The Best Colored Pencils

Here are our top picks to keep in your pencil case, with various price points suitable for different budgets.

Published: 8/15/2025, 1:00:49 PM EDT

The Best Colored Pencils — (Illustration by The Epoch Times, Amazon)

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A fresh set of colored pencils can make any project more enjoyable, whether it’s for class, a hobby, or a creative break. The best ones offer rich, vibrant color, smooth application, lightfastness, and a range of shades to match your needs. Here are our top picks to keep in your pencil case, with various price points suitable for different budgets.

The Breakdown:

Prismacolor Colored Pencils

This is an old American company in the art industry, known for their smooth, professional quality and performance. They have been manufacturing pencils since the mid-19th century, and offer a wide range of intricate colors suitable for any art project.

Pros

They provide you with a wide range of colors.
The soft cores make them a perfect choice for blending and layering.
The pigments are richly saturated.
They are lightfast. So they can resist exposure to light over time.

Cons

Prismacolor pencils are considered expensive. So they may not be a suitable choice if you are a beginner or have a limited budget.
Although they are lightfast, they may still need additional care for preservation.

$139.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Arteza Colored Pencils

Arteza is an American company known for providing high-quality art supplies at affordable prices. Although the company was founded in 2015, its products have quickly gained popularity among artists of all levels.

Pros

Arteza colored pencils offer high quality at an affordable price. These factors make them a suitable choice for artists with limited budgets.
They are easy to use and produce satisfactory results, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners.
The pencils are durable and easy to sharpen, with no breakage. This makes them suitable for more detailed artwork.

Cons

The colors may be limited, compared to larger sets. This may limit the range of artwork that can be created.
Although the Arteza colored pencils offer high quality, they can not be compared to some high-end brands.

$29.77 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Faber-Castell Colored Pencils

One of the most famous German manufacturers of colored pencils, Faber-Castell, has been manufacturing high-quality pencils since 1761 and has been one of the most popular brands since then. They’re well known for its Polychromos oil-based colored pencils; favored by artists, illustrators, and professionals worldwide.

Pros

The colors are water-resistant, smudge-proof, and lightfast. These features make the artwork resistant to fading over time.
The leads are break-resistant. So you can sharpen them with confidence and create detailed artwork.
The pigments are acid-free. This prevents paper deterioration and yellowing over time and preserves the artwork.
The Polychromos colored pencils have an oil-based technology. This leads to smooth blending, without being worried about waxy bloom.

Cons

The most significant drawback of Faber-Castell colored pencils is their price. They are considered premium and come with a higher price tag.
The round barrels can be another disadvantage. Many artists prefer hexagonal-shaped pencils for their better grip and control.

$85.77 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Black Widow Colored Pencils

‌The Black Widow brand specializes in quality colored pencils at an affordable price. Their pencils have a good reputation for their vibrant colors, smooth laydown, and blending ability. The set offers 24 unique colors with clever names like Venom, Purple Haze, and Blood Diamond. The pencils have a wax core for easier blending, shade, and layer without smudging or strain.

Pros

Compared to some other premium brands, Black Widow pencils are more affordable for artists with limited budgets.
The cores are soft and creamy. They provide a smooth application and blend seamlessly.
The pencils are durable and break-resistant.

Cons

Although the set offers a decent variety of colors, the range can be limited. Especially for detailed work.
The pencils may not be as lightfast as some other brands, so the colors may fade over time.
The wax used in the cores can result in wax buildup on the paper. This can affect layering and blending techniques.

$20.50 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Derwent Colored Pencils

This company has been manufacturing art supplies since 1832! In fact, watercolor pencils were first invented by the Derwent in the early 1980s. These watercolor pencils allow for unique blending and layering, as the the pencils’ water solubility provides you with a bright, yet translucent ink-like effect. You can apply the washed-out pencils on a variety of surfaces, including fabrics such as silk or cotton.

Pros

The Derwent Inktense pencils are water-soluble. You can use them dry or add some water for an effect similar to watercolors.
When applied with water, you can use the pencils on canvas, alongside paper.
The colors are permanent after drying. So you do not need to worry about fading or smudging.

Cons

The Derwent pencils have a relatively higher price.
When used with water, it may require some practice and experimentation.
Although the colors are permanent after drying on most surfaces, they may leave some smearing on certain surfaces.

$45.16 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils

Staedtler has a long history and is well-known throughout Europe and the US since 1835. Ergosoft is one of their popular colored pencils, which is known for triangular barrels for comfortable grip, and a non-slip, soft touch barrel. The stand-up box conveniently props the pencils up. A nice plus is their sustainably sourced wood and international environmental standards.

Pros

High-quality pigments produce rich colors suitable for vivid and expressive artwork.
The soft lead allows for smooth color application and easy blending and layering.
The pencils are break-resistant, ensuring durability.
The pencils are environmentally friendly and aligned with international environmental standards.

Cons

Although it offers a variety of colors, the range may still be limited.
You may need to sharpen them quite often.

$26 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Caran d’Ache Colored Pencils

Caran d’Ache is a Swiss manufacturer founded in 1915. Their Luminance colored pencils are one of the company’s flagship products. Made of California Cedar from managed forests, these pencils give a velvety effect with delicate texture. Its also the most lightfast color pencil ever designed.

Pros

Luminance pencils are especially known for their outstanding lightfastness.
The colors blend effortlessly, this allows you to achieve smooth transitions and intricate color effects with ease.
The Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils are well-made and durable. You can sharpen or apply with pressure confidently.

Cons

The color is only indicated at the cap, instead of the whole barrel.
Some people feel the value does not reflect the quality and price.

$65.37 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils

The Castle Art supplies a wide range of art materials, including colored pencils. The company great for artists with limited budgets, offering good quality at an affordable price. This set of 120 colors has a generous color palette, including vibrant hues, subtle tones, and neutral shades suitable for various techniques, good for both beginners and experienced artists.

Pros

The Castle Art Supplies offers high-quality colored pencils at an affordable price.
The pencils are sturdy and durable. This leads to resistance against breakage during sharpening or use.
The versatile palette offers a wide range of options to choose from. This is especially useful in creating detailed artwork.

Cons

The pencils may not be as durable as other premium brands.
The colors may not be as light-fast as some premium brands. This can lead to the colors fading over time with exposure to light.
The color on the barrel may not accurately match the core color. This can result in confusion. You may need a bit of trial and error to find the perfect color you are looking for.

$52.49 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Raffine Colored Pencils

Marco Raffine provides fine quality at a budget-friendly price. Although not like premium colored pencils, the colors still have an acceptable blending when layering. The cores are considered durable and less prone to breakage. The set offers a decent range of colors for most projects, a suitable choice for beginners.

Pros

The Raffine colored pencils are more budget-friendly, compared to premium brands.
The set offers a decent range of colors to pick from.
The pencils are durable. This can be an advantage, especially for beginners.
The decent quality, ease of use, and affordability make them a suitable choice for beginners or casual users.

Cons

Although the pencils have decent quality, they may not offer the same performance as higher-end brands.
The colors may not be as light-fast as more expensive brands. This can result in fading of colors over time.

$23.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Koh-i-Noor Colored Pencils

Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth is one of the oldest on the market, founded in 1790. The high-quality pigments provide vibrant and long-lasting colors. Moreover, the application is smooth and it blends easily. These qualities make the pencils favorable by artists and illustrators. The set also offers a wide range of colors to suit different artistic needs.

Pros

It offers a wide range of hues to choose from. This allows for greater versatility and creativity in your artwork.
The rich pigmentation ensures that the colors draw smoothly and evenly on the paper.
The colors lay down easily, without need for applying much pressure.
Blends beautifully without wax buildup.

Cons

Koh-i-Noor colored pencils are relatively expensive. Although the high quality justifies the price, it can still be an obstacle for artists with limited budgets.
Although the set offers a generous range of colors, they may not be sufficient for certain detailed projects.
The core’s soft texture may make them prone to breakage when sharpened to a fine point.

$81.36 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

FAQ

What Are Colored Pencils Made of?

The outer casing of colored pencils is usually made of wood. But the core contains pigments and a binding agent. The pigments are in the form of finely ground powders. They can be derived from a variety of sources. For example, minerals, synthetic compounds, and organic materials.

The binding agent may include waxes, oils, and clays. They hold the pigments together and adhere them to the wood. They help create a smooth, consistent texture and allow the pigment to transfer smoothly onto paper.

Some manufacturers may use additional additives. These additives can adjust the hardness or softness of the core. They may also improve lightfastness, water resistance, or erasability.

What Kind of Pencils Do Professional Artists Use?

Depending on their specific needs, artists may use different types of pencils. For example graphite, colored, charcoal, pastel, or watercolor pencils.

Some popular brands of colored pencils favored by professional artists include Faber-Castell Polychromos, Prismacolor Premier, Caran d’Ache Luminance, Derwent Coloursoft, and Staedtler Ergosoft.

When Were Colored Pencils Invented?

The use of colored pigment sticks for drawing and writing goes back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These coloring materials were often made from natural substances like charcoal, chalk, and clay.

But pencils as we know them began to emerge in the 16th century. This was the introduction of wood-cased pencils containing colored pigment cores. These early pencils were produced using a combination of powdered pigments, binders, and additives encased in wooden barrels.

During the 18th century, colored pencils became more widespread, with the availability of new pigments. At this time, colored pencils were used by artists, illustrators, and craftsmen. Colored pencils became more widespread and affordable during the 19th and the 20th centuries.

What Paper is Best for Colored Pencils?

Papers are different in qualities like texture, weight, and more. Choosing the right paper depends on your special needs. But consider these factors:

Go for a paper with a medium to fine texture.
Heavier-weight papers are more durable and less likely to buckle or wrap. Aim for at least 140 grams per square meter.
Opt for acid-free papers.

While selecting the right paper for you may need some trial and error, some popular papers for colored pencil drawing include smooth bristol boards, drawing papers, and mixed media papers. Some manufacturers also produce colored pencil papers, designed for colored pencil work.

What is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Colored Pencils?

Factors like the quality of materials, pigments, and manufacturing processes have an impact on the price.

Expensive colored pencils typically feature higher-quality pigments, binders, and cores. These qualities result in more vibrant colors, smoother application, and better blendability. Additionally, expensive colored pencils are often more durable and less prone to breakage.

While cheap colored pencils may be suitable for casual or beginner artists, investing in more expensive, artist-grade pencils can lead to significantly better results.

Do Color Pencils Have an Expiry Date?

Colored pencils themselves do not have a specific expiration date like some other art supplies.

When stored and cared for properly, colored pencils can last for many years without significant degradation in quality. However, lower-quality pigments may be more prone to fading over time when exposed to light.

Does the Quality of Colored Pencils Matter?

Yes, the quality of colored pencils matters significantly, especially for artists who prioritize achieving optimal results in their artwork. Here are some reasons why the quality of pencils is important:

Higher-quality colored pencils typically contain richer pigments. So they result in a more vibrant and intense color.
Higher-quality colored pencils have smoother cores. This quality enables a seamless transition between colors. As a result, it allows you to achieve smooth gradients, subtle shading, and intricate details.
higher-quality colored pencils have a better resistance to fading over time when exposed to light.
Higher-quality colored pencils are more durable. They have stronger cores and thicker casings. As a result, they refuse to break easily.

How Many Colored Pencils Do You Really Need?

It depends on factors such as your artistic style, the complexity of your artwork, and your personal preferences.

Consider the range of colors you typically use and the level of detail you aim for. If you want to draw highly detailed pieces or like you use a wide range of colors, go for a larger set of colored pencils.

However, if you prefer simplified or stylized artwork, or have budget constraints, a smaller set can be beneficial initially. You can always expand your collection over time as needed.

Conclusion

Several options for the best colored pencils are available on the market. Deciding on the right one depends on several factors. The level of professionalism, the surface you want to work on, and the techniques you want to apply can determine your choice.

If you are a beginner, a casual user, or have a limited budget, you may prefer to go for more budget-friendly colored pencils. The Castle Art Supplies can be a suitable choice since it offers high-quality material at an affordable price.

But if you are a professional, willing to create delicate artwork, you may need to invest more. In this case, you may want to consider premium brands such as Faber-Castell or Derwent, which offer the highest quality, but come at a considerable cost.