10 Best Colored Pencils For Artists 2025 in the United States

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are a popular choice for artists who enjoy sketching and coloring with rich, vibrant colors. These pencils have soft, thick cores that make shading and blending smooth and easy, which is great when you want to create gradients or shadows. The pigments are richly saturated and lightfast, meaning your artwork will hold its color well over time without fading. With 36 assorted colors, you get a good range to work with, though professional artists might find the selection somewhat limited compared to larger sets.

The KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil Set stands out for its vast color range and vibrant pigments, making it an excellent choice for artists who need a wide variety of colors for their creations. The set includes 180 pencils, with 12 metallic ones, providing a rich palette for artistic expression. The pigments are described as silky smooth and velvety, which suggests an enjoyable drawing experience with a rich color payoff.

The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils (12-pack) are a solid choice for adult artists, especially those who enjoy coloring books or shading work. Their soft, thick cores make them excellent for smooth shading and layering colors, offering a rich and even color laydown. The pigments are richly saturated and designed to be lightfast, meaning your artwork won’t fade easily over time when exposed to light. The set covers a basic but useful range of 12 colors, mixing primaries, earth tones, and a few shades of violet, which is good for general artistic use but might feel limited if you want a broader palette.