The Best Colored Pencils
We compared four colored pencil sets on owner ratings and reviews. The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils are our top pick for vibrant colors and durability.
Updated
The bottom line
The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils are our top pick, scoring 9 out of 10. Owners rate them 9.4/10 from 12831 ratings, and reviewers praise their soft, velvety core and high-quality basswood for easy sharpening. The closest alternative is the Shuttle Art Colored Pencils, which also offers 80 unique colors and a soft core, but with slightly fewer owner ratings (9.4/10 from 26987 ratings). For a budget option, the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils are a good choice, offering vibrant colors and a built-in sharpener at a lower price point.
KALOUR Colored Pencils $11.99
Best overall colored pencils
The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils offer vibrant colors, easy blending, and break-resistant cores. Owners rate them 9.4/10 from 12831 ratings, and reviewers praise their soft, velvety core and high-quality basswood for easy sharpening. At $11.99, they are a bit more expensive than the competition, but the extra cost is worth it for the quality and durability. Those on a tight budget may want to consider the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils as a more affordable alternative.
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Shuttle Art Colored Pencils $9.99
Great value with 80 unique colors
The Shuttle Art Colored Pencils offer 80 unique colors, a soft core, and break-resistant properties. Owners rate them 9.4/10 from 26987 ratings, and reviewers appreciate the rich and vibrant colors. At $9.99, they are a great value, but they have fewer colors than the KALOUR set and slightly lower owner ratings.
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finenolo Colored Pencils $9.99
Affordable with vibrant colors
The finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils offer vibrant colors, a built-in sharpener, and a sturdy design. Owners rate them 9.4/10 from 3332 ratings, and reviewers appreciate the easy-to-use soft core and long-lasting points. At $9.99, they are the most affordable option, but they have fewer colors than the KALOUR and Shuttle Art sets.
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- KALOUR Colored Pencils Best for vibrant colors and durability 9.0/10 $11.99 Amazon
- Shuttle Art Colored Pencils Great value with 80 unique colors 8.0/10 $9.99 Amazon
- finenolo Colored Pencils Affordable with vibrant colors 7.0/10 $9.99 Amazon
- 80 Colored Pencils Set Good for rich pigments and blending 6.0/10 $9.99 Amazon
Who should buy which
Artists and hobbyists looking for vibrant colors and durability should choose the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils. Those on a budget or needing fewer colors may prefer the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils. The Shuttle Art Colored Pencils are a great value for those wanting a larger color palette, while the Kird Barken 80 Colored Pencils Set is a good choice for those seeking rich pigments and easy blending.
Owner complaints
Some owners of the KALOUR set mention the included packaging as not ideal for portability. Owners of the finenolo set note the color names are too small to read. The Shuttle Art and Kird Barken sets have fewer owner complaints, but specific feedback is not available.
Also-rans
The Kird Barken 80 Colored Pencils Set, while well-received for its rich pigments and ease of blending, does not offer the same level of durability or ease of sharpening as the KALOUR set. It is ranked last due to thinner evidence and fewer owner ratings.