10 Best Colored Pencils 2026 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 Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils set, featuring 100 pencils, is designed for artists who prioritize longevity and color integrity. One of its standout strengths is the 100% lightfast quality, ensuring that the colors remain unchanged for up to 100 years under museum conditions. This feature makes these colored pencils particularly appealing to professional artists or anyone creating artwork intended for long-term display. The broad color spectrum allows for impressive creativity, and the oil-based formula provides a creamy texture that makes blending and layering easier, enhancing the drawing experience.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the quality is premium, the price point may be on the higher side, which might not be suitable for casual artists or beginners who may not need such advanced features. Additionally, the pencils are designed primarily for adult users, so younger artists might find them less accessible. The relatively large set size could be overwhelming for someone just starting out, who might benefit from a smaller selection to practice with.

In terms of brand reputation, Derwent is well-regarded in the art community, further adding to the set’s appeal. For those seeking premium quality colored pencils with exceptional performance in blending and layering, and who are willing to invest in their art supplies, the Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils could be a great fit. But for those just beginning their artistic journey, it may be more sensible to explore more budget-friendly options.

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.