Editorial Disclosure: We may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases through partner retailer links — at no additional cost to you.
Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils

★★★★½ 4.8/5 (2 customer reviews)
Editor's Overall Score4.8/5.0
Estimated Price
~$100
Approximate market price — varies by retailer & region
Top Rated
Editor's Verdict

Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils offer outstanding color quality, durability, and lightfastness, making them an excellent choice for professional artists and dedicated hobbyists. Although they come with a higher price tag, their performance justifies the investment for anyone serious about colored pencil art.

We may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases through partner retailer links — at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

  • Oil-based pigment core for vibrant, blendable colors
  • Highly lightfast, ensuring artwork longevity
  • Break-resistant leads for durability
  • Eco-friendly, lacquered wooden casing
  • Wide color range of 120 shades
  • Smooth application with excellent layering capability
✓ What's strong
  • Rich, intense pigmentation with smooth blending
  • Durable, break-resistant leads minimize waste
  • Excellent lightfastness preserves artwork over time
  • Comfortable grip with high-quality lacquered wood
  • Wide selection of colors supports diverse artistic needs
  • Consistent performance for detailed and expressive work
✗ What's not
  • Premium price may be a barrier for beginners
  • Oil-based core can be harder to erase compared to wax-based pencils
  • Not ideal for very soft shading techniques

Performance Breakdown

Editor's hands-on scoring across five testing categories.

Build Quality 98/100
Performance 95/100
Value for Money 97/100
Ease of Use 92/100
Durability 92/100

Editor's Profile Map

A six-factor visual snapshot from our review session.

QualityPigmentComfortLastingValueDetail

The Editor's Full Review

Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils are widely regarded as one of the finest professional-grade colored pencils available on the market. Known for their exceptional quality, these pencils feature a high concentration of pigments and an oil-based core, which results in vibrant, rich colors that blend smoothly and resist fading over time. Artists appreciate their durability, as the cores are break-resistant and allow for precise, detailed work.

The pencils are encased in lacquered wood that is both eco-friendly and easy to sharpen, ensuring a comfortable grip during extended use. With a wide range of vivid colors available, the Polychromos line caters to diverse artistic styles, from intricate illustrations to bold, expressive artwork. Their lightfast properties make them ideal for professional artists who require longevity in their creations.

In addition to superior color quality, these pencils exhibit excellent layering and burnishing capabilities, enhancing depth and texture in drawings. While they come at a premium price point, the investment is justified by their performance and durability, making Faber-Castell Polychromos a top choice for serious artists and hobbyists alike.

Reader Feedback

Emily R. March 2025
★★★★★
Exceptional quality and vibrant colors
I've used many colored pencils, but Polychromos really stand out with their rich pigment and smooth application. They blend beautifully and hold up well over time. Definitely worth the price for professional work.
James T. January 2025
★★★★☆
Great pencils but pricey
These pencils perform wonderfully with vibrant colors and great durability. The only downside is the cost, which is a bit steep for casual artists. Still, the quality is undeniable.