10 Best Watercolor Pencils 2025 in the United States

The Caran d'Ache Museum Watercolour Pencils set offers an impressive range of 76 vibrant colors, which is a strong point for artists who appreciate a wide color palette. Known for their exceptional pigment quality, these pencils ensure vivid and consistent colors, making them a favorite among serious artists. Their completely water-soluble nature allows for smooth blending and layering, and the absence of a white film when wet is a bonus for maintaining color clarity. The pencils also boast excellent lightfastness, which means your artwork will resist fading over time, whether you're working dry or wet.

The inclusion of two Technalo HB and 3B water-soluble graphite pencils adds versatility to the set, ideal for sketching or adding depth to your watercolor pieces. The pencil hardness, rated at HB, offers a balance between soft and hard, making them suitable for a range of artistic techniques. Caran d'Ache, being a well-regarded brand, brings reliability and quality assurance.

However, this premium set comes with a higher price tag, which may be a consideration for hobbyists or beginners on a budget. Additionally, although the wide color range is a strength, managing and organizing such a large set might be daunting for some users. The product's weight and size could also be a factor for those who prefer portability. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Caran d'Ache Museum Watercolour Pencils are particularly well-suited for professional artists or dedicated art enthusiasts seeking high-quality tools for their creative work.

The KALOUR 72-Color Professional Watercolor Pencils Set offers a rich and versatile collection of vibrant hues, making it suitable for both experienced artists and beginners. The pigment quality is high, ensuring vivid and smooth color application, which can be used both dry and wet to achieve beautiful watercolor effects. The comprehensive color range of 72 shades allows for extensive blending and layering, catering to diverse artistic needs.

Each pencil is crafted with a durable core to withstand frequent use, making them reliable for detailed work and larger pieces. Additionally, the hexagonal shape of the pencils provides a comfortable and secure grip during long sessions of artwork. The included watercolor brush and water brush pen enhance the set's versatility, allowing artists to experiment with different techniques easily.

For organization and portability, the set comes in a sturdy cylindrical case where each pencil is conveniently labeled for quick identification. With a strong brand reputation and positive customer ratings, the KALOUR set emerges as a commendable choice for those in need of high-quality, water-soluble colored pencils. This set also makes for an excellent gift for art enthusiasts, students, and professionals.

The Derwent Inktense Pencils set of 72 offers a broad and vibrant color range, making it ideal for artists who want a lot of options in their watercolor pencil collection. The pigments are richly pigmented, providing bright, bold colors that stand out well on paper and fabric. Thanks to their unique formulation, these pencils dissolve easily when water is added, giving watercolor effects that are vivid and ink-like.

One standout quality is that, once dry, the colors become permanent, which means they won’t bleed or smudge when layered or placed next to each other. This can be a big advantage if you like to work in layers or want your artwork to be durable on different surfaces like silk or cotton. The pencil hardness leans toward softness, which allows for smooth application and strong color payoff but might wear down faster if you press hard.

The 4mm core is round and firm enough for detailed work but still soft enough for blending with water. These pencils are well suited for both beginners exploring watercolor techniques and experienced artists who want a versatile, permanent watercolor pencil set with a broad palette.