10 Best Colored Pencils 2026 in the United States

Derwent Inktense Pencils come in a large set of 100 vibrant, water-soluble colored pencils, making them ideal for artists who want a wide color range to work with. Their 4mm cores are highly pigmented with a firm but blendable texture, allowing both detailed dry drawing and smooth, ink-like watercolor effects when mixed with water. These pencils are unique because once dry, the colors become permanent and won’t smudge or react to water again, which is great for layering and preserving your artwork. The round barrel shape is comfortable for extended use.

Derwent is a well-known brand with a strong reputation among artists, and the high customer ratings indicate that most users are very satisfied. While the quality and color variety are excellent, this set is a premium option that might be pricey for beginners or casual users. Also, the pencils are best paired with water brushes and specific Inktense paper to get the most out of their water-soluble feature, which could mean extra costs.

If you’re an adult or student serious about watercolor pencil art and want professional-grade results, this set offers a great balance of rich colors, permanence, and versatility.

The Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils set is designed for a wide range of users, from kids and teens to adults, making it versatile for various art projects and school supplies. With 72 vibrant colors, the set offers a rich palette for smooth coloring, blending, and shading, which is ideal for drawing, sketching, and coloring books. The soft core of the pencils ensures an easy sharpening process and minimizes breaking, cracking, or crumbling, which can be a common frustration with colored pencils.

The included Soucolor pencil box is a convenient feature that helps keep the pencils organized and easily accessible. Safety is also a priority with these pencils, as they are made from odorless materials and come with an EN71 safety certificate. However, they do pose a choking hazard for children under three years old.

Some users might find the core's softness not suitable for detailed work requiring harder pencils. Additionally, for professional artists seeking top-tier lightfastness (resistance to fading over time), these pencils might not meet those high standards. Given their affordability and wide color range, they are an excellent choice for beginners, hobbyists, and those looking for a comprehensive coloring set without breaking the bank.

The Shuttle Art 172 Colored Pencils set offers a huge range of 172 unique colors, including 12 metallic shades, making it perfect for detailed coloring, sketching, or crafting for beginners, adult coloring enthusiasts, or artists. Each pencil is clearly labeled with both the color name and number, and the pencil’s body color matches the core, allowing for quick and easy shade selection. The soft cores glide smoothly on paper, enabling easy blending and layering, which is excellent for shading and creating vibrant artwork. Despite their softness, the cores resist breaking under normal use, and the pencils are made with quality wood for easy sharpening. Safety is also ensured as these pencils meet U.S. and European safety standards, making them suitable for all ages, including children.

Though the set is large and might be pricier than smaller packs, it offers excellent value considering the variety and quality. For those needing pencils with very high lightfastness (resistance to fading over time), this set may not be ideal since it mainly targets casual to intermediate artists rather than professionals focused on archival quality. However, for most hobbyists and coloring book fans, Shuttle Art’s colorful, user-friendly pencils provide a reliable and enjoyable drawing experience.