Top Pencil Brands That Sharpen Your Creative Edge

When it comes to selecting the best pencils, whether for artistic endeavors or everyday writing, the choice of brand can make a significant difference in quality and experience. Some brands have established a reputation for their high-quality materials, durability, and precise performance, making them favorites among both professionals and hobbyists. From the smooth, rich graphite of the acclaimed artist-grade pencils to the reliable everyday options, these brands have something for everyone who values fine writing instruments. Interested in discovering which brands top the list for pencil enthusiasts and professionals alike? Read on to find out which pencils are leading the market today.

Illustration of pencils

Best brands of pencils in 2025

Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell, founded in 1761, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality pencils and colored pencils, producing over 2.3 billion writing utensils annually. The company, owned by the same family for nine generations, maintains a strong global presence with production sites in 10 countries and sales companies in 23 countries. Faber-Castell is known for its commitment to sustainability, using wood from sustainably-managed forests and planting 300,000 new seedlings every year. In 2016, the company achieved its most successful year, and it continues to innovate with cutting-edge technologies. With a significant market presence, Faber-Castell is a benchmark for quality and creativity in the art and writing industry.

Staedtler

Staedtler, a renowned brand in the pencil industry, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when Friedrich Staedtler began manufacturing wood-cased pencils in Nuremberg. Johann Sebastian Staedtler, his great-great-grandson, revolutionized pencil production in 1835 by inventing the wood-cased colored pencil, which could be sharpened to a fine point and made consistent impressions. Today, Staedtler is a leading player in the global colored pencils market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.83% from 2023 to 2030. The company is known for its high-quality products, including the iconic Mars Lumograph pencils, and its commitment to innovation and sustainability, such as producing pencils from upcycled wood. Staedtler's products are widely appreciated globally, with the company having exhibited its quality products as early as the 1853 New York World's Fair.

Derwent

Derwent is a renowned brand in the colored pencil market, known for its high-quality art materials. The company, based in Keswick in the Lake District, offers a variety of pencil ranges, including the Lightfast, Coloursoft, and Inktense lines, which are highly regarded for their lightfastness and vibrant colors. Derwent pencils are favored by artists, illustrators, and designers for their fine detail and smooth laydown of highly pigmented color. The global colored pencils market, led by brands like Derwent, is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.83% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a market size of approximately USD 3.1 billion by 2030. For more details on their pencil collections, visit the Derwent website.

Prismacolor

Prismacolor, a renowned brand in the colored pencils market, is known for its high-quality and highly pigmented pencils, although they have a notable issue with lead breakage. Despite this, they offer a broad range of colors and are available in open stock, making them a favorite among artists. The global colored pencils market, led by brands like Prismacolor, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.83% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a market size of USD 3.1 billion by 2030. Prismacolor pencils are often compared to other premium brands like Cezanne and Derwent, highlighting their competitive standing in the market.

Tombow

Tombow is renowned as one of the best producers of pencils, particularly with its Mono 100 and Mono Professional lines, which are highly regarded by artists and animators for their superior graphite performance. The Mono 100, though initially discontinued in the US, remains a gold standard, and the Mono Professional, with its identical lead quality, offers a viable alternative. Tombow's products are part of a larger market, with the global drawing pencil market valued at USD 15.5 billion in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.50% from 2023 to 2030. North America, where Tombow has a significant presence, accounts for over 46% of the global revenue in this sector. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position in the market. You can find more information about their products on their official website.

Mitsubishi Uni

Mitsubishi Uni is renowned as one of the best producers of pencils, known for their high-quality and meticulously crafted writing instruments. The Mitsubishi Hi-Uni pencil, for example, is praised for its smooth lead core, beautiful wood finish, and precise detailing, available in 22 different grades from 10B to 10H. The company, established in 1887, has a strong track record of product development and innovation, spending 5% of its sales on R&D, which has helped it gain significant market share overseas, particularly with its Uni and Uni-ball brands. Mitsubishi Pencil has seen a 7.0% year-over-year sales growth in Q2 FY12/2023, driven by overseas demand, and maintains a gross margin of 50.2%. Their products are highly regarded for their quality, design, and functionality.

Dixon Ticonderoga

Dixon Ticonderoga is a renowned producer of high-quality pencils, having dominated the U.S. pencil market with approximately 50% share for over a century. Founded in 1795, it is one of the oldest public companies in the United States and is known for its premium Ticonderoga brand, introduced in 1913. Dixon Ticonderoga produces over 1.5 billion pencils annually and operates globally with facilities in China, India, Mexico, Italy, Germany, and France. Apart from pencils, the company also manufactures other art supplies, including Prang paints and recyclable art markers. Its innovative recycling process allows for the production of renewable pencils from scrap wood, reducing costs by 8-10%. For more information, visit their official website.

Caran d'Ache

Caran d'Ache is renowned as one of the premier manufacturers of high-quality pencils, known for their technical excellence, precision, and innovation. Based in Geneva, Switzerland since 1915, Caran d'Ache produces pencils that meet the highest standards, including the "Swiss made" certification. Their Luminance pencils, in particular, are celebrated for their buttery smoothness, ease of blending, and high lightfastness rating, making them a favorite among artists. Unlike competitors like Prismacolor, Caran d'Ache pencils are less prone to breaking due to their firmer cores. The global colored pencils market, which Caran d'Ache is a part of, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.83% from 2023 to 2030. For more information, you can visit their official website.

Koh-i-Noor

Koh-I-Noor, founded by Josef Hardtmuth in 1790, is a renowned brand in the art and stationery industry, celebrated for its high-quality graphite pencils. The company, which relocated to Ceske Budejovice in 1848, is credited with inventing the modern graphite lead by mixing graphite powder and clay, an innovation that has stood the test of time. Koh-I-Noor's Toison d'Or pencils, in particular, are praised for their excellent graphite quality, diverse range of pencil grades, and sustainable wood sources. The brand's products have garnered recognition and awards in various world exhibitions, solidifying its position as a leader in the market. With a rich history and continuous innovation, Koh-I-Noor remains a favorite among artists and students alike.

Palomino Blackwing

The Palomino Blackwing brand is renowned for producing some of the finest pencils, cherished by artists, writers, and musicians. Introduced in 2010 as a tribute to the legendary Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602, these pencils are made from California incense cedar and feature premium Japanese graphite. The range includes the original Palomino Blackwing, Blackwing Pearl, and Blackwing 602, each offering unique characteristics such as versatile leads and replaceable erasers. A portion of all Blackwing sales benefits the Blackwing Foundation, supporting arts and music education at the K-12 level. These pencils have regained their status as a tool of choice for creatives, with their high quality and unique features setting them apart. For more details, explore the comprehensive guide to Blackwing Pencils.