Finding the best colored pencil sets for under $20 used to mean settling for chalky cores and broken leads. After testing 8 sets over six weeks in our home studio, my family and I learned that you can get vibrant pigment, smooth blending, and break-resistant cores without dropping serious cash.
The trick is knowing what separates the real winners from the cheap fillers. Reddit’s r/ColoredPencils threads consistently flag the same frustrations: pencils that snap during sharpening, waxy seals that fight your first stroke, and colors that look bold in the box but fade to nothing on paper. We tested every set below against those exact complaints.
Every pick here stays comfortably under the $20 ceiling, so you can stock a classroom, gift a budding artist, or finally start that adult coloring book without guilt. We ranked them by pigment quality, break resistance, blendability, and overall value, and we cross-checked our notes against thousands of verified buyer reviews. If you’re hunting for great art supplies that don’t blow your budget, you’re in the right place. For more thoughtful gift ideas, our gifts for grandmothers guide covers similar budget-friendly territory.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Colored Pencil Sets Under $20 in 2026
Crayola Colored Pencils 36ct
- 36 vibrant colors
- Presharpened and ready
- Soft break-resistant cores
- Non-toxic for ages 3+
Crayola Twistables 50ct
- 50 twist-up pencils
- No sharpening needed
- Plastic barrel protection
- Great for ages 4+
Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils
- 80 unique colors
- Numbered and named
- Soft break-resistant core
- Hexagonal grip
Best Colored Pencil Sets Under $20 in October
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Crayola Colored Pencils 36ct |
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| Crayola Twistables 50ct |
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| Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils |
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 Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils |
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 Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils 24ct |
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 KALOUR 72 Colored Pencils |
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 FUNLAVIE 24 Colored Pencils |
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 Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12ct |
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1. Crayola Colored Pencils 36ct – Editor’s Choice for All-Around Value
Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Teacher School Supplies for Kids & Adults, Preschool Classroom Must Haves, Coloring Gift, Ages 3+
36 colors
Presharpened
Soft cores, ages 3+
Pros
- Vibrant
- rich colors with smooth laydown
- Presharpened and ready out of the box
- Soft cores that resist breaking during use
- Suitable for kids
- teens
- and adults alike
- Non-toxic and certified safe for ages 3+
Cons
- Some barrel colors don't match the actual pigment
- Waxy seal requires a few strokes on first use
I bought the Crayola 36ct set for my daughter’s homework folder and ended up using it myself for a weekend of coloring book therapy. The pencils arrived presharpened, which sounds small until you’ve tried five different sharpeners at 9 p.m. with a frustrated kindergartner. That convenience alone is worth the price of admission.
The pigment laydown is genuinely impressive for the cost. Lay a heavy stroke on paper and the color is bold and saturated. Lighten your pressure and you get soft, blendable shading. I layered three colors on a mandala and the transitions looked smooth, not chalky. Reddit reviewers on r/ColoredPencils often cite Crayola as the safe starter recommendation, and after testing I see why.
Break resistance is where this set quietly outperforms competitors. Over six weeks of use (and a few drops onto a hardwood floor), only one pencil snapped, and that was a tip we sharpened too aggressively. The soft core formulation handles normal pressure well, and the 3.3mm lead is thick enough to survive the average kid grip.
The 36-color range covers the essentials. You get the primaries, secondaries, skin tones, and enough pastels and earth tones for school projects and adult coloring books. The biggest complaint from buyers is that the barrel color sometimes doesn’t match the pigment, so a labeled “pink” might lay down more purple. I tested this and found one or two mismatches in the set. It’s a minor annoyance, not a dealbreaker.
Best Use Cases for Crayola 36ct
Classroom supplies, family art kits, school projects, and beginner coloring book sessions. This is the safe, reliable pick when you need a set that handles both a kindergartner and a stressed-out adult.
It’s also a strong gift choice. If you’re browsing our gifts for men who have everything guide, this set slots in well as a thoughtful creative outlet for someone who’s hard to shop for.
Who Should Skip Crayola 36ct
Professional artists who need lightfast pigments and maximum color selection should look elsewhere. Prismacolor or higher-tier artist brands deliver richer saturation and archival quality. If your work is destined for galleries or sale, this set is a starter tool, not a studio staple.
Anyone working on extremely detailed realism may find the 3.3mm core a touch thick. For fine detail work, sharpen often and expect faster wear than with harder artist pencils.
2. Crayola Twistables 50ct – Best Value for Sharpen-Free Convenience
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct), Cool Back to School Supplies for Kids, No Sharpen Colored Pencils for Girls & Boys, 4+ [Amazon Exclusive]
50 twistable
No sharpening
Plastic barrel, ages 4+
Pros
- No sharpening needed - twist up and color
- Plastic barrel protects color core from damage
- Portable and great for travel and on-the-go use
- Comfortable grip for small hands
- Vibrant colors that work for most coloring books
Cons
- No color names printed on the barrel
- Some colors deplete faster than others with heavy use
The Twistables 50ct set solves one of the biggest pain points my family has with colored pencils: the sharpener hunt. There’s no sharpener in our kitchen drawer that hasn’t been lost, borrowed, or broken. Twistables eliminate the entire problem. My kids grab a pencil, twist the end, and they’re coloring in seconds.
The plastic barrel design is more than a gimmick. It protects the lead when the pencil tumbles off the art table, which happens daily in our house. I tested this by dropping a Twistables pencil four times onto the wood floor. The lead stayed intact and the twist mechanism kept working smoothly. That’s a real-world durability win over wood-cased pencils.
![Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct), Cool Back to School Supplies for Kids, No Sharpen Colored Pencils for Girls & Boys, 4+ [Amazon Exclusive] customer photo 1](https://march4trump.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B07D4RN9NH_customer_1.jpg)
The 50-color range is generous for the price, and the pigment quality matches what you’d expect from Crayola’s standard line. Smooth laydown, decent blending, and colors that hold up under layering. The core is a bit thinner than the 36ct wood-cased set, so heavy-handed coloring will eat through colors faster, but for typical kid use the longevity is fine.
The main drawback is the lack of color names on the barrels. If your child wants to recreate a specific look, they have to guess which twistable is which shade. A few reviewers mention taping labels onto the pencils as a workaround. It’s a small frustration in an otherwise excellent set.
![Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct), Cool Back to School Supplies for Kids, No Sharpen Colored Pencils for Girls & Boys, 4+ [Amazon Exclusive] customer photo 2](https://march4trump.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B07D4RN9NH_customer_2.jpg)
Best Use Cases for Crayola Twistables 50ct
On-the-go coloring, road trips, restaurant activity kits, and classrooms where sharpeners aren’t allowed. The twist mechanism is ideal for younger kids still developing fine motor skills.
It’s also a smart pick for grandparents who want to color with visiting grandkids without worrying about broken points. If you’re shopping for thoughtful creative gifts, browse our retirement gifts for teachers guide for more inspiration.
Who Should Skip Crayola Twistables 50ct
Artists who want the traditional wood pencil feel and the ability to vary point sharpness won’t love Twistables. You can’t sharpen to a needle point, so ultra-detailed work isn’t the strength here.
Collectors and traditionalists who prefer the smell of cedar and the ritual of sharpening should pick a wood-cased set. Twistables feel more like markers than classic pencils.
3. Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils – Best for Color Variety
Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching
80 unique colors
Soft break-resistant
Numbered and named
Pros
- 80 unique colors with no duplicates
- Color name and number printed on each barrel
- Soft core glides smoothly for vivid color
- Break-resistant cores that sharpen easily
- Non-toxic and acid-free for all ages
Cons
- Some colors feel slightly waxy under heavy pressure
- Plastic storage trays can wobble in the case
- Less vibrant than professional-grade pencils
The Shuttle Art 80 set is the color junkie’s dream at a budget price. Eighty unique shades, no duplicates, each one labeled with a number and a name on the barrel. I sat down with a glass of wine and tested twenty of them on swatch paper. The pigment quality was consistent across the range, which is rare in a budget set this large.
Blending is where Shuttle Art surprises you. The soft core lays down smoothly and layers well. I built gradients with three colors and the transitions looked creamy, not streaky. For a budget set, the buttery feel rivals pencils two or three times the price. Reddit’s r/ColoredPencils community has long lists of users who compare Shuttle Art favorably to mid-tier brands.
The hexagonal body is a small but important detail. It prevents the pencil from rolling off the table, which happens constantly in my house. The grip is comfortable for both adult hands and kid hands, and the wood sharpens without splitting when you use a decent hand-sharpener.
The drawbacks are minor. A few colors feel slightly waxy on the first stroke, so you have to scratch the tip on scrap paper before drawing. The plastic storage trays inside the case are functional but a bit wobbly. And compared to true professional-grade pencils like Polychromos, the saturation isn’t quite as deep. None of these are dealbreakers at this price point.
Best Use Cases for Shuttle Art 80
Detailed coloring books, adult coloring, sketching, and anyone who wants maximum color variety without paying artist prices. The numbered system also makes it easy to follow along with online tutorials that reference specific shade numbers.
It’s a strong choice for art students building a starter kit on a tight budget, or hobbyists who want to experiment with a wide palette before committing to higher-end brands.
Who Should Skip Shuttle Art 80
Artists who need archival lightfast pigments for fine art should invest in professional brands. The Shuttle Art colors are vibrant but not designed for gallery-grade longevity.
If you prefer smaller, more curated color sets, 80 pencils may feel overwhelming. Beginners who want a focused starter palette might prefer a 24 or 36 count set.
4. Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils – Best for Adult Coloring Books
Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Book,Back to School Supplies
72 rich pigments
Pre-sharpened
Smooth blending
Pros
- 72 vibrant richly pigmented colors
- Soft break-resistant cores that sharpen easily
- Smooth blending and layering capability
- Numbered and named pencils for easy identification
- EN71-3 safety certified for peace of mind
Cons
- Some colors have a waxy seal on first use
- Cardboard storage box less durable over time
- Plastic carriers inside the case can break
The Soucolor 72 set quickly became my go-to for adult coloring book sessions. The pigment density is impressive. Press lightly for soft shading, press harder for bold, saturated coverage. The pencils don’t fight back when you want to layer, and they blend well with both light and heavy strokes.
I tested the set on a detailed floral coloring page that required multiple gradients. Soucolor handled the transitions smoothly, with no muddy mid-tones where the colors met. The 3mm core is a touch thicker than artist pencils, which means less sharpening but also slightly less precision on tiny details. For 90 percent of adult coloring book work, it’s the right balance.
The numbered and named barrels are a small but thoughtful touch. When you’re following an online tutorial or trying to recreate a specific look, knowing exactly which pencil you used is half the battle. The pencils sharpen cleanly with both electric and hand sharpeners, and I didn’t experience any core breakage during normal use.
The packaging is the main weak point. The cardboard box is fine for storage on a shelf, but if you travel with the set, the internal plastic carriers can crack and send pencils rolling around. A small mesh pouch solves the problem. Performance-wise, though, this set punches well above its weight.
Best Use Cases for Soucolor 72
Adult coloring books, journaling, mandalas, and any project that requires a wide range of mid-tones and gradients. The smooth blending makes it a strong pick for shading-heavy work.
It’s also a good gift for someone starting a coloring hobby. The variety means they won’t feel limited as they explore different styles.
Who Should Skip Soucolor 72
Younger children may find the smooth, soft cores harder to control than firmer kid-specific pencils. The 3mm lead is great for adults but can snap if a toddler presses too hard.
Artists who need lightfast pigments for sale or display work should look at higher-end brands. Soucolor is for hobbyists, not gallery submissions.
5. Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils 24ct – Best for Kids and Corrections
Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils for Kids, 24ct Drawing Coloring Pencils
24 erasable
Presharpened
Attached erasers, ages 3+
Pros
- Erases easily without smearing or tearing paper
- 24 vibrant colors with smooth application
- Presharpened and ready to use immediately
- Attached erasers work well for corrections
- Durable wood casings sharpen without splitting
Cons
- Colors slightly less dark than non-erasable pencils
- Erasability varies across different colors
- Dark brown can appear nearly black
The Crayola Erasable 24ct set is a lifesaver for parents and teachers. Mistakes happen constantly with kids, and the ability to erase cleanly changes the entire experience. I handed these to my daughter during homework and she stopped asking for help after a single session. The independence boost is real.
The eraser on the back of each pencil is integrated, so there’s nothing extra to lose. I tested the erasability on standard printer paper and on a heavier coloring book stock. The eraser removed color cleanly without tearing the paper, though some lighter shades erased better than darker ones. That’s a small price to pay for the convenience.
The 24-color range covers the basics for school projects and coloring books. Pigment quality is good, though slightly less saturated than non-erasable Crayola pencils. That’s the trade-off: erasability costs you a bit of color depth. For most kid projects, the difference is invisible.
Durability is solid. The wood casings sharpened cleanly in my electric sharpener with no splitting, and the leads didn’t snap during normal use. The 3.3mm core is thick enough to handle kid grip pressure without constant breakage.
Best Use Cases for Crayola Erasable 24ct
Homework, school supplies, learning to color within the lines, and any situation where mistakes are likely. The erasable feature is also great for adult coloring book fans who want flexibility.
It’s a great choice for art teachers running younger classrooms, where corrections are part of the learning process.
Who Should Skip Crayola Erasable 24ct
Artists who want maximum color saturation should choose non-erasable pencils. The erasable formula trades a bit of pigment depth for correction flexibility.
If you rarely make mistakes and want richer color, the standard Crayola 36ct is the better value.
6. KALOUR 72 Colored Pencils – Premium Pick on a Budget
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
72 colors
Break-resistant
Basswood sharpenable
Pros
- 72 different colors with excellent variety
- Soft cores produce smooth vibrant color
- Break-resistant leads for long-term durability
- Number and color name printed on each pencil
- High-quality basswood that sharpens easily
Cons
- Box packaging is flimsy cardboard
- Plastic trays inside can wobble
- Some shades could be more saturated
KALOUR 72 is the set I keep coming back to when I want a Prismacolor-adjacent experience without the Prismacolor price tag. The soft cores feel creamy under the pencil, and the pigment lays down evenly with minimal pressure. I tested it side-by-side with my Prismacolor set and the difference was subtle, not dramatic.
Blending is the standout feature. KALOUR handles layered gradients with ease, and the transitions look smooth. I built a sunset gradient using five colors and the result looked professional. Reddit reviewers frequently cite KALOUR as a top budget alternative to Prismacolor, and my testing confirmed that reputation.
The basswood casing sharpens cleanly and resists splitting. I used both an electric sharpener and a hand sharpener, and both produced a fine point without breaking the lead. The break-resistant formulation held up well during my six-week test, with only one tip snapping under aggressive pressure.
The numbered and named barrels make color matching easy, and the high pigment concentration means you use less pencil per stroke. The main drawback is the packaging, which is functional but not durable. Buy a separate pencil case if you plan to travel with the set.
Best Use Cases for KALOUR 72
Artists who want Prismacolor-style quality on a budget, detailed coloring books, and shading-heavy projects. The smooth blending makes it a strong choice for anyone moving up from student-grade supplies.
It’s also a good fit for art students building a starter kit who can’t justify artist-grade prices yet.
Who Should Skip KALOUR 72
Professional artists with lightfast and archival requirements should invest in higher-end brands. KALOUR delivers impressive quality but isn’t designed for fine art longevity.
Anyone who needs a small, focused palette may find 72 colors overwhelming. A 24 or 36 count set might be a better starting point for true beginners.
7. FUNLAVIE 24 Colored Pencils – Budget Pick for Travel
FUNLAVIE 24 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core Art Pencils
24 colors
Oil-based
Includes sharpener, travel
Pros
- Oil-based cores with rich long-lasting pigments
- Pre-sharpened with sharpener included
- Soft cores glide smoothly for flawless blending
- Compact travel-friendly round container
- Break-resistant cores for on-the-go durability
Cons
- Some color variations are too similar to distinguish
- Softer leads can break during sharpening
- Number labeling can be hard to read
The FUNLAVIE 24 set punches above its weight for travelers. The round container is compact, the pencils come pre-sharpened, and there’s even a sharpener tucked into the case. I tossed the set in my bag for a week-long trip and it survived airline handling without a single broken point.
The oil-based cores are a nice change from the wax-based formulas in most budget sets. Oil-based pigment tends to be richer and more permanent on paper. I tested the set on a watercolor sketchbook and the colors stayed vibrant without bleeding or smearing. For sketching on the road, this is a strong pick.
Blending is smooth, and the soft cores glide across the paper without dragging. The 3.3mm lead is comfortable for both detailed work and broader strokes. The included sharpener works, though I recommend a higher-quality sharpener for the best point.
The 24-color range covers the essentials, though some of the variations are close enough that I had trouble telling two greens apart without checking the labels. The number labels on the barrel are also small and hard to read in low light. Minor inconveniences, but worth noting.
Best Use Cases for FUNLAVIE 24
Travel, plein air sketching, art journaling, and anyone who wants a compact portable set. The round container fits easily in a backpack or tote bag.
It’s also a good starter set for beginners who want quality without a huge color count.
Who Should Skip FUNLAVIE 24
Artists who want maximum color variety will find 24 pencils limiting. The set covers the basics but doesn’t expand into deep specialty shades.
If you prefer larger wood-cased sets with traditional sharpeners, this travel-friendly format may feel too compact.
8. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils 12ct – Top Rated Artist Pick
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 12 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
12 soft cores
Lightfast
Ultra-smooth, artist grade
Pros
- Soft thick cores perfect for shading and shadows
- Ultra-smooth even color laydown
- Lightfast richly saturated pigments
- Durable leads resist cracking and chipping
- Premium quality trusted by professional artists
Cons
- Premium price for a smaller set
- Only 12 colors included for the price
- Pencils can break if dropped on hard floor
The Prismacolor Premier 12ct set is the gateway drug to the Prismacolor universe. Twelve colors, but every single one is the rich, buttery, professional-grade pigment the brand is famous for. I tested True Blue, Crimson Red, and Black on swatch paper, and the saturation was immediate and complete with light pressure.
Blending is where Prismacolor earns its reputation. The soft core is almost waxy in the best way, and layers build smoothly without streaking or skipping. I built a portrait study using just the 12 included colors plus my own blending techniques, and the result looked gallery-worthy. Reddit’s r/ColoredPencils veterans consistently recommend Prismacolor as the gold standard for adult coloring.
The thick cores are durable during sharpening and normal use. Lightfastness is another advantage. Prismacolor pigments hold their color over time, which matters if you’re creating work you want to keep or sell. The 12 colors are carefully chosen essentials: primaries, secondaries, plus key neutrals like Sienna Brown, Dark Brown, and Black.
The drawbacks are real. Twelve pencils feels small for the price, and if you drop a Prismacolor on a hard floor, the lead can snap. Treat them gently, and they reward you with unmatched quality. This set is also a starting point. Most serious Prismacolor users eventually expand to 24, 36, or 72 count sets.
Best Use Cases for Prismacolor Premier 12ct
Adult coloring, fine art, portrait work, and anyone ready to invest in professional-grade supplies. The 12-color starter is perfect for testing the brand before committing to larger sets.
It’s also a great gift for artists. If you’re browsing options, our whiskey decanter sets guide shows how to match premium tools to discerning recipients.
Who Should Skip Prismacolor Premier 12ct
Budget-focused buyers should look at KALOUR or Shuttle Art for similar pigment quality at lower prices. Prismacolor is premium for a reason, but it’s not the only path to good results.
Young children may not appreciate the softness of Prismacolor cores, which can break under heavy-handed use. Crayola sets are more forgiving for kid use.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Colored Pencils Under $20
Choosing the right colored pencil set under $20 starts with understanding what you’re really buying. Most budget sets use wax-based cores, which feel creamy and blend well but can snap under heavy pressure. Oil-based cores, like those in the FUNLAVIE set, are more permanent on paper and slightly more durable. Neither is objectively better. The choice depends on your project and your grip style.
Set size matters more than most buyers realize. A 24-count set covers school basics and simple coloring books. A 72 or 80 count set unlocks detailed shading, complex gradients, and specialty projects. If you mostly color with a small palette, fewer pencils reduce decision fatigue. If you want maximum creative range, bigger sets win.
Wax vs Oil-Based Cores Explained
Wax-based cores dominate the budget colored pencil market because they feel smooth, blend easily, and are inexpensive to manufacture. Most Crayola, Shuttle Art, Soucolor, and KALOUR pencils fall into this category. The trade-off is durability. Wax cores can snap during sharpening or under heavy-handed pressure.
Oil-based cores, like FUNLAVIE, deliver richer pigment and better longevity on paper. They also tend to be slightly more break-resistant. For travel or sketchbook work, oil-based is a strong choice. For most home use, wax-based is perfectly fine.
What to Look for in Break Resistance
Break resistance depends on three factors: core thickness, binder quality, and sharpening technique. A 3.3mm core, like the Crayola 36ct, is naturally more durable than a thinner core. Look for “break-resistant” or “soft break-resistant” in product descriptions. Use a quality hand or electric sharpener, and avoid pressing too hard during sharpening.
If you have kids or tend to drop pencils, Twistables eliminate the breakage problem entirely by replacing wood with plastic and using a twist-up core.
Matching Sets to Skill Level
Kids and beginners should start with Crayola sets, which balance quality, safety, and forgiveness. The Twistables are ideal for younger kids who struggle with sharpeners. Older kids and teens can move up to Soucolor or Shuttle Art for more color variety.
Adult hobbyists should consider KALOUR or Prismacolor for premium feel without breaking the budget. If you plan to make art seriously, Prismacolor is the long-term investment.
Paper Compatibility Tips
Budget colored pencils perform best on smoother paper. Standard printer paper works fine for kids. Adult coloring books with thicker paper (100gsm or higher) show off pigment better and resist tearing when you erase or layer heavily. Sketchbooks labeled for colored pencils are also a strong choice.
Avoid the cheapest coloring books with thin paper if you plan to layer multiple colors. The paper will pill or tear, no matter how good your pencils are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best affordable colored pencil set?
The Crayola Colored Pencils 36ct is our top pick for the best affordable colored pencil set. It offers vibrant pigment, presharpened convenience, soft break-resistant cores, and 49k+ reviews backing its quality, all at a price well under $20.
What is the best affordable brand of colored pencils?
Crayola is the most trusted affordable brand, with decades of consistency and safety certifications. For art-quality on a budget, KALOUR and Shuttle Art deliver premium feel at low prices, with reviewers comparing them favorably to higher-end brands.
What is the best brand of colored pencils for beginners?
Crayola is the best beginner brand thanks to its forgiving cores, presharpened convenience, and non-toxic safety certification. For beginners who want to explore adult coloring, Soucolor 72 offers smooth blending and 72 colors to experiment with.
What are the best cheap artist colouring pencils?
KALOUR 72 and Shuttle Art 80 are the best cheap artist colored pencils. Both feature soft break-resistant cores, numbered and named barrels, and smooth blending that rivals pencils costing two or three times as much.
What is a cheaper alternative to Prismacolor pencils?
KALOUR 72 is widely recommended as a budget alternative to Prismacolor. Reviewers consistently note that the soft cores, smooth blending, and pigment quality come close to Prismacolor at a fraction of the cost, though Prismacolor still wins for archival lightfastness.
Final Verdict: Our Top Picks for Colored Pencil Sets Under $20
After testing eight sets over six weeks, our team’s pick for the best colored pencil sets under $20 is the Crayola 36ct. It delivers reliable pigment, soft break-resistant cores, presharpened convenience, and over 50k reviews confirming the experience. For most families, classrooms, and hobbyists, it’s the safest, most versatile choice at a price that fits any budget.
If you want maximum color variety, the Shuttle Art 80 set delivers the largest palette in this price range. For adult coloring enthusiasts seeking premium feel, KALOUR 72 punches well above its cost. And for artists ready to invest in professional-grade pigment, the Prismacolor Premier 12ct is the gateway to studio-quality work, all comfortably under the $20 ceiling.
Whatever you choose, you’re getting more quality than you would have found even two or three years ago. Budget colored pencils have improved dramatically, and every set on this list is backed by thousands of verified buyer reviews. Pick the one that matches your projects, your grip style, and your color needs, and start coloring. For more thoughtful creative gear ideas, browse our fondue sets guide for inspiration on hosting creative gatherings at home.