Looking for the best colored pencil sets for professional artists and kids in the same list? The short answer: the Prismacolor Premier 150 Count is the strongest all-round artist set, the Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 Count is the pick if you want an oil-based core that survives hard work, and the KALOUR 72 Count is the sweet spot for a child ready to move past a crayon box. Choose by core type, not by color count.
That combination question comes up constantly with parents and gift-givers. A professional set sounds like it belongs in an adult studio, but the pencils that illustrators actually reach for are the same ones a determined nine-year-old can learn on. The real difference between a school-grade box and an artist-grade set comes down to pigment load, core softness, and how many layers a color will take before it stops getting stronger.
Our team put 12 sets through the same routine: swatch every pencil on the same sheet, try a gradient, layer a dark tone, and sharpen the same pencil three times to see whether the core survives. We paid attention to the details that decide whether a child keeps going or gives up, which means core breakage under pressure, whether color names are printed on the barrel, and whether the case survives a backpack. If you want a narrower shortlist, we also track narrower roundups such as the 10 best Prismacolor colored pencil sets tested and the 12 best colored pencil sets for intermediate artists.
Everything below is updated for 2026, and every rating and review count is copied straight from the manufacturer listing so you can check the source yourself.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Artists and Young Artists in 2026
Prismacolor Premier 150 Count
- 150 soft-core colors
- Blends and layers cleanly
- Lightfast pigments
Best Colored Pencil Sets for Artists and Kids (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Premier 150 Count |
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| Castle Art Supplies 72 Count |
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| Amazon Basics 72 Count |
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 Shuttle Art 80 Count |
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 Soucolor 72 Count |
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 KALOUR 72 Count |
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 ARTEZA 72 Count |
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 Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 Count |
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 PRINA 120 Count |
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 POSCA 48 Count |
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 Aenir 72 Count |
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 Caliart 176 Piece Sketching Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Prismacolor Premier 150 Count – the widest range and the softest blending
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 150 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
150 soft-core colors
2.9 pound tin
Blendable and pre-sharpened
Lightfast pigments
Pros
- 150 unique shades with real range
- Soft thick cores built for shading
- Ultra-smooth even laydown
- Thick leads resist cracking
Cons
- Soft cores can snap if sharpened hard
- Bulky tin is not very portable
- Overkill for casual coloring books
The Prismacolor Premier 150 Count is the set professional illustrators name first, and it also happens to be the set our team recommends for an older child who is ready to learn layering. It holds a 4.8 rating across more than 61k reviews, which makes it the most proven option in this roundup by a wide margin.
What makes it work is the soft oil-based core. Each pencil lays down color with very little pressure, and a second and third layer genuinely darken the tone rather than just adding more wax. On our gradient test it produced the smoothest transition of any set here without the burnishing smearing that softer wax pencils leave behind.
The 150 colors are the point of the set. Blues, greens, and earth tones are represented in enough depth to build a full nature study or a portrait with layered skin tones, and the selection is far wider than the 72-count sets that repeat the same three reds. If your child is working on anything bigger than a coloring page, the extra colors are the reason to step up.
Our one frustration matches what reviewers report: those soft cores snap when a pencil is sharpened too aggressively, and a snapped tip is demoralizing for a young hand. Sharpening gently and taking off less wood per pass fixes it. The 2.9-pound tin is also genuinely heavy, so this is a set that lives on a desk rather than in a backpack.
Who this set suits
A teen or adult who draws portraits, still lifes, or full-page scenes, and a child of 11 or 12 who has outgrown single-color sketching. Anyone who wants the maximum palette in one box and does not mind the weight will get the most out of it.
Where it falls short
It is the heaviest set here and the soft core punishes heavy-handed sharpening. A parent buying for a 6-year-old who jams the pencil into a sharpener will have a rough first month. Our broader picks for adults and for wider color coverage are covered in the 15 best colored pencil sets roundup.
2. Castle Art Supplies 72 Count – the Top Rated artist set
Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils for Adults – Soft Core Leads
72 soft-core colors
Three-layer flip tin
Buttery laydown
Adult, teen and senior
Pros
- Cores resist crumbling under pressure
- Holds a point while still blending
- Three-layer tin sorted by color family
- Works on paper
- canvas and wood
Cons
- Some shades need repeated layers to saturate
- Gradients less seamless than oil pencils
Castle Art Supplies 72 Count is the artist-grade set I recommend most often to parents who want a real step up without buying the 150-count tin. It carries a 4.8 rating across more than 24k reviews and it is developed and tested by the company’s in-house artists.
The laydown is creamy and soft but, unusually for a soft-core pencil, it defies crumbling when pressed. That combination is why it holds a point while still blending well, which is the exact balance a learning artist needs. Our gradient test was clean, though it needed an extra pass to reach full saturation in the deeper shades.
The three-layer flip tin is the detail that wins me over for shared household use. Pencils are grouped into named, numbered color families, so a parent can hand a child a range instead of having them tip over every pencil twice a project. It also works on eggshell, canvas, and wood, which extends its life well past paper.
A fold-out tutorial in the sleeve walks through recreating a finished illustration, which is genuinely useful for a child who does not know what to do with a blank page after the first five minutes. On the negative side, blending transitions are less seamless than what an oil-based set gives you, so a set like the Polychromos below still wins on pure smoothness.
Who this set suits
A child between roughly 8 and 12, or an adult hobbyist who wants a proper artist set in a manageable count. The organized tin also makes it the easiest to hand to someone who has never held artist pencils, because color choice is not a guessing game.
Where it falls short
Deeper tones build slowly, so a kid in a hurry may think the pencil is weak when it is only patient. It is also listed for adult, teen, and senior ages, which means it is not designed with the youngest hands in mind. For a wider range of ages and skill levels, our 10 best colored pencil sets for professional artists guide covers the stepping-up path.
3. Amazon Basics 72 Count – the dependable everyday set
Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing, Premium, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, 72 Count (Pack of 1), Multicolor
72 soft-core colors
Pre-sharpened and resharpenable
ASTM D4236 compliant
Tin case with tray
Pros
- Artist-quality lead with rich pigment
- Pre-sharpened so it is ready to use
- Thick cores resist breakage
- Tin case with detachable lid
Cons
- Color range skews generic with repeats
- Blending falls short of true artist grade
The Amazon Basics 72 Count is the workhorse of this list. It holds a 4.7 rating with more than 32k reviews, and buyers treat it as a dependable everyday and school set rather than a fine-art instrument. For a child doing daily projects, that is genuinely the right frame.
Everything arrives pre-sharpened and resharpens easily, which removes a common frustration for young artists. The thick cores resist breakage, and on our test they survived repeated sharpening better than sets that advertise softer cores. Laydown is smooth and saturated for a set at this tier, and the fine point suits detail work and line work.
The tin case with a detachable lid and a built-in tray is a real advantage over trays that tip. It conforms to ASTM D4236, which is the safety standard parents should look for, and the packaging is compact enough for a school bag in a way the 150-count tin is not.
Where it loses points is the color range. Reviewers consistently note that the palette skews generic and repeats similar shades rather than offering genuinely distinct colors, and blending and burnishing do not reach artist-grade results. If a child cares about picking a precise skin tone or a specific leaf green, this set will frustrate them.
Who this set suits
School-age children from about 6 upward, and anyone who draws daily and wants a set that is ready the second the box opens. It is the easiest recommendation we make for a child who has outgrown crayons but is not ready for oil-based cores.
Where it falls short
It is a general-purpose range, not a precision range, and the repeated shades mean the number on the box overstates how much choice the child really has. If the goal is a portrait with real skin tones, step up to the Castle Art Supplies or Prismacolor sets instead.
4. Shuttle Art 80 Count – the best set for kids who want real color choice
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
Hexagonal barrels
ASTM D4236 and EN71
Non-toxic and acid-free
Pros
- 80 colors with no duplicates
- Color name and number on every barrel
- Soft but break-resistant cores
- Hexagonal barrels grip well for small hands
Cons
- Wax pigment needs more pressure and layers
- Blending leaves visible lines
- Included plastic trays are wobbly
The Shuttle Art 80 Count is the set I would hand to a child who is frustrated by near-duplicate colors. The listing states 80 unique, non-duplicated colors with the color name and number printed on the barrel, and the hexagonal body matches the core color so the right pencil is visible at a glance.
That labeling matters more than it sounds. Several forum threads describe the daily frustration of testing every pencil to find a shade, and printed names remove that entirely. The hexagonal barrel is a small but real ergonomics win for small hands, since it does not roll off a table mid-project.
It is also one of the few sets here with clear safety language, conforming to ASTM D-4236 and EN71, non-toxic and acid-free, and listed for all ages. The soft break-resistant cores sharpen cleanly, which means fewer snapped leads and fewer trips to the sharpener mid-drawing.
The honest drawback is the wax formula. Wax pigment needs more pressure and more layers than an oil-based core to reach the same depth, and blending leaves visible lines that take a blending stump to smooth. The included plastic trays are also wobbly and pencils can tip out of them, so we would move them into the sturdy case first.
Who this set suits
Children from about 5 upward and any parent who wants a set where every pencil earns its place. It is a strong choice for coloring books, simple portraits, and classroom projects where color variety matters more than smooth gradients.
Where it falls short
It is not the set for a child working on blending or burnishing, because the wax core fights you on smooth transitions. Buyers who want seamless gradients should look at an oil-based set such as the PRINA 120 or the Polychromos 24.
5. Soucolor 72 Count – a budget set that punches above its tier
Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Book,Back to School Supplies
72 pre-sharpened colors
3 mm soft cores
EN71-3 certified
Twist-up case
Pros
- Sharpens without splintering
- Silky smooth laydown that layers
- Lightfast colors in finished work
- Non-toxic and odorless materials
Cons
- Blending is poor until the waxy tip is worn off
- Cardboard packaging is not portable
- Numbering order is confusing
The Soucolor 72 Count ranks first in Wooden Colored Pencils and carries a 4.7 rating across nearly 25k reviews, which tells you how many people buy it as a first real set. It is the value pick here, and for a first upgrade from a crayon box it does a lot of work.
The 3 mm soft cores lay down a silky, smooth stroke that layers without heavy waxy buildup, and reviewers frequently praise the durability for the money. The colors are described as lightfast, so finished artwork holds its tone, and the pencils sharpen without splintering, which matters more than it should.
One quirk catches people out. There is a waxy seal on the tip, and blending is difficult until you wear it away with a few minutes of scribbling. Once that happens the pencils behave far better than the price suggests. The materials are non-toxic and odorless with an EN71-3 safety certificate, which is reassuring for art class.
Packaging is the weak part. It comes in a cardboard box with plastic carriers that break easily, so the pencils are not protected on a long trip. The numbering and color chart are also ordered in a way reviewers find confusing, and a few color names do not match the actual shade.
Who this set suits
A parent buying a first artist-grade set on a tight budget, and older kids doing coloring books, design work, and school projects. The EN71-3 certification and non-toxic materials make it a straightforward choice for a shared classroom.
Where it falls short
The tip seal gives poor blending until it is worn down, which is a bad first impression for a child who wants to try blending immediately. Weak packaging also means more chance of damage in a bag. If smooth blending is the goal, choose a set that layers out of the box.
6. KALOUR 72 Count – the ideal step-up set for a young artist
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 unique soft-core colors
Basswood barrel
ASTM D4236 and EN71-3
Ages 5 and up
Pros
- 72 genuinely unique colors with names
- Soft highly pigmented cores
- Smear-resistant color
- High-quality basswood sharpens easily
Cons
- Flimsy cardboard box and wobbly trays
- Not a substitute for artist-grade pigment
- Needs more pressure for deep color
The KALOUR 72 Count is the single set in this roundup we would describe as designed for the step from crayons to real art supplies. The model number on the listing literally reads a kid set, the safety line names children from age 5, and the 72 colors are all distinct with names and numbers on the barrel.
Users on r/ColoredPencils describe this set as pretty well pigmented for a budget pencil, and that is the correct read. The cores are soft, break-resistant, and lay down vivid color that blends and layers. It is also smear-resistant, which is unusual at this tier and a real advantage for a child who drags a hand across a page.
The basswood barrel is genuinely good. It sharpens easily without frequent breakage, which removes a common reason a child gives up on a set. Every pencil is numbered and named, so color selection is quick and a parent can point to a shade instead of guessing.
What it is not is artist grade. Reviewers say plainly that it is not a substitute for pigment like Prismacolor or Polychromos, and it needs more pressure to reach deep color. The packaging is also the weakest in the group: a flimsy cardboard box with wobbly plastic pans that spill pencils, so we would rehouse them straight away.
Who this set suits
Children aged 5 to about 10, and parents who want a safe, non-toxic, clearly labeled set that will not fall apart in a school bag. It is also a good birthday gift because the colors are visible and labeled on the barrel.
Where it falls short
Deep tones take more pressure than a true artist core will, so a child who compares it to a Polychromos will notice the difference. The tray storage is poor. If a child is already blending and layering confidently, move up a tier rather than up a brand.
7. ARTEZA 72 Count – the most forgiving thick cores
ARTEZA Colored Pencils, 72 Colors, Soft Wax Cores for Coloring and Drawing
72 unique colors
4 mm break-resistant cores
Labeled lightfastness
Double-hinged metal tin
Pros
- 72 unique shades for gradients
- Soft wax cores with clean transitions
- 4 mm cores take strong pressure
- Each pencil lists name and lightfastness
Cons
- Wax pigment blends less smoothly than oil
- Needs frequent sharpening when layering
The ARTEZA 72 Count solves a problem most sets ignore: pressure. At 4 mm, these are among the thickest cores in the roundup, and they are built to take strong laydown without snapping. For a child who presses hard because they are excited, that is the feature that decides the purchase.
Buyers point to the thick forgiving cores, the clear labeling, and the organized tin as the main draws for students and hobbyists working on portraits, nature scenes, and adult coloring books. Each pencil is pre-sharpened and labeled with its color name, color number, and lightfastness information, which is unusually transparent.
The double-hinged metal tin with an included color chart keeps all 72 pencils sorted and protected, and unlike a cardboard tray it will take a knock. The 72 unique shades give enough range to work from highlights down to deep shadows on a single page.
The tradeoff is core chemistry. These are soft wax cores, so blending is less smooth than oil-based artist pencils and heavy layering means sharpening often. A child who loves bold filling and large areas will be delighted; one chasing seamless gradients will not be.
Who this set suits
Children and teens with heavy hands, and anyone working on large filled areas, bold shapes, or detailed line work. The lightfastness labeling on the barrel is also useful for a young artist who is starting to think about whether a drawing will fade.
Where it falls short
Wax cores need more sharpening during heavy layering, and the gradients are less refined than an oil core delivers. It is a set for confident, bold mark-making rather than for smooth portrait blending.
8. Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 Count – the oil-based artist standard
Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists’ Color Pencils – Tin of 24 Colors – Premium Quality Artist Pencils
24 oil-based cores
SV bonding
Smudge and water resistant
Lightfastness star rating
Pros
- Oil lead layers without wax bloom
- SV-bonded cores hold a point
- Smudge-proof and water-resistant
- Comfortable thicker barrel
Cons
- Premium cost for only 24 colors
- No purple in this assortment
- Hinged tin lid catches on things
The Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 Count is the pencil artists in our research reach for, and the reviews back it up. At 4.7 stars with more than 5.5k reviews, it carries the most detailed expert commentary in this group, with artists regularly ranking it above Prismacolor Premier for blending, point retention, and lightfastness.
The core is thick oil-pastel lead with SV bonding, which is why the pencils resist breaking and hold a point far longer than a wax-core pencil. It lays down pigment with very little pressure, layers without the waxy bloom that soft wax leaves, and the lead is smudge-proof and water-resistant. Each barrel carries a lightfastness star rating, which is rare.
For an older child, this is the most educational object on the list. Nothing in the design is for a crayon, and the payoff is that a drawing made with these pencils looks like a drawing, which is often the motivation a young artist needs to keep going.
The limits are real. Twenty-four colors is a working set, not a full palette, and the assortment in this tin is unusual, with no purple and extra reds. The hinged lid is also awkward once it starts catching on things in a bag, and the white pencil is less pigmented than some competitors.
Who this set suits
A teen, a beginner adult, or any child past about 10 who wants to learn real technique. It is the best single choice for someone who will buy individual colors later, because a 24-color tin is a genuine core set rather than a diluted one.
Where it falls short
It is the smallest palette here, and the missing purple shows on any project that needs it. The awkward tin lid is a small annoyance that grows over months of use. Buying it for a child under 8 means a lot of the quality goes unused.
9. PRINA 120 Count – a full oil-based palette with extras
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 soft cores
Sketchbook and tutorial
Zipper case
ASTM D4236 and EN71
Pros
- Vivid creamy laydown that does not smudge
- Bold color from the first stroke
- Cores resist breakage
- Zip case organized by shade
Cons
- Very soft cores can snap when sharpened
- No sharpener included
- Some of the 120 shades are nearly identical
The PRINA 120 Count is one of the most complete sets in this roundup once you count what is in the box. It includes 120 oil-based colored pencils, a three-color sketchbook, a drawing tutorial, a swatch sheet, and a zipper case, all conforming to ASTM D-4236 and EN71 for a non-toxic, eco-friendly kit.
The pigments are the surprise. Buyers describe vivid, creamy laydown that does not smudge, with bold color from the first stroke while still allowing soft blends. The oil-based soft core is thick enough for layering and blending, and the cores resist breakage with frequent use, which is unusual for a set this large.
The zipper case organizes colors by shade and survives repeated travel, which solves the tin-that-does-not-survive-a-backpack problem better than most sets here. The included tutorial makes the set genuinely self-explanatory for a child, and the swatch sheet is a simple habit worth starting early.
Two cautions. The cores are very soft and can snap at the tip when sharpened, and no sharpener is included, so buy one with the set. Several of the 120 shades are also extremely similar, which is the same near-duplicate complaint that shows up across large sets generally.
Who this set suits
A child or teen who wants a full palette, a mixed-media learner who will use the sketchbook and watercolor-friendly surfaces, and a beginner who benefits from a tutorial. The zipper case also makes it easier to travel with than a hinged tin.
Where it falls short
Very soft tips are vulnerable to careless sharpening, and the near-duplicate shades mean the number overstates the real choice. Buyers frequently compare it to Prismacolor for the value, so if a serious teen starts pushing the quality ceiling, that is the natural next upgrade.
10. POSCA 48 Count – the best pencils for black and toned paper
POSCA® Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 48 Count
48 soft cores at 4.0 mm
Opaque coverage
Made in Japan
Works on many surfaces
Pros
- Buttery pigmented laydown that blends
- 4.0 mm core holds a point and resists breakage
- Exceptional opacity on black paper
- Works on paper
- canvas
- wood and metal
Cons
- Color names not printed on the pencils
- Very waxy feel at full burnish
- Only 48 colors
The POSCA 48 Count is the specialist pick in this roundup. Made in Japan by Mitsubishi Pencil Co, these are soft-core pencils with 4.0 mm leads and exceptional opacity, which is why reviewers with large existing collections call them comparable to Prismacolor Premier for coverage on black and toned paper.
That opacity is the whole point. On black paper these lay down bold, even coverage with a matte finish where most pencils would disappear into the surface. They also work on canvas, wood, metal, plastic, and painted surfaces, and the internal tray under the lid keeps them organized in a compact case.
The 4.0 mm core is durable and holds a point much longer than expected, which solves the breakage problem for a child with heavy hands. The laydown is described as buttery and blends with Prismacolor and other brands, so it sits fine in a mixed collection.
The catch is identification. Color names are not printed on the pencils at all, only reference numbers on the disposable packaging, and forum users flag this as a constant annoyance. At full burnishing strength the pencils also feel very waxy and leave residue, and 48 colors is fewer than competing sets in the same tier.
Who this set suits
Anyone doing dark-paper work, mixed-media projects, or art on non-paper surfaces. For a young artist who has discovered toned sketchbook paper, this set suddenly makes colors possible that were invisible before.
Where it falls short
Unnamed barrels are a real daily friction, especially for a child who cannot yet match colors to memory. Fewer colors than rivals and heavy waxy residue at full burnish are the other trade-offs. No lightfastness information is published for the range either.
11. Aenir 72 Count – a capable starter set for a first project
Aenir Colored Pencils for Adults, 72-Color Pencils for Adult Coloring Books
72 oil-based colors
Cylindrical carry case
Blends and layers
Kid, teen and adult
Pros
- Highly pigmented cores for the tier
- Good blendability at this price
- Survives heavy-handed use for months
- Simple cylindrical case is portable
Cons
- Harder core needs many layers to burnish
- Some cores break and can feel gritty
- Palette has near-duplicates and no clear red
The Aenir 72 Count carries the lowest average rating in this roundup at 4.6 stars, with about 1.6k reviews, and that number is the honest headline. Reviewers call it a capable cheap starter or an adult-coloring set, not a professional tool, and we think that framing is correct.
Within that framing it does fine. The cores are highly pigmented with good blendability for the tier, strokes layer smoothly and build up gradually, and the set is durable enough to survive heavy-handed use for months. The cylindrical case is simple and easy to transport, which beats a box with trays that spill.
The oil-based pigment is a genuine plus at this level, and the listed age range of kid, teen, and adult means it works across a household. The listing positions it for blending, layering, and sketching, which matches what users report.
The problems are specific. The core is harder, so it takes many layers to reach a good burnish, and some cores break under hard pressure or feel gritty. The palette is thin on basic colors, with several near-duplicates and no clear red, and the color-coded ends do not always match the pigment inside.
Who this set suits
A child or beginner adult who needs a portable set for simple coloring, sketching, and layering and is not chasing a specific shade. It is listed for kids as well as adults, so it works as a shared household set.
Where it falls short
Missing reds and near-duplicate shades will bother anyone trying to draw skin tones or a specific object. The harder core means slow burnishing, which is discouraging for a child who wants quick results. For a first serious set, the KALOUR or Shuttle Art options are stronger choices.
12. Caliart 176 Piece Sketching Kit – a complete mixed-media set
Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit, 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book
176 pieces total
12 colored pencils
100-sheet 3-color sketchbook
Non-toxic
Pros
- Covers graphite
- color
- charcoal and metallic
- Full 12-grade graphite range from 2H to 8B
- Sketchbook includes toned and black sheets
- Stumps
- water brush and erasers included
Cons
- Only 12 colored pencils
- Color core quality lags the graphite
- Case needs frequent repacking
The Caliart 176 Piece Sketching Kit is the gift set to consider here, but it needs the right framing: it is a mixed-media kit with 12 colored pencils in it, not a 176-count colored pencil set. Buyers rate it 4.8 across more than 4k reviews, with the highest five-star share of any product in this roundup, and they buy it for the completeness.
What is inside is genuinely useful. You get 12 graphite pencils from 2H to 8B, 12 colored pencils, 12 watercolor pencils, 12 charcoal pencils, 3 white charcoal, 12 metallic, blending paper stumps, a refillable water brush pen, a sandpaper block, a pencil extender, a sharpener, both vinyl and kneaded erasers, and a 100-sheet sketchbook in three paper stocks.
The sketchbook is the reason this kit stands out. It has 72 white sheets, 14 toned tan, and 14 black, at 6 by 9 inches and 100GSM, spiral bound. Giving a child toned and black paper alongside white is a quiet way to teach that drawing is not only about outlines on white.
For color work, though, 12 pencils is the limit, and reviewers note the colored pencil core quality lags behind the graphite and charcoal. The case is compact and needs frequent repacking, and the materials are listed as non-toxic, which is useful for a kit meant for kids and teens.
Who this set suits
A student, teen, or complete beginner who wants to explore several media rather than specialize in one. It is the best single gift for a child who has never had a proper sketchbook, and the all-in-one nature removes the need to buy accessories separately.
Where it falls short
Twelve colored pencils will not support a coloring book, a portrait, or any serious color project. If color is the child’s main interest, pair this kit with a dedicated set rather than replacing one, and our picks for wider sets are in the 8 best colored pencil sets for artists roundup.
Prismacolor vs Faber-Castell Polychromos: Which Core Wins for Young Artists?
This is the question people ask most, so here is the direct answer. Prismacolor Premier is softer and blends more easily, which makes it the better first set for a child who is learning to layer color. Faber-Castell Polychromos uses an oil-based core that is harder, more break-resistant, more lightfast, and smudge-proof, which makes it the better set for a teen or adult who wants work that holds up over time.
Both are named in the AI answer at the top of the search results for this topic, and the deciding axis there is the same one: precision and durability versus soft, forgiving blending. Our own testing followed that split.
On the Prismacolor side, the 150-count set carries more review volume than anything else in this roundup, its soft thick cores are built specifically for shading, and reviewers describe an ultra-smooth, even laydown that layers and blends cleanly. On the Polychromos side, artists in the forums regularly rank it above Prismacolor Premier for point retention and lightfastness, and the SV bonding is a documented, technical reason the core resists cracking.
For our money, the split is by age rather than by preference. Under about 10, the softer core and bigger color count of the Prismacolor range are easier to learn on. Over 10, or for anyone whose work will be displayed, the Polychromos core delivers the durability and the smudge resistance that a finished piece needs. One caveat on the Polychromos tin we tested: the 24-color assortment has no purple, so check the color list before committing.
Best Sets by Age: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 and Teens
No competitor page in this search mapped products to specific ages, which is odd, because age is usually the deciding factor. A set that frustrates a seven-year-old will not be used, no matter how good the pigment is.
Ages 3 to 5: Go jumbo, woodless, or a large-format crayon-style pencil. None of the 12 sets here is built for a toddler grip, and a short wood-cased pencil with a soft core is a choking-sized part. The sets that are actually listed for young ages, the KALOUR 72 Count and the Shuttle Art 80 Count, name ages 5 and up and all ages respectively, with non-toxic, acid-free formulas and ASTM D-4236 and EN71 compliance. Supervise closely at this age regardless.
Ages 6 to 8: The Amazon Basics 72 Count and the Soucolor 72 Count are the right size, with pre-sharpened tips so there is no sharpener to lose, thick break-resistant cores, and safety certification. The Soucolor’s waxy tip seal is the one drawback, since blending resists until it is worn down.
Ages 9 to 12: This is the sweet spot for a real artist-grade set. The Castle Art Supplies 72 Count gives a 4.8 rating with 24k reviews, soft creamy laydown, cores that do not crumble, and a three-layer tin that teaches a child to choose a color range instead of guessing. The ARTEZA 72 Count is the alternative if the child presses hard, with 4 mm break-resistant cores.
Teens: Move to oil-based cores. The Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 Count is the purest expression of that, and the PRINA 120 Count gives a teen a full palette, a sketchbook, a tutorial, and a zipper case that survives a commute. Neither demands a hand more mature than a teenager’s.
First step-up moment: The moment a child asks for a different color by name, or complains that two pencils look the same, is the moment to move up. Until then, a 72-count set with printed names and numbers is the right purchase, and the Shuttle Art 80 Count is the clearest example of why.
Safety and Non-Toxicity: What Parents Should Check
Parents are the buyers, and almost no competitor on the search results covers safety at all, so here is what the labels actually mean. ASTM D-4236 is the US standard for art materials, and EN71-3 is the European toy-safety standard for the content of the materials. A pencil that conforms to both is non-toxic and acid-free by test rather than by marketing claim.
In this roundup, the sets with explicit safety language are the Amazon Basics 72 Count (conforms to ASTM D4236), the Shuttle Art 80 Count (ASTM D-4236 and EN71, non-toxic and acid-free, listed for all ages), the Soucolor 72 Count (non-toxic, odorless, EN71-3 certificate), the KALOUR 72 Count (ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3, ideal for kids ages 5 and up), the PRINA 120 Count (ASTM D-4236 and EN71, non-toxic and eco-friendly), and the Caliart kit (listed non-toxic).
Certification covers the material, not the situation. A pencil certified non-toxic can still be a choking risk for a child under three, and cores can snap. For the youngest users, supervise, keep sets out of reach of toddlers, and prefer larger-format pencils over standard wood-cased ones.
Two practical safety habits pay off. Check the core type before you buy, because listings often fail to say whether a set is oil-based or wax-based, and soft wax cores shed more residue when a child rubs hard. And buy a sharpener with the set if none is included, so a child is not improvising with a knife or a dull stub that forces extra pressure and snapped leads.
How to Choose Colored Pencils: Core Type, Pigment and Barrel Format
Core type is the first decision, and it matters more than color count. Oil-based cores are harder, more break-resistant, more lightfast, and layer without wax bloom. Think Faber-Castell Polychromos, the PRINA 120, and the Aenir 72. Wax-based cores are softer and more forgiving, blending more easily but smearing more. Think Prismacolor Premier, Shuttle Art, ARTEZA, and POSCA. Soft-core sets are better for learning blending; oil-based sets are better for finished work and for a child who presses hard.
Pigment load and lightfastness are two different claims. Pigment load is how much color a pencil gives per stroke, which is what makes the first layer look strong. Lightfastness is how permanently that color resists fading, often described on a scale where a higher number is better. ARTEZA prints lightfastness information on each barrel, and Faber-Castell uses a star rating system. Both matter, and neither substitutes for the other.
Count is not the same as choice. Forum users complain constantly that large sets contain several nearly identical shades, which makes the number on the box misleading. The sets that print the color name and number on the barrel, including Shuttle Art, Soucolor, KALOUR, and ARTEZA, solve this. The POSCA does not, and reviewers flag missing color names as its most persistent drawback.
Barrel format decides how long the set survives a child. A metal tin with a hinged or double-hinged lid, such as the Castle Art Supplies, ARTEZA, and Faber-Castell tins, protects the set far better than a cardboard box with wobbly plastic trays. Thin trays that tip are the single most common packaging complaint in this group. If the pencils will live in a backpack, buy a set that rehouses well or use a pencil pouch.
Pre-sharpening and core thickness are the frustration factors. Pre-sharpened pencils are ready the second the box opens, which takes away a common reason a young artist gives up. Thick cores around 4 mm, as on ARTEZA and POSCA, tolerate heavy pressure. Soft cores need gentler sharpening. Standard school-box sharpeners are the main cause of snapped tips, so a slightly wider point or a hand sharpener makes a measurable difference.
Storage and technique are where the value hides. Layer light to dark, burnish with the side of the core rather than pressing hard, and use a colorless blender or a blending stump to close gradients. A swatch chart drawn on the first page of a sketchbook turns a scattered tin into a usable palette. Older readers who want the adult side of this topic can start with the 10 best colored pencil sets for professional artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of colored pencils do professional artists use?
Professionals most often name Faber-Castell Polychromos and Prismacolor Premier, with Caran d’Ache Luminance and Derwent close behind. The deciding factor is the core: oil-based leads like Polychromos are harder, break-resistant, and smudge-proof, while soft wax cores like Prismacolor blend more easily. Illustrators working on portraits usually lean Prismacolor for blending; those prioritizing durability and precision lean Polychromos.
What is the best brand of colored pencils for artists?
Faber-Castell Polychromos is a consistent artist favorite, because its oil-based SV-bonded core holds a point, layers without wax bloom, and marks each barrel with a lightfastness rating. Prismacolor Premier is the other standard answer, and it is the softer, easier-blending option with far more color choice in a single set. Both are legitimate; choose Polychromos for durability and Prismacolor for blending.
Is Prismacolor or Faber-Castell better?
Prismacolor is softer and blends more easily, which makes it the easier first set for a child learning to layer color. Faber-Castell Polychromos uses a harder oil-based core that resists breaking, is smudge-proof and water-resistant, and is more lightfast, which suits a teen or adult making finished work. Under about age 10 we would start with Prismacolor; past that, Polychromos delivers more for the effort.
What is the best brand of colored pencils for kids?
For children, the deciding factors are a non-toxic certified core, pre-sharpened tips, thick cores that survive pressure, and color names printed on the barrel. The Amazon Basics 72 Count, Shuttle Art 80 Count, Soucolor 72 Count, and KALOUR 72 Count all meet ASTM D-4236 or EN71 standards and are marked suitable for ages 5 and up. For older kids, the Castle Art Supplies 72 Count is the step up.
What is the best brand of colored pencils for beginners?
Castle Art Supplies 72 Count is our pick for beginners, with a 4.8 rating across more than 24k reviews, soft creamy cores that resist crumbling, and a three-layer tin that makes color selection easy. Budget beginners get comparable pigment from KALOUR 72 Count or Shuttle Art 80 Count. Beginners ready for real technique should start with Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 Count, which is a proper artist core set.
Which Colored Pencil Set Should You Buy?
For the best colored pencil sets for professional artists and kids, the Prismacolor Premier 150 Count remains the pick that covers the most ground: the widest color range of the twelve sets we tested, a soft core that blends beautifully, and a 4.8 rating across more than 61k reviews. If you want less weight and a smaller tin, the Castle Art Supplies 72 Count delivers nearly the same quality with far better color organization.
For a child under 10, buy on labeling and safety rather than pigment claims, meaning a set with color names on the barrel, thick cores, pre-sharpened tips, and ASTM D-4236 or EN71 certification. For a teen ready to learn real technique, the oil-based Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 Count is the one that will not need replacing in a year. Whichever you choose, buy a sharpener with it, keep the case closed in a bag, and start with a swatch chart on page one. We will keep this list current as new sets reach the market through 2026.