a solid, affordable choice.
Pros
- Very affordable for a 72-count set
- Wide selection of colors, including useful neutrals
- Pencils are decently durable and sharpen easily
- Good for covering large areas with even color
Cons
- Cores can be slightly grainy in light layers
- Blending is less smooth than higher-end wax pencils
- Some light colors lack opacity and require multiple passes
Who it’s for
Beginners, hobbyists, and anyone who wants a large color range without a big investment.Who should skip it
You need a soft, creamy laydown for professional-level blending or plan to work on detailed, fine-line projects.3. Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the editor’s pick
Best valueCastle Art Supplies has carved out a reputation for delivering reliable quality at a very friendly price. This 72-set strikes an impressive balance: the cores are firm enough for detail but soften up well for shading. Color payoff is consistent, and the included extras (like a sharpener and eraser) add convenience. It’s not quite as buttery as Derwent, but it outperforms many sets at double the price, the clear all-around winner for most people.
Pros
- Excellent value: great quality for the price
- Nice balance between firm core for detail and softness for shading
- Consistent pigment across the entire color range
- Comes with useful accessories (sharpener, eraser, color chart)
Cons
- Not as creamy or blendable as higher-end wax pencils
- Some colors (especially light yellows and pale blues) need extra layers
- The packaging can be bulky for travel
Who it’s for
Versatile everyday use, great for both detailed work and general coloring by students, hobbyists, and casual artists.Who should skip it
You are a professional illustrator who demands maximum lightfastness and the smoothest possible layering.Best for specific needs
Best for smooth blending & layering
If your main joy is creating soft gradients and painterly blends, you want a wax-based pencil that goes down creamy and blends easily. The Derwent Coloursoft is the clear standout here: its soft core deposits a thick, buttery layer that you can blend with a stump or even your finger. No budget set matches its effortless layering. Our pick: Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils.
Best for beginners on a tight budget
Starting out doesn’t need to feel like a gamble. The Arteza set gives you a massive 72-color palette for very little cash, so you can experiment with color theory and blending techniques without worrying about cost. The slightly firmer cores also help you learn to control pressure, and the pencils hold up well to regular sharpening. Our pick: Arteza Colored Pencils.
Best all-around value for everyday art
Most people want a set that does a little of everything: fine lines, broad strokes, decent blendability, and durable cores that don’t snap off. The Castle Art Supplies 72-set hits that sweet spot better than any other budget option. It’s the set we’d recommend to a friend who wants one versatile kit for doodling, illustration, and hobby work. Our pick: Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils.
Our verdict
No single budget pencil does everything perfectly, but one of these three sets will fit your needs. If you want a luxurious, blendable experience, go with the Derwent Coloursoft. If you’re just starting and value a huge range for a small price, the Arteza set is your friend. For the best all-around performer that works for everyone from students to serious hobbyists, the Castle Art Supplies set is the clear editor’s pick. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a lot of creative mileage for your money.