10 Best Colored Pencils 2025 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.

Castle Art Supplies’ 72-piece colored pencil set is designed primarily for adult artists, professionals, and serious color enthusiasts. It offers a wide color range neatly organized by color families, making it easy to find and select the right shade quickly. The pencils have soft cores that are creamy and richly pigmented, which means they lay down color smoothly and blend well—perfect if you like layering or burnishing for texture. Despite being soft, the cores are surprisingly durable, resisting breakage and holding a fine point for detailed work.

These pencils work well on various surfaces such as paper, canvas, and even wood, offering versatility beyond standard coloring books. The included sturdy zipper case helps keep the pencils protected and portable, which is handy if you like to create on the go. Another bonus is the fold-out tutorial that helps users improve their skills by recreating a detailed gryphon illustration.

The pencil hardness rating of 5.0 indicates a softer lead; while great for vibrant and smooth coverage, softer pencils tend to wear down faster, so you might need to sharpen them more often. The brand enjoys a strong reputation backed by many positive reviews and a money-back guarantee. The set may be priced higher than basic beginner packs, reflecting its professional-level quality. This set provides a comprehensive, high-quality option that supports detailed, expressive coloring with reliable performance and good portability, making it well suited for serious users, while casual users or those on a tight budget might find it more than they need.

The Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils are highly regarded in the world of art supplies, particularly for those who take their coloring seriously. With a range of 120 vibrant colors, these pencils offer an impressive palette that can cater to various artistic needs, making them suitable for both professionals and art enthusiasts. One of their standout features is unsurpassed lightfastness, which ensures that the colors remain vibrant and do not fade over time, ideal for works meant for display or long-term preservation.

The oil-based formulation of these pencils allows for smooth application and easy blending, enabling artists to create layered effects without much effort. The break-resistant leads add to their durability, making them a reliable choice for extended use, especially in a classroom or studio environment. Plus, Faber-Castell's reputation for high-quality art materials since 1761 reassures buyers about the product’s value.

The price point is on the higher side compared to other colored pencils, which might deter casual users or beginners. While these pencils are designed for artists, those who are just dabbling in coloring might find them more than what they need. Furthermore, the core hardness being rated as 'H' means that they may not be as soft as some artists prefer for certain techniques, potentially requiring a bit more pressure when applying color.

The Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils are a premium option best suited for serious artists who appreciate quality, durability, and versatility in their tools. While they come with a higher price tag, the benefits in performance and longevity make them a worthy investment for those who will use them regularly.