Top 15 Best Colored Pencils To Buy 2022

Colored pencils are art tools that are popular with both children and adults. Currently, there are many brands of colored pencils, along with a variety of models.

This is why you wonder which set of colored pencils is the best choice for beautiful drawing and suitable for your need. What type of colored pencils should you choose? Watercolor or oil-based pencils? How many sets are reasonable?

In this article, based on the real experiences I have gained after using many colored pencils, I would like to introduce my top best colored pencils and how to buy the right set. Let’s refer to my writing to find a unique set of colored pencils for yourself.

What Is Colored Pencil?

Colored pencil is one of the essential art tools that are loved by everyone. From students to professional painters, colored pencil is always a necessary item. The advantage of this product is that they color up very well, make artworks more beautiful.

The most clearly described colored pencil is by its name. Nevertheless, the emergence of new art materials will make it challenging to decide what items are genuinely colored pencils. So I’m here to help you make that clear.

Why Should You Use Colored Pencils for Your Artwork?

Colored pencils can create expressive and abstract art forms or informative and photorealistic ones. They are renowned for their translucent quality, which can offer a striking luminance to your artwork, especially on textured paper.

Besides their versatility, colored pencils are practical and trouble-free, too. They are lightweight and portable, so that you can move them quickly on paper.

The set of colored pencils will last for a long time; you need not worry that they will be drying like watercolors. Additionally, colored pencils don’t need a lot of extra accessories to paint or draw, such as oil paint.

Colored Pencils Vs. Watercolor Pencils

The biggest difference between these two types of art is that watercolor pencils only have a water-soluble core, while colored pencils have three kinds of the core, including the water-soluble core.

Colored pencils are also called “traditional colored pencils” because most of them made with an oil binder or a wax binder. Other colored pencils have water-soluble based is known as another name: Watercolor pencils.

Watercolor pencils are modern and have many advantages when compared with their “mother”. Watercolor pencils have a water-soluble binder which disperses the pigment when adding water. These pencils bring your paint a look very close to that of watercolor paint.

Here Are The Best Colored Pencil?

Suppose you are having a hard time choosing your favorite product. Join with me now to know about the top best colored pencils in 2022!

• Best Overall: ARTEZA 72-Color Colored Pencils
  “Soft and break-resistant cores. Made from lightfast pigment. Colors last for a long time. Easy to grip and use.”
• Best Budget: Zenacolor 120-Color Colored Pencils
  “Made from durable basswood. Wide range of identified colors. Strong 3.3 mm core. Protected in a portable tin case.”
• Best for Beginners: Prismacolor 24-Color Colored Pencils
  “Soft yet strong core colored pencils. Ideal for color laydown. Resist breakage and cracking. Easy to combine colors.”
• Best for Professional Artists: JOYSTAR 72-Color Colored Pencils
  “72 different vibrant colors. High-quality softcore. Strong leads. Easy sharpening. Allows for creating stimulating effects.”
• Best for Adults: HG Legend 72-Color Colored Pencils
  “Comes with sharpener and eraser. Resourceful range of 72 colors. Pure woven canvas pencil wrap. Suitable for all ages.”
• Best for Children: Zenacolor 160-Color Colored Pencils
  “160 unique colored pencils. 3.3mm soft, sturdy lead core. Easy to move around. Suitable for children coloring book.”
• Best for Coloring Books: Castle Art Supplies 72-Color Colored Pencils
  “Easy and fun to use. Vibrant colors. High-quality soft lead core. Simple to paint a picture. Effortlessly grip with the perfect size.”
• Best for Blending: Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils
  “Easy shading and blending. Convenient to store and keep the color of pencils. Simple to find colors. Enhance comfort when holding.”
• Best for Classroom: Crayola 50-Color Colored Pencils
  “50 rich colors. Ideal for a coloring book and art project. Great item for both children and adults. Safe and non-toxic materials.”
• Best for Drawing: COVACURE 36-Color Colored Pencils
  “Portable color pencil set. Comes with a canvas pencil pounch. An essential choice for outdoor painting. Suitable for color sketch and coloring book or painting.”
• Best for Black Paper: COOL BANK 160-Color Colored Pencils
  “160 shades bring you limitless freedom. New and improved artist quality. Easy color identification. Break-resistant cores.”
• Best for Skin Tones: Creative Mark 24-Color Colored Pencils
  “Feature the best improvements. Allow experiencing the joy of drawing. Good lightfastness rating. Non-toxic pigments.”
• Best for Portraits: Positive Art 120-Color Colored Pencils
  “120 bold and unique colors. Pre-sharpened 3.3mm lead. Smooth and non-slip grip. Help you feel more relaxed and refreshed.”
• Best Wax-based: Medihealth 24-Color Colored Pencils
  “Wax-based core. Buttery and smooth tips. Colors are labeled with a clever name and number code for easy finding. Creamy and velvet finish.”
• Best for Wood: AmazonBasics 24-Color Colored Pencils
  “Great all-around art pencil. Use for perfect detail drawing. Simple to keep pencils organized and protected. Easy to transport and store.”

Top 15 Best Colored Pencils Comparison Table

If you want to pick the best product, make sure you have a good knowledge of that item. You may need my top best colored pencils comparison chart to know which is right for you.

Top 15 Best Colored Pencils Reviews

All right, this is probably the part you are looking forward to. Top best colored pencils reviews will give you the details of each item. Let’s go!

1. ARTEZA 72-Color Colored Pencils

(Best Overall)

ARTEZA colored pencils will give you a feeling of comfort when blending and creating your unique artwork. With the wax-based core, the colored pencils bring bright and pure colors to your painting.

This set of colored pencils have solid, break-resistant pigment cores that will last for a long time. With 72 vibrant colors, this item gives you limitless creative freedom.

These pencils comply with safety standards for children, so they are safe and non-toxic. Every colored pencil has a simple, six-sided wooden covering for comfortable holding, suitable for both children and artists.

Key Features:

• Set of 72 colored pencils
• Bright and beautiful colors
• Sturdy wood core
• Ergonomic design

Product Specifications:

Brand	ARTEZA
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Tin box
Core type	Wax-based core
Item diameter	4.0 millimeters
Color	Multi-color

For more information about this set of 72-color colored pencils from ARTEZA, please click this link:

2. Zenacolor 120-Color Colored Pencils

(Best Budget)

If you are finding the set of colored pencils with numbered pencils at a reasonable price, this set of 120 colored pencils from Zenacolor will ultimately conquer you. Zenacolor features high-quality pencils with a beautiful shine.

The colored pencils have the oil-based core with 3.3 mm thick lead, and pre-sharpened makes it easy to mix, lay, and paint with each other, or with colored pencils from other brands.

Each colored pencil is made of sturdy basswood with hardcore, and has the number as well as the name, gives you the convenience in finding color. Plus, this set is covered by a durable tin box, keeps your colored pencils safe and new.

Key Features:

• Set of 120 numbered colored pencils
• Smooth application
• Sturdy metal box
• 3.3 mm thick lead
• ASTM quality certificate

Product Specifications:

Brand	Zenacolor
Core material	Hard
Packaging	Metal box
Core type	Oil-based
Color	Multi-color
Item diameter	3.3 millimeters
Warranty	30 days

Watch this video, and you can get a lot of exciting things about Zenacolor 120 colored pencils:

3. Prismacolor 24-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Beginners)

These Prismacolor colored pencils have a range of colors that suitable for both beginners and professional artists. This set of colored pencils feature thick and soft cores, ideal for blending and coloring. Besides, the pencils come with soft yet durable leads that are not easy to crack or break.

Prismacolor colored pencils have modern quality pigments that are solid enough to sharpen easily. With 24 pencils, you can move between strong shapes and delicate blends without any effort.

Key Features:

• Softcore colored pencils
• A thick and robust core
• Rich and smooth colors
• Superior blending and shading

Product Specifications:

Brand	Prismacolor
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Metal box
Core type	Wax-based
Color	Assorted color
Line size	0.7 millimeters

For the introduction about the Prismacolor 24 colored pencils, watch this video to discover:

4. JOYSTAR 72-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Professional Artist)

JOYSTAR has been known as a popular brand with a high-quality product. These colored pencils have professional quality and versatility, allowing significant effects to be created in any artwork.

Solid and durable lead core is design for breakage resistance during general use and sharpening so that you can use these pencils with confidence. Plus, for easy identification, every colored pencil is pre-sharpened with color marking.

The set comes with 72 vibrant colors, and all 72 pencils are crafted individually for art lovers. Moreover, with the beautiful tin box, this item can also be an ideal gift for children or artists on a special occasion such as Birthday, Christmas, etc.

Key Features:

• 72 different colors
• Pre-sharpened colored pencils
• Non-toxic
• Lifetime guarantee

Product Specifications:

Brand	JOYSTAR
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Tin case
Core type	Oil-based
Color	Multi-color
The diameter of the lead core	0.15 inches

If you are a beginner, this video may help you with the guide to use colored pencils:

5. HG Legend 72-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Adults)

The set of HG Legend colored pencils comes in a handmade canvas pencil wrap, which looks fashionable and compact. This unique packaging not only protects the pencils but also makes this item unique, suitable for adults.

These colored pencils are made from recycled wood, which is eco-friendly and non-toxic. Plus, canvas pencil cover provides optimum security and storage for your colored pencils and accessories, make you comfortable to bring them anywhere.

In addition, when purchasing this set, you will get a pencil sharpener, a special eraser, and a pencil extender for free.

Key Features:

• Handmade canvas pencil wrap
• Professional grade quality
• 0.13 inches softcore
• Unique design
• Oil-based colored pencils

Product Specifications:

Brand	HG Legend
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Canvas pencil wrap
Core type	Oil-based
Color	Multi-color
The diameter of the lead core	0.13 inches
Warranty	Lifetime

Watch this video, and you will get some tips for blending colored pencils for beginners:

6. Zenacolor 160-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Children)

A Zenacolor colored pencils package features 160 separate and special colored pencils and features a back brush so that you can make color mixes for beautiful effects.

The pencils have 3.3mm oil-based lead and are pre-shaped. The colored pencils bring a soft but sturdy lead for effortlessly blending and shading, suitable for children with coloring books.

These professional colored pencils are protected in a tin case that is strong enough to make sure your package of pencils is well covered and easy to carry around.

Key Features:

• Sturdy and soluble 3.3 mm leads
• Convenient storage case
• 30-day customer warranty

Product Specifications:

Brand	Zenacolor
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Metal box
Core type	Oil-based
Color	Multi-color
The diameter of the lead core	3.3 millimeters
Warranty	30 days

This video will bring you a review of the Zenacolor colored pencils, set of 160 counts:

7. Castle Art Supplies 72-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Coloring Books)

This range of 72 premium colored pencils has rapidly become the choice of artists and colorists who have a passion for artwork. The productive leads are strong yet smooth enough for easy-to-move on the paper, bring you the feeling of effortlessness when coloring.

The color code and color named printed on the tin case give the convenience in recognition and effortless organization. This set is separated into three layers in color families, make it merely to find color.

With the perfect dimensions, these colored pencils are easy-to-grip and hold; you will have the best experience to inspire in your artwork.

Key Features:

• Set of 72 premium colored pencils
• Easy-to-use pencils
• Soft-touch finish
• Silky-smooth coating

Product Specifications:

Brand	Castle Art Supplies
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Metal box
Core type	Wax-based
Color	Multi-color

How to sharpen your colored pencils? Click this link to know:

8. Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Blending)

This set of colored pencils by Soucolor will fill your design and color your life. With a soft lead of wax-based core, the Soucolor colored pencil features premium pigments for smooth coloring performance.

Each pencil is made from high-quality wood for easy sharpening, ideal for use in the classroom or at home, and best for blending and shading.

The Soucolor pencil environmental-friendly tube makes this set easy to store and bring everywhere. Besides, this packaging will keep the pencils stand to avoid cracking, make the colored pencils all visible for finding without trouble.

Key Features:

• 72 colored pencils
• Pencil eco-friendly tube
• Rich color
• Smooth coloring

Product Specifications:

Brand	Soucolor
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Pencil tube
Core type	Wax-based
Color	Multi-color

Consult this video for some images about the 72 colored pencils set of Soucolor:

9. Crayola 50-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Realistic Drawing)

This set of Crayola colored pencils is ideal for improving the elegance of finely crafted line art; this collection contains 50 different colors for coloring books or original works of art.

Offers long-lasting color with a smooth style, the Crayola colored pencils come with pre-sharpened lead so that you can start coloring right out of the box.

The color range and consistency of these Crayola colored pencils make them a perfect source of art for both adults and children. Plus, this set is also great for an art project or school activities.

Key Features:

• Long-lasting colors
• Modern color palette
• 50 high-quality colored pencils
• Pre-sharpened pencils

Product Specifications:

Brand	Crayola
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Pencil box
Core type	Wax-based
Color	Multi-color

Watch the video for the review about this set of Crayola 50-color colored pencils:

10. COVACURE 36-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Drawing)

With these colored pencils from Covacure, you don’t have to suffer the pencil’s cracking anymore. The pencils are harder than other softcore products; you can sharpen them without fear they will be broken.

This set of colored pencils comes with a sharpener and a canvas pencil case. The canvas pencil bag is not only attractive in design but also an excellent pencil protector for your carrying.

With stylish and well-made packaging, this set is a perfect gift for children who love drawing. They can bring this set to school for an art class because the item is lightweight and compact enough.

Key Features:

• Premium colored pencil set
• Superb soft lead
• Wax-based core
• Stylish and lightweight product

Product Specifications:

Brand	Covacure
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Canvas pencil bag
Core type	Wax-based
Color	Multi-color
Warranty	Six months

If you aren’t affordable or the big set, you can get some tips to make more colors with 12 colored pencils via this link:

11. COOL BANK 160-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Black Paper)

This new colored pencil collection of COOL BANK gives you the same professional quality at a reasonable price, with high pigment material and a wide range of colors.

Come in a tin box of 160 different colored pencils; these colored pencils have a delicate, wax-based core made of lightweight pigment that won’t fade over time. Plus, 160 colors will grant you limitless artistic expression.

Every pencil is made of sturdy basswood with a thick lead for preventing breakage. The pre-sharpened pencils with a strong core bring a great feeling when shading or coloring. Especially, with the vibrant color, this item is ideal for black papers.

Key Features:

• Improved quality colored pencils
• Vibrant and long-lasting color
• Sturdy and compact metal case
• 160 numbered colored pencils

Product Specifications:

Brand	COOL BANK
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Tin box
Core type	Wax-based
Color	Multi-color

This video will bring you the real review of the set of COOL BANK 160 colored pencils:

12. Creative Mark 24-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Skin Tones)

These high-quality colored pencils produce impressive results while layering, coloring, and mixing on a paper surface. The cardboard case is safe and comfortable to protect your pencils in your backpack or tote bag.

Another outstanding characteristic of this pencil set is the wood used to take the lead; Creative Mark colored pencils are made of professional quality hardwood that is simple to sharpen and keep the lead in a firm position after sharpening.

Moreover, the lead is linked to the frame so that it has excellent shatter resistance. Based on color research and development, the range of color in this set enables a medium tone and dark tone to help create the most vivid works of art.

Key Features:

• Professional colored pencils
• Super soft 3.3mm lead
• Oil-based core
• Top-quality hardwood

Product Specifications:

Brand	Creative Mark
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Cardboard case
Core type	Oil-based
The diameter of the lead core	3.3 millimeters
Color	Multi-color

If you have a concern about colored pencils, this Q&A video may help you:

13. Positive Art 120-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Portraits)

This set is designed for professional artists and students; the pre-sharpened colored pencils have a 3.3 mm soft lead in creating accurate images and sharp lines.

These high-quality colored pencils are designed with fade-resistant lead for longer-lasting colors. Therefore, parents can use these colored pencils for art fun with their children, to create educational projects.

With 120 colors, you can unleash the creativity of your artwork. Drawing is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, so draw more often with this 120-color colored pencils.

Key Features:

• Extensive color palette
• 120 great unique colors
• Smooth and soft lead
• 3.3mm pre-sharpened lead
• Fade-resistant lead

Product Specifications:

Brand	Positive Art
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Cardboard case
Core type	Wax-based
The diameter of the lead core	3.3 millimeters
Color	Multi-color

How to use colored pencils for layering, blending, or more? Watch this video, and you will get some helpful tips:

14. Medihealth 24-Color Colored Pencils

(Best Wax-based)

These colored pencils are suitable for any kind of drawing book. The soft, wax-based core creates sharp and evenly drawn lines, meets the drawing needs of everyone.

The set comes with 24 different colors of pre-sharpened pencils; each color pencil is identified with a name and number code, and there is a convenient color chart inside the container lid.

The softcore of these colored pencils won’t crack when sharpened or when pressed for darker shades. You will need less sharpening, and the lead of your colored pencils can stay sharp for a longer time.

Key Features:

• Set of 24 colored pencils
• Smooth coloring
• Color rich pigments
• Soft lead core 3.3mm

Product Specifications:

Brand	Medihealth 1
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Metal case
Core type	Wax-based
The diameter of the lead core	3.3 millimeters
Color	Multi-color

What is the difference between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils? This video will answer you:

15. AmazonBasics 24-Color Colored Pencils

(Best for Wood)

The last product on this list is also the only product from AmazonBasics. This colored pencil set is the ideal tool for creating a living colored original artwork.

These colored pencils are constructed with the softcore lead that is perfect for drawing. Each pencil offers robust pigmentation and smooth application for smoothly shading and layering.

With these perfect all-around art pencils and fine details, you can create beautiful artwork anywhere and anytime. Plus, this set of vibrant colored pencils has 4.0mm lead core, allows you to make lively drawings even on hard materials like wood.

Key Features:

• 24 colored pencils
• Rich pigment and smooth application
• 4.0mm thick lead
• Artist-quality soft lead

Product Specifications:

Brand	AmazonBasics
Core material	Soft
Packaging	Tin box
Core type	Wax-based
The diameter of the lead core	4.0 millimeters
Color	Multi-color

Let’s unbox this set of 24 colored pencils from AmazonBasics with this video:

How to Choose the Best Colored Pencils?

To be able to choose the best set of colored pencils, you need to base on some essential criteria below.

Soft Lead or Hard Lead

One of the main factors influencing your choice of colored pencils is the lead type. There are two lead types for your buying: soft and hard. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so depending on your purpose, you should choose the appropriate one.

Most people quickly choose soft colored pencils, as they lay down color, and blend easily, and are also more creamy and smooth than others. Many artist-grade colored pencils are on the lighter side because they have more pigment to make vivid colors. However, soft colored pencils will need to sharpen more frequently.

It is possible to sharpen hard colored pencils to an excellent point that won’t break, making great lines for detailed artwork and other textures. But hard colored pencils can take more time to add paint and make you want to press harder, which can cause tiredness in your side.

Type of Core

There are three primary types of colored pencils: wax-based, oil-based, and water-soluble. These various types of the colored pencil can be mixed in the same work of art. They don’t like oil paint and acrylics, so you don’t have to worry about committing to a specific type of brand or pencil.

Wax-based colored pencils are most common on the market. The appropriate amount of wax brings a smooth structure to the pencil, which makes it easier to blending or shading. The wax also makes the mark stick to the surface or other layers of the pencil, so you can put down several layers without smearing or adhesion.

Oil-based colored pencils use an oil binder for a harder core. This type of pencils will last longer because they are strong and more durable in that they are less susceptible to breakage. But featuring a harder core means makes some oil-based colored pencils can also be very sluggish.

Watersoluble-based pencils enable you to remove the colors with water. This type is built with a water-soluble binder and can be used dry or wet to produce fascinating effects and textures. In other words, colored pencils, which are water-soluble, are also known as “watercolor pencils”.

The Size

The sets of colored pencils usually have a range from 12 to 72, but there are also special big sizes up to 100-160 count. If you’re just starting, a set of 24-36 pencils should be enough.

You will learn to combine colors easily with a small number of pencils. The more pencils in the set, the more it gets cost. Buying the right set with a suitable number usually is more economical than purchasing individual pencils.

The Brand

I am bringing the list of famous pencil brands below. To make sure about the product quality, I suggest you should choose the brand in advance, then pick the set.

Prismacolor

This is one of the most popular pencil brands on the market. With the reasonable price and diversity sets of colored pencils, this brand is preferred by both beginners and professional artists.

Arteza

Most colored pencils from ARTEZA are water-soluble and wax-based core, allows you to blend and layer with ease. However, the price is a problem for users who have a low budget, because the sets of this brand are often more expensive than others. That’s why they are more suitable for professionals.

Zenacolor

With the range of colors from 24 to 160, Zenacolor is one of my favorite colored pencils brands. Most of the items from this brand have reasonable prices, suitable for all users. Mainly, this brand comes with a 30-day warranty to make the customers feel comfortable when shopping.

Tips to Use Colored Pencils Like a Pro

Useful tips are the key that will help you make a professional drawing. Keep reading the information below for some tips on how to use colored pencils properly.

Choose the Right Colored Pencils

You should have high-quality colored pencils to produce the perfect combination of colors on your drawing. If you go for pencils of low quality, the result will be the same.

The best colored pencils will increase the chances of making a perfect drawing. Do not miss this chance, read the buying guide above carefully, and pick the ideal set of colored pencils.

Drawing Surface

To make a fantastic drawing, it is essential to have a good drawing surface. Therefore, unless you want to destroy your artwork, then never paint on a lousy surface arbitrarily.

Pencil Lead

Last but not least, the pencil lead should match your drawing style. If you want to draw delicate lines, sharpening your pencils colored is necessary. Conversely, the big lead will fit your need when you want to paint a large surface.

FAQs

I would like to give you as much information as possible; however, any article has the ending. The following questions and answers are heading to close my article about the top best colored pencils. Keep reading below!

My Top Pick

I have introduced my top 15 best colored pencils to you and how to choose the right product. However, each person will have different drawing habits, and various uses; therefore, you should refer and try to select the most satisfactory product to delight creativity with colors.

For me, ARTEZA 72-Color Colored Pencils is my top item. Although the price is a bit higher than other products, it’s worth it! With 72 individual colors and the perfect quality core, I can unleash creativity in my drawing time.

Through the above article, perhaps you also have a better understanding of the characteristics of top best colored pencils and be able to choose the type that best suits you. Let me know if you have owned your satisfactory pencil set. Follow me on the website because I will be back soon. Thank you!