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10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

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
9.8
Chosen by1,391
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Core Hardness

Most important from
5724 reviews

Type of Colored Pencils
Definitely a good set for beginning artists or anyone coloring for fun but wanting a decent pencil.
Color Range
The 72 vibrant shades provide an incredible range for blending, shading, and detailed work.
Core Hardness
The soft cores make coloring smooth and effortless while allowing for great layering and gradients.
Price
The set offers great value for the quality and variety it provides.
#2
9.6 score

Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies, Soft Core, Artist Drawing Sketching Pencils Set, Art Supplies Kit Gifts for Kids Teens Beginners Blending Shading

The Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils set is designed for a wide range of users, from kids and teens to adults, making it versatile for various art projects and school supplies. With 72 vibrant colors, the set offers a rich palette for smooth coloring, blending, and shading, which is ideal for drawing, sketching, and coloring books. The soft core of the pencils ensures an easy sharpening process and minimizes breaking, cracking, or crumbling, which can be a common frustration with colored pencils.

Rating
9.6
Color Range
Core Hardness
Price

Most important from
20874 reviews

Color Range
Wide range of colors, ideal for any type of drawing or illustration.
Core Hardness
Resistant and good quality lead that doesn't break easily when sharpening.
Price
Good value for money, offering excellent quality compared to more expensive brands.
#3
9.3 score

Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct), Kids Easter Basket Essentials & Stuffers, No Sharpen Colored Pencils For Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, 4+

The Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set is an attractive option for children aged 4 and up. One major plus is that it includes 50 different colors, offering a wide range of shades for kids to explore their creativity. The twistable design is a standout feature, as it eliminates the need for sharpening, making it convenient and mess-free. This also ensures a consistent core that is less likely to break, thanks to its protective plastic barrel.

Rating
9.3
Type of Colored Pencils
Color Range
Core Hardness

Most important from
27184 reviews

Type of Colored Pencils
Crayola products are a staple for many users, with these Twistable Colored Pencils offering a smooth coloring experience similar to crayons, but with the added convenience of not needing to be sharpened.
Color Range
The set includes 50 colors and is perfect for both kids and adults, especially for more intricate pictures.
Core Hardness
The pencils are fun to use, providing a good variety of colors and decent quality. They are not extremely sharp but good enough for coloring.
Brand Reputation
Crayola products are a staple for many users, with these Twistable Colored Pencils offering a smooth coloring experience similar to crayons, but with the added convenience of not needing to be sharpened.

Top 10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct), Kids Easter Basket Essentials & Stuffers, No Sharpen Colored Pencils For Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, 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

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 36 Count

Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 36 shades
Lightfastness: Resistant to fading
Core Hardness: Soft
Brand Reputation: Prismacolor

Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils - Tin of 120 Colors - Premium Quality Artist Pencils

Type of Colored Pencils: Colored Pencil
Color Range: 120
Lightfastness: unsurpassed
Core Hardness: H
Brand Reputation: Faber-Castell, high-quality since 1761
Price: higher side
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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.

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