10 Best Art Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are an excellent choice for artists and coloring enthusiasts looking for high-quality colored pencils. With a soft core, these pencils excel in shading and blending, allowing for smooth transitions and vibrant color application. The lightfast pigments ensure that your artwork will resist fading over time, which is a significant advantage for those creating lasting pieces. With 150 colors in the set, users have a wide palette to work from, making it suitable for detailed and intricate designs.

One of the standout features is the durability of the pencils. The robust leads are designed to resist cracking and chipping, which is particularly beneficial for adult coloring books where heavy pressure may be applied. Users appreciate the ultra-smooth color laydown, making the drawing experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The softness of the pencil cores, while great for blending, may make them less suitable for precise, fine details, which could be a drawback for some artists. Additionally, as a premium product, it comes at a higher price point compared to other colored pencils, which may not appeal to beginner users or casual hobbyists. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are ideal for serious artists or those engaged in adult coloring who prioritize quality and vibrancy in their work. They shine in terms of color range, blendability, and durability, though the softness may limit their use in more detailed applications.

The Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored Pencils Set is a solid choice for adult artists, professionals, and hobbyists alike. One of its standout features is the soft core, which allows for a smooth and creamy application, making blending and layering of colors easy. The intense pigmentation ensures that colors are vibrant and rich, which can enhance any art project. The pencils are well organized in a stylish presentation tin, featuring color-coded arrangements that make selecting the right pencil effortless.

In terms of durability, these pencils have a design that minimizes crumbling, providing a reliable experience during use. The unique fold-out tutorial is a thoughtful addition, as it helps users build their skills through practice, making this set not just for experienced artists but also perfect for those looking to improve.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the soft core provides great color application, some users may find the pencils need sharpening more frequently, which could be a nuisance during longer projects. Although the color range is extensive, some artists might desire even more unique shades for specific effects. Additionally, the presentation tin, while visually appealing, adds some weight, which might not be ideal for artists who frequently travel with their supplies.

For those looking for a comprehensive and quality set of colored pencils, the Castle Art Supplies set is a great investment, particularly for those who enjoy vibrant colors and smooth blendability. However, if you're seeking ultra-hard pencils for more precise detailing, you might want to explore other options.

The Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct) offers a convenient and mess-free coloring experience, especially suited for kids aged 4 and up. One of the standout features is the twistable mechanism, which eliminates the need for sharpening and peeling, making it easy for children to use. The plastic barrel protects the color core, adding to the pencil's durability and making them suitable for on-the-go creativity.

The set boasts a wide color range, with 50 different shades, allowing for a variety of artistic expressions in coloring books, drawings, and crafts. The pigment quality may not meet the high standards required by professional artists, as these pencils are designed primarily for children. Lightfastness, which refers to how well the colors resist fading over time, is not specified and may be less critical for the intended young user base.

The core hardness is moderate, making blending and shading relatively easy for kids, although it might not offer the precision or intensity preferred by more serious artists. In terms of blendability, the pencils perform well enough for basic color mixing, but might not satisfy advanced blending techniques. As part of Crayola's adaptive tools, these pencils also cater to diverse needs, providing sensory and tactile benefits. The Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set is an excellent gift for children who enjoy creative activities, offering ease of use, vibrant colors, and robust design features, though they may not meet the exacting standards of professional art supplies.