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10 Best Watercolor Pens 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

CHROMATEK 54 Watercolor Pens Set | Including 15 Page Pad & Online Video Tutorial Series | 4 Aquapens & 50 Unique Colors | Real Brush Pens | Easily Blendable, Vivid, Smooth | Professional Art Supplies

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,129
Brush Tip
Color Range
Water Solubility

Most important from
5039 reviews

Brush Tip
These watercolor brush pens blend effortlessly without leaving any brush strokes.
Color Range
Brilliant colors and perfect blending make these pens a standout choice. They work exactly like watercolor and are filled with legitimate extras at a very low price point.
Water Solubility
Brilliant colors and perfect blending make these pens a standout choice. They work exactly like watercolor and are filled with legitimate extras at a very low price point.

The CHROMATEK 54 Watercolor Pens Set is a great choice for artists of all skill levels, especially those who appreciate vibrant colors and easy blending. One of its major strengths is the variety it offers; with 50 unique colors and four blending aquapens, artists can explore numerous techniques and styles. The brush tips are flexible and designed like real paintbrushes, allowing for smooth strokes and detailed work. Additionally, the included video tutorial series is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to improve their watercolor skills, making the learning process more structured and engaging.

The professional art pad included is a nice touch, as it features high-quality paper that complements the watercolor pens well. However, it only contains a limited number of practice pages and templates.

The CHROMATEK watercolor pens set stands out for its color range, ease of blending, and helpful tutorials, making it suitable for both budding and experienced artists. Just be mindful of the potential for some color inconsistencies and ensure proper storage to avoid any issues while on the go.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,129
Brush Tip
Color Range
Water Solubility

Most important from
5039 reviews

Brush Tip
These watercolor brush pens blend effortlessly without leaving any brush strokes.
Color Range
Brilliant colors and perfect blending make these pens a standout choice. They work exactly like watercolor and are filled with legitimate extras at a very low price point.
Water Solubility
Brilliant colors and perfect blending make these pens a standout choice. They work exactly like watercolor and are filled with legitimate extras at a very low price point.
#2

Winsor & Newton Promarker, Set of 48, Essential Collection

Rating
9.8
Brush Tip
Ink Quality
Color Range

Most important from
1693 reviews

Brush Tip
These markers cover paper smoothly without visible streaky lines, even on plain white card stock.
Ink Quality
Amazing, vibrant colors with smooth heads and really clean ink flow.
Color Range
The colors are so pretty and they work so well!

The Winsor & Newton Promarker set, with 48 essential colors, is a strong contender in the watercolor pen category. One of its standout features is the dual tips—fine bullet nibs for detailed work and broad chisel nibs for coverage. This versatility makes it suitable for various applications, including drawing, illustration, and crafts, appealing especially to artists who enjoy both precision and broader strokes.

The ink quality is impressive, utilizing high-quality alcohol-based inks that offer vibrant colors and a remarkable tonal range. Artists can expect consistent, streak-free coverage, which is crucial when blending or layering colors. However, it’s worth noting that while these markers excel in layering, they're not traditional water-soluble watercolor pens, meaning they don’t dissolve in water like some other watercolor mediums.

The color range is extensive, with 48 shades that allow for a creative palette. The fast-drying nature of the inks is a plus, as it enables artists to work quickly without worrying about smudging, yet this may also mean that it can be challenging to blend colors if not done promptly. Ease of use is another strong point; the markers are designed for accessibility, making them suitable for both beginners and more experienced artists. They can be used on various surfaces, including paper, glass, and plastic, adding to their versatility. However, the alcohol-based ink can have a strong odor, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially those sensitive to smells or working in confined spaces.

Rating
9.8
Brush Tip
Ink Quality
Color Range

Most important from
1693 reviews

Brush Tip
These markers cover paper smoothly without visible streaky lines, even on plain white card stock.
Ink Quality
Amazing, vibrant colors with smooth heads and really clean ink flow.
Color Range
The colors are so pretty and they work so well!
#3

ARTEZA Real Brush Pens, 48 Watercolor Pens, Drawing Markers with Flexible Brush Tips, Watercolor Markers for Artists, and Beginners

Rating
9.5
Brush Tip
Ink Quality
Color Range

Most important from
15766 reviews

Brush Tip
The brush pens can create super fine lines or robust calligraphy strokes, adding versatility to your artwork.
Ink Quality
The ink quality is vibrant and richly pigmented, which enhances the overall look of your art.
Color Range
The wide variety of colors and the ability to blend them offers great flexibility for creative projects.
Water Solubility
Users have reported that the pens can color shift under the right water dispersion, adding unique effects to their work.
Ease of Use
Easy to use compared to traditional paint or watercolor with brushes, making them ideal for beginners.

The ARTEZA Real Brush Pens are an impressive set of 48 watercolor markers designed for artists and beginners alike. A standout feature is the variety of colors available, providing a rich palette for creative projects. The brush tip allows for versatile applications like delicate watercolor effects, calligraphy, and sketching, making these pens a great choice for anyone looking to explore different artistic styles.

One of the strongest points of these pens is their ink quality, which flows smoothly and allows for precision control. This means you can create beautiful gradients and subtle shading without much effort, enhancing your artwork. Additionally, the non-toxic nature of the ink adds a layer of safety, making them suitable for all ages.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Some users might find that the ink can be a bit too fluid for their liking, leading to potential bleeding on thinner paper. While the pens are designed for mess-free watercolor painting, beginners may need some practice to master the control and techniques required for optimal results. The flexible brush tips allow for a range of strokes, but those used to traditional brushes might need time to adjust. Despite this, the convenience of having watercolor effects without the mess of traditional materials is a definite plus.

Rating
9.5
Brush Tip
Ink Quality
Color Range

Most important from
15766 reviews

Brush Tip
The brush pens can create super fine lines or robust calligraphy strokes, adding versatility to your artwork.
Ink Quality
The ink quality is vibrant and richly pigmented, which enhances the overall look of your art.
Color Range
The wide variety of colors and the ability to blend them offers great flexibility for creative projects.
Water Solubility
Users have reported that the pens can color shift under the right water dispersion, adding unique effects to their work.
Ease of Use
Easy to use compared to traditional paint or watercolor with brushes, making them ideal for beginners.

Buying Guide for the Best Watercolor Pens

Choosing the right watercolor pens can significantly enhance your artistic experience, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist. Watercolor pens combine the convenience of markers with the fluidity of watercolors, making them a versatile tool for various art projects. To find the best fit for you, it's essential to understand the key specifications and how they align with your artistic needs and preferences.
Brush TipThe brush tip of a watercolor pen mimics the feel of a traditional paintbrush, allowing for a range of strokes from fine lines to broad washes. This spec is important because it determines the versatility and control you have over your artwork. Brush tips can vary in flexibility; some are firmer, providing more control for detailed work, while others are softer, allowing for more fluid and expressive strokes. If you prefer detailed illustrations, opt for a firmer brush tip. For more expressive and loose styles, a softer brush tip might be more suitable.
Ink QualityInk quality in watercolor pens affects the vibrancy, blendability, and permanence of your artwork. High-quality inks are typically more vibrant and blend smoothly, creating beautiful gradients and washes. They are also more likely to be lightfast, meaning they won't fade over time. If you are creating artwork that you want to last, look for pens with archival-quality, lightfast ink. For practice or casual use, standard ink quality may suffice.
Color RangeThe color range refers to the variety of colors available in a set of watercolor pens. This is important because a broader color range allows for more creative freedom and the ability to create more complex and nuanced artwork. Sets can range from a few basic colors to extensive collections with dozens of shades. If you're just starting, a smaller set with primary and secondary colors might be enough. For more advanced artists or specific projects, a larger set with a wide range of hues and tones can be beneficial.
Water SolubilityWater solubility indicates how well the ink in the pens can be activated and blended with water. This is crucial for achieving the watercolor effect, as it allows you to create smooth transitions and washes. Some pens are more water-soluble than others, making them easier to blend. If you want to achieve traditional watercolor effects, look for pens with high water solubility. For more controlled and less fluid effects, pens with lower water solubility might be preferable.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how comfortable and intuitive the pens are to handle. This includes the grip, the flow of the ink, and how easy it is to control the brush tip. Pens that are easy to use can make the creative process more enjoyable and less frustrating, especially for beginners. If you're new to watercolor pens, look for ones with ergonomic designs and consistent ink flow. More experienced artists might prioritize other features, but ease of use is always a valuable consideration.

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