10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

The Crayola Colored Pencils Set with 120 colors is a great choice for kids and classrooms thanks to its large color range and trusted brand reputation. These pencils have a smooth, creamy core that makes coloring and blending easy, which is especially helpful for young artists just starting out. The pencils come pre-sharpened, so kids can dive right into their artwork without any hassle.

While Crayola is known for quality and safe materials, these pencils are designed primarily for casual use rather than professional or archival artwork, so they may not offer strong lightfastness (resistance to fading over time) or very hard cores that some artists prefer for fine detail. The set is quite affordable considering the quantity, making it an excellent value for schools, homeschooling, or families with multiple children.

With so many colors, some shades might be quite similar, which could be a bit overwhelming or unnecessary for beginners. If you are looking for a fun, reliable, and budget-friendly pencil set mainly for kids or general coloring activities, this Crayola set delivers well without being overly specialized.

The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils are an impressive option for anyone interested in art, whether you're an adult, kid, or a beginner. One of the standout features of this set is its vibrant color range; with 72 different hues, you're likely to find the perfect shade for any drawing or coloring project. The pencils are made with a soft core, allowing for smooth application and easy blending, which is excellent for creating depth in your artwork. Their break-resistant design adds to their durability, making them suitable for regular use.

In terms of quality, the pencils are crafted from high-quality basswood, which sharpens easily and produces a nice finish. While the soft core provides smooth application, it may not be ideal for all artists, especially those who prefer harder leads for fine details. Additionally, while the vibrant colors are great for adult coloring books, some users have expressed that the colors might not be as lightfast as professional-grade pencils, meaning they could fade over time under certain conditions.

The KALOUR pencils are also non-toxic and safe for children, making them a suitable gift for young budding artists. However, if you’re a more advanced artist looking for professional-grade materials, you might find these pencils somewhat lacking in comparison to higher-end brands. For the price point, they offer good value, especially as a starter set for those new to coloring and drawing. If you're looking for a reliable and colorful option to express your creativity, KALOUR's 72 Count Colored Pencils could be a delightful addition to your art supplies.

The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, are highly regarded in the art community, making them a solid choice for both professional artists and hobbyists. The set includes 72 assorted colors, providing a wide range of vibrant and richly saturated pigments that are lightfast, meaning they resist fading over time. One of the standout features is the ultra-smooth, even color laydown, which makes shading and blending effortless, thanks to the soft and thick cores.

This quality ensures consistent results and makes the pencils versatile for various techniques, from sketching to detailed coloring. The thick, robust leads are designed to resist cracking and chipping, which is a big plus for durability and longevity. Additionally, the pencils are made in the USA, adding an extra layer of assurance about the product's quality.

While the price might be on the higher side compared to other colored pencils, the superior quality and performance justify the investment. The set is also well-packaged in a tin, making it convenient for storage and transport. However, one potential drawback is that the pencils' softness might result in quicker wear, necessitating more frequent sharpening. These colored pencils are ideal for anyone serious about their art, offering exceptional quality and a broad spectrum of colors, though they come at a premium price.