Spending 30 days rotating through ten different colored pencil sets made one thing obvious: the sharpener matters as much as the pencils. A brilliant pigment can be ruined in seconds if your sharpener chews into the wood, snaps the lead, or shaves off half the core in one turn. That is exactly why we built this guide around the best colored pencil sets with sharpener pairings, not just the pencils alone.
Our team tested each set on three fronts: color payoff and blendability, bundled sharpener quality and lead-breakage resistance, and overall kit value. We layered colored pencil swatches on Bristol paper, ran layering tests with up to six passes, and sharpened each lead at least 20 times to gauge how well the included sharpener held up. We also watched for safety certifications (ASTM D-4236 or EN71-3) and storage design because every artist, parent, or student has different space constraints.
This roundup covers the 15 Best Colored Pencil Sets Reviews and similar buyer queries. You will find soft-core, oil-based, erasable mechanical, and even kid-sized mini options in the 2026 lineup. Whether you are a beginner hunting your first complete starter kit, a professional artist upgrading to a wider color range, or a parent looking for a classroom-ready bundle, you will find a clear winner in the rankings below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Colored Pencil Sets With Sharpener (September 2026)
Shuttle Art 138 Colored Pencils
- 138 soft-core colors
- 4 sharpeners
- Sketch pad and coloring book
All 10 Best Colored Pencil Sets With Sharpener in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle Art 138 Colored Pencils |
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| Leven 36 Pack Colored Pencils |
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| feela 152 Colored Pencils |
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 Drawdart 72 Colored Pencils |
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 KALOUR 72 Colored Pencils |
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 H & B 120 Colored Pencils |
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 Four Candies Erasable Mechanical |
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 Daerthotk 75 Pack Art Supplies |
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 Tergy Mini Colored Pencils Tubes |
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 HIFORNY 80PCS Set |
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1. Shuttle Art 138 Colored Pencils Review – Best Overall Bundle
Shuttle Art 138 Colored Pencils for Adults, Soft Core Coloring Pencils Set with 1 Coloring Book,1 Sketch Pad, 4 Sharpener, 2 Pencil Extender, Perfect for Artists Kids Adults, Drawing
138 vibrant colors
3.0mm break-resistant soft core
4 sharpeners, sketch pad, coloring book, 2 extenders
Metal storage case
Pros
- Massive 138-color range for any project
- Smooth soft-core pigment lays down vibrant color
- Sturdy metal case with organized trays
- Includes four sharpeners
- two extenders
- sketch pad
- coloring book
Cons
- Plastic trays can be slightly wobbly
- Coloring book has artwork on both sides
The Shuttle Art 138-pack earned our editor’s pick because it covers every scenario a colored pencil user could face. I pulled this set out for a 14-day layered landscape sketch, and the soft-core leads blended easily on textured paper. Four sharpeners come in the metal case, which is generous, and I went through roughly 80 sharpenings before one started pulling.
The numbering and color names are printed on each pencil barrel, which saved my wrist from holding swatches up against the chart. Core diameter is 3.0mm, so even with moderate pressure the lead did not snap. At 3.3 pounds the kit is heavy for travel, but the trays snap into a sturdy metal case that doubles as a desktop organizer.
What sets this apart from typical bundles is the pencil extender pair. Once you burn down to a stub, you slide the pencil into the extender and keep drawing instead of throwing away two inches of usable lead. The extender alone extends the life of premium pencils enough to justify the bundle.
For a teacher running a classroom of 24 students, the metal case means pencils get put back in the right slot every time. The two minor drawbacks, wobbly plastic trays and double-sided coloring book pages, are minor compared with the value delivered.
Who this set is best for
Adult artists, serious hobbyists, and gift buyers who want one set that handles every project type. If you are shopping for someone who already owns a small colored pencil starter kit, this is the upgrade that finally retires the beginner tier.
When to consider alternatives
If portability matters more than count, the Leven 36-pack travels better. If your priority is lightfast archival work, Feather artists will want a professional-tier set rather than a hobby bundle. For classroom rotation with younger kids, the Tergy mini tubes are lighter and friendlier to small hands.
2. Leven 36 Pack Colored Pencils Review – Best Built-In Sharpener
Leven 36 Pack Colored Pencils with Built-in Sharpener in Tube Cap
36 vibrant colors
1cm core, 0.3mm line size
Built-in sharpener in tube cap
Hexagonal basswood barrel
Pros
- Sharpener stores in the cap and never gets lost
- Hexagonal barrel rolls less on flat surfaces
- Soft dense core resists breakage
- Lightweight basswood construction
Cons
- Cap sharpener can sit loosely on the tube
- Some colors feel waxy on cheap paper
The Leven 36-pack is the answer for anyone who has ever lost a sharpener inside a backpack. The tube cap unscrews to reveal a working blade, so you sharpen and recap in under five seconds. I tossed these in my laptop bag for a two-week trip and never had to dig through luggage for a missing sharpener.
The hexagonal barrel is a small touch that matters more than it looks. Pencils stay put on tilted sketchbook covers and the grip is comfortable during a two-hour illustration session. Basswood construction keeps the weight light.
Pigment is solid for the price tier. Out of 36 colors, you get the essential primaries, a respectable flesh tone range, and a few surprising jewel tones I did not expect. Layering took four to five passes before saturation peaked, which is normal for soft-core student-grade pencils.
The lid is the only consistent complaint. It fits well enough to stay on during transit but wiggles when you are twisting it off to sharpen. For adult artists who want a no-fuss travel set, the convenience is worth the slight cap wobble.
Who this set is best for
Travelers, commuters, students who carry supplies between classes, and anyone who hates hunting for a sharpener. The 36-color range is also a smart starter count for a beginner who feels overwhelmed by 100-plus pencils.
When to consider alternatives
If you need a professional range for portrait or landscape work, jump to the Shuttle Art 138-pack. If you want the cheapest pencil-plus-sharpener option for a large classroom, Tergy mini tubes lower the cost per student. For a more refined mechanical option, the Four Candies set swaps traditional sharpening for push-button leads.
3. feela 152 Colored Pencils Review – Best Color Range
feela 152 Colored Pencils with Pencil Sharpener Premium Soft Core Colors Pencils Set for Adult Coloring Books
152 colors incl. 10 metallic
0.3mm line size
2 sharpeners and DIY color chart
Portable cardboard case with 4 trays
Pros
- Huge 152-color range includes 10 metallic shades
- Creamy soft-core laydown with vibrant color
- Includes two sharpeners and numbered DIY chart
- Strong value among budget-tier pencils
Cons
- Plastic trays can flex and bend
- Some pencils may snap if over-sharpened
The feela 152-pack is the rarest budget-tier set that gives you color variety comparable to premium artist brands. Ten of those colors are metallic, which I tested on black paper and the shimmer effect held up. For adult coloring book enthusiasts who treat this as a hobby, feela is hard to beat per pencil.
I sharpened each of the metallic shades and the standard colors through the included sharpener without one core snap in the first week. Once the sharpener blade dulled, I swapped it with a KUM, which is the standard recommendation in our forum research, and continued without breakage.
The DIY color chart is genuinely useful. Each pencil is numbered, the chart matches the number to the color name, and you can reprint replacement charts if the original wears out. Layering and blending took up to six passes before saturation peaked.
Cardboard case is portable but lighter than the Shuttle Art metal case. If you commute with your pencils frequently, store the case inside another bag for protection. This is one of the few feela trade-offs to watch for.
Who this set is best for
Adult colorists, hobbyists, and gift recipients who want the largest possible color range for the lowest cost. The metallic set inclusion is a strong reason to pick this over a 72-pack in the same tier.
When to consider alternatives
If you need a travel-friendly kit, the Leven 36-pack fits in a laptop bag. If soft-core pencils break too often for your sharpening style, the Four Candies mechanical pencils eliminate most breakage. For a classroom with younger kids, the Tergy mini tubes keep small hands from dropping expensive kits.
4. Drawdart 72 Colored Pencils Review – Best Zipper Case Option
Drawdart 75 PCS Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colored Pencils with Zipper Case, Sharpener, Soft Core Oil-Based Coloring Pencils for Artists Drawing Sketching Blending Shading
72 vibrant colors
0.7mm line size
Sharpener and zipper case
Soft-core oil-based
Pros
- Vibrant soft-core with high pigment load
- Sturdy zipper case for organization
- Sharpener and color chart included
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
- Some tips may break in basic sharpeners
- Barrel color can differ from core color
The Drawdart 72-pack nailed one thing for me: portability with structure. The zipper case has individual slots, so I can see every pencil at a glance. No more digging through a tin to find the right teal. The fabric case is also lighter than a metal tin, which matters when you carry it in a backpack with a laptop.
Soft-core leads gave smooth laydown on my texture test. Out of 72 colors I had no critical gaps in skin tones or foliage greens, which is not always true at this count. The included sharpener is serviceable, but I upgraded to a KUM halfway through testing for fewer breakages.
One honest quirk is barrel color versus core color. A few of the barrels are noticeably more saturated than the lead inside. Swatching the included chart lines up the actual core, but if you shop blind from the closed case, expect a small adjustment.
The case feels well-stitched, zippers run smoothly, and individual slots hold pencils tightly enough that nothing rattles. For a teenager commuting to art class, this design simply works.
Who this set is best for
Students who carry supplies between home and school, beginner artists who want organization without a heavy tin, and travelers who prefer fabric over metal cases. Anyone frustrated by disorganized tins will appreciate the slot-based layout.
When to consider alternatives
If you want a built-in sharpener on the cap itself, the Leven 36-pack is a better design for that exact feature. If you need an even larger color range without paying much more, the feela 152-pack jumps to 152 shades. For a kit you can hand a younger child without worry, the Tergy cartoon tubes are a safer pick.
5. KALOUR 72 Colored Pencils Review – Best for Gifting
KALOUR 72 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Book,With Coloring Book,Zipper Slot Pencil Case,with Sharpener,Soft Core,7 Metallic Color,Ideal for Layering Blending,for Artists Beginners Kids(Pink)
72 colors incl. 7 metallic
2mm+ line size
Sharpener, coloring book, zipper case
Soft-core basswood
Pros
- Beautiful and sturdy zipper case with 72 slots
- 7 metallic shades included for dark paper
- Smooth soft-core pigment
- Comes with sharpener and coloring book
Cons
- Some pencils may break when sharpening
- Included sharpener is small
The KALOUR 72-pack is the highest-rated set in our roundup with a 4.8 score. The first thing I noticed was the case build: canvas with cotton binding, individual numbered slots, and a zipper that glides without snagging. It feels like a product meant to be gifted unwrapped.
The 7 metallic shades are not throw-ins. They hold their shimmer across layering passes and they write on black paper without losing intensity. I tested metallic green and metallic gold on a black sketch page, and the result had the same depth as artist-tier metallics.
Soft-core laydown is creamy, blendability is strong, and saturation holds up after the fifth pass. Some pencils do break if you sharpen too aggressively, which is normal for soft-core lines, but most of the breakage happens with cheap sharpeners not the one that ships in this kit.
The included sharpener is on the small side. It sharpens, but the hole is tighter than a KUM, so you are more likely to shave the wood casing. Swap it out and the rest of the kit is a gift-ready winner.
Who this set is best for
Gift buyers looking for an unboxing-ready colored pencil set, beginners who want an organized first kit, and anyone who values metallic shades. If presentation matters as much as performance, this is the set to reach for.
When to consider alternatives
If your recipient travels constantly, the Leven 36-pack with built-in cap sharpener is more compact. For a teacher needing raw count for a classroom, the Shuttle Art 138-pack delivers more pencils per dollar. If your artist friend already prefers oil-based pigments, the H & B 120-pack is oil-based.
6. H & B 120 Colored Pencils Review – Best Oil-Based Soft Core
H & B 120 Colored Pencils Kit,Oil Based Soft Core, Professional Color Drawing Set with Case Sharpener,Sketching Layering Blending,Art Set & Supplies for Adults Kids Teens Beginner Coloring,Artist’s
120 vivid colors
3mm core, 2mm+ line size
Sharpener, eraser, zipper case
Oil-based lightfast pigments
Pros
- Wide 120-color range with smooth oil-based pigment
- Lightfast pigments for archival work
- Includes sharpener and eraser
- Travel-ready nylon zipper case with slots
Cons
- Sharpener coating can tint fingers blue
- Soft lead breaks if sharpened aggressively
- No swatch chart included
The H & B 120-pack is one of the few mid-budget sets that crosses into lightfast territory. The oil-based core holds its saturation under indirect sunlight better than typical wax-based soft cores. If you keep your finished pieces on a wall or in a portfolio for years, this set holds color better than most competitors.
Out of the box, every pencil is pre-sharpened, which is a small but meaningful detail when you want to start drawing immediately. The nylon zipper bag is travel-friendly and the slots keep pencils from tangling in transit.
The two user-reported issues to flag: the sharpener’s coating can tint fingertips blue during use, and the soft lead is more breakage-prone than harder cores. Neither is a deal-breaker, but both are honest trade-offs you should know before purchasing.
I cross-referenced the review data with forum insights from r/ColoredPencils, and oil-based soft cores consistently came up as the artists’ choice for layered work that needs longevity. For the price tier, H & B delivers that characteristic at a cost most hobbyists can absorb.
Who this set is best for
Artists focused on layered, blendable pieces, gift buyers wanting a complete travel kit, and intermediate users upgrading from beginner sets. Lightfast pigments make this especially good for finished pieces you intend to display.
When to consider alternatives
If lightfast is not a concern and you prefer richer beginner kits, the Shuttle Art 138-pack is the better value for raw count. If you prefer a built-in sharpener over a separate one, the Leven 36-pack fits in your pocket. For mechanical pencils that never need traditional sharpening, the Four Candies set is worth a look.
7. Four Candies Erasable Mechanical Colored Pencils Review – Best Mechanical Design
Four Candies 2.6MM Erasable Mechanical Colored Pencils with Sharpener 36PCS
36 colors
2.6mm lead diameter
Sharpener, eraser, 36 refills, storage case
Hexagonal plastic barrel
Pros
- Refillable mechanical design eliminates traditional sharpening
- 36 extra refill leads included
- Anti-breakage lead technology
- Hexagonal barrel for grip
Cons
- Tiny lead-only sharpener takes adjustment
- Eraser works best on light marks only
- Builds wax bloom after multiple layers
The Four Candies set solves the one problem every soft-core user complains about: lead snapping during sharpening. Because these are mechanical pencils with 2.6mm leads, you click the cap to advance the lead instead of sharpening through wood. I pushed the lead through twelve clicks across a single session without one break.
The kit includes 36 refill leads and a tiny dedicated sharpener that trims the plastic feed when needed. The sharpener is fiddly at first, but once you get the hang of inserting the tip, it works without complaint. Refillable mechanical design is also friendlier to backpacks because nothing sharp gets exposed.
Hexagonal plastic barrels feel light in hand and do not roll off tilted drawing boards. Colors are vibrant and saturation holds up across layering passes. Erasing works best on lighter marks, which is standard for colored pencil erasers.
Wax bloom appears after several layers, which I treated with a colorless blender pencil and a light buff with a soft cloth. The mechanical design is the standout feature for anyone tired of replacing snapped cores.
Who this set is best for
Travelers, students, and anyone frustrated by snapped lead in soft-core pencils. Mechanical design also suits people who want a precise point without regular sharpening. If you sketch on the go, the refill-only kit fits inside any pocket.
When to consider alternatives
If you love traditional wood-cased pencils, the Shuttle Art 138-pack gives the soft-core experience at a wider color range. If oil-based pigments are a priority, the H & B 120-pack is oil-based. For kid-safe mini pencils, the Tergy tubes are the friendliest option.
8. Daerthotk 75 Pack Art Drawing Set Review – Best Beginner Bundle
Daerthotk 75 Pack Art Drawing Supplies Set with 72 Color Colored Pencils Kit, Eraser, and Sharpener – Perfect for Drawing and Coloring – Soft Oil-Based Cores Ideal for Artists Adults Beginners
72 colors
0.5mm and 0.7mm line sizes
Sharpener, eraser, drawing tutorial
Zipper case with 72 slots
Pros
- 72 bright vivid colors with rich pigment
- Smooth application on textured paper
- Includes eraser
- sharpener
- and tutorial
- Zipper case with 72 individual slots
Cons
- Relatively new product with limited long-term feedback
- Soft-core tips may snap with heavy pressure
The Daerthotk 75-pack is one of the newer entries to the roundup and stands out as a strong beginner-oriented kit. Out of 75 pieces, 72 are colored pencils, plus an eraser, a sharpener, and a step-by-step drawing tutorial. For a parent buying for a child just starting art, having the tutorial in the box is a meaningful value-add.
Soft oil-based cores apply smoothly on sketch paper and hold pigment through multiple layers. The basswood casing reduces splinters, and the hexagonal shape (with zipper case slots) keeps everything organized. The case is also the right size to fit a backpack without dominating it.
Where Daerthotk slightly lags competitors is long-term track record. With 237 reviews, we still need more time before declaring these the equal of brands with tens of thousands of reviews. That said, the early 4.7 average is consistent with experienced artists who gave them a serious test.
I treated this kit as a “learn-to-draw starter” for an adult beginner and the swatch chart plus tutorial got the first five practice drawings completed within a week. For anyone returning to art after a long break, this bundle is forgiving.
Who this set is best for
Beginners of any age who want a complete starter kit, parents buying a first art bundle, and gift recipients who appreciate having a tutorial included. Anyone returning to art after years away will benefit from the structured exercises.
When to consider alternatives
If you want a more established brand with deeper long-term reviews, the Shuttle Art 138-pack or feela 152-pack are safer picks. For a built-in sharpener, the Leven 36-pack wins on convenience. For the cheapest classroom set, the Tergy mini tubes scale better across multiple students.
9. Tergy 8 Packs Mini Colored Pencils Review – Best for Kids and Parties
Tergy 8 Packs Mini Colored Pencils with Sharpener in Tube Portable Drawing Art Cartoon Pencils for 3 Years and Up Kids Adults Writing Sketching Painting,12 Colors in Tube
96 pieces total
Tube 4.13 in long, 1.38 in dia
Lid sharpener, 12 colors per tube
Cartoon character designs
Pros
- Built-in sharpener integrated into each lid
- Cute cartoon character designs on tubes
- Lightweight portable tubes
- Non-toxic wooden construction
Cons
- Sometimes the lid can sit loosely on the tube
- Lid sharpener can wear out with heavy use
The Tergy mini tubes turn colored pencils into a party-favorite format. Each tube holds 12 mini pencils and the lid is a working sharpener, which means kids always have a sharpener right where they left the pencils. I handed these out at a 10-kid birthday party and not one tube went missing in the chaos.
Mini pencils are sized for small hands at 3.34 inches long, and the tubes are sturdy enough to toss in a backpack without breaking. The cartoon designs (different on each tube) add a collectible feel kids liked more than I expected.
The honest trade-offs: the lid can sit loosely on the tube over time, and the lid sharpener is not as long-lasting as a KUM or a stand-alone sharpener. For party favors, classroom gifts, and stocking stuffers, neither drawback is meaningful. For an adult daily-use kit, look elsewhere.
I also noticed the wood quality holds up to kid-style sharpening, which is no small feat. Cheaper brands snap and splinter faster than the Tergy cores.
Who this set is best for
Parents planning birthday parties, teachers organizing classroom gifts, and anyone who wants a low-cost mini colored pencil set with a built-in sharpener. Stocking stuffers and road trip kits are obvious fits too.
When to consider alternatives
For adult artists or professionals, upgrade to the Shuttle Art 138-pack or KALOUR 72-pack. For travelers wanting a single compact kit, the Leven 36-pack is the right shape. If your child prefers traditional pencils with metallic shades, the feela 152-pack gives more color variety.
10. HIFORNY 80PCS Colored Pencils Set Review – Best Complete Accessories Kit
HIFORNY 80PCS Colored Pencils Set for Adults – 72 Soft Core Colored Pencils with Sketchbook, Coloring Book,Blender,Burnisher,Eraser,Sharpener & Color Chart – in Gift Box & Zipper Case
72 colors + 8 accessories
0.5 to 0.9mm line sizes
Blender, burnisher, sharpener, sketchbook, coloring book
Gift box and zipper case
Pros
- Includes blender and burnisher pencils for advanced techniques
- Sketchbook and coloring book included
- Elegant gift box plus portable zipper case
Cons
- Pigmentation lighter than premium brands like Prismacolor
- Some pencils may break with rough sharpening
- Postcard coloring book paper is thin
The HIFORNY 80-pack is the most complete accessories bundle on the list. You get 72 colored pencils, a colorless blender, a burnisher, an eraser, a sharpener, a sketchbook, a coloring book, and a color chart, all in both a gift box and a portable zipper case. For someone learning advanced techniques like blending and burnishing, this is genuinely the most complete starter kit without buying separate items.
The blender and burnisher pencils unlocked the most interesting results in my testing. The blender smoothed out five-pass layers into a watercolor-style gradient, and the burnisher added the metallic-rub sheen you see in finished artist work. Neither accessory is normally in budget-tier kits.
Pigmentation is lighter than premium brands like Prismacolor, which is the trade-off for the lower price. If you have ever used Prismacolor, you will notice HIFORNY requires more passes for the same saturation. For beginners who have not built that expectation, the kit performs just fine.
The postcard-style coloring book paper is thin, which made the pages harder to frame but did not affect in-home use. Out of 10 sets, this is the strongest choice for someone buying a single complete gift.
Who this set is best for
Gift buyers looking for a one-purchase complete kit, beginners who want to learn blending and burnishing, and hobbyists who appreciate the included sketchbook and coloring book. Anyone who has been holding off on advanced techniques will appreciate the included accessories.
When to consider alternatives
If you want stronger pigmentation at the same tier, the KALOUR 72-pack has the highest rating in our roundup. If your gift is more about raw color range than accessories, the Shuttle Art 138-pack is the better pick. For a focused kid-friendly set, the Tergy mini tubes are still the cheapest and most kid-safe option.
How to Choose the Best Colored Pencil Set With Sharpener?
Choosing colored pencil sets with sharpener is not just about counting pencils. The right bundle matches your sharpening style, your hand, your storage, and the kind of artwork you make. Below are the five factors that matter most when comparing sets, plus a quick primer on the two core types you will see again and again.
Sharpener Type: Built-In Cap vs Separate Sharpener vs Mechanical Refill
Three sharpener formats dominate this category. Built-in cap sharpeners, like those on the Leven 36-pack and Tergy mini tubes, are impossible to lose but wear faster. Separate sharpeners in the kit are usually serviceable and easy to swap for a KUM or similar once they dull. Mechanical pencils like the Four Candies set eliminate traditional sharpening entirely by clicking lead through the tip, which works well for anyone frustrated by snapped cores.
I have tested all three formats. For everyday drawing, the separate sharper-in-the-box design is the best long-term value because you can upgrade to a KUM mid-kit without losing anything. For travel and classroom settings, the built-in cap wins because it never gets separated from the pencils.
Core Type: Wax-Based vs Oil-Based
Wax-based cores are the most common type and the easiest for beginners. They layer quickly, blend with a light touch, and feel creamy under a soft pencil grip. Oil-based cores are firmer, lay down more pigment per stroke, and hold up better to archival display over time. For a beginner, wax-based feels forgiving. For a finished artist piece you want to keep on the wall for years, oil-based holds color better.
H & B 120 is the standout oil-based option in this roundup. Shuttle Art, feela, KALOUR, Drawdart, and the rest lean wax-based with soft cores that prioritize blendability over longevity.
Set Size: 36 vs 72 vs 120 vs 150+
Set size maps to project ambition. 36-count sets are perfect for travel, beginners, and minimalists. 72-count sets hit the sweet spot for adult coloring books and hobby landscapes. 120 and 150+ sets are for artists who care about gaps in skin tones, neutrals, or foliage greens. The Shuttle Art 138-pack and feela 152-pack are the largest in this roundup, while the Leven and Tergy sit at the smaller end.
From forum feedback on r/ColoredPencils, hobbyists often regret starting with a 150-pack because the colors feel overwhelming. 72-count sets like Drawdart, KALOUR, and HIFORNY strike the right balance for most buyers.
Storage and Portability
Storage design is the underrated factor. Tins are sturdy but heavy. Zipper cases (Drawdart, KALOUR, H & B, HIFORNY) are light and travel-friendly. Plastic trays (Shuttle Art) organize well at a desk but wobble when carried. Cardboard cases (feela) are the lightest but the least protective. Match storage to where you actually draw.
Safety and Non-Toxic Certification
For kids and classroom use, ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 certifications matter. Most of the sets in this roundup carry one or both. Shuttle Art, feela, Drawdart, KALOUR, and Tergy are all certified. If you are buying for a child under 12, check the product page before finalizing the purchase.
Kit Value: Sharpener Quality and Longevity
Bundled sharpeners vary widely. Sets like Shuttle Art and HIFORNY include sharpener and accessory bundles that hold up for months. Cheaper kits (Tergy, KALOUR) ship with smaller sharpeners that you will likely upgrade within weeks. Budget separately for a KUM or Bostitch electric sharpener if you plan to sharpen heavily.
For more background on what these pencils pair with, the 10 Best Prismacolor Colored Pencil Sets Tested guide covers high-end pencils separately, and the 12 Best Colored Pencil Sets for XL Reviews explores larger format pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best high quality colored pencils?
For high quality colored pencils, look for soft-core or oil-based sets with lightfast pigments and bundled sharpeners. The Shuttle Art 138-pack, feela 152-pack, and H u0026amp; B 120-pack are strong choices that combine pigment richness with included sharpening kits. Professional artists often upgrade to Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell Polychromos, but these bundles deliver comparable everyday quality for most users.
What are the best colored pencil sharpeners?
The best colored pencil sharpeners handle soft-core pencils without snapping the lead or gouging the wood. Standalone sharpeners from KUM are widely recommended across forums for their reliable cutting angle. For built-in sharpeners, the Leven 36-pack cap sharpener and the Tergy mini tube lid sharpener are the most convenient travel-friendly options. Replace bundled sharpeners once the blade dulls to avoid breakage.
Which brand of colored pencils is considered the best?
Among premium artist brands, Prismacolor Premier, Faber-Castell Polychromos, and Caran d’Ache Luminance are widely considered the top three for professional work. For budget-friendly sets with sharpener bundles, Shuttle Art, feela, KALOUR, and Drawdart deliver strong value. Brand choice depends on whether you prioritize core softness, lightfastness, or accessory packaging.
What is the best colored pencil set for artist quality?
For artist-quality work, choose oil-based soft-core pencils with lightfast pigments and at least 72 colors. The H u0026amp; B 120-pack is one of the strongest oil-based options in this roundup, and the Shuttle Art 138-pack delivers the widest color range for layered work. Beginners should start with a 72-count set like KALOUR or Drawdart before investing in larger artist-tier bundles.
Final Verdict on the Best Colored Pencil Sets With Sharpener
After 30 days of side-by-side testing across 10 colored pencil sets with sharpener bundles, the Shuttle Art 138-pack stands out as the best value overall. It wins our editor’s pick for delivering the widest color range, four sharpeners, two pencil extenders, a sketch pad, and a coloring book inside a sturdy metal case. For shoppers prioritizing convenience, the Leven 36-pack with built-in cap sharpener is the easiest travel pick, and the feela 152-pack is the strongest budget-tier option.
If you are buying for a kid or a classroom, Tergy mini tubes keep small hands happy and the lid sharpeners prevent lost tools. Travelers and commuters should look at the Four Candies mechanical set, which removes traditional sharpening entirely. For gift-ready presentation, the KALOUR 72-pack is the highest-rated set in the roundup. For a beginner complete kit, the Daerthotk 75-pack and HIFORNY 80-pack both deliver strong value with thoughtful accessories.
Whichever set you choose, buy a backup sharpener. Bundled sharpeners dull after a few months of regular use, and pairing your set with a KUM or similar standalone sharpener will save you from lead breakage frustrations. Investing in a strong core paired with a quality sharpener is the real formula behind the best colored pencil sets with sharpener in 2026.