10 Best Colored Pencils for Artists and Beginners

Choosing the right colored pencils can transform your artwork, whether you are just starting out or have years of experience. The quality of your pencils affects everything from color vibrancy to blending ease and durability.

I’ve tested many brands and types to find the best colored pencils that suit a variety of needs and budgets.

In this post, I’ll share my top 10 picks, explaining what makes each one stand out and who they are best for.

Best Colored Pencils

1. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Premier pencils are a favorite among professional artists and serious hobbyists. They feature soft, thick cores that lay down rich, creamy color with excellent blendability. These pencils are ideal for layering and shading, making them perfect for portraits and detailed work.

• Soft wax-based core for smooth application

• Wide color range of 150 shades

• Good lightfast ratings on many colors

• Break-resistant leads with a sturdy wood casing

  
  

These pencils are a bit softer, so they wear down faster but reward you with vibrant, blendable colors.

2. Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils

If you want the best colored pencils for durability and precision, Faber-Castell Polychromos are a top choice. Their oil-based cores resist breakage and sharpen to a fine point, perfect for detailed line work and layering.

• Oil-based core for smooth, consistent color

• Excellent lightfastness for archival-quality art

• Strong, break-resistant leads

• Available in 120 colors

  
  

These pencils are great for artists who want long-lasting colors and sharp details without worrying about lead breakage.

3. Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils

Derwent Coloursoft pencils strike a balance between softness and control. They are softer than Polychromos but firmer than Prismacolor, making them versatile for both blending and fine details.

• Soft, velvety cores for smooth color laydown

• Good for blending and layering

• Available in 72 colors

• Strong wood casing to prevent breakage

  
  

These pencils are excellent for beginners who want a forgiving pencil that still offers control.

4. Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils

Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils are known for their exceptional lightfastness and creamy texture. They are oil-based and provide intense, vibrant colors that last over time, making them a favorite for professional artists.

• High lightfastness ratings

• Smooth, creamy oil-based cores

• 76 rich colors available

• Durable and break-resistant

  
  

These pencils are perfect if you want your artwork to stand the test of time with bright, lasting colors.

5. Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils

Staedtler Ergosoft pencils are designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring a triangular barrel that reduces hand fatigue. They are a great choice for beginners and students.

• Soft, smooth cores for easy coloring

• Triangular shape for comfortable grip

• Available in sets of 12, 24, and 36 colors

• Affordable and reliable quality

  
  

These pencils are ideal for young artists or anyone who wants a comfortable pencil for long coloring sessions.

6. Crayola Colored Pencils

Crayola is a household name and a solid choice for beginners and casual artists. Their colored pencils are affordable, widely available, and offer decent color payoff for the price.

• Wax-based cores with smooth color laydown

• Available in large sets (up to 64 colors)

• Affordable and kid-friendly

• Durable wood casing

  
  

While not as vibrant or blendable as professional brands, Crayola pencils are perfect for practice, school projects, or casual coloring.

7. Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Colored Pencils

Koh-I-Noor Polycolor pencils are oil-based and offer rich, vibrant colors with good lightfastness. They sharpen well and have a smooth application, making them a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate artists.

• Oil-based cores for smooth color

• 72 colors available

• Good lightfastness ratings

• Strong wood casing

  
  

These pencils provide a professional feel without the high price tag of some premium brands.

8. Derwent Inktense Colored Pencils

Derwent Inktense pencils are unique because their colors become ink-like and permanent when water is added. This opens up creative possibilities for mixed media and watercolor effects.

• Water-soluble, ink-like colors

• Vibrant and intense pigments

• Available in 72 colors

• Can be used dry or wet

  
  

These pencils are great for artists who want to experiment with watercolor techniques and vibrant effects.

9. Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Scholar pencils are designed for students and beginners who want quality without a high price. They have a wax-based core that is smooth and easy to blend.

• Soft wax-based cores

• Available in sets of 12, 24, and 36 colors

• Affordable and beginner-friendly

• Good color payoff for the price

  
  

These pencils are a great starting point for those new to colored pencils who want a reliable product.

10. Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor pencils are oil-based and offer excellent color richness and durability. They sharpen well and have a smooth, consistent application.

• Oil-based cores with vibrant colors

• Available in 72 colors

• Good lightfastness

• Strong wood casing

  
  

These pencils are a good choice for artists who want professional quality at a mid-range price.

Choosing the best colored pencils depends on your style, budget, and what you want to achieve. If you want rich, blendable colors, Prismacolor Premier and Caran d’Ache Luminance are excellent. For durability and precision, Faber-Castell Polychromos and Lyra Rembrandt stand out. Beginners will appreciate Staedtler Ergosoft and Prismacolor Scholar for their ease of use and affordability.

Colored pencils can be a lifelong tool for creativity. Investing in a quality set that fits your needs will help you enjoy your art more and improve faster. Try a few brands if you can, and see which pencils feel right in your hand and bring your vision to life.