Whether you’re layering rich tones on a portrait or adding highlights to a fashion sketch, your colored pencils can make or break your artwork. That’s why we tested the most popular brands—so you don’t have to.
In this 2025 review, we’ll reveal the best colored pencils for every kind of artist, from beginners to professionals, and help you pick the set that meets your style, budget, and medium.
Quick Overview: Top Picks for 2025
| Brand | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Premier | Blending & soft layering | |
| Faber-Castell Polychromos | Precision & detail work | |
| Arteza Expert | Budget-friendly quality | |
| Crayola Colored Pencils | Students & casual use |
1. Prismacolor Premier – Best for Soft Blending
Why artists love it: Buttery-soft cores, rich pigments, and unmatched blendability.
Ideal for creating smooth gradients and bold color combinations. They’re perfect for portrait artists and illustrators who work in layers.
Want to refine your shading with black-and-white media? Check out our guide on graphite pencil grades.
2. Faber-Castell Polychromos – Best for Precision
If you love detailed work—like botanical illustrations or mandalas—Polychromos offers oil-based precision without wax bloom. The pencils sharpen to a fine point and hold it.
Also ideal for mixed media projects alongside graphite or charcoal. Try pairing them with the techniques in our charcoal pencil guide.
3. Arteza Expert Colored Pencils – Best Value
You’ll get a pro-level experience without breaking the bank. The pigment quality is surprisingly good, and you can easily use them for coloring books, freelance art, or creative journaling.
If you’re switching between pencil types often, you might also like our breakdown of mechanical vs traditional pencils.
4. Crayola Colored Pencils – Best for Beginners & Kids
Affordable, reliable, and widely available—Crayola pencils are still the top choice for kids and beginner creatives.
Teaching kids to hold a pencil properly? See our hands-on guide on how to teach kids the perfect pencil grip.
What to Look For When Choosing Colored Pencils
- Core type: Wax-based = smooth and creamy; Oil-based = crisp and clean.
- Blendability: Artists often prefer brands that allow smooth layering.
- Durability: Look for pencils that won’t break when sharpening.
- Lightfastness: Essential for art you plan to sell or display.
Protect your investment with a good storage solution—browse the best pencil cases and holders to stay organized.
Final Thoughts
The best colored pencil set for you depends on your goals. Want soft blends and vibrant tones? Prismacolor might be your go-to. Need precision and durability? Polychromos is worth the splurge.
Whatever your choice, having the right colored pencils can take your artwork to a whole new level.
