Best Drawing Pencils Under $100 (2026)

Selections were ranked by a value score combining average customer ratings, pigment type (watercolor vs. soft-core), color count, included accessories, and retail price under $100

This roundup covers drawing and colored pencil sets under $100, prioritized for overall value based on features, versatility, and user ratings. Picks were chosen by comparing core attributes such as pigment quality, core type (watercolor vs. soft-core), color range, included accessories, and average customer ratings

Top Picks

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    Derwent Inktense Drawing Pencils in 12-color set

    Derwent Inktense Drawing Pencils in 12-color set

    Derwent • ★ 4.3/5 • Mid-Range

    Water-soluble drawing pencils with a 4mm core for bold, vibrant color. Works dry or washed with water for ink-like effects; pencils dry to a permanent finish. Customer notes emphasize bright pigmentation and ease of use for beginners

    • 4mm soft lead core for bold lines
    • water-soluble with ink-like washes
    • permanent color when dry
    Check current price on Amazon →
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    Shuttle Art 180 Colored Pencils Set with 4 Sharpeners

    Shuttle Art 180 Colored Pencils Set with 4 Sharpeners

    Shuttle Art • ★ 4.3/5 • Budget

    180 vibrant soft-core colored pencils in a metal case with 4 sharpeners. Suitable for adults, kids, and artists for coloring, sketching, and drawing. Noted for color variety and value; some users report lead breakage and sharpening issues

    • 180 colors
    • soft-core pencils
    • metal case with bottom-placed sharpeners
    Check current price on Amazon →
  3. 3
    KALOUR 144-Piece Drawing Pencil Set with Case

    KALOUR 144-Piece Drawing Pencil Set with Case

    KALOUR • ★ 4.3/5 • Budget

    A comprehensive drawing set including 120 colored pencils, sketching pencils, charcoal, graphite, and accessories in a zipper travel case. Customers note good quality, value for money, and wide color variety for creativity

    • 144-piece set
    • includes travel case
    • diverse pencil types
    Check current price on Amazon →
  4. 4
    174-color drawing pencils set with accessories

    174-color drawing pencils set with accessories

    Shuttle Art • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Professional 174-color pencil set with accessories for artists and hobbyists. Includes a sketch pad, coloring book, DIY color chart, two extenders and four sharpeners in a sturdy metal case; praised for color variety and blendability, with notes on lead breakage

    • comprehensive color selection
    • included accessories kit
    • durable metal case
    Check current price on Amazon →
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    Faber-Castell Goldfaber Color Pencils (36 Count)

    Faber-Castell Goldfaber Color Pencils (36 Count)

    Faber-Castell • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Colored pencils with 36 vibrant, pigmented colors in a reusable tin. Leads are break resistant and water-resistant with smooth, long-lasting color and good lightfastness. Customers note high quality and smooth blending, with some reports of occasional lead breakage when sharpening

    • 36-color vibrant set
    • break-resistant, SV-bonded leads
    • water-resistant, strong lightfastness
    Check current price on Amazon →
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Buying Guide

Choose the right core type

Water-soluble cores (watercolor pencils) give painterly effects when wet, while soft-core colored pencils offer richer layering and blending for dry techniques

Consider color range vs. use case

Large multi-color sets provide hue variety useful for coloring and illustration, whereas smaller curated sets often include higher-quality pigments suited for fine art

Check pigment intensity and lightfastness

Look for pencils with strong, consistent pigmentation and documented lightfast ratings if longevity of the artwork is important

Evaluate durability and core strength

Thicker, well-centered cores resist breakage during sharpening and heavy pressure, which matters for sketching and frequent use

Assess included accessories and organization

Sets that include a case or organized tray simplify storage and transport; some kits also bundle sharpeners or color charts to speed workflow