10 Best Watercolor Pencils 2025 in the United States

Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Watercolour Pencils come in a large set of 48 vibrant colors, making them great for artists who want a wide palette to explore. These pencils use a wax-based core, which helps in smooth color application and coverage whether you use them dry or add water to create watercolor effects. Their solubility is a strong point, allowing easy blending and transformations when water is applied. The cores are designed to resist breakage, so they can handle pressure and occasional drops better than many other pencils.

When it comes to pigment quality and lightfastness, these pencils are generally reliable, offering bright and lasting colors, though they are more suited for practice, learning, and casual artwork rather than professional archival pieces. Pencil hardness is moderate, balancing between softness for vibrant color and firmness for control. Winsor & Newton is a respected brand in art supplies, which adds confidence in the product’s quality. One thing to keep in mind is that being wax-based, they might not blend as seamlessly as some water-soluble oil or pure watercolor pencils, but they are excellent for layering and mixing.

This set is ideal for beginners, students, and hobbyists looking for a comprehensive and durable watercolor pencil collection with good color variety and dependable performance.

The Faber Castell Albrecht Durer 120 Watercolor Pencil Set is a strong choice for adults looking for professional-quality watercolor pencils. These pencils stand out due to their highly pigmented leads that dissolve completely when water is applied, allowing smooth and vibrant color blending. The 3.3mm leads are SV-bonded, which means they are less likely to break, making them durable and reliable. With 120 colors available, the set offers an extensive range that suits detailed and colorful artwork. The pencil hardness is rated as 'F' (firm), providing a good balance between softness for color laying and firmness for precision. Faber-Castell is a well-known and respected brand in art supplies, adding confidence to the product's quality.

The set is quite large and might be overwhelming for beginners or those who don’t need such a broad color range. Packed in a sturdy tin, the pencils are easy to store and transport.

This set is ideal for serious hobbyists and professional artists who want a wide selection of reliable, richly pigmented watercolor pencils, though casual users might find the quantity more than necessary.

The KALOUR 72-Color Professional Watercolor Pencils Set offers a rich and versatile collection of vibrant hues, making it suitable for both experienced artists and beginners. The pigment quality is high, ensuring vivid and smooth color application, which can be used both dry and wet to achieve beautiful watercolor effects. The comprehensive color range of 72 shades allows for extensive blending and layering, catering to diverse artistic needs.

Each pencil is crafted with a durable core to withstand frequent use, making them reliable for detailed work and larger pieces. Additionally, the hexagonal shape of the pencils provides a comfortable and secure grip during long sessions of artwork. The included watercolor brush and water brush pen enhance the set's versatility, allowing artists to experiment with different techniques easily.

For organization and portability, the set comes in a sturdy cylindrical case where each pencil is conveniently labeled for quick identification. With a strong brand reputation and positive customer ratings, the KALOUR set emerges as a commendable choice for those in need of high-quality, water-soluble colored pencils. This set also makes for an excellent gift for art enthusiasts, students, and professionals.