Finding the best colouring pencils, the ones that feel just right in your hand, ultimately boils down to personal choice. But that’s not to say we can’t nudge you in the right direction with our guide to the leading brands for artists.

There are the brands that artists know and trust, such as Faber-Castell and Caran d’Ache, who produce professional-grade pencils. Then there are the less well-known manufacturers that might offer better value, especially if you are just starting out.

Finding a pencil that suits your particular style should be at the forefront of your buying decision. The hand of each artist moves in a slightly different way, producing their own distinctive works. Pencils vary enormously too, in the hardness of the lead, how they feel in the hand and in the variety and depth of pigment. Matching your style to that of the pencils is key.

The buying decision can also hinge on how you plan to use them. From everyday workhorses that can be used again and again, to beautifully crafted models that might be saved for special works, coloured pencils vary enormously in quality.

The reviews below cover the entire spectrum of price points, from beginners’ sets to those for professional artists. There’s also a buying guide delving into the properties you might want to consider when purchasing pencils and how much you should pay for them.

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There are many elements of colouring pencils that all combine to form the set you’ll buy from a store. Some of the terms used on packaging and in art forums can be confusing to newbies on the scene. To help you out, here are some of the key properties to consider.

Interrelated to all those properties is the price. Generally, the greater the range of colours in a set, and the greater the pigmentation of those coloured pencils, the more the set will cost. Higher cost also generally means better lightfastness, though do look for a label confirming that. A full set of 120 pencils from one of the top brands might cost almost £200.

That’s not to say there isn’t a range of colours available at lower price points – they just might not be from brands that professional artists adore. You can often get a similarly sized set, around 180 colours, for £30 to £50 and still enjoy reasonable quality if you’re just starting out. Price isn’t usually tied to the pencil core type or hardness levels, which can vary at all different price points.

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Price: £50 | Buy now from Amazon

By far the softest pencil lead around is found in the Prismacolor Premiers. The only thing that comes close is the Caran d’Ache Luminance set, but the Premiers tend to offer a more opaque look that blends beautifully between colours like butter. Because of this, it’s easy to get a lot of the high-pigment lead down on the page without applying much pressure (press too hard and you’ll blitz through your new set in no time). We recommend keeping the tip fairly short to avoid breakages mid-draw, but the velvety softness delivers that high-quality look that artists crave.

Key details – Unique pencils: 48; Type: Wax; Lead thickness: 4mm; Lightfast rating: ASTM D6901; Purchase individually: Yes

Price: £195 | Buy now from Cass Art

Of the three most revered pencil brands – the others being Caran d’Ache and Derwent – Faber-Castell has the widest range. The company’s biggest set of pencils is this Polychromos set. An oil-based set, these pencils are quite hard with a sharp lead point – in fact, it’s incredibly resistant to going blunt, which is perfect for drawing all that fine detail, from wispy hairs to intricate leaves.

They are pricey, but for the breadth of colour choice whilst still delivering professional-grade quality, there is nothing better. This set would make an incredible gift for any budding artist that will be cherished for a long time to come.

Key details – Unique pencils: 120; Type: Oil; Lead thickness: 3.8mm; Lightfast rating: ASTM D6901; Purchase individually: Yes

Buy now from Cass Art

Price: £34 | Buy now from Arteza

Both the Prismacolor Premier and Faber Castell Polychromos sets offer some of the best soft-core pencils around, but many artists can’t justify spending £100 or more on a set. Besides, those soft cores can wear away quickly. A more affordable option that will take you a little further comes from Arteza’s Expert line.

They aren’t quite as soft as those more expensive brands, which should have the benefit of making them more durable, while still providing a creamy touch on paper. That’s perfect for getting even coverage over a larger area.

In terms of colour, the Arteza pencils have excellent pigmentation, offering a wonderful range of colours in the 72-piece set, from warm and cool to earthy and dark. Lightfastness is pretty solid too, with only a dozen of the 72 pencils not being recommended for professional work. Considering the price, the Arteza pencils are an exceptional choice should those expensive top-tier brands fall out of reach.

Key details – Unique pencils: 72; Type: Wax; Lead thickness: 4mm; Lightfast rating: Pencil specific (12 rated 1+, 20 rated 2++, 40 rated 3+++); Purchase individually: Yes

Price: £53 | Buy now from Cult Pens

For those with a preference for drawing on darker paper, the Caran d’Ache Luminance 6901 set is just about perfect. Their superior luminance means they perform well on darker materials, but they can be used on lighter paper too.

These colouring pencils are a stunning choice for their overall quality. Caran d’Ache claims they are the “most lightfast permanent colour pencil ever designed” which is some claim, so you can be confident your work won’t fade in short order.

Each pencil has its own foam slot in the cedar wood casing, which gives a premium feel to this set. This is only a pack of 20, but if you want professional pencils that are beautiful and bright then these are your best best – plus you can always expand your collection as and when you can, or mix and match with other brands.

Key details – Unique pencils: 20; Type: Wax; Lead thickness: 3.8mm; Lightfast rating: ASTM D6901; Purchase individually: Yes

Buy now from Cult Pens

Price: £30 | Buy now from Amazon

Sometimes you just want a reliable set of pencils that will always be there when you need them. These Shuttle Art pencils are durable workhorses that will suit any beginner down to the ground.

The 3mm lead is a little smaller than others on this list, but it is tightly packed and not as prone to breakage as other wax pencils – in fact, they act more like oil pencils due to their hardness. Still, the wax allows you to wear them down which makes them more appropriate for blending too.

The lower price tag on a whopping 172 different pencil shades is something that should appeal to beginners who can’t wait to put pencil on paper.

Key details – Unique pencils: 172; Type: Wax; Lead thickness: 3.8mm; Lightfast rating: ASTM D6901; Purchase individually: Yes

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