The Best Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

Color Me Impressed

This extensive set has 150 shades to make all of your color-laden dreams come true.

Best Overall

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This extensive set has all the shades of the rainbow—and then some. The softcore pencils come in 150 different colors so that you have one that works for every occasion. The richly saturated pigments go on smoothly and create an even layer of color that looks beautiful and effortless. What’s more, the pencils themselves are thick with robust leads that are designed to resist cracking and chipping, so they’ll stand the test of time – that is, if you don’t use them down to the nub first.

Pros:

• Comes with 150 colored pencils across the color spectrum so you always have the color you want
• The color is richly saturated and goes on pigmented so they’re easy and smooth to use
• Resistant to cracking and chipping for longevity

Cons:

• The set doesn’t include a sharpener, so you’ll need to provide your own
• The pencils don’t have erasers so the color can be harder to remove if needed

Zenacolor Numbered Colored Pencils Set

It's All in the Details

Keep your colors in order with this set featuring numbered details.

Most Organized

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Filled with 72 unique shades, this set has the professional-grade colors you need. Each of the colors also has a number so you can keep the medley of vibrant hues in the correct order, neatly organized for future use. At 3.3mm thick, the lead easily blends, layers, and shades, and it goes on precisely and smoothly. The pencils also come in a sturdy metal case so you can transport them with you wherever you go.

Pros:

• The pencils are non-toxic so can be used by both children and adults
• The set has a 100% satisfaction guarantee if you aren’t totally happy with your purchase
• Each pencil is pre-sharpened for crisp lines and added accuracy

Cons:

• A sharpener isn’t included with the set
• The case stacks on top of itself, so you can’t access all the pencils at one time

Covacure Colored Pencils Set for Adult and Kids

Rolie Polie

This 36-pencil roll-up set has a convenient travel case for easy transit.

Most Portable

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The premium set has a wide range of shades, so you’ll likely have every color you could want. The portable kit comes with a sharpener as well as a canvas bag with a slot for every individual pencil so you can take it on the go wherever whimsy takes you and your family. The pencils have a soft lead center so you can easily sharpen them without any breaking and so that they effortlessly glide on the paper and blend smoothly. The pencils are also safe to use for both children and adults, so you can enjoy them as a family.

Pros:

• The roll-up case is extremely portable and protects the pencils
• The set includes a sharpener so you can keep your pencils sharp
• The soft lead is easy to sharpen and blend for a more enjoyable coloring experience

Cons:

• The set has fewer colors than other sets available
• It’s possible the light-colored canvas roll may get marked by the pencils

Crayola Colored Pencils 12-Count (Pack of 2)

Think of the Children

This 12-pencil set has the perfect range of colors for little ones.

Best for Kids

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This set of twelve bright and bold colors are great for at-home or the classroom. With shades covering the entire rainbow spectrum, children will love using these pre-sharpened pencils for everyday activities. From coloring to worksheets to drawing on their own, they are a versatile option for activities that allow them to use their imaginations. The non-toxic pencils are also totally safe and made from reforested wood, so you can feel good giving them to your kids.

Pros:

• Pre-sharpened, so kids can use them right out of the box
• The non-toxic design is totally safe for children to use
• 12 bright colors add a colorful pop to any activity

Cons:

• The 12-pencil set has fewer colors than other options on the market
• The set doesn’t include a sharpener so you’ll need to provide your own

Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils

Never a Dull Moment

The twistable design lets you sharpen your pencil whenever you need it.

Best Self-Sharpening

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These twistable pencils have a colored core that can be raised and lowered in an instant. This lets you sharpen them whenever you need to without ever needing a pencil sharpener. The plastic barrel protects the core, and you can even twist it down to protect the lead when it’s not in use. Perfect for ages four and up, these colored pencils are bound to be a hit with kids of all ages.

Pros:

• No sharpener needed thanks to the twistable design
• Safe and non-toxic for children ages 4+
• The set comes with 12 distinct and fun colors

Cons:

• The 12-pencil set has a limited range of color options
• The pencils start out with a square tip as opposed to a sharpened point like most pencils

Frequently Asked Questions

Are colored pencils erasable?

Most colored pencils are hard to erase because of the pigment in the lead. Typically, you can use an eraser to fade the color, but it’s usually very difficult to completely remove the color from white paper.

What are colored pencils made of?

The “lead” in colored pencils is actually not lead; rather, the pencil consists of a wood casing that’s filled with a wax- or oil-based filling. The pigment is then added to the filling to create the pencil’s color. This is different from the makeup of normal pencils, which usually have lead made from graphite.

Are colored pencils toxic?

Many colored pencils are made from non-toxic materials and should be safe in the event they are ingested. However, be sure to check the specific details of your colored pencil kit to ensure they are non-toxic and safe to use around children or pets.