Best budget colored pencils for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For most artists seeking vivid, blendable budget pencils, the Derwent Coloursoft set offers a premium experience at a mid-range price.
Arteza’s 72-color set is ideal for absolute beginners, while Castle Art Supplies strikes the best balance of quality and value for everyday use.
Colored pencils are a forgiving medium for beginners and a precision tool for illustrators, but a budget-friendly set doesn’t have to mean dull or chalky results. The best budget options for 2026 balance soft, blendable cores with a wide color range, typically 48 to 72 hues, without sacrificing lightfastness or layering ability. When choosing a budget set, prioritize pigment load and core consistency over brand name. A soft, wax-based core lays down color more easily than a hard, binder-heavy one, and a higher number of pencils within your budget reduces the need for mixing. Pay attention to pencil roundness (triangular barrels can ease grip) and whether the set includes a colorless blender or sharpener. These details matter more than the fancy tin they come in.
Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count
the premium performer
4.7out of 5Derwent’s Coloursoft pencils deliver a buttery, pigment-rich laydown that rivals artist-grade brands, yet cost far less per pencil. The 72-color range covers all essential hues plus soft pastels, and the cores resist crumbling even during heavy layering. They are the top choice if your budget allows a small stretch for noticeably better blending and lightfastness.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count
the beginner’s best friend
4.4out of 5Arteza’s 72-count set is a no-brainer for first-time buyers: the price is remarkably low, the pencils arrive pre-sharpened, and the cores are soft enough for easy layering. They won’t win lightfastness awards, but for practice pieces, sketchbooks, and adult coloring books, they’re perfectly capable. The main trade-off is a slightly waxy feel that can limit fine layering.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils, 72 Count
the editor’s all-rounder
4.6out of 5Castle Art Supplies’ 72-color set strikes an impressive middle ground: the cores are softer than average budget pencils yet less delicate than Derwent’s, the color selection leans practical rather than trendy, and the triangular barrel design reduces hand fatigue. A large number of reviewers highlight the lack of breakage even when sharpened to a fine point, making this set a reliable workhorse for both casual and regular use.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Anyone who wants a premium-feeling pencil without paying artist-grade prices, ideal for ho | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Beginners, students, and anyone experimenting with colored pencils on a tight budget who v | Check price → |
| Best value | Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.6 / 5 | $$ | Daily sketchers, adult coloring enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a durable, comfortable p | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the premium performer
Best overallDerwent’s Coloursoft pencils deliver a buttery, pigment-rich laydown that rivals artist-grade brands, yet cost far less per pencil. The 72-color range covers all essential hues plus soft pastels, and the cores resist crumbling even during heavy layering. They are the top choice if your budget allows a small stretch for noticeably better blending and lightfastness.
Pros
- Exceptionally soft, blendable cores that require minimal pressure
- Wide, well-curated color range with strong lightfast ratings
- Round barrels are comfortable for long drawing sessions
- Each pencil is color-coded on both end and barrel for quick identification
Cons
- Higher price per pencil than some budget sets, though still affordable
- Soft cores can be prone to breakage if dropped or sharpened too aggressively
- Slightly less wax bloom than dedicated studio pencils, but still noticeable on dark areas
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a premium-feeling pencil without paying artist-grade prices, ideal for hobbyists and serious beginners who blend frequently.Who should skip it
You need the absolute lowest per-pencil price or prefer a harder, scratch-resistant core for fine detail work.2. Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the beginner’s best friend
Runner-upArteza’s 72-count set is a no-brainer for first-time buyers: the price is remarkably low, the pencils arrive pre-sharpened, and the cores are soft enough for easy layering. They won’t win lightfastness awards, but for practice pieces, sketchbooks, and adult coloring books, they’re perfectly capable. The main trade-off is a slightly waxy feel that can limit fine layering.
Pros
- Very affordable for a 72-color set, often less than a dollar per pencil
- Soft cores blend well with minimal pressure, great for beginners
- Comes in a sturdy metal tin with a built-in sharpener
- Bright, saturated colors that look vibrant on white paper
Cons
- Lower lightfastness; colors may fade over time in direct sunlight
- Wax bloom appears more quickly than in premium brands
- Barrel finish can feel slightly slippery when hands are warm
Who it’s for
Beginners, students, and anyone experimenting with colored pencils on a tight budget who values quantity and immediate usability.Who should skip it
You plan to create archival artwork or require professional-grade lightfastness and minimal wax bloom.3. Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the editor’s all-rounder
Best valueCastle Art Supplies’ 72-color set strikes an impressive middle ground: the cores are softer than average budget pencils yet less delicate than Derwent’s, the color selection leans practical rather than trendy, and the triangular barrel design reduces hand fatigue. A large number of reviewers highlight the lack of breakage even when sharpened to a fine point, making this set a reliable workhorse for both casual and regular use.
Pros
- Triangular ergonomic barrel improves control and reduces cramping
- Excellent core strength, minimal breakage reported even after repeated sharpening
- Rich color payoff with a decent balance of cool and warm tones
- Includes a colorless blender pencil for easy shading and gradients
Cons
- Some colors (especially very light yellows and pinks) require multiple layers for opacity
- The tin lid hinge can be stiff on early batches
- Slightly less blending range than the Derwent set when working on darker papers
Who it’s for
Daily sketchers, adult coloring enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a durable, comfortable pencil that performs well across a wide range of paper types.Who should skip it
You need the absolute butteriest laydown available or you prefer round barrels over triangular grips.Best for specific needs
Best for detailed illustrations
When fine control and precise layering matter most, think botanical drawings or intricate mandalas, choose the Derwent Coloursoft set. Their soft cores allow gentle color buildup without harsh edges, and the round barrel makes turning the pencil easy for tight line work. You’ll appreciate the subtle color range that lets you create realistic shadows without resorting to black. Our pick: Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count.
Best for large projects and classrooms
If you’re covering big surfaces, teaching a class, or just want plenty of colors without worrying about replacement cost, the Arteza 72-count set is your best bet. The low price per pencil means you can sharpen freely and layer thickly, and the included tin keeps everything organized. Beginners in particular will benefit from the forgiving, soft cores that don’t dig into paper. Our pick: Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count.
Best for everyday versatility
For the artist who draws a little bit of everything, still life, portraits, landscapes, the Castle Art Supplies set offers the most practical all-around performance. The triangular barrel reduces cramping during long sessions, the cores handle both paper stumps and solvent blending decently, and the price is low enough that you won’t hesitate to use them for quick studies. This is the set I’d grab first for daily sketching. Our pick: Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils, 72 Count.
Our verdict
All three sets prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a satisfying colored pencil experience in 2026. If you can stretch your budget a little, the Derwent Coloursoft set delivers that extra smoothness and lightfastness that makes blending a joy. For absolute newcomers, Arteza gives you the most colors for your money without sacrificing usability. But if you want one set that does almost everything well, from fine lines to broad shading, on white or toned paper, the Castle Art Supplies 72-count set earns our top recommendation as the most balanced budget pick overall.