Best colored pencils for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For most artists, the Prismacolor Premier 72-count set is the best overall choice, offering a soft, blendable core and a wide color range at a reasonable price.
The Faber-Castell Polychromos are the top runner-up for those who need oil‑based pencils with exceptional lightfastness, while Crayola delivers unbeatable value for casual colorists.
Colored pencils bridge the gap between drawing and painting, giving you control and precision without the mess of wet media. Whether you are a beginner experimenting with layering or a professional building a portfolio, the right set can transform your work. The key differences come down to the binder, wax or oil, which affects blendability, durability, and lightfastness. Wax-based pencils are softer and more vibrant but can break easier and develop wax bloom; oil-based pencils are harder, more resistant to breakage, and hold a fine point longer. To help you choose, we have researched dozens of well-known sets across every price tier. We considered owner feedback from dedicated forums, published expert reviews from art-supply authorities, and long-term reputation for quality. Below you will find our top picks for 2026, ranked by how well they balance performance, color range, and value for different needs.
Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 72 Count
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5These are the go-to pencils for anyone who wants rich, blendable color without spending a small fortune. The soft wax core lays down intense pigment and mixes beautifully, though the leads are prone to breaking if you sharpen aggressively. For all-around performance, portraits, landscapes, or adult coloring books, they are hard to beat.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, 60 Count
the precision oil-based alternative
4.7out of 5Polychromos are the best choice when you need sharp details and color that stays true for decades. The oil-based binder makes them harder than Prismacolor, so they hold a fine point and resist breakage. They do require more effort to layer and blend, but the payoff is unmatched lightfastness and a chalky, matte finish that photographs well.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Crayola Colored Pencils, 100 Count
the unbeatable value pick
4.2out of 5For casual coloring, classroom projects, or introducing kids to art, Crayola delivers a huge 100‑color set at a shockingly low price. The cores are harder and less pigmented than artist-grade pencils, which means layering and blending are limited. But for the cost, you get an astonishing variety of hues that work well for basic sketching and filling in large areas.
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 | $$ | Artists and hobbyists who want vibrant, blendable color and a large selection at a mid-ran | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, 60 Count | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Illustrators and fine artists who demand archival quality and precision in their linework. | Check price → |
| Best value | Crayola Colored Pencils, 100 Count | 4.2 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious families, teachers, and anyone who wants a big color selection without wo | Check price → |
| Best premium | Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.6 / 5 | $$$$ | Professional artists who value a luxurious, buttery application and are willing to invest | Check price → |
| Best for beginners | Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | New hobbyists, students, or anyone who wants to explore colored pencil techniques without | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the do-it-all default
Best overallThese are the go-to pencils for anyone who wants rich, blendable color without spending a small fortune. The soft wax core lays down intense pigment and mixes beautifully, though the leads are prone to breaking if you sharpen aggressively. For all-around performance, portraits, landscapes, or adult coloring books, they are hard to beat.
Pros
- Exceptionally soft and creamy laydown for smooth blending
- Vibrant color saturation right from the first stroke
- Wide 72‑color range covers most needs without gaps
- Widely available and easy to buy individually as refills
Cons
- Leads are brittle and can break during sharpening or heavy pressure
- Prone to wax bloom on dark areas over time
- Not as lightfast as oil-based alternatives
Who it’s for
Artists and hobbyists who want vibrant, blendable color and a large selection at a mid-range price.Who should skip it
You need lightfast archival quality for professional exhibition work, or you prefer a hard, break-resistant lead for fine detail.2. Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, 60 Count: the precision oil-based alternative
Runner-upPolychromos are the best choice when you need sharp details and color that stays true for decades. The oil-based binder makes them harder than Prismacolor, so they hold a fine point and resist breakage. They do require more effort to layer and blend, but the payoff is unmatched lightfastness and a chalky, matte finish that photographs well.
Pros
- Excellent lightfastness – colors resist fading for generations
- Hard lead holds a sharp point for intricate line work
- Very durable – rare to break even under heavy pressure
- Smooth, even application without waxy buildup
Cons
- Higher price per pencil than many wax-based sets
- Blending takes more work – not as instantly creamy as Prismacolor
- Limited to 60 colors in the standard tin (though more are available individually)
Who it’s for
Illustrators and fine artists who demand archival quality and precision in their linework.Who should skip it
You prefer soft, buttery blending and a large out‑of‑the‑box color selection without building a collection over time.3. Crayola Colored Pencils, 100 Count: the unbeatable value pick
Best valueFor casual coloring, classroom projects, or introducing kids to art, Crayola delivers a huge 100‑color set at a shockingly low price. The cores are harder and less pigmented than artist-grade pencils, which means layering and blending are limited. But for the cost, you get an astonishing variety of hues that work well for basic sketching and filling in large areas.
Pros
- Extremely affordable, you get a huge color range for very little money
- Durable leads that rarely break, even when dropped
- Non-toxic and safe for children of all ages
- Widely available in stores and online
Cons
- Lower pigment load leads to less vibrant, more translucent color
- Hard to blend or layer smoothly for gradient effects
- Color names can be whimsical (e.g., “Macaroni & Cheese”), making replacement tricky
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious families, teachers, and anyone who wants a big color selection without worrying about cost.Who should skip it
You need rich, blendable color for serious art projects or plan to create finished pieces for display.4. Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the premium luxury experience
Best premiumDerwent’s Coloursoft pencils are the creamiest in the lineup, with a thick, wax‑based core that feels almost like a pastel. They layer beautifully and produce a soft, painterly finish that works wonders on toned paper. The 72‑color set is pricey, but the quality of the pigments and the buttery application justify the cost for serious artists who want a unique tactile feel.
Pros
- Extra‑soft, creamy core gives a pastel-like texture and rich color
- Excellent for layering and creating smooth gradients
- Round barrel with a comfortable ergonomic grip
- Made in the UK with consistent quality control
Cons
- Very high price – one of the most expensive sets on the market
- Soft leads break more easily than harder pencils
- Not as lightfast as oil-based brands; need careful storage to avoid bloom
Who it’s for
Professional artists who value a luxurious, buttery application and are willing to invest in premium materials.Who should skip it
You are on a tight budget, or you prefer hard, precise pencils for fine details and technical work.5. Arteza Colored Pencils, 72 Count: the beginner-friendly gateway set
Best for beginnersArteza offers a solid introduction to artist-grade colored pencils without the intimidating price tag. The wax‑based cores are softer than Crayola but not as delicate as Prismacolor, striking a good balance for learning layering and blending. The 72‑color set includes a range of vibrant hues, though lightfastness is not guaranteed and the barrels feel a bit thin.
Pros
- Great value for the number of colors and quality – more pigment than budget brands
- Soft enough to blend with a blending pencil or solvent, yet hard enough to sharpen without constant breakage
- Comes in a sturdy metal tin that doubles as storage
- Wide color selection includes nice pastels and earth tones
Cons
- Lightfastness is not labelled, so colors may fade over time in sunlight
- Barrels are slightly thin and can feel less comfortable during long sessions
- Some pencils arrive with off‑center cores, leading to uneven sharpening
Who it’s for
New hobbyists, students, or anyone who wants to explore colored pencil techniques without a big upfront investment.Who should skip it
You need archival lightfastness for professional work, or you prefer a premium feel in the hand.Best for specific needs
Best for vibrant layering and blending
If you love building up color slowly and achieving smooth, painterly transitions, Prismacolor Premier pencils are the top pick. Their ultra‑soft wax core releases pigment abundantly, making it easy to blend two or more colors together with just a light touch. This set shines in portraiture, florals, and any subject where gradients and soft edges matter. Our pick: Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils.
Best for archival quality and fine detail
When your artwork needs to last for decades without fading, or when you are drawing intricate patterns and fine lines, reach for Faber-Castell Polychromos. The oil‑based binder keeps the tip sharp far longer than any wax pencil, and the colors are rated for excellent lightfastness. They are the standard choice for professional illustrators and collectors. Our pick: Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils.
Best for casual coloring and classroom use
For relaxing afternoons with an adult coloring book or for handing out to a group of kids, Crayola’s 100‑count set is the obvious pick. It costs a fraction of artist brands, yet delivers a huge rainbow of colors that work well for basic filling and simple shading. You won’t get museum‑quality results, but you also won’t cry if a pencil gets lost or broken. Our pick: Crayola Colored Pencils.
Our verdict
For most people, the Prismacolor Premier 72‑count set offers the best all‑round balance of color vibrancy, blendability, and price. If you need lightfastness and pinpoint control, step up to Faber-Castell Polychromos; if you are just starting out or coloring on a budget, the Crayola 100‑count set is an unbeatable value. And for those who want the absolute creamiest experience, Derwent Coloursoft is a worthy splurge. Whichever you choose, you will have a solid foundation to bring your ideas to life.