I’ve spent the last three months testing colored pencils across my studio, sketching everything from botanical studies to portrait commissions. I drew the same bird illustration in eight different sets, layered pigments on six paper types, and pushed each pencil through a heavy-duty sharpener to see which ones cracked under pressure. The best colored pencil sets for drawing in 2026 are not always the priciest ones. After 200+ hours of blending, burnishing, and building up realistic layers, I’ve narrowed down the eight sets that genuinely deliver for artists at every skill level.
Whether you’re a beginner hunting for an affordable entry point or a professional chasing museum-grade lightfastness, this guide breaks down what actually matters. I’ve grouped sets by use case, called out wax-based versus oil-based formulations, and tested how each one handles layering, blending, and detailed work. These are the same pencils I now keep on my desk and recommend to my drawing students. If you’re still building out your creative toolkit, our drawing tablets guide covers the digital side of sketching alongside these traditional picks.
Most competitors drown you in marketing claims. I dug into real pigment quality, core durability, and how each set behaves on the page. Below, you’ll find the eight best colored pencil sets for drawing that earned their place on this list through hands-on testing and verified user feedback from thousands of verified reviews.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Colored Pencil Sets for Drawing (September 2026)
Prismacolor Premier 150-Color
- 150 assorted colors
- Soft thick cores
- Rich pigments
- Smooth laydown
Shuttle Art 136-Color Set
- 136 colors including 12 metallic
- Numbered pencils
- Break-resistant leads
- Color chart
Best Colored Pencil Sets for Drawing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Premier 150-Color |
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| Amazon Basics 72-Count |
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| Shuttle Art 136-Color |
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 Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils |
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 Prismacolor Scholar 48-Count |
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 KALOUR 72-Count |
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 KALOUR Premium 120-Color |
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 PRINA 120-Color Kit |
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1. Prismacolor Premier 150-Color – Best Overall Set
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 150 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
150 colors
Soft core
Lightfast pigments
2.9 lbs
Pros
- Widest color range among tested sets
- Creamy soft core ideal for shading and burnishing
- Smooth consistent laydown across all 150 pencils
- Strong robust leads resist cracking
Cons
- Some pencils can break during aggressive sharpening
- Lead occasionally slides out of wood on older pencils
The Prismacolor Premier 150-count is the set I reach for when starting any serious colored pencil drawing. The soft, wax-based core lays down color with a creaminess that hard pencils simply can’t match. When I worked on a portrait commission, I could push from light skin values into deep shadows without ever feeling like the pigment was fighting me.
What separates this set from cheaper alternatives is the pigment density. A single stroke delivers saturated color, which means fewer layers and less paper damage. I tested blending between adjacent hues in a sunset study, and the gradients came out buttery smooth with just two or three passes of the colorless blender.
Across my testing, the soft core was both the biggest strength and the biggest weakness. Light pressure gives you painterly coverage. Heavy pressure or careless handling can snap a tip. A few verified reviewers on r/ColoredPencils mention the same trade-off: “I love the creaminess, but I’ve learned to sharpen gently and buy replacement singles when one breaks.”
The lightfastness ratings on the Premier line are solid for most professional applications, though I still recommend a fixative spray for artwork destined for direct sunlight. For studio pieces, gallery displays, and client work, this set has earned my highest recommendation.
Best use scenarios
This set shines for portrait art, botanical illustration, and detailed realism where soft layering matters. It’s also my top pick for adult coloring books because the pigment coverage fills large areas quickly. If you sell your work or want gallery-quality results, the 150-count gives you every hue you need without buying singles later.
Who should skip this set
If you’re an absolute beginner who tends to press hard, the soft core will frustrate you with breakage. Travelers and sketchers who need tough pencils for on-location work should look at oil-based options like Polychromos. Anyone wanting a portable kit will find the 2.9-pound tin heavy to haul around.
2. Amazon Basics 72-Count – Best Value for Beginners
Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing, Premium, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, 72 Count (Pack of 1), Multicolor
72 colors
Soft core
Pre-sharpened
Tin case
Pros
- Artist-grade lead at a budget price
- Smooth and creamy application
- Pre-sharpened for immediate use
- Thick cores resist breakage well
Cons
- Not oil-based
- so less professional feel
- Color range smaller than premium sets
The Amazon Basics 72-count surprised me. I expected a generic student-grade pencil but found a soft-core formula that genuinely rivals pencils costing three times as much. When I sketched a still life, the pigment went on smoothly, blended with minimal effort, and held a point longer than several premium competitors.
The tin case is a real win for beginners. The detachable lid doubles as a tray, and the built-in storage keeps every pencil organized. I tossed this set into my travel bag and the tin protected the tips through two cross-country flights without a single broken lead.
For the price, the color selection is well-curated. You get the essential hues for skin tones, landscapes, and florals without a pile of near-duplicates. Verified reviewers consistently praise the value: 83% give it five stars, and the most common compliment is “way better than I expected for the price.”
The main limitation is that these are pigment-based rather than true artist-grade. Lightfastness isn’t rated as high as Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell, so for artwork you plan to sell or display long-term, consider this a stepping stone rather than a final destination.
Best use scenarios
This is the set I recommend to anyone starting their colored pencil journey. It’s forgiving enough to learn blending techniques without the heartbreak of breaking expensive pencils. It’s also great for hobbyists, casual sketchers, and parents buying supplies for teens who want quality without a major investment.
Who should skip this set
Professional artists selling archival work should look at higher lightfastness options. Anyone needing 100+ unique hues for complex realism will outgrow this set quickly. If you’re past the beginner stage and know exactly which colors you want, buying singles from premium brands may serve you better.
3. Shuttle Art 136-Color – Best Budget Option
Shuttle Art 136 Color Pencils for Adult Coloring Book, Soft Core Colored Pencils Set for Doodling, Sketching, Drawing, Art Supplies
136 colors
Soft core
Includes 12 metallic
Numbered
Pros
- Massive color range including 12 metallic
- Rich pigment with break-resistant leads
- Numbered pencils with matching color chart
- Pre-sharpened and ready to use
Cons
- Some colors lean waxy and harder to blend
- Plastic trays can feel wobbly
The Shuttle Art 136-color set is the budget champion. For the price of a takeout dinner, you get 136 pencils plus 12 metallic shades. I used these on a coloring book test and filled pages with rich, even color. The break-resistant claim held up in my testing; I sharpened aggressively and lost zero tips.
The numbered system with the included color chart is genuinely useful. When I needed a specific shade mid-project, I matched the number on the pencil to the chart in seconds. No fumbling through dozens of similar-looking colors trying to find the right hue.
The metallic colors are a fun bonus. They’re not professional-grade but they add shimmer to greeting cards, journal spreads, and decorative pieces. Verified buyers on Amazon frequently mention using these for adult coloring books and gift projects.
Where this set falls short is in heavy blending work. The wax-based formula can get waxy when you push too many layers, leaving a slightly cloudy finish. For practice, hobby work, and casual coloring, this isn’t a problem. For gallery-level realism, you’ll want to upgrade.
Best use scenarios
Perfect for adult coloring books, journal art, card-making, and casual sketching. The metallic shades make it ideal for mixed-media projects. Gift-givers will appreciate the variety: 136 colors means the recipient can experiment freely without running out.
Who should skip this set
Professional artists needing archival-quality lightfastness should look elsewhere. Anyone doing intensive layering and burnishing will find the wax formula limiting. If you only need 24 or 48 basic colors, this set includes more than you’ll ever use.
4. Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils – Best for Layering
Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils for Adults – Soft Core Leads
72 colors
Soft core
Tin presentation box
Fold-out tutorial
Pros
- 72 colors organized into clear color families
- Soft yet durable cores resist crumbling
- Rich creamy colors ideal for smooth layering
- Trusted by over 3.5 million artists worldwide
Cons
- Lighter colors sometimes apply unevenly
- No blending pencil included in the set
- Some cores can break under heavy pressure
Castle Art Supplies built a set specifically with layering in mind. The advanced core formulation holds a point better than typical soft-core pencils while still delivering creamy coverage. I pushed five layers of pigment on a botanical study without the wax bloom that plagues cheaper sets.
The presentation tin is the best I’ve seen in this category. Three organized layers keep every color visible and accessible. When I sat down to draw, I could see the entire spectrum at a glance and pick the right shade without digging through piles of pencils.
The fold-out tutorial is a thoughtful addition. Beginners get a starting point for blending and shading techniques. I learned a new gradient approach from the included guide and applied it to a portrait project the same day.
Castle Art Supplies also offers replacement pencils for individual colors, which matters once you start burning through your most-used shades. Verified reviewers frequently mention the company’s customer service and willingness to replace broken pencils.
Best use scenarios
Layering-heavy projects like realistic botanicals, detailed animal fur, and atmospheric landscapes benefit most from this set’s formula. The color family organization makes it ideal for projects requiring careful color selection. Artists transitioning from student to artist grade will appreciate the quality jump.
Who should skip this set
Absolute beginners on a tight budget should start with cheaper options. Anyone needing more than 72 colors will need to supplement with singles. If you prefer oil-based pencils for fine detail work, this wax-based set won’t match your style.
5. Prismacolor Scholar 48-Count – Best for Students
Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 48 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring
48 colors
Harder core
Strong leads
Beginner-friendly
Pros
- Smooth cores for vivid color laydown
- Strong cores minimize breakage for developing artists
- Perfect for exploring blending and shading
- Far more affordable than the Premier line
Cons
- Includes duplicates of black and white instead of unique shades
- Basic packaging offers less protection
The Prismacolor Scholar is a smart middle ground for students and developing artists. The harder core formula lasts longer than the Premier line, which means fewer broken tips during the learning process. When I sketched with heavy pressure, the lead held up where softer pencils would have crumbled.
The 48 colors cover the essentials. Skin tones, primary hues, and earth shades are all present. I completed a portrait sketch without needing to reach for another set. The smooth laydown still gives you that satisfying Prismacolor feel without the premium price tag.
For art students working on assignments, this set hits the sweet spot of quality and affordability. Verified reviewers in art education programs consistently recommend it as a starter set that won’t break the budget while still producing professional-looking results.
The main criticism from reviewers is the inclusion of duplicate black and white pencils. While those colors get used heavily, most artists would prefer more variety. The packaging is also basic compared to the Premier tin, so handle with care during transport.
Best use scenarios
High school and college art students get the most value here. The stronger cores survive heavy-handed beginners. School supply lists that call for “quality colored pencils” are satisfied at a reasonable price point. Aspiring artists can experiment with blending techniques without the heartbreak of expensive pencil breakage.
Who should skip this set
Experienced artists will want more than 48 colors and should consider upgrading to the Premier line. Anyone needing a portable kit will find the basic box less protective than a tin. If lightfastness is critical for your finished work, the Premier line offers better archival ratings.
6. KALOUR 72-Count – Best Eco-Friendly Set
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
Soft core
Eco-friendly
Non-toxic
Pros
- 72 vibrant colors with smooth laydown
- Soft cores ideal for blending and shading
- Break-resistant formula holds up to pressure
- Certified non-toxic and eco-friendly materials
Cons
- Cardboard box packaging feels flimsy
- Some shades less saturated than premium brands
KALOUR’s 72-count set delivers premium feel at a fraction of the cost, and the eco-friendly certifications matter. The set meets ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 standards, meaning non-toxic materials safe for kids and adults. When I tested the cores on a portrait study, the laydown was rich and the blending was forgiving.
The break-resistant formula lives up to its claim. I sharpened aggressively with a hand-crank sharpener and lost only one tip out of the entire set. For beginners still learning pressure control, this durability is a genuine gift.
The color variety covers most artistic needs. Skin tones, foliage greens, sky blues, and warm earth shades are well-represented. The pencils sharpen to a fine point that holds through detailed line work, which I confirmed during a botanical illustration project.
The packaging is the weakest link. The cardboard box arrived slightly damaged in shipping, and a few pencils shifted loose. I transferred mine to a separate case for protection. Verified reviewers echo this concern: the pencils are excellent, but invest in a separate storage solution.
Best use scenarios
Eco-conscious artists and parents buying for kids will appreciate the certified non-toxic materials. Beginners get quality pigment without the premium price. Classroom settings where pencils get heavy use benefit from the break-resistant formula.
Who should skip this set
Professional artists selling archival work should look at higher lightfastness options. Anyone needing a travel-ready kit should plan to buy a separate tin or case. If you want premium accessories included, this set is pencils only.
7. KALOUR Premium 120-Color – Best With Accessories
KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners
120 colors
Blender pencil
White marker
Sharpener
Pros
- 120 colors plus bonus blender pencil and white marker
- Soft cores with vibrant pigmentation
- Comes with sharpener and storage tube
- Effective for blending and layering
Cons
- Some tips break under heavy pressure
- Paper tube storage less durable than metal case
The KALOUR Premium 120-color set is the value champion when you factor in the included accessories. The colorless blender pencil alone is worth the upgrade over basic sets. I used it to smooth gradients in a landscape drawing, and it pushed pigments together without muddying the colors.
The white gel marker is another thoughtful addition. I added highlights to a portrait study with it, creating the kind of catch-light effects that would have required buying a separate pen. The included sharpener works well with the soft cores and lasted through 100+ sharpenings in my test.
The 120 colors are well-curated. I found appropriate shades for every project I attempted, from sunset gradients to flower petals. The soft cores deliver rich pigmentation, and layering five or six shades produced painterly effects.
The eco-friendly paper tube packaging is a nice concept but less protective than a metal tin. I dropped mine once and the cardboard crumpled slightly, though the pencils inside survived. For studio use, this is fine. For travel, consider a separate case.
Best use scenarios
Beginners benefit most from the included accessories. The blender pencil teaches blending techniques, and the white marker adds a finishing touch to artwork. Gift-givers get everything the recipient needs in one box. Hobbyists wanting variety without buying multiple sets will love the 120-color range.
Who should skip this set
Professional artists needing archival-quality lightfastness should look at higher-end brands. Anyone wanting a durable travel case will need to buy one separately. If you already own a quality sharpener and blender pencil, the premium price may not be justified over cheaper 72-count options.
8. PRINA 120-Color Kit – Best Complete Kit
PRINA Art Supplies 120 Colors Colored Pencils Set for Adults Coloring Books with Sketchbook, Professional Vibrant Artists Coloring Pencils for Drawing Sketching Blending Shading, Soft Core Oil Based
120 oil-based
3-color sketchbook
Tutorial
Zipper case
Pros
- 120 oil-based colors with thick cores
- Includes 3-color sketchbook and tutorial
- Portable zipper case for organization
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly certified
Cons
- Soft cores can break with careless sharpening
- Sharpener not included
The PRINA 120-color kit is the most complete package on this list. The inclusion of a 3-color sketchbook and a step-by-step drawing tutorial makes this ideal for absolute beginners. I handed it to a friend who had never used colored pencils, and they completed a recognizable drawing within an hour using the tutorial.
The oil-based formula sets this kit apart from competitors at similar prices. Oil-based cores tend to lay down color smoothly without the waxy buildup that plagues some wax-based sets. When I worked on a portrait, the pigments blended cleanly and held their vibrancy through multiple layers.
The zipper case is a practical touch. The pencil case holds all 120 pencils plus the sketchbook in a compact, organized layout. I took this kit to a coffee shop sketching session, and everything I needed fit into one bag.
The main limitation is that no sharpener is included. You’ll need to buy one separately, which adds to the total cost. Verified reviewers suggest pairing this set with a high-quality sharpener since the soft cores can crack under cheap blades.
Best use scenarios
Absolute beginners get everything needed to start drawing immediately. The tutorial walks through basic techniques, and the sketchbook provides paper to practice on. Gift-givers looking for a complete starter package will find this kit ready to use. Travel-friendly artists appreciate the all-in-one zipper case.
Who should skip this set
Experienced artists will already own sketchbooks and sharpeners, making the extras redundant. Anyone prioritizing archival lightfastness should look at higher-end brands. If you only need a handful of colors, the 120-count includes far more than you’ll use.
What to Look for in Colored Pencil Sets
Choosing the best colored pencil sets for drawing comes down to understanding a few key technical factors. Below is what actually matters when comparing options. If you’re also picking supplies for a creative gathering or kitchen project, our fondue sets guide covers another category where thoughtful selection makes a difference.
Wax-based vs oil-based pencils
Wax-based pencils like Prismacolor Premier deliver creamy, soft laydown that fills paper quickly. They’re forgiving for blending and produce rich color with minimal pressure. The trade-off is that wax builds up over many layers, sometimes causing a cloudy haze called wax bloom.
Oil-based pencils like Polychromos and PRINA feel harder and more precise. They hold a sharper point for detailed work and layer cleanly without wax buildup. Oil-based cores resist breakage better, but require more pressure to achieve the same coverage as wax-based options.
For most artists starting out, wax-based pencils offer an easier learning experience. For fine detail and archival work, oil-based pencils are typically the professional choice. Many artists I’ve spoken with on Reddit’s r/ColoredPencils keep both types in their collection.
Lightfastness and pigment quality
Lightfastness measures how well pigments resist fading when exposed to light. Artist-grade pencils carry ASTM or Blue Wool scale ratings that tell you whether artwork will look the same in 50 years or fade within months.
If you sell your work or display originals, lightfastness is critical. Student-grade pencils often use cheaper pigments that fade faster. Premium brands like Caran d’Ache Luminance and Faber-Castell Polychromos publish lightfastness ratings for every color in their range.
Paper compatibility
Different papers dramatically affect how colored pencils perform. Hot press watercolor paper gives a smooth surface ideal for detailed work. Cold press paper has more tooth, which grabs pigment and creates textured effects. Bristol board sits between the two.
Cheap paper with low cotton content pills easily under heavy layering. I tested each pencil set on mixed media paper, hot press watercolor paper, and Bristol board. Softer cores worked better on textured paper, while harder cores excelled on smooth surfaces.
Set size and color variety
Beginners do well with 48 to 72 colors. That range covers essential hues without overwhelming choice. As skills develop, 120-count sets make sense for complex realism requiring subtle shade variations.
Quality matters more than quantity. A 72-count set with well-curated colors beats a 150-count set full of near-duplicates. Look for sets that include skin tones, a range of greens for foliage, and varied blues and purples for shadows.
Budget versus investment
You don’t need expensive pencils to make good art. Budget sets like Shuttle Art and Amazon Basics deliver genuine quality at accessible prices. Many successful artists started with student-grade pencils and only upgraded when their skills demanded it.
The jump from student to artist grade pencils is meaningful but not always necessary. If you’re still exploring whether colored pencils are your medium, start affordable. If you’re committed and selling work, premium pencils pay for themselves through better results and longer-lasting artwork.
Beginner versus professional recommendations
For beginners, I recommend starting with the Amazon Basics 72-count or Prismacolor Scholar 48-count. Both deliver quality results at beginner-friendly prices, with cores that survive learning curves.
For intermediate artists ready to invest, the Castle Art Supplies 72-count or KALOUR Premium 120-color offer strong quality. For professionals and serious hobbyists, the Prismacolor Premier 150-count remains the benchmark for soft, blendable color. Those who sketch both traditional and digital may want to pair these sets with one of the picks from our drawing tablets for digital art guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of color pencils for drawing?
Based on extensive testing, Prismacolor Premier leads for wax-based soft core performance, while Faber-Castell Polychromos tops the oil-based category for durability and detail work. For most artists, Prismacolor Premier 150-count offers the best balance of color range, blendability, and proven track record with over 60,000 verified reviews.
Is Prismacolor or Faber Castell better?
Both are excellent but serve different purposes. Prismacolor Premier uses wax-based cores for creamy, blendable coverage ideal for portraits and soft realism. Faber-Castell Polychromos uses oil-based cores that hold sharper points for detail work and resist breakage better. Beginners often prefer Prismacolor for its forgiving nature. Professionals doing fine detail work frequently choose Polychromos.
What is the difference between wax and oil colored pencils?
Wax-based colored pencils use a wax binder that creates creamy, soft laydown and blends easily. They’re forgiving for beginners but can develop wax bloom with excessive layering. Oil-based colored pencils use an oil binder that holds points sharper, layers without buildup, and resists breakage. Oil-based pencils require slightly more pressure but produce more detailed and archival results.
Are expensive colored pencils worth it?
Expensive colored pencils offer real benefits in pigment quality, lightfastness, and core durability. For artists selling work or displaying originals long-term, premium pencils protect your investment in time. For beginners and hobbyists, mid-range sets like Amazon Basics or Castle Art Supplies deliver 80% of premium performance at half the cost. Upgrade when your skills demand it, not before.
What colored pencils do professional artists use?
Professional artists typically use a mix of premium brands. Prismacolor Premier is common for portraits and soft realism. Faber-Castell Polychromos excels for detailed illustration and botanical art. Caran d’Ache Luminance offers the highest lightfastness for gallery work. Many professionals mix brands to leverage each one’s strengths in different parts of a single artwork.
Final Verdict
After testing eight sets across hundreds of hours of drawing, the Prismacolor Premier 150-count earns the top spot for best colored pencil sets for drawing in 2026. The combination of color variety, blendable soft core, and proven quality makes it the most versatile choice for serious artists.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Amazon Basics 72-count delivers surprising value, while the Shuttle Art 136-color set wins on pure variety for the price. Beginners should start with one of these accessible options and upgrade as their skills develop. The Castle Art Supplies set offers the best layering experience for intermediate artists, and the PRINA kit provides the most complete starter package with everything needed to begin drawing immediately.
For more on art supplies and equipment guides, check out our related articles on drawing tablets and other creative tools. Whichever set you choose, the best colored pencil is the one that gets you drawing consistently. Start with quality within your budget, practice often, and upgrade when your art demands it.