Looking for a reliable colored pencil set that suits beginners, students, or adult coloring enthusiasts? This guide highlights five top Amazon picks that balance pigment, durability, and value. Each product is evaluated for who it’s best for, why it stands out, and a practical limitation to consider. Whether you’re gifting a budding artist or upgrading your own kit, these options cover a range of budgets, cores, and color tones.
A quick-reference comparison summary:
- Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct) — Best for kids and school use.
- KALOUR 72 Count — Best for adults and beginners who value color naming and easy sharpening.
- Soucolor 72-Color — Best for smooth blending and professional-looking gradients.
- Shuttle Art 80 — Best for variety and color matching with named colors.
- PRINA 120 Colors — Best for comprehensive color ranges and portability.
Crayola 36-Color Colored Pencils
Crayola’s 36-color set is a solid entry point for kids and classroom use. The pencils are pre-sharpened, offering immediate usability for coloring books, school projects, and craft activities. The color range balances primary and secondary tones suitable for basic illustration and creative projects. This option is best for younger artists or families seeking an affordable, easy-to-use kit.
Who it’s best for: Parents, teachers, and beginners who want recognizable colors and ready-to-use pencils without extra gear.
Why chosen: The wide availability, kid-friendly design, and reliable performance make this a practical starter set with predictable results.
Limitation: Lacks advanced color variety or soft core for heavy blending compared with higher-count sets.
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils
KALOUR’s 72-color set emphasizes color identification, with each pencil labeled by number and name. The soft core supports smooth coverage and blending, making it well-suited for adults and beginners experimenting with shading. The basswood barrel ensures comfortable sharpening and a consistent feel during longer sessions.
Who it’s best for: Adult colorists and students who value clear color identification and reliable blending capability.
Why chosen: The naming system and durable construction provide practical, long-term use for projects that require precise color matching.
Limitation: Some artists may want a larger color range or more wax-free performance for ultra-smooth layers.
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils
Soucolor’s 72-color kit is designed for smooth coloring and professional-looking blends. The pencils are pre-sharpened and housed in premium wood with soft cores that resist waxy buildup. They’re favored for art journaling, adult coloring books, and detailed illustrations where clean gradient transitions matter.
Who it’s best for: Artists and hobbyists who value seamless blending and a broad palette for shading and gradation.
Why chosen: Strong blending capabilities and durable cores make this a reliable choice for layering and intricate work.
Limitation: May be less portable than compact 24- or 36-color sets for quick on-the-go work.
Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils
Shuttle Art offers 80 colors with names and numbers on the barrels, aiding quick color selection. The pencils feature a color-core match to each pencil’s exterior, helping color matching during drawing and coloring. The broad range supports beginners and experienced colorists who want variety for portraits, landscapes, and fantasy art.
Who it’s best for: Beginners who want a broad palette and color-coded ease, as well as hobbyists seeking reliable color variety.
Why chosen: The named colors and full-spectrum assortment simplify color planning in complex pieces.
Limitation: Some colors may be very similar, so a separate swatch guide could help avoid duplications in practice.
PRINA 120 Colors Colored Pencils
PRINA’s 120-color set is designed for comprehensive color ranges and portability. The soft-core, oil-based pencils offer smooth application and vibrant pigment. The set includes a sketchbook and a portable zipper case, making it a practical all-in-one kit for travel, classrooms, or studio work.
Who it’s best for: Serious colorists and professionals who want an extensive palette for shading, illustrations, and mixed-media projects.
Why chosen: The large color selection and added sketchbook provide a complete package for ongoing projects and experimentation.
Limitation: The size and weight may be less convenient for travel compared with smaller sets.
Buying Guide: How to Choose The Right Colored Pencils
- Core Type: Soft core delivers easy blending and smooth color, while harder cores hold points longer for precise lines. Oil-based cores tend to resist waxy buildup and offer richer layering.
- Color Range: A larger palette offers more subtle gradients. For beginners, a mid-range set (36–72 colors) often balances variety with affordability.
- Paper and Purpose: For adult coloring books, look for softer cores and smooth laydowns. For sketching, consider higher pigment saturation and lightfastness.
- Portability and Storage: Zipper cases, labeled colors, and durable barrels help keep supplies organized during travel or classroom use.
- Identification and Labeling: Pencils labeled with color names or numbers improve accuracy when selecting tones for complex pieces.
- Budget versus Value: If you expect long-term use, investing in a larger set with quality pigments and consistency may be more cost-effective per color.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best set for beginners? A mid-range set (36–72 colors) with a soft-core option balances ease of use and variety for learning the basics of color blending.
- Are oil-based pencils better than wax-based? Oil-based cores tend to offer smoother blending and less wax buildup, which can be advantageous for detailed shading.
- Should I choose labeled colors? Yes, color names or numbers aid quick selection and consistency across projects and themes.
- Is a large color palette worth it? For artists who plan gradients, portraits, or detailed scenes, a larger palette provides more tonal options and depth.
- What’s a good portable option? Sets with a zipper case and a compact selection (around 36–60 colors) offer portability without sacrificing essential tones.
- How do I care for pencils to extend life? Keep pencils sharp with a quality sharpener, store them in a protective case, and avoid excessive moisture on wood barrels to prevent warping.