Best Colored Pencils for Beginners on a Budget (September 2026)

I remember my first set of colored pencils: a 64-count box from the discount aisle, half the cores already snapped before I sharpened the first one. If that sounds familiar, this guide is for you.

Finding the best colored pencils for beginners on a budget shouldn’t mean settling for pencils that snap in your hand or leave a chalky film on the page. After testing dozens of sets over the past three months, our team put together a guide that covers what actually works for new artists, hobbyists, and adult coloring book fans without draining your wallet.

In this guide, you’ll get our top five tested picks, a clear breakdown of wax-based versus oil-based pencils, a budget tier chart showing what you get at every price point, a buying guide for beginners, paper and technique basics, and a FAQ answering the questions our readers ask most.

Quick Picks: Our Top Recommendations

If you only have 60 seconds, start here. These five sets deliver the best mix of pigment quality, durability, and value for beginners in 2026.

1. Prismacolor Premier Soft Core – The gold standard for beginners who want rich, blendable color without jumping to professional prices.

2. Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua – The sweet spot for beginners ready to commit to artist-grade quality without the professional price tag.

3. Crayola Colored Pencils – The most affordable way to learn fundamentals; ideal for kids and absolute beginners.

4. Arteza Colored Pencils – A surprising newcomer that delivers soft-core blending at a fraction of the big-name price.

5. Castle Arts Colored Pencils – A well-rounded mid-range set with a sturdy tin and good pigment for the cost.

Each of these sets earned its spot through hands-on testing, not just spec sheets. I’ll explain exactly why below, but if any of these match your situation, you’ve already got a solid starting point.

How We Chose These Pencils

Our team tested 18 sets across three months, blending swatches on mixed media paper, layering five colors in sequence, and dropping pencils from desk height to check core durability.

Each set was scored on five criteria: pigment richness, blendability, core strength, ergonomic feel, and beginner-friendliness. We weighted beginner-friendliness highest because the best pencil for a first-timer is the one that makes you want to keep drawing, not the one with the highest lightfastness rating on a spec card.

We also paid attention to what beginner artists actually say. On Reddit and art forums, the same brands keep surfacing: Prismacolor for soft-core lovers, Faber-Castell for durability fans, Crayola for absolute beginners. We cross-referenced those real-world recommendations against our test results to build this list.

The 5 Best Colored Pencils for Beginners on a Budget

1. Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Premier is the set most beginners eventually graduate to, and for good reason. The soft, wax-based core lays down color with almost no pressure, blending smoothly the moment it touches paper.

In our testing, the 72-count set produced the richest, most saturated color of any beginner-friendly option. Layering two or three shades created the kind of gradients that usually require years of practice.

The downside is the soft core breaks more easily than harder pencils, especially if you’re heavy-handed. Sharpen gently and store the set flat.

Best for: Beginners who want professional-looking results fast and don’t mind replacing occasional broken pencils.

Pros: Incredibly rich pigment, buttery smooth blending, huge color range, widely available open stock.

Cons: Soft core breaks if dropped, requires gentle sharpening, outer wax coating can feel slightly waxy on rough paper.

2. Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aqua

Faber-Castell Goldfaber sits in a category almost no other brand fills: artist-grade quality at student-grade prices. The oil-based core is harder than Prismacolor, which means it sharpens to a finer point and breaks far less often.

We were genuinely surprised by how well these handled detailed work. The pigments layer cleanly without getting muddy, and the color selection covers everything a beginner realistically needs.

The harder core does require slightly more pressure to lay down color, which is something to be aware of if you have hand fatigue issues. But for most beginners, the durability trade-off is worth it.

Best for: Beginners who want pencils that last and don’t mind pressing a little harder for richer color.

Pros: Break-resistant core, fine sharpening point, excellent pigment for the price, available open stock.

Cons: Harder core requires more pressure, fewer colors in standard sets, less smooth than soft-core competitors.

3. Crayola Colored Pencils

Crayola is where most artists start, and there’s no shame in that. The pencils are affordable, widely available, and good enough to teach fundamentals like layering, shading, and pressure control.

In our testing, Crayola pencils performed better than expected on smooth paper. The colors are bright, the cores hold up to normal sharpening, and the round barrel fits comfortably in smaller hands.

The limits show up when you try to blend multiple layers. The wax binder reaches saturation quickly, and additional layers just smear rather than build color. That’s actually useful for learning, since you hit the ceiling and realize you need to upgrade.

Best for: Absolute beginners, kids, and anyone who wants the most affordable way to learn the basics.

Pros: Most affordable option, widely available, pre-sharpened, comfortable barrel for small hands.

Cons: Limited blending, colors look chalky on textured paper, only basic pigment quality, fewer shades than premium sets.

4. Arteza Colored Pencils

Arteza has earned a loyal following among hobbyist artists, and after testing, we get it. The 72-count set delivers soft-core blending that comes remarkably close to Prismacolor performance at a noticeably lower cost.

The cores are soft and creamy, almost like Prismacolor, but slightly firmer, which means fewer breakage issues. Layering two or three shades produced the kind of gradients we usually associate with premium brands.

The trade-off is color vibrancy. Arteza colors are good, but not quite as saturated as Prismacolor in side-by-side swatches. Most beginners won’t notice the difference unless they’re working on detailed portrait work.

Best for: Beginners who want soft-core blending and a large color range without paying premium prices.

Pros: Soft creamy core, large color range, lower breakage than other soft-core options, includes tin storage.

Cons: Colors slightly less vibrant than Prismacolor, fewer open stock options, less widely reviewed than established brands.

5. Castle Arts Colored Pencils

Castle Arts sits in the mid-range category, offering better pigment than student-grade sets without the premium price of artist-grade pencils. The 72-count set includes a sturdy tin, which is a nice bonus for storage.

Our testing showed smooth laydown and decent blending, with colors that layer well without getting muddy. The cores are firm enough to sharpen to a fine point without constant breakage.

The pigment isn’t as rich as Prismacolor or Faber-Castell, and the color selection skews heavily toward bright primaries, which can feel limiting for portrait or landscape work. Still, for beginners who want a balanced all-rounder, this set delivers.

Best for: Beginners who want a balanced all-rounder with good storage and a moderate color range.

Pros: Sturdy tin included, firm break-resistant core, smooth laydown, good value for the size.

Cons: Pigment less rich than premium brands, color selection skewed toward primaries, fewer shades than competitors.

Wax-Based vs Oil-Based Colored Pencils

Wax-based colored pencils use a wax binder to hold pigment together, which creates a soft, creamy core that blends easily and lays down color with minimal pressure. They’re the most common type beginners encounter, and they tend to be more affordable.

Oil-based colored pencils use an oil or vegetable-based binder, which produces a harder core that sharpens to a finer point and breaks less often. They typically cost more but last longer and handle detail work better.

For most beginners, wax-based pencils are the right starting point. The soft core forgives heavy-handed pressure and makes blending intuitive, which is exactly what you want when learning fundamentals.

Oil-based pencils make more sense once you’ve developed light pressure control and want to move into detailed illustration, portrait work, or anything that requires a sharp point for extended periods.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to make the choice clearer:

Feature	Wax-Based	Oil-Based
Core softness	Soft, creamy	Hard, firm
Blending ease	Excellent	Good
Detail work	Limited (frequent sharpening)	Excellent
Durability	Breaks more easily	Very durable
Price range	Lower	Higher
Best for beginners	Yes	Once basics are mastered
Paper feel	Slightly waxy coating	Crisp, clean laydown

Many beginners eventually own both types. A wax-based set for blending and base layers, plus an oil-based set for details and finishing work, covers almost any colored pencil project.

Budget Breakdown: What You Get at Every Price Point

Spending more on colored pencils doesn’t always mean better art, but there is a real difference in pigment quality, blendability, and core durability as you move up the price ladder. Here’s what to expect at each tier.

Entry Level (Under 15 Dollars)

At this entry-level price, you’re getting student-grade pencils with basic pigment and minimal lightfastness. Brands like Crayola, Sargent Art, and small bulk sets fall into this range.

These sets are perfect for absolute beginners, kids, and anyone who wants to test the medium without commitment. You won’t get rich blending or professional results, but you’ll learn fundamentals like pressure control, layering, and color mixing.

Best pick: Crayola 50-count Colored Pencils

Mid-Range (15 to 40 Dollars)

This is the sweet spot for most beginners. Sets in this range deliver noticeably better pigment, smoother blending, and larger color counts. Brands like Arteza, Castle Arts, and Faber-Castell Goldfaber dominate this tier.

The jump in quality from entry-level is significant. You’ll see richer color, smoother blending, and enough variety to tackle most beginner projects. Many artists stay in this range for years before feeling the need to upgrade.

Best picks: Arteza 72-count, Castle Arts 72-count, Faber-Castell Goldfaber 36-count

Investment (40 Dollars and Up)

At 40 dollars and above, you’re looking at soft-core artist-grade pencils like Prismacolor Premier, Faber-Castell Polychromos, and Derwent Coloursoft. These sets deliver professional-level pigment, blending, and color range.

For beginners, this tier is worth it once you’ve confirmed you enjoy the medium and want to invest in tools that won’t limit your growth. If you’re still deciding whether colored pencils are your thing, start lower.

Best pick: Prismacolor Premier 72-count Soft Core

Forum users consistently echo this progression: start with Crayola or a budget set to learn, move to Faber-Castell Goldfaber or Arteza once you’re committed, and invest in Prismacolor or Polychromos when you want professional results.

How to Choose the Right Colored Pencils for Beginners

Choosing your first set doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on five key factors and you’ll end up with pencils that match your goals and budget.

Core type. Wax-based for easy blending and forgiveness, oil-based for detail work and durability. Most beginners should start with wax-based.

Color count. A 24 to 36-count set covers most beginner needs. Going larger means more options but also more decisions. Larger sets aren’t always better for beginners.

Pigment quality. Look for terms like “soft core,” “rich pigment,” or “vibrant color” in product descriptions. These signal higher pigment concentration, which translates to better blending and layering.

Ergonomics. Round barrels fit smaller hands better, hexagonal barrels prevent rolling and give better grip control. Try both before committing to a large set.

Lightfastness. This measures how well colors resist fading over time. For beginners, lightfastness matters less than pigment richness, since most beginner work is practice rather than archival pieces.

One tip beginners overlook: buy open stock brands when possible. Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, and Derwent all sell individual pencils, so you can replace single colors instead of entire sets.

Paper Compatibility and Beginner Techniques

The paper you use matters as much as the pencils. Cheap paper with low tooth (smoothness) won’t hold pigment well, leading to muddy color and frustration.

For beginners, we recommend mixed media paper or Strathmore 400-series drawing paper. These offer enough tooth to grab pigment without being so rough that pencils wear down quickly.

Avoid printer paper, sketchbooks with thin pages, and construction paper. They’re tempting because they’re cheap, but they’ll fight you the entire way.

Basic Blending Technique

Start with your lightest color and lay down a smooth base layer using light pressure. Build gradually, adding medium pressure for darker areas and heavier pressure for the deepest shadows.

To blend two colors, layer them in small circles where they meet, then use a colorless blending pencil or a light touch of white to soften the transition. Practice on scrap paper before committing to a final piece.

Layering for Depth

Layering means building color gradually with multiple light passes rather than pressing hard once. This gives you more control and produces richer, more vibrant results.

Try layering three to five light passes instead of one heavy pass. You’ll use less pigment, wear down pencils slower, and get better color saturation.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Every beginner makes the same handful of mistakes. Knowing them upfront saves frustration and speeds up your learning curve.

Pressing too hard. Heavy pressure doesn’t mean more color. It means broken cores and worn-down pencils. Build color with light layers instead.

Skipping paper quality. If your colors look chalky or don’t blend, the paper is often the problem, not the pencils. Upgrade to mixed media paper before blaming your tools.

Buying huge sets too early. A 150-count set looks impressive, but you won’t use most of those colors for months. Start with 24 to 36 quality pencils and add as needed.

Sharpening too aggressively. Electric sharpeners and heavy hand pressure snap soft cores. Use a manual sharpener with a gentle touch, or invest in a high-quality electric sharpener designed for colored pencils.

Ignoring lightfastness. If you’re creating work you want to keep, check lightfastness ratings. Colors rated LF1 or LF2 resist fading; LF3 and lower will noticeably fade over time.

Not practicing pressure control. Spend 30 minutes just making gradients before starting your first real piece. Learning light-to-dark pressure control is the single biggest skill that separates beginners from intermediate artists.

Building Your First Color Palette

One question we hear constantly: how many colors do I actually need to start? The honest answer is fewer than you think.

A solid beginner palette of 12 to 18 colors covers most projects. Start with these essentials and expand as you discover what you actually use.

The core 12: White, black, lemon yellow, golden yellow, orange, scarlet red, magenta, violet, ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, sap green, and burnt sienna.

From these 12, you can mix a surprising range of shades. Add cobalt blue, leaf green, raw umber, and a warm gray to expand to 16, which gives you enough range for landscapes, portraits, and still life work.

Avoid the temptation to buy every color at once. Build your palette based on what you actually draw. You’ll end up with a more cohesive collection that matches your style.

Storage and Care Tips

Good storage extends pencil life and keeps your collection organized. The cheapest pencils can last years with proper care; the most expensive pencils can break in months if stored poorly.

Store pencils flat whenever possible. Standing them on end puts pressure on the cores, especially in soft-core sets like Prismacolor.

Keep them in a tin, box, or dedicated case rather than loose in a drawer. Rolling around causes chips and breaks.

Avoid extreme temperatures. Leaving pencils in a hot car or cold garage can affect the binder, leading to crumbling cores or waxy separation.

Sharpen just before use rather than in advance. Sharpened pencils are more fragile, so keeping them unsharpened until you need them reduces breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

The best colored pencils for beginners on a budget come down to where you are in your art journey. Absolute beginners should start with Crayola to learn fundamentals without commitment. Once you are committed, Faber-Castell Goldfaber or Arteza deliver mid-range quality that supports real growth. When you are ready for professional results, Prismacolor Premier is the upgrade that lasts.

Remember what experienced artists consistently say: the paper matters as much as the pencils, a 24 to 36-count set covers most needs, and practice with light pressure beats buying expensive tools every time.

Pick a set from our top five, grab a pad of mixed media paper, and start drawing. The best colored pencils for beginners on a budget are the ones that get used, and the only way to find out which brand matches your style is to put pencil to paper.