10 Best Colored Pencils 2026 in the United States

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 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.

The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 36 Count, are designed primarily for adults who enjoy coloring and shading. One of the standout features is the soft, thick cores which make these pencils ideal for creating smooth, even color layers, and achieving rich shading and shadows.

They are praised for their lightfastness, meaning the colors are resistant to fading over time, which is a crucial feature for artists who want their work to last. The color range includes 36 different shades, providing a good variety for most artistic needs, although some may wish for a larger selection. The robust leads are designed to resist cracking and chipping, adding to their durability and making them suitable for frequent use in adult coloring books.

Prismacolor is a well-known brand with a strong reputation in the art community. If you are looking for high-quality colored pencils with excellent performance in shading and durability, and are willing to invest a bit more, these could be a great choice.