10 Best Soft Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils with a count of 36 offers a range of vibrant, richly saturated colors that are ideal for adult coloring and detailed artwork. The softness of the core allows for smooth and even color laydown, making blending and shading a breeze. The high-quality pigments ensure that colors are lightfast, meaning they won’t fade over time. This makes them perfect for professional artists as well as hobbyists who want their work to last.

The pencils' thick and robust leads resist cracking and chipping, adding to their durability during use and sharpening. However, some users may find the lead softness to be a bit too delicate for heavy-handed work, potentially causing breakage if too much pressure is applied. The ease of sharpening is generally good, but it's important to use a quality sharpener to avoid any issues.

Offering a solid mix of colors, the 36-count set provides a decent range for most artistic needs, though some users might prefer a larger set for more variety. These pencils are highly regarded in the art community, making them a great choice for anyone looking for quality and reliability in their coloring tools.

The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils are designed for artists, hobbyists, and beginners who appreciate vibrant colors and smooth application. With 72 different shades, this set offers an extensive range that can cater to various artistic projects, whether for coloring books or drawing. The high pigment quality stands out, allowing for vivid and rich color laydown, which is ideal for blending and shading techniques. The soft core of these pencils enhances the coloring experience, making it easy to create smooth gradients and layers of color.

One of the significant advantages of these pencils is their durability; the break-resistant cores ensure that they withstand frequent use without snapping easily. Additionally, the pencils are made of high-quality basswood, which simplifies sharpening and helps maintain a fine point for detailed work.

However, there are a few points to consider. While the softness of the core is beneficial for coloring, it may not hold up well for precise lines or intricate details, which might be a drawback for some artists. Furthermore, the pencils may require more frequent sharpening when used heavily, which can be a minor inconvenience. The KALOUR set is especially suitable for adults and children aged 5 and up, making it a versatile option for families or classrooms. It’s also a fantastic gift choice given its non-toxic materials and the joy of exploring colors.

The Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists' Color Pencils in a tin of 120 colors are highly regarded for their premium quality. These pencils excel in several areas vital for art enthusiasts and professionals alike. The pigment quality is exceptional, offering vibrant, long-lasting colors due to their unsurpassed lightfastness, which means the colors resist fading over time.

The core's softness ensures a smooth and buttery laydown, making blending and layering effortless. The oil-based leads enhance blendability, allowing for rich, nuanced artwork. The range of 120 colors provides a comprehensive palette, ensuring that artists can find the exact shades they need for their projects. Durability is another strong point, with thick, SV-bonded leads that resist breaking and are also water-resistant, making them last longer and perform well under different conditions.

However, it's important to note that while the leads are durable, the pencils themselves are made of wood and may require frequent sharpening to maintain a fine point. Thankfully, they are relatively easy to sharpen, which helps in keeping them ready for detailed work. One potential drawback is the higher cost, which might be a consideration for hobbyists or beginners. Despite this, the investment is often justified by the superior quality and performance. These pencils are particularly well-suited for serious artists, students in advanced art courses, and anyone looking to invest in high-quality art supplies that deliver professional results.