10 Best Art Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are an excellent choice for artists and coloring enthusiasts looking for high-quality colored pencils. With a soft core, these pencils excel in shading and blending, allowing for smooth transitions and vibrant color application. The lightfast pigments ensure that your artwork will resist fading over time, which is a significant advantage for those creating lasting pieces. With 150 colors in the set, users have a wide palette to work from, making it suitable for detailed and intricate designs.

One of the standout features is the durability of the pencils. The robust leads are designed to resist cracking and chipping, which is particularly beneficial for adult coloring books where heavy pressure may be applied. Users appreciate the ultra-smooth color laydown, making the drawing experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The softness of the pencil cores, while great for blending, may make them less suitable for precise, fine details, which could be a drawback for some artists. Additionally, as a premium product, it comes at a higher price point compared to other colored pencils, which may not appeal to beginner users or casual hobbyists. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are ideal for serious artists or those engaged in adult coloring who prioritize quality and vibrancy in their work. They shine in terms of color range, blendability, and durability, though the softness may limit their use in more detailed applications.

The Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set appears to be a well-rounded choice for adult artists, professionals, and colorists. The set offers an impressive color range with 120 pencils neatly organized in a durable and portable zipper case, making it convenient to carry and use anywhere. Each pencil is named, numbered, and color-coded for easy selection, which is a big plus for organized and efficient work.

The pencils feature soft cores that provide a smooth, buttery laydown, which is ideal for blending and layering. This makes them suitable for various surfaces such as paper, eggshell, canvas, and wood. Additionally, these pencils are intensely pigmented, offering rich and vibrant colors that enhance the artwork quality. The softness of the core, however, could mean they may require frequent sharpening compared to harder-core pencils.

Durability is addressed with an advanced formulation that helps prevent crumbling and maintains a sharp point under pressure. The inclusion of a fold-out tutorial is a nice touch for users looking to refine their skills, and the product is backed by a money-back guarantee. One potential drawback might be the cost, as high-quality art supplies often come with a higher price tag. This set is a great investment for serious artists looking for a comprehensive, high-quality colored pencil set.

The Caran D'ache Luminance Colored Pencil Set of 40 is a high-quality choice for artists of all ages, including kids, teens, and adults. These Swiss-made pencils excel in pigment quality, offering pure, intense colors that resist UV light, ensuring your artwork stays vibrant over time. The pencils boast high lightfastness, which means they won't fade easily, making them suitable for professional use.

Their smooth core, which ranges from 2H to 9B in hardness, allows for excellent blendability and layering, enabling artists to create a wide range of effects. This set includes 40 assorted colors, providing a good variety for most artistic needs, though some may find the range limited compared to larger sets. The core's smoothness also makes for a pleasant drawing experience, reducing hand fatigue during extensive use.

Durability-wise, these pencils are constructed from cedar wood, which is known for its strength and resilience. However, their premium quality comes at a higher price point, which might be a drawback for beginners or those on a budget. This set is best suited for serious hobbyists and professional artists who value longevity and color integrity in their work.