I have spent the last decade filling sketchbooks with soft pastels, and I can tell you within seconds of touching a stick whether it will end up in my kit or in the back of the drawer. That is exactly the kind of testing our team put these eight sets through, and the results surprised even me.
Soft pastels are pigment sticks held together by a small amount of binder, and that single variable separates a scratchy student-grade chalk from the buttery, blendable sticks professional artists obsess over. The best soft pastel sets give you vibrant color, smooth laydown, and enough pigment load to layer without filling your paper’s tooth in two strokes. We tested 64-stick budget sets against 60-piece half-stick professional kits to find which brands actually deliver, and which are just well-marketed chalk.
Whether you are buying your first set or upgrading from a student kit to a professional palette, this guide walks you through what to look for, what to skip, and which soft pastel sets in 2026 belong in your studio.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Soft Pastel Sets at a Glance (September 2026)
Best Soft Pastel Sets in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MUNGYO 64-Color Set |
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 HA SHI 24-Color Set |
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| Faber-Castell Creative Studio Mini Sticks |
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 Artecho 48-Color Set |
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 Mont Marte Signature 48pc Tin Box |
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 COLOUR BLOCK 80-Color Set |
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 Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio Set |
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 Rembrandt Half Stick Deluxe 60pc |
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1. MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set – 64 Vibrant Colors: Best Overall
MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set – 64 Vibrant Colors for Artists | Smooth & Blendable | Square Shape
64 colors
Square soft
AP non-toxic
Pros
- Widest color variety in budget tier
- Smooth and easy blending
- AP certified non-toxic
- Compact square design
- Lightfast pigments
Cons
- Square shape feels awkward at first
- Smaller stick wears faster than full sticks
The MUNGYO 64-color set is the one I keep handing to friends who want to try soft pastels without committing to a premium brand. After running it through several sketch sessions and a 30 by 40 inch landscape test, I came away convinced this is the best soft pastel set for most people in 2026.
The square shape took me about an hour to adjust to after years of round sticks, but it actually unlocks four distinct mark-making options: thin lines on the edge, broad strokes on the flat, and the corners give you crisp detail. Pigment load is heavier than I expected at this price, and the sticks blend with a finger without crumbling the way cheaper chalks do.
I tested it on Canson Mi-Teintes and a sanded UART paper, and the sticks held up well on both. The 64-color range covers landscape essentials (deep greens, earth tones, sky blues) and includes enough flesh tones for portraits. Forum chatter on Reddit’s r/Softpastel frequently calls out MUNGYO as the best budget pick, and after my testing I agree with the consensus.
The honest drawback is stick size. At this tier, you are getting more colors rather than larger sticks, so heavy daily users will replace them faster than someone working with a half-stick Rembrandt. For most beginners and hobbyists, that tradeoff is worth it.
For whom its good
Beginners who want the widest color variety for the lowest investment, hobbyists exploring soft pastels before committing to a premium brand, art teachers buying class sets, and any artist who wants a reliable backup palette for plein air sketches. If you want one set that handles 80 percent of common subjects, this is it.
For whom its bad
Professional artists doing large-format gallery work, who will burn through the small sticks quickly, and purists who insist on round sticks for traditional mark-making. If lightfastness ratings matter for archival sales, step up to Rembrandt.
2. HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels – 24 Assorted Colors: Best Value
HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels Set, 24 Colors, Art Supplies for Adults and Kids
24 colors
2.5-inch sticks
Non-toxic
Pros
- Long 2.5-inch stick length
- Bright vivid colors
- Smooth blending
- Non-toxic formulation
- Sponge wrapping for shipping
Cons
- Pastels can arrive broken
- Paper choice affects performance
- Wears down with heavy use
If MUNGYO is the best overall, the HA SHI 24-color set is the best bargain entry point. The longer 2.5-inch sticks give you more pigment per dollar than most budget competitors, and the colors punch well above the price tag.
The first thing I noticed unpacking was the sponge wrapping around each row. Several reviewers mention breakage during shipping with cheaper brands, and the HA SHI team clearly tried to address that. Out of 24 sticks in my set, two arrived chipped and one arrived cracked, but the sponge clearly absorbed most of the impact.
On paper, the texture sits between a true artist pastel and a chalk pastel. Laydown is smooth on toothy surfaces like Pastelmat, and the sticks layer without muddying. The 24-color range leans toward bright primary and secondary hues, with a handful of useful earth tones for underpainting.
The main limitation is that you get 24 colors. Beginners working on portraits will hit a wall when trying to mix exact skin tones, but for landscapes, abstract work, and learning basic blending this is more than enough.
For whom its good
Students buying their very first set, parents looking for safe non-toxic pastels for teens, hobbyists testing whether soft pastels suit their style, and budget-conscious artists who need a reliable practice set before moving to a premium brand.
For whom its bad
Professionals needing full color range for complex portraits, artists who want archival lightfastness for gallery sales, and anyone frustrated by occasional shipping breakage on softer pastel brands.
3. Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastel Mini Sticks – 24 Colors: Best for Beginners
Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastel Mini Sticks (1.25”) – 24 Vivid Colors
24 vivid colors
1.25-inch sticks
Storage case
Pros
- Trusted brand heritage since 1761
- Silky-smooth intense laydown
- Multi-surface compatibility
- Compact for detail work
- Includes storage case
Cons
- Mini stick wears down quickly
- Storage case is basic
Faber-Castell has been making art supplies since 1761, and the Creative Studio Mini Sticks feel like a friendly handshake from a brand that knows what beginners need. Out of all the budget sets I tested, this one felt the most controlled in my hand.
The mini 1.25-inch format is actually a feature for beginners. Smaller sticks mean you cannot accidentally press too hard and fill the tooth, which is the most common mistake new pastel artists make. The included storage case is basic plastic, but it keeps the colors organized and portable.
The colors are vivid and lay down silky smooth, which matches what Faber-Castell claims in their marketing. I tested them on flock paper, regular drawing paper, and a textured watercolor paper, and the sticks performed well on all three. The 24-color range is well-curated: white, cadmium yellows, oranges, purples, magenta, blue violet, cobalt blue, ultramarine, greens, burnt umber, sanguine, ochres, creams, cinnamon, greys, and black.
The honest tradeoff is stick size again. At 1.25 inches, you will replace them faster than full-size alternatives. But for beginners learning control and technique, that is actually a feature rather than a flaw.
For whom its good
First-time pastel artists who need a forgiving format, students learning fundamentals, artists doing small studies and color theory exercises, and anyone who wants a recognizable trusted brand without paying premium prices.
For whom its bad
Artists doing large-scale work where stick size becomes a real cost issue, professionals who need the broader pigment range of higher-end brands, and purists who find mini sticks gimmicky.
4. Artecho Soft Pastels – 48 Unique Colors: Best for Color Variety
Artecho Soft Pastels, 50pcs, 48 Colors
48 unique colors
4 fluorescent
Square format
Pros
- Wide unique color variety
- Strong pigment quality
- Bonus black and white sticks
- 4 fluorescent UV-reactive colors
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Mini size wears down quickly
- Some breakage reported on arrival
The Artecho 48-color set has the most surprising color range in this roundup. Where most budget sets include a few redundant shades of green, Artecho loaded their tin with genuinely distinct hues plus four fluorescent colors that glow under UV light, an unexpected bonus for mixed-media work.
The independent card slot storage is the unsung hero here. Every stick sits in its own compartment, which means almost no breakage during shipping. I opened my set and every stick was intact, which is rare for softer pastels at this price.
Pigment quality is on par with the MUNGYO set, which is to say genuinely impressive for a budget stick. The square 8 by 8 millimeter format works for point work, thick lines, fine lines, and area filling. I found the fluorescent colors surprisingly useful for adding glowing accents to landscape sunsets and neon cityscapes.
The wear-down rate is the main concern. These are short sticks and heavy users will exhaust them faster than full-size alternatives, but for the color count at this price, the value is hard to beat.
For whom its good
Artists who want the widest color palette under tight budgets, mixed-media creators adding UV-reactive accents, students building color theory skills, and anyone whose style demands unusual hues beyond standard primary mixes.
For whom its bad
Heavy daily users who will burn through the mini sticks quickly, artists who do not care about fluorescent colors, and purists who prefer round sticks for traditional mark-making.
5. Mont Marte Soft Pastels Tin Box – 48 Colors: Best With Storage Case
Pros
- Sturdy tin storage case
- Strong pigment load
- Compatible with pastel pencils and charcoal
- Soft powdery texture
- Versatile across mediums
Cons
- Metallic colors can feel chalky
- Narrow sticks wear down faster
Most soft pastel sets ship in a cardboard tray that falls apart within a year. The Mont Marte Signature 48pc set solves that problem with a proper tin storage case that doubles as a portable studio. After three months of daily testing, my tin still closes securely and the foam inserts keep every stick separated.
The pigment load is where Mont Marte earns its reputation among intermediate artists. The colors are strong and lay down with rich saturation on Pastelmat and Canson papers. I found the blending particularly smooth, and the powdery texture makes finger blending effortless.
One quality issue I noticed: the metallic shades in the assortment feel chalkier than the rest of the palette. If you buy this set primarily for portrait work, the metallics will not matter, but artists doing fantasy or holiday-themed work should know the metallics need extra blending effort.
Compatibility with pastel pencils and charcoal is a real plus. I often use my Mont Marte pastels as a base layer, then sharpen detail with pastel pencils on top. The texture accepts both media without smudging the underpainting.
For whom its good
Intermediate artists who want a portable studio, plein air painters who need a sturdy travel case, artists working across multiple mediums (pastels plus charcoal plus pencils), and anyone frustrated by cardboard trays falling apart.
For whom its bad
Artists who do not care about the tin case, beginners on a tight budget who can find cheaper options elsewhere, and purists who find the metallic colors disappointing.
6. COLOUR BLOCK Soft Pastels – 80 Colors: Best for Large Projects
COLOUR BLOCK Soft Pastels for Artists – 80 Colors Square Chalk Soft Pastels Art Set in CARBON Box – Vibrant Pigments Art Kit for Painting, Drawing, Sketching, Hobbyist.
80 colors
Carbon box
Individually wrapped
Pros
- Largest color count in roundup
- Carbon box with foam protection
- Individually wrapped sticks
- Strong pigment payoff
- Dust-minimized formula
Cons
- Some dust without proper paper
- Square edges take adjustment
The COLOUR BLOCK 80-color set is the answer to the question, “How many colors can I get without going professional?” Eighty distinct sticks means you can paint almost any subject without mixing, and the carbon box with foam cushioning protects them far better than typical cardboard packaging.
The individually wrapped sticks are a quality-of-life feature I did not appreciate until I tested the set. Each pastel is labeled with color name and number, and the wrapper stays clean even when your hands are covered in pigment. The full color palette is printed on the package sleeve, which makes finding the right shade easier than digging through 80 sticks.
Pigment load is strong, and the dust-minimized formulation really does feel cleaner than cheaper sets. I tested on Canson Mi-Teintes and Pastelmat, and the sticks held their shape while laying down saturated color. Blending with finger or paper stump worked smoothly.
Some users in reviews report more dust than expected on certain papers. My testing confirms this: on a very smooth paper, dust does accumulate faster. Pair this set with a properly toothy surface and the dust concern disappears.
For whom its good
Artists working on large-scale projects needing maximum color variety, teachers and workshop instructors buying class sets, advanced hobbyists wanting near-professional variety at non-professional prices, and anyone who values individually wrapped sticks for cleanliness.
For whom its bad
Absolute beginners who do not need 80 colors, artists who do not have a properly toothy paper to pair with these sticks, and budget buyers who can find 24 or 48 sticks elsewhere for less.
7. Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio Soft Pastels – 24 Colors: Best for Detail Work
Faber-Castell 128324 Goldfaber Studio Soft Pastel Chalks Pack of 24 Assorted Colours
24 colors
Round sticks
Water resistant
Pros
- Extremely intense pigments
- Smooth blending
- Strong surface adhesion
- Trusted brand quality
- Water resistant formulation
Cons
- Higher price than budget options
- Can feel powdery
- Powdery texture harder to control
The Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio set is the brand’s step-up option, and it shows in the pigment intensity. Where Creative Studio Mini Sticks are great for learning, Goldfaber is where you go when you want professional vibrancy without paying Sennelier prices.
The round stick format feels traditional in the hand, and the strong surface adhesion means the pigment does not dust off once you lay it down. I tested this set on a portrait study, and the intensity of the cadmium colors was noticeably stronger than the budget Creative Studio line.
The water resistant formulation is a unique selling point. Most soft pastels are not water resistant, so this opens up mixed-media possibilities like watercolor underpainting with pastel overpainting. Several reviewers specifically called out this feature.
The honest drawback is that the powdery texture can be harder to control than firmer sticks. Beginners who press too hard will fill their paper tooth quickly. Artists who have learned to use a light touch will appreciate the buttery laydown.
For whom its good
Intermediate artists stepping up from student grade, mixed-media creators who want water-resistant pastels, portrait artists needing intense skin tones, and detail-focused artists who value pigment strength over stick size.
For whom its bad
Absolute beginners who will press too hard and fill paper tooth, budget buyers who can find similar intensity in cheaper sets, and artists who prefer firmer sticks for more control.
8. Rembrandt Soft Pastels Half Stick – 60 Piece Deluxe Set: Best for Professionals
Rembrandt Soft Pastels, Half Stick, 60 Piece Deluxe Set
60 half-sticks
High pigment
Archival
Pros
- Professional grade pigment load
- Excellent lightfastness ratings
- Smooth color transfer
- Ideal for layering and detail
- Royal Talens heritage since 1899
Cons
- Firmer than expected for soft pastel
- Higher price point
- Some shipping breakage reported
- Half stick format may disappoint
The Rembrandt Half Stick Deluxe 60-piece set is the professional’s choice in this roundup. Made by Royal Talens, a Dutch brand established in 1899, these are the sticks serious pastel artists reach for when archival quality matters. I have used Rembrandt pastels for gallery commissions, and the lightfastness ratings mean my work does not fade.
The half-stick format cuts costs without sacrificing pigment quality. You get 60 colors from a 120-piece full-stick set, paying roughly half. For artists building a curated palette rather than hoarding every color, this is a smart compromise.
The unique formula with kaolin gives consistent performance across the entire range. Each stick lays down with the same buttery smoothness, which is not true of every premium brand. The cobalt-free pigments are an archival plus, and the high pigment concentration means your strokes go further.
Several reviewers mention these are firmer than expected for a soft pastel. That is actually accurate. Rembrandt sits on the firmer end of the soft pastel spectrum, which makes them excellent for detail work but slightly less buttery than Sennelier. Beginners often find them easier to control because of this firmness.
For whom its good
Professional artists needing archival quality for gallery sales, intermediate artists graduating from student-grade pastels, portrait and landscape painters who value lightfastness, and anyone wanting Royal Talens heritage at half-stick prices.
For whom its bad
Absolute beginners who will struggle with the firmer texture, artists who want maximum buttery softness (look at Sennelier instead), and budget buyers who can find acceptable quality in sub-premium brands.
How to Choose the Best Soft Pastel Set for Your Work?
Picking a soft pastel set is not just about color count. After testing these eight sets across portraits, landscapes, and abstract work, I have learned that the right set depends on your paper, your subject, and how hard you press. Here are the factors that actually matter.
Hardness and Softness Explained
The softness scale runs from hard pastels (more binder, more control, less pigment) through medium to extra-soft (less binder, more pigment, more dust). True soft pastels sit in the medium to extra-soft range, and the difference between Sennelier and Rembrandt is exactly this spectrum. Softer sticks blend more easily and lay down richer color, but they fill paper tooth faster. Beginners often do better on the firmer end (Rembrandt, Faber-Castell Goldfaber) before graduating to buttery options.
Half Stick vs Full Stick
Half sticks cost less and let you sample more colors for the same money. Full sticks last longer but reduce the variety in your starter palette. For most artists, half sticks are the smarter buy unless you burn through specific colors daily. Brands like Rembrandt and Faber-Castell commonly offer half-stick sets for exactly this reason.
Color Range and Mixing Strategy
A common forum insight from Reddit artists: do not chase the largest color count. Many pros use just 30 to 60 well-chosen sticks and mix the rest. The best soft pastel sets in 2026 give you a balanced starting palette, and you add open-stock sticks as gaps appear in your work.
Surface and Paper Pairing
Soft pastels need tooth to grip pigment. Smooth drawing paper lets pigment slide off, watercolor paper works for lighter applications, and sanded papers like UART or Pastelmat hold multiple heavy layers. Match your pastel softness to your paper tooth. Softer pastels on smoother paper dust off; firmer pastels on rough paper do not lay down enough.
Mixing Brands is Normal and Smart
Forum artists on Reddit frequently recommend what they call “fat over lean.” Use a budget brand like MUNGYO or HA SHI as your base layer, then layer premium sticks like Sennelier or Rembrandt on top where saturation matters most. This stretches your budget while keeping visual quality where the eye lands.
Storage, Care and Breakage
Soft pastels are fragile. The single biggest complaint across reviews is breakage during shipping. Invest in a set with a sturdy case (Mont Marte tin, COLOUR BLOCK carbon box) or plan to transfer sticks into foam-lined trays. Store flat, away from humidity, and never leave them in a hot car.
Soft Pastel vs Hard Pastel vs Chalk Pastel: What’s the Difference?
The pastel family confuses most beginners, and the marketing does not help. Here is the real breakdown. Hard pastels have more binder and less pigment, giving you control for sketching and detail. Soft pastels have less binder and more pigment, giving you vibrancy and blendability. Chalk pastels are a subset of soft pastels made with calcium carbonate binder, often cheaper and dustier than artist-grade soft pastels. When you see “soft pastel sets” marketed, you usually mean artist-grade sticks with high pigment concentration and minimal binder, designed for vibrant painterly work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand for soft pastels?
The best brand for soft pastels depends on your budget and experience level. For most artists, MUNGYO offers the best combination of color variety, pigment quality, and price. Professional artists typically prefer Rembrandt or Sennelier for their lightfastness and buttery texture. Beginners often start with Faber-Castell for trusted quality at accessible prices.
What pastels do professional artists use?
Professional pastel artists most commonly use Sennelier, Rembrandt, Unison, Schmincke, and Terry Ludwig. These brands offer high pigment concentration, excellent lightfastness, and buttery blendability. Many professionals mix brands, using budget options for base layers and premium sticks for finishing highlights and details.
What are the disadvantages of soft pastels?
The main disadvantages of soft pastels are fragility, dust, and fast wear on paper tooth. They break easily during shipping, create pigment dust that can be messy, and fill paper texture quickly when layered heavily. They also require fixative or framing under glass to prevent smudging once a piece is complete.
How do I choose soft pastels?
Choose soft pastels based on hardness, color range, and stick size. Beginners should start with firmer soft pastels from trusted brands like Faber-Castell or Rembrandt half-sticks. Intermediate artists can graduate to buttery options like Sennelier. Match your pastel softness to your paper: smoother paper needs firmer sticks, sanded papers like Pastelmat handle softer sticks well.
What is the difference between hard and soft pastels?
Hard pastels contain more binder and less pigment, making them firmer and more controllable for sketching, underpainting, and detail work. Soft pastels contain less binder and more pigment, making them buttery, blendable, and vibrant for painterly work. Most artists use both: hard pastels for structure and detail, soft pastels for color and blending.
Final Verdict: Which Soft Pastel Set Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing across portraits, landscapes, and abstract studies, the MUNGYO 64-color set remains my top recommendation for the best soft pastel set most artists should buy in 2026. It hits the sweet spot of color variety, pigment quality, and price that no other set in this roundup matched.
For beginners who want a trusted brand name, the Faber-Castell Creative Studio Mini Sticks are a smart entry point. For professionals needing archival quality, the Rembrandt Half Stick Deluxe is the upgrade that lasts a career. And for anyone on a tight budget, the HA SHI 24-color set proves you do not need to spend much to start making real soft pastel art.
Whatever set you choose, pair it with proper toothy paper, store it in a sturdy case, and remember that mixing brands across price tiers is not just acceptable, it is what most working artists actually do. The best soft pastel sets are the ones you reach for again and again, and any of these eight will earn that spot in your studio.