The best colored pencils depend on whether you value blendable cores, a broad palette, or a focused set for a specific project. I rank the Prismacolor Premier 150-Color Set as the best overall for its substantial range and soft-core drawing feel, while the Castle Arts 72 Muted Pencils suit quieter palettes and the Prismacolor Premier 12-Color Set keeps the essentials compact. The main tradeoffs are color variety versus duplication, soft laydown versus point durability, and a large kit versus easy storage. Specialty sets such as skin tones, pastels, and neon colors make more sense when their palette matches your work. Read on for the full comparison and a guide to choosing the set that fits how you draw.
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Key Takeaways
- Prismacolor Premier 150 is the strongest all-purpose pick in this lineup for artists who want a wide palette and soft-core pencils in one set.
- Prismacolor Premier 12 and 24 offer a more manageable entry into the same soft-core range; the smaller set favors portability, while 24 colors give more room to mix.
- Castle Arts 72 Muted has a defined role for subdued palettes, while Castle Arts 72 Soft Core and Soucolor 72 are broader general-purpose alternatives.
- The very large KALOUR 520 and 550-piece sets prioritize sheer selection and storage capacity, but their size is a poor fit for buyers who want a compact, curated kit.
- Specialty palettes such as KALOUR Skin Tone, Macaron Pastel, and Neon Fluorescent are useful complements or focused picks; they are less versatile as a first and only set.
| KALOUR PDAS 36-Piece Skin Tone Colored Pencil Set |  | Best for Portrait Work | Set contents: 35 skin tone pencils, 1 colorless blender, 1 tutorial, and 1 DIY color chart | Core base: Oil-based | Core: High-pigment | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Castle Arts 72 Muted Colored Pencils |  | Best Muted Palette | Count: 72 colored pencils | Core: Wax | Palette: Muted and moody shades | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 12 Assorted Colors |  | Best Compact Artist Set | Count: 12 pencils | Core: Soft and thick | Colors: True Blue, Grass Green, Apple Green, Canary Yellow, Orange, Crimson Red, Violet, Violet Blue, Sienna Brown, Dark Brown, Black, and White | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KALOUR 200-Piece Colored Pencil Set with Watercolor Pencils and Zipper Case |  | Best Mixed-Media Variety | Pencil count: 192 | Pencil types: 159 colored, 15 metallic, 6 fluorescent, and 12 watercolor | Accessories: 2 sharpeners, burnisher, blender, brush pen, white gel pen, pencil extender, marker, drawing tutorial, and color chart | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KALOUR 180-Color Colored Pencil Set with Tin Case |  | Best Large Palette in a Tin | Quantity: 180 colored pencils | Core: Soft and break-resistant | Material: Basswood | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 24 Colors |  | Best for Blending in a Compact Set | Count: 24 pencils | Colors: 24 assorted colors | Core: Soft, thick core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KALOUR 74-Count Macaron Pastel Colored Pencil Set |  | Best Pastel Palette | Pencil count: 74 total: 72 colored pencils, 1 graphite pencil, and 1 blending pencil | Color style: Pastel macaron shades | Core: Soft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KALOUR 50 Neon Fluorescent Colored Pencils, Soft Core |  | Best for Neon Accents | Count: 50 pencils | Type: Fluorescent colored pencils | Core: Soft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KALOUR Pro Colored Pencils, 520 Colors |  | Best for Maximum Color Variety | Quantity: 520 colored pencils | Core: Soft | Color: Multicolor | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Castle Art Supplies 72 Soft Core Colored Pencils for Adults |  | Best for Guided Technique Practice | Quantity: 72 colored pencils | Core: Soft core | Storage: Three-layer presentation tin | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 48 Count |  | Best for Blending | Count: 48 pencils | Core: Soft, thick | Colors: Assorted | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KALOUR 550 Colored Pencils Set with Zipper Case |  | Best for Maximum Color Variety | Colored pencils: 520 unique colors | Color types: 60 metallic, 24 neon fluorescent, and classic hues | Core: Soft wax-based | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencil Set |  | Best Ready-to-Draw Set | Quantity: 72 pencils | Color: Multicolor | Core: Soft, break-resistant | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Shuttle Art 80-Color Colored Pencil Set |  | Best for Easy Color Identification | Brand: Shuttle Art | Quantity: 80 colored pencils | Colors: 80 unique colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 150 Assorted Colors |  | Best Premium Palette | Brand: Prismacolor | Series: Premier | Pencil type: Soft core colored pencils | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| colored pencil | Core |
|---|---|
| KALOUR PDAS 36-Piece Skin Tone | High-pigment |
| Castle Arts 72 Muted Colored P | Wax |
| Prismacolor Premier Soft Core | Soft and thick |
| KALOUR 200-Piece Colored Penci | — |
| KALOUR 180-Color Colored Penci | Soft and break-resistant |
| Prismacolor Premier Soft Core | Soft, thick core |
| KALOUR 74-Count Macaron Pastel | Soft |
| KALOUR 50 Neon Fluorescent Col | Soft |
| KALOUR Pro Colored Pencils | Soft |
| Castle Art Supplies 72 Soft Co | Soft core |
| Prismacolor Premier Soft Core | Soft, thick |
| KALOUR 550 Colored Pencils Set | Soft wax-based |
| Soucolor 72-Color Colored Penc | Soft, break-resistant |
| Shuttle Art 80-Color Colored P | Soft, break-resistant |
| Prismacolor Premier Soft Core | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
KALOUR PDAS 36-Piece Skin Tone Colored Pencil Set
A dedicated portrait palette gives this set a clear purpose: its 35 skin tone pencils make it easier to build complexion variations without sorting through a general-purpose range. The named and numbered colors help artists return to a chosen shade, while the oil-based cores are intended for blending, shading, and layered portrait detail. Compared with the KALOUR 180-Color Colored Pencil Set, this set gives up broad color coverage in exchange for a more focused selection. That focus is useful for portrait studies, but limiting for landscapes, colorful illustrations, or anyone who wants one set for varied subjects. A colorless blender, tutorial, and DIY chart add practical guidance, though the adult recommendation and specialized palette make it a less suitable starter choice for children.
Pros:- 35 selected skin tone shades support complexion variation
- Named and numbered pencils make shades easier to identify
- Oil-based cores are designed for blending, shading, and layering
- Includes a colorless blender, tutorial, and DIY color chart
Cons:- The palette is specialized and offers little coverage for other subjects
- Recommended for adults, making it less suitable as a children’s starter set
Best for: Portrait artists and adult learners who want a labeled range of complexion shades for drawing and shading faces
Not ideal for: Artists seeking one versatile set for landscapes, bright illustrations, or subjects beyond portraiture
- Set contents:35 skin tone pencils, 1 colorless blender, 1 tutorial, and 1 DIY color chart
- Core base:Oil-based
- Core:High-pigment
- Pencil diameter:2 mm and above
- Material:Wood
- Water resistance:Water resistant
- Model number:KP-FS036
- Recommended age:Adult
Our verdict“Choose this set for focused portrait work and complexion shading; pick the KALOUR 180-Color set for a broader all-purpose palette.”
Castle Arts 72 Muted Colored Pencils
Seventy-two muted, moody shades make this set a useful companion for artists whose existing pencils lean bright. Its wax cores are designed for smooth blending and detailed work, and the tin’s tutorials and coloring projects offer a starting point for using a less vivid palette. Compared with the Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 12 Assorted Colors, this set provides far more subdued hues to choose from; the Prismacolor’s saturated colors are a better fit when punchy primary shades matter more. Castle Arts also describes its cores as resistant to snapping and able to sharpen to a clean point, useful for detail work. The tradeoff is its deliberately narrow mood: anyone wanting lively brights or a single broad-spectrum collection may find these shades too restrained.
Pros:- 72 muted shades provide variety within a subdued palette
- Wax cores are designed for smooth blending and detailed work
- Cores are described as resistant to snapping and able to sharpen to a clean point
- Storage tin includes tutorials and coloring projects
Cons:- Muted shades may not suit artwork that calls for bright, saturated colors
- Designed to complement other collections, so it may not serve as a sole all-purpose set
Best for: Colorists and illustrators who want many subdued shades to complement a brighter existing pencil collection
Not ideal for: Beginners seeking a single versatile set with vivid primary colors for varied subjects
- Count:72 colored pencils
- Core:Wax
- Palette:Muted and moody shades
- Included:Storage tin, tutorials, and coloring projects
Our verdict“Pick this set to add subdued hues to an existing collection; choose the Prismacolor 12-color set if saturated shades are the priority.”
Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 12 Assorted Colors
Soft, thick cores make this 12-pencil assortment suited to smooth shading and even color laydown, while its richly saturated, lightfast pigments serve artists who want color with staying power. The compact selection includes recognizable working colors such as True Blue, Grass Green, Sienna Brown, Black, and White, so it can handle small studies and limited palettes without a large case. Compared with the KALOUR 180-Color Colored Pencil Set, it offers a much smaller range and less room to select subtle in-between shades; in return, this set keeps the selection focused. Its lead is designed to resist cracking and chipping, but only 12 colors are listed, and the product data provides no accessories or storage details. Artists building a main collection may need more variety.
Pros:- Soft, thick cores support smooth, even color and shading
- Richly saturated pigments are described as lightfast
- Lead is designed to resist cracking and chipping
- Includes a useful mix of primary, secondary, neutral, black, and white shades
Cons:- Only 12 colors limit options for subtle gradients and varied subjects
- Product data lists no accessories or case
Best for: Artists who want a compact set of saturated, lightfast colors for small studies, travel, or a limited palette
Not ideal for: Artists who need a broad range of shades for complex illustrations or a complete primary collection
- Count:12 pencils
- Core:Soft and thick
- Colors:True Blue, Grass Green, Apple Green, Canary Yellow, Orange, Crimson Red, Violet, Violet Blue, Sienna Brown, Dark Brown, Black, and White
- Pigments:Richly saturated and lightfast
- Lead:Designed to resist cracking and chipping
Our verdict“Choose this compact set for saturated color and shading in a small palette; choose the KALOUR 180-Color set for extensive shade selection.”
KALOUR 200-Piece Colored Pencil Set with Watercolor Pencils and Zipper Case
Multiple pencil types and drawing tools make this set the most mixed-media-oriented pick here. Its listed contents include standard colored, metallic, fluorescent, and watercolor pencils, plus accessories such as a brush pen, burnisher, blender, and white gel pen. That breadth gives beginners several ways to experiment without assembling tools separately. Compared with the KALOUR 180-Color Colored Pencil Set with Tin Case, it adds watercolor, metallic, and fluorescent varieties and a portable handled case, while the 180-color set centers on a more straightforward colored-pencil selection in a tin. There is a count discrepancy worth checking: the title says 200 pieces, but the listed pencil count is 192, split among the four types. Buyers who want a simple, tightly specified colored-pencil set may prefer a less elaborate kit.
Pros:- Includes standard, metallic, fluorescent, and watercolor pencils
- Accessories include sharpeners, burnisher, blender, brush pen, white gel pen, and pencil extender
- Portable handled zipper case organizes pencils by color family
- Tutorial and color chart offer guidance for new users
Cons:- Title says 200 pieces, while the listed pencil count is 192
- The many pencil types and accessories may be unnecessary for artists focused only on standard colored pencils
Best for: Adult beginners and hobbyists who want to explore standard, metallic, fluorescent, and watercolor pencil techniques in one organized kit
Not ideal for: Artists seeking a straightforward colored-pencil set with an unambiguous item count and no extra media
- Pencil count:192
- Pencil types:159 colored, 15 metallic, 6 fluorescent, and 12 watercolor
- Accessories:2 sharpeners, burnisher, blender, brush pen, white gel pen, pencil extender, marker, drawing tutorial, and color chart
- Case:Polyester Oxford fabric zipper case with handle and front pocket
- Age range:Adult
- Model number:PDAS
- Pencil preparation:Pre-sharpened
Our verdict“Choose this kit to explore several pencil media and techniques at once; choose the KALOUR 180-Color set for a more focused colored-pencil collection.”
KALOUR 180-Color Colored Pencil Set with Tin Case
One hundred eighty named and numbered colors give artists a wide palette while keeping shades identifiable for repeat use. The soft, richly pigmented cores are designed for blending and layering, making this set a broad choice for drawings that move between many hues. Its basswood pencils come arranged in a tin with a built-in tray, so the collection stays organized and protected. Compared with the KALOUR 200-Piece Colored Pencil Set with Watercolor Pencils and Zipper Case, this set focuses on standard colored pencils instead of mixing in watercolor, metallic, and fluorescent varieties. That makes the palette more direct, though less varied in media. The product data notes that soft cores may be more prone to breaking; artists who need a smaller, more portable selection may also find 180 pencils cumbersome.
Pros:- 180 colors provide broad options for varied subjects and layered work
- Named and numbered pencils make shades easier to identify
- Soft, richly pigmented cores are designed for blending and layering
- Tin case with built-in tray keeps the collection organized
Cons:- Soft cores may be more prone to breaking
- A 180-pencil tin is less convenient to carry than a compact selection
Best for: Hobbyists and illustrators who want a large, labeled standard-pencil palette organized in a protective tin
Not ideal for: Travelers who need a compact kit or artists who prefer harder cores that tolerate rough handling
- Quantity:180 colored pencils
- Core:Soft and break-resistant
- Material:Basswood
- Colors:Multicolor
- Line size:3 mm
- Hardness:Soft
- Features:Non-toxic; numbered and named colors
- Case:Tin box with built-in plastic tray
- Safety standards:ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3
Our verdict“Choose this set for a large, organized palette of standard colored pencils; choose the KALOUR mixed-media kit for watercolor and specialty pencil options.”
Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 24 Colors
Soft, thick cores and richly saturated pigments make this 24-pencil set a focused choice for artists who value blending and layered shading over a broad palette. Compared with the Castle Art Supplies 72 Soft Core Colored Pencils, it offers fewer colors and a simpler selection, but takes up less space and keeps the choice manageable. The portable tin suits sketch kits and smaller projects, while the cores’ resistance to cracking and chipping is useful when working with pressure. The tradeoff is practical: the pencils arrive unsharpened, so they need preparation before use, and the colors are not water resistant. Choose this set for a compact, blend-friendly core palette; skip it if you need extensive color variety or water-resistant marks.
Pros:- Soft, thick cores support smooth blending and layered shading
- Saturated pigments produce vivid color
- Leads resist cracking and chipping
- Portable tin keeps the 24 pencils together
Cons:- Pencils arrive unsharpened
- Not water resistant
- A 24-color palette may limit projects requiring fine color distinctions
Best for: Colored-pencil artists who want a portable set for blending, shading, and layering without managing dozens of colors
Not ideal for: Artists who need a large palette, ready-to-use sharpened pencils, or water-resistant color
- Count:24 pencils
- Colors:24 assorted colors
- Core:Soft, thick core
- Material:Wood
- Storage:Tin case
- Pencil condition:Unsharpened
- Lead durability:Resists cracking and chipping
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“Choose this compact Prismacolor set for blendable, saturated color in a portable tin; choose a larger set for broader palette coverage.”
KALOUR 74-Count Macaron Pastel Colored Pencil Set
This set is built around 72 pastel shades, making it a better match for soft, light-toned illustrations than a general-purpose assortment. It also includes a graphite pencil and a blending pencil, so buyers get tools for sketching and smoothing color alongside the main palette. The numbered and named pencils make it easier to find a shade again, and the built-in tray helps organize the tin. Compared with KALOUR’s 50 Neon Fluorescent Colored Pencils, this set favors gentle pastels over high-visibility color; compared with a mixed-color set such as Castle Art Supplies’ 72 Soft Core pencils, it is less versatile when a project calls for deep, saturated tones. Its defining strength is also its limitation: the palette is deliberately pastel-focused.
Pros:- 72 pastel colored pencils provide a broad range of light shades
- Includes a graphite pencil and a blending pencil
- Named and numbered pencils help identify and repeat colors
- Tin with built-in tray helps keep pencils organized
Cons:- Pastel-focused palette is less suited to work requiring deep or vivid color
- Set is less flexible as a sole general-purpose pencil collection
Best for: Illustrators and adult colorists who routinely work in pastel palettes and want labeled shades plus a blending pencil
Not ideal for: Artists seeking a balanced everyday palette with strong darks, saturated hues, or fluorescent accents
- Pencil count:74 total: 72 colored pencils, 1 graphite pencil, and 1 blending pencil
- Color style:Pastel macaron shades
- Core:Soft
- Pencil material:Basswood
- Case:Tin case with built-in tray
- Dimensions:9.1 × 7.3 × 1.3 inches
- Preparation:Pre-sharpened
- Features:Blendable and non-toxic
Our verdict“Pick this KALOUR set when pastel shades are central to your work, and choose a broader mixed-color palette for all-purpose drawing.”
KALOUR 50 Neon Fluorescent Colored Pencils, Soft Core
For drawings that need a conspicuous burst of color, this set’s 50 fluorescent pencils offer a specialized alternative to conventional palettes. The soft cores are designed for smooth coloring and layering, and the set is listed for use on white, black, and colored paper, giving artists more surface options for graphic accents. Compared with KALOUR’s 74-Count Macaron Pastel set, these pencils push toward bright, high-impact hues rather than gentle tints. That narrow focus makes them useful as an accent collection, but less adaptable for realistic subjects or artwork built around subtle transitions. The round bodies are listed as ergonomic, and the pencils arrive pre-sharpened. Choose them to add fluorescent color; pair them with a broader palette if you need everyday color range.
Pros:- 50 fluorescent colors provide a dedicated neon palette
- Soft cores support smooth coloring and layering
- Listed for use on white, black, and colored paper
- Pre-sharpened pencils are ready to use
Cons:- Fluorescent shades are less versatile for subtle or naturalistic work
- A specialized palette may need to be paired with standard colored pencils
Best for: Artists and adult colorists who want pre-sharpened fluorescent shades for graphic details and high-contrast accents
Not ideal for: Realistic illustrators or beginners seeking a single versatile set for natural tones and subtle shading
- Count:50 pencils
- Type:Fluorescent colored pencils
- Core:Soft
- Listed line size:2 mm and above
- Body shape:Round
- Item diameter:8 mm
- Dimensions:9.17 × 7.48 × 1.06 inches
- Features:Blendable, ergonomic, non-toxic, and pre-sharpened
Our verdict“Choose this KALOUR set for fluorescent accents across different paper colors, but use a conventional palette for broader everyday drawing.”
KALOUR Pro Colored Pencils, 520 Colors
520 distinct pencils make this KALOUR set the pick for artists who want an unusually broad selection of shades on hand. The soft, pigment-rich cores are intended for blending and shading, while each pencil’s color code, name, and lightfastness rating can help artists identify colors and make more informed choices for work they plan to keep. Compared with Castle Art Supplies’ 72 Soft Core set, this is a much larger palette with more room to select close color variations, but it also asks for substantially more storage and organization. The metal case supports portability, though the overall set may still feel cumbersome for a small workspace or quick sketch kit. Choose it when palette breadth matters more than compactness; skip it if a few well-chosen colors are enough.
Pros:- 520 distinct colors offer extensive shade selection
- Soft cores are designed for blending and shading
- Color codes and names make pencils easier to identify
- Lightfastness ratings provide information about color permanence
Cons:- Large collection can be cumbersome to store and carry
- Managing and selecting from 520 pencils may slow down simple projects
Best for: Artists who regularly need many distinct shades and want labeled colors with lightfastness ratings
Not ideal for: Sketchers with limited storage or buyers who prefer a small, simple palette for occasional coloring
- Quantity:520 colored pencils
- Core:Soft
- Color:Multicolor
- Storage:Metal case
- Pencil shape:Round
- Grip:Smooth
- Color labeling:Individually labeled with color code and name
- Lightfastness:Lightfastness rating listed on each pencil
- Safety:Non-toxic
Our verdict“Choose this KALOUR set if you need extensive shade options and can accommodate a large collection.”
Castle Art Supplies 72 Soft Core Colored Pencils for Adults
Castle Art Supplies pairs a 72-color palette arranged by color family with a fold-out tutorial, making this set especially approachable for adults learning how to blend, layer, and burnish. The soft, creamy cores are designed for smooth coverage, and the product description says they resist crumbling and hold their point. That combination offers a more technique-focused package than the compact 24-color Prismacolor Premier set, with substantially more shades and guidance, though the three-layer tin takes more space. Soft cores can also mean more frequent sharpening, so buyers who want pencils to hold a fine point through long sessions may prefer a firmer-feeling option. It is a strong fit for structured practice and broad color work, but less compelling for artists who value portability above palette size.
Pros:- 72 colors are arranged by color family for easier selection
- Soft, creamy cores support coverage, blending, layering, and burnishing
- Named, numbered, and color-coded leads aid identification
- Fold-out tutorial offers technique guidance
Cons:- Soft cores may need more frequent sharpening
- Three-layer presentation tin is less compact than a small travel set
Best for: Adult beginners and developing colorists who want a broad palette, organized colors, and a technique tutorial
Not ideal for: Artists with limited storage or those who prioritize a compact kit and longer-lasting sharp points
- Quantity:72 colored pencils
- Core:Soft core
- Storage:Three-layer presentation tin
- Color organization:Arranged by color family
- Pencil identification:Color-coded, named, and numbered
- Tutorial:Fold-out technique tutorial
- Core characteristics:Resists crumbling and holds its point
- Suitable surfaces:Paper, eggshell, canvas, wood, and more
Our verdict“Choose Castle Art Supplies for guided technique practice and a wide organized palette, especially if the larger tin suits your workspace.”
Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 48 Count
Soft-core blending is the reason I’d choose this 48-pencil Prismacolor set: its thick cores lay down smooth, saturated color that’s suited to shading and building layers. Compared with the Soucolor 72-Color Set, it offers fewer shades, but the emphasis here is on a creamy application that helps colors merge without a scratchy feel. The included portable tin keeps the set together for studio sessions or travel, while the leads are described as resistant to breaking and chipping. That durability claim doesn’t remove the main tradeoff: soft leads wear down faster, so frequent sharpenings can interrupt detailed work. I’d pick this for blending-focused coloring and drawing; shoppers who want the broadest palette in this batch should look at the 150-color Prismacolor set instead.
Pros:- Soft, thick cores support smooth blending, shading, and layering
- Richly saturated pigments provide strong color laydown
- Portable tin case keeps the 48 pencils organized
- Leads are designed to resist breaking and chipping
Cons:- Soft leads wear down with use and need frequent sharpening
- The 48-color selection is narrower than the 72- and 150-color sets in this roundup
Best for: Colorists and illustrators who prioritize smooth layering and blending over having the largest palette
Not ideal for: Artists who work through pencils quickly or need a very broad range of shades in one set
- Count:48 pencils
- Core:Soft, thick
- Colors:Assorted
- Case:Tin
- Lead properties:Designed to resist breaking and chipping
- Dimensions:9-3/4 × 8-1/8 × 7/8 inches
- Origin:Made in USA
Our verdict“Choose this set for creamy blending in a manageable palette, but choose the 150-color Prismacolor set if shade variety matters more.”
KALOUR 550 Colored Pencils Set with Zipper Case
This KALOUR set is the choice for buyers who want hundreds of distinct shades and extras in one organized kit. It includes 520 unique colored pencils, with metallic and neon fluorescent colors alongside classic hues, plus sketch and blender pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and a swatch card. Compared with the Prismacolor Premier 150-Color Set, it supplies far more color options and accessories, but its large inventory and seven-compartment case make it a less compact everyday carry. The soft wax-based cores are described as suited to smooth application and blending; the supplied details don’t establish the same lightfastness claim listed for Prismacolor’s 150-color set. I’d choose KALOUR for artists who want to explore varied effects and keep tools together, while minimalists may find the scale excessive.
Pros:- 520 unique colors include metallic, neon fluorescent, and classic shades
- Soft wax-based cores are suited to smooth application and blending
- Includes blender and sketch pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and a swatch card
- Seven-compartment case has a handle and detachable shoulder strap
Cons:- Large-capacity case and extensive set may be bulky to carry
- Product details provide no pencil or case measurements
- The supplied information does not specify lightfastness
Best for: Enthusiastic colorists who want a very broad palette, specialty finishes, and drawing accessories in one kit
Not ideal for: Artists seeking a compact travel set or those who prefer a smaller, simpler pencil selection
- Colored pencils:520 unique colors
- Color types:60 metallic, 24 neon fluorescent, and classic hues
- Core:Soft wax-based
- Accessories:12 rainbow pencils, 3 colorless blender pencils, 3 sketch pencils, 2 eraser pencils, 4 erasers, 6 sharpeners, and a color swatch card
- Case:Large-capacity bag with 7 zipper compartments, handle, and detachable shoulder strap
- Materials:Non-toxic and eco-friendly
Our verdict“Pick this kit if color range and included tools matter more than compact storage or documented lightfastness.”
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencil Set
Pre-sharpened pencils make the Soucolor set a practical pick for someone who wants to start drawing right away. Its 72 named and numbered colors are easy to identify, and the 3 mm soft cores are described as break-resistant and suited to blending, shading, and layering. Against the Shuttle Art 80-Color Set, Soucolor gives up eight shades but specifies a lead size and arrives sharpened, which helps when setup time matters. The wood pencils suit drawing, sketching, and coloring books, though the stated lack of water resistance rules them out for work that may get wet. The set’s 72 colors also offer less range than Prismacolor’s 150-color option. I’d favor Soucolor for a ready-to-use general-purpose palette, not for water-based techniques or maximum shade variety.
Pros:- 72 colors offer a useful range for general drawing and coloring
- Pre-sharpened pencils are ready to use
- Numbered and named colors make shades easier to identify
- Soft, break-resistant 3 mm cores support blending and shading
Cons:- Pencils are not water resistant
- The 72-color palette is smaller than the 80-color Shuttle Art and 150-color Prismacolor sets
Best for: Students and casual artists who want a pre-sharpened, clearly labeled set for drawing and coloring
Not ideal for: Artists who need water-resistant materials or a very large range of closely varied colors
- Quantity:72 pencils
- Color:Multicolor
- Core:Soft, break-resistant
- Material:Wood
- Lead size:3 mm
- Pre-sharpened:Yes
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
- Safety:Non-toxic; EN71-3 safety certificate
Our verdict“Choose Soucolor for an accessible, ready-to-draw palette, and look elsewhere if water resistance or extensive color choice is essential.”
Shuttle Art 80-Color Colored Pencil Set
Shuttle Art makes color selection straightforward: each pencil has a matching barrel plus its color name and number, so finding a shade is easier than with an unlabeled assortment. The 80 soft, break-resistant colors are described as gliding smoothly for coloring, drawing, shading, layering, and blending. Compared with the Soucolor 72-Color Set, it adds eight colors and clearly specified color-matched barrels, while Soucolor lists pre-sharpening and a 3 mm lead size—details not provided here. The safety information is also specific: the pencils are non-toxic and acid-free and meet ASTM D-4236 and EN71. The source details do not name a case or included accessories, so buyers may need separate storage. I’d choose this for an identifiable, general-purpose palette, while artists seeking the richer documented blending focus of Prismacolor may prefer that line.
Pros:- 80 unique colors provide a broad general-purpose palette
- Color-matched barrels, names, and numbers make shades easy to identify
- Soft cores are described as smooth for layering and blending
- Non-toxic, acid-free pencils meet ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards
Cons:- Provided product details do not specify an included case or accessories
- Pencil dimensions and lead size are not listed
Best for: Coloring-book users and students who want a broad palette with clearly labeled, easy-to-sort pencils
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a supplied storage case, accessories, or documented pencil dimensions
- Brand:Shuttle Art
- Quantity:80 colored pencils
- Colors:80 unique colors
- Core:Soft, break-resistant
- Barrel:Color-matched; labeled with color name and number
- Safety:Non-toxic and acid-free
- Standards:ASTM D-4236 and EN71
Our verdict“Pick Shuttle Art for a labeled 80-color set that is easy to sort, provided you have a storage solution.”
Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils, 150 Assorted Colors
For artists who want Prismacolor’s soft-core feel across a much wider palette, this 150-color set is the strongest fit in the lineup. Its richly saturated, lightfast pigments and thick cores are described as supporting smooth laydown, shading, and shadows; the storage case helps keep that many pencils organized. Compared with the 48-count Prismacolor set, the larger assortment reduces the need to supplement colors, though both share the tradeoff of soft leads that can take more frequent sharpening. The KALOUR 550 set offers far more individual shades and accessories, but the Prismacolor listing specifically calls out lightfast pigments. Packaging artwork may vary, and the supplied details don’t specify a case style or dimensions. I’d choose this for a substantial, color-rich Prismacolor palette, not for the smallest kit or the most shades per set.
Pros:- 150 assorted colors provide broad coverage for coloring and sketching
- Soft, thick cores support smooth laydown, shading, and shadows
- Pigments are described as lightfast and richly saturated
- Included storage case helps organize the large assortment
Cons:- Soft cores may wear down faster and require frequent sharpening
- The 150-color selection is smaller than the KALOUR 550 set
- Packaging artwork may vary
Best for: Dedicated colorists and sketch artists who want a large Prismacolor palette with lightfast pigments
Not ideal for: Beginners seeking a compact starter set or artists whose priority is the greatest possible number of shades
- Brand:Prismacolor
- Series:Premier
- Pencil type:Soft core colored pencils
- Count:150
- Colors:Assorted
- Pigments:Lightfast and richly saturated
- Lead durability:Designed to resist cracking and chipping
- Included accessory:Storage case
Our verdict“Choose this for a wide Prismacolor palette with stated lightfast pigments, and choose KALOUR if sheer color count is your priority.”
How We Picked
I compared these sets by the factors that change the drawing experience: core feel, palette usefulness, range, portability, organization, and how well each set suits a clear buyer need. A large count can broaden color choices, but it does not automatically make a set more useful; I weighed whether the palette is focused or general-purpose and whether the case seems practical for finding and carrying pencils. I also treated the named specialty palettes as purposeful choices rather than all-round substitutes.
The ranking puts versatility and usable color range ahead of count alone, then accounts for fit and tradeoffs. Prismacolor Premier’s 150-color set leads as a broad soft-core option, while its smaller sets rank as approachable alternatives with less range. Castle Arts, Soucolor, Shuttle Art, and KALOUR general sets serve different needs around palette, set size, and storage. The skin-tone, muted, pastel, and neon sets rank for their distinct uses; the 520- and 550-pencil KALOUR kits offer exceptional breadth but require buyers to accept a much larger collection.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Colored Pencils
Before choosing a set, I would match the pencils to the kind of work and the way the colors will be used. A few practical decisions—core softness, palette coverage, paper, and portability—often matter more than the headline count.
Choose core feel for your drawing habits
Soft cores can lay down color readily and make layered transitions easier, which suits blended illustration and coloring. They also tend to lose a sharp point faster under heavy pressure, so frequent sharpening may be part of the routine. Firmer cores can give more control for fine lines and small details, though dense coverage may take more passes. If you switch between line work and broad shading, test a few strokes on your intended paper before committing to a large set. Pressure matters too: pressing hard can flatten tooth and limit later layers regardless of pencil type. Pick the feel that supports your usual marks rather than assuming one core suits every technique.
Think in palette coverage, not pencil count
A bigger set helps when a project calls for subtle shifts across many hues, but the count alone does not tell you how useful the assortment will be. Look for colors that fill gaps in your current supplies, such as warm and cool versions of common hues or a range of values. A focused set can be more efficient if you repeatedly draw portraits, muted scenes, or pastel subjects. New artists may benefit from a smaller assortment that encourages mixing and makes color choices less overwhelming. Avoid buying a giant kit solely to gain a few shades you use rarely. Consider whether you want an independent set or an addition to pencils you already own.
Match the set to your paper and layering plans
Paper affects how much color a pencil can deposit and how many layers it can hold. A heavily textured surface can leave small gaps in a light first layer, while smoother paper may make controlled detail easier. If you plan to blend through repeated layers, choose paper with enough tooth and test how it handles your pressure before starting a finished piece. A soft pencil cannot compensate for paper that has already been burnished by heavy application. For mixed-media sets that include watercolor pencils, check whether the paper can handle water without buckling. Choosing paper and pencil together prevents disappointing results that might otherwise be blamed on the set.
Decide whether specialty colors fill a real gap
Skin-tone, pastel, muted, and fluorescent assortments can save time when a project repeatedly calls for those colors. They are less useful if the same shades sit unused between occasional projects. Specialty palettes also need context: neon pencils can provide vivid accents, but they are not a substitute for a balanced everyday range. Portrait artists may still need a broad selection beyond a dedicated skin-tone kit to handle hair, clothing, and backgrounds. If a focused set appeals to you, compare it with what you already own and identify the work it will make easier. This keeps a niche palette from becoming your only option when the subject changes.
Balance storage, portability, and access
A case affects how easily you can find colors, protect pencil tips, and take supplies with you. Tins can be sturdy and compact for modest assortments, while a zippered case can organize a larger collection in one place. Very large sets need more desk space and take longer to sort, so consider where you will store and use them. If you draw away from home, a portable subset may be more practical than carrying every color. Check that the layout makes it possible to identify pencils quickly and put them away without damaging points. Convenient storage is part of regular use, not an afterthought.
Pay more for range or consistency you will use
A larger or more established set can make sense when you use colored pencils often and need reliable access to many hues. For occasional coloring, a smaller assortment may cover the work without taking over storage. Think about how costly it would be to replace individual pencils if a favorite shade runs out, and check whether open-stock replacements are available for the range you choose. A premium-feeling core matters most when blending and layering are central to your work. If you mainly sketch or use pencils as accents, those qualities may bring less value than portability or a focused palette. Spend toward the feature that changes your finished work or makes you reach for the set more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I start with 12, 24, or 150 colored pencils?
A 12-pencil set is a sensible starting point if you want to learn pressure, layering, and basic color mixing with a compact kit. Moving to 24 colors gives you more ready-made choices without the scale of a large collection. The 150-color Prismacolor set suits someone who already knows they will use a broad range and wants fewer gaps between hues. A larger set will not teach color decisions by itself, and it can slow selection when you are new. I would choose the smallest count that comfortably covers the subjects you draw now.
Are soft-core colored pencils a good choice for detailed drawings?
They can work for detail, but the point may need sharpening more often, especially if you press firmly. A sharp pencil and smoother paper can help with small features, while lighter pressure preserves the point and leaves room for later layers. For very fine repeated line work, a firmer core may feel easier to control. Many artists use both approaches: a sharper point for details and the side of a softer pencil for broad shading. The best choice depends on the balance of fine marks and blended areas in your drawings.
Is a 500-plus-pencil set a better buy than a smaller artist set?
Only if the breadth and storage fit your work. A very large set can make color matching easier when you regularly need many close shades, but it also takes more room and can make selection slower. A smaller artist set may provide a more manageable palette and a clearer starting point for building technique. Before choosing a huge collection, consider whether you will use its extra shades or mainly return to a core group. If portability matters, a large case may be less convenient even when its range is appealing.
Can a skin-tone set handle portraits on its own?
A focused skin-tone assortment can help with facial and body color, but a complete portrait also needs colors for hair, eyes, clothing, backgrounds, and shadows. Skin varies with lighting and surrounding colors, so one fixed set of flesh shades will not cover every subject. You may also need cooler or warmer colors from a general palette to create believable shifts. Treat a specialty set as a targeted tool or companion to a broader collection. For portraits as your main subject, plan for the full scene rather than skin alone.
Do I need watercolor pencils if I already own regular colored pencils?
Watercolor pencils add the option to soften or spread pigment with water, which can change how you approach backgrounds and broad washes. They do not replace standard colored pencils in every drawing, since water application requires suitable paper and a different workflow. If you rarely use water-based effects, the added format may not justify choosing a combination kit over a focused dry-pencil set. Check the kit contents carefully so the number of watercolor pencils and other supplies matches your needs. Buyers who want both methods should set aside time to learn how the marks behave with and without water.
Conclusion
For a broad everyday palette, I recommend the Prismacolor Premier 150-Color Set as best overall; choose Prismacolor Premier 12 or 24 for a smaller step into soft-core pencils. The Castle Arts 72 Muted set is my pick for subdued color work, while the standard Castle Arts, Soucolor, and Shuttle Art sets suit buyers looking for general-purpose assortments. For beginners, I would start with a manageable set such as Prismacolor 12 or 24 rather than a 500-pencil collection. Choose KALOUR Skin Tone for portrait-focused work, Macaron Pastel for soft palettes, or Neon Fluorescent for vivid accents. The KALOUR 520- and 550-pencil sets make the most sense for artists who have room to store a very large range and know they will use it.
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