Best colored pencils for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
If you want one set that does it all, the Prismacolor Premier Soft Core 72-pack is the clear pick, it blends like a dream and offers the best balance of color range, quality, and price.
For precision and lightfastness, grab the Faber-Castell Polychromos; for pure value on a tight budget, the Crayola 100-pack gets the job done; and if you're after buttery, artist-grade feel, Derwent Coloursoft is worth the splurge.
A good set of colored pencils can transform your art from ho-hum to gallery-ready. Whether you’re sketching, layering, or filling in adult coloring books, the right pencils matter, but with so many options, it’s easy to get lost in the hype. Here’s the truth: there is no single “best” pencil for everyone. You have to match the pencil to your style and needs. Soft-core pencils are great for blending but break easily; oil-based pencils hold a sharp point and resist fading; budget sets let you experiment without guilt. Below, we break down five standout sets, from the do-it-all Prismacolor to the wallet-friendly Crayola, so you can choose with confidence.
Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 72 Count
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5Prismacolor Premier remains the gold standard for a reason. These soft, wax-based pencils lay down vibrant color and blend as smoothly as butter, making them ideal for shading and layering. The 72-count set covers a huge color spectrum, and while the cores can snap under heavy pressure, the payoff in richness and versatility is unmatched at this price.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, 60 Count
the precision champion
4.7out of 5Polychromos pencils are the sharp-shooters of the colored pencil world. Their oil-based, slightly firm cores hold a point forever, allowing razor-sharp details without constant sharpening. They layer beautifully without getting waxy, and they’re lightfast, meaning your artwork stays true for decades. The trade-off is they’re pricier per pencil and don’t blend as instantaneously as soft wax cores.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Crayola Colored Pencils, 100 Count
the budget bonanza
4.0out of 5You can’t beat the value of a 100-pack of Crayola colored pencils. They’re affordable enough for classrooms and kids, and they offer a huge color range for the price. The cores are harder and less pigmented than artist-grade pencils, so layering and blending require more effort, but for casual coloring, school projects, or testing the waters, they’re a no-brainer.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.8 / 5 | $$ | Buy this set if you want one versatile kit for blending, layering, and bold color work, wh | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, 60 Count | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Buy this set if you love detailed illustrations, botanical drawings, or any art where prec | Check price → |
| Best value | Crayola Colored Pencils, 100 Count | 4.0 / 5 | $ | Buy this set if you need a massive, affordable assortment for a child, a casual colorist, | Check price → |
| Best premium | Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.6 / 5 | $$$$ | Buy this set if your priority is a luxurious, tactile experience and you work in soft, ble | Check price → |
| Best for beginners | Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Buy this set if you’re just starting out with colored pencils and want a large, quality se | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the do-it-all default
Best overallPrismacolor Premier remains the gold standard for a reason. These soft, wax-based pencils lay down vibrant color and blend as smoothly as butter, making them ideal for shading and layering. The 72-count set covers a huge color spectrum, and while the cores can snap under heavy pressure, the payoff in richness and versatility is unmatched at this price.
Pros
- Exceptionally soft, blendable cores, perfect for smooth gradients
- Wide color range in the 72-pack covers skin tones, landscapes, and more
- Thick pigment lays down evenly, reducing white spots on paper
- Good value for the quality, it’s the artist favorite for a reason
Cons
- Cores are fragile, drop a pencil and you’ll likely get a broken lead
- Not the best for fine, crisp lines; they dull quickly under pressure
- Lightfastness isn’t guaranteed, so works may fade over years in direct sunlight
Who it’s for
Buy this set if you want one versatile kit for blending, layering, and bold color work, whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or serious artist.Who should skip it
Skip this set if you prefer a harder, oil-based core for detailed linework or need archival lightfastness for professional commissions.2. Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, 60 Count: the precision champion
Runner-upPolychromos pencils are the sharp-shooters of the colored pencil world. Their oil-based, slightly firm cores hold a point forever, allowing razor-sharp details without constant sharpening. They layer beautifully without getting waxy, and they’re lightfast, meaning your artwork stays true for decades. The trade-off is they’re pricier per pencil and don’t blend as instantaneously as soft wax cores.
Pros
- Hard, break-resistant leads that keep a fine point
- Excellent lightfastness, ideal for framed, sellable artwork
- Layers cleanly without waxy buildup, even with many coats
- Smooth, consistent color laydown with no graininess
Cons
- Noticeably more expensive than the Prismacolor 72-pack
- Blending requires more effort and a solvent or colorless blender
- Some users find the color selection in the 60-pack less intuitive for portraiture
Who it’s for
Buy this set if you love detailed illustrations, botanical drawings, or any art where precise control and long-lasting color matter.Who should skip it
Skip this set if you’re on a tight budget or you want buttery, effortless blending without extra tools.3. Crayola Colored Pencils, 100 Count: the budget bonanza
Best valueYou can’t beat the value of a 100-pack of Crayola colored pencils. They’re affordable enough for classrooms and kids, and they offer a huge color range for the price. The cores are harder and less pigmented than artist-grade pencils, so layering and blending require more effort, but for casual coloring, school projects, or testing the waters, they’re a no-brainer.
Pros
- Unbeatable price, a full hundred colors for pocket change
- Cores are sturdy and rarely break, even with heavy-handed kids
- Great for large-area filling and non-critical work
- Widely available at most drugstores and big-box retailers
Cons
- Pigment is thin, you’ll need many passes for bold colors
- Difficult to blend; colors tend to look chalky and don’t mix well
- Not suited for serious art techniques like burnishing or layering
Who it’s for
Buy this set if you need a massive, affordable assortment for a child, a casual colorist, or a group setting where pencils will get borrowed and lost.Who should skip it
Skip this set if you’re an aspiring artist aiming for realistic shading, rich color, or archival results, this set will frustrate you.4. Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the buttery indulgence
Best premiumDerwent Coloursoft pencils feel like colored butter, they deposit an incredibly soft, creamy layer of pigment that almost paints onto the page. The 72-set offers a lovely muted palette that’s especially flattering for portraits and nature scenes. The catch: they’re expensive, and because they’re so soft, they don’t hold a point well for fine details. Also, the color range leans softer, so you won’t find many neon or ultra-vivid tones.
Pros
- Sublimely soft and creamy, a joy to use for blending and shading
- Excellent color payoff with minimal pressure
- Beautiful, natural color palette, ideal for botanical and figurative art
- Lightfast ratings are good across the range
Cons
- High price per pencil, among the most expensive on this list
- Too soft for precise linework; points wear down very quickly
- Color selection lacks bright, punchy hues that some artists want
Who it’s for
Buy this set if your priority is a luxurious, tactile experience and you work in soft, blended styles, especially portraits, florals, or landscapes.Who should skip it
Skip this set if you need a versatile all-rounder, work primarily in high-saturation art, or are on a strict budget.5. Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the beginner's best bet
Best for beginnersArteza’s 72-pack hits a sweet spot for beginners who want more than Crayola but aren’t ready for the expense of Prismacolor or Derwent. The cores are slightly softer than average, with decent pigment load and blendability. They sharpen well and don’t break too easily. The main downsides are occasional inconsistencies in color payoff between pencils and a color palette that feels a bit hit-or-miss on skin tones.
Pros
- Good color range with a variety of vibrant and earthy tones
- Smooth application that blends reasonably well for the price
- Sturdy construction, fewer broken leads than some budget brands
- Very affordable compared to artist-grade sets, yet a step above student-grade
Cons
- Some pencils in the set have less pigment or slightly different feel
- Not as lightfast as premium brands; colors may shift over time
- The color composition isn’t curated as thoughtfully for realism
Who it’s for
Buy this set if you’re just starting out with colored pencils and want a large, quality set that won’t break the bank but still lets you layer and blend.Who should skip it
Skip this set if you’re a professional who needs consistent, archival-grade pencils, or if you prefer the precision of oil-based cores.Best for specific needs
Best for professional illustrations and lightfast art
If you’re selling your work or need colors that stay true for decades, lightfastness is non-negotiable. The Faber-Castell Polychromos line is engineered for archival quality, with oil-based leads that resist fading and hold a fine point. They also layer cleanly without waxy buildup, making them a top choice for botanical studies, comic art, and any project requiring crisp detail and longevity. Our pick: Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, 60 Count.
Best for teachers and classrooms on a tight budget
Let’s be honest: art supplies in a classroom get lost, broken, or chewed on. The Crayola Colored Pencils 100-pack gives you an enormous assortment of colors at a price that makes it painless to replace. The hard cores survive heavy-handed kids, and while the pigment isn’t rich, it’s more than adequate for graded assignments, posters, and early art exploration. No guilt if one goes missing. Our pick: Crayola Colored Pencils, 100 Count.
Best for soft, blended portrait and floral work
Artists who love smooth, buttery blending and a natural, subdued palette will find a soulmate in Derwent Coloursoft. The core is incredibly soft, almost like pastel, so you can build up layers with minimal pressure and achieve seamless skin tones and petal gradients. The 72-set includes many earthy and muted shades that other brands skip, making it a secret weapon for portrait and botanical artists. Our pick: Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count.
Our verdict
No single colored pencil set is right for everyone, but the Prismacolor Premier 72-pack comes the closest, it blends beautifully, covers a huge range, and sits at a price that won’t make you wince. If your work demands precise lines and fade-proof color, splurge on the Faber-Castell Polychromos. For casual use or a child’s first set, the Crayola 100-pack is the smartest buy. For buttery, dreamy blending (and a bigger budget), go Derwent Coloursoft. And if you’re a curious beginner looking to stretch your skills without stretching your wallet, the Arteza 72-pack is your gateway. Pick the set that fits your style, and enjoy the color.