10 Best Charcoal Pencils 2025 in the United States

The Aenir Charcoal Pencil Set offers a versatile and well-rounded collection of 22 pieces that includes a variety of charcoal pencils in different hardness levels (soft, medium, hard), white charcoal pencils, charcoal sticks, blending tools, and erasers. This variety allows users—from beginners to professional artists—to explore different drawing techniques like shading, sketching, and blending with good control and precision. The inclusion of both soft and harder pencils means you can achieve smooth gradients as well as fine details, which is important for realistic and expressive charcoal artwork.

The pencil casing is plastic, which is lightweight but may feel less traditional compared to wooden casings that some artists prefer for grip and durability. The set stands out with two types of erasers—a kneaded eraser and a vinyl eraser—offering flexibility for clean corrections, which is helpful since charcoal can be messy and tricky to erase perfectly. Brand-wise, Aenir has earned positive feedback with a solid rating (4.7 out of 5 from over 500 reviews), reflecting consistent quality and user satisfaction. Some artists might find that the plastic casing and included sharpener don’t match the premium feel or longevity of higher-end charcoal pencils.

While the white charcoal pencils add valuable options for highlights and contrast, beginners may need to practice to fully utilize the range of hardness and tools provided. This set is especially well-suited for teens, hobbyists, and professionals looking for a comprehensive starter or supplement kit that covers various charcoal drawing needs without needing to buy separate items.

The Arteza Drawing Set offers a well-rounded collection of 33 sketching tools, including 4 charcoal pencils with varying softness levels (soft, medium, hard, and white charcoal). This variety is great for artists wanting to experiment with different shading and textures. The charcoal pencils come in a traditional casing, making them easy to handle and sharpen with the included metal sharpener. The set also includes blenders and erasers, which help with smooth blending and correcting charcoal marks, though charcoal can always be a bit messier to erase compared to graphite.

Arteza is known for good quality art supplies at an affordable price, and this set maintains that reputation with reliable materials suitable for beginners, teens, and even more experienced artists. Since this is a mixed drawing set, dedicated charcoal artists might find the charcoal pencils somewhat basic compared to specialized charcoal-only sets.

If you want a versatile starter kit with both graphite and charcoal options plus extras like a fineliner and hobby knife, this set covers most needs well. However, if charcoal is your main focus, you might want to supplement with higher-end charcoal pencils for deeper blacks and softer blends.

The Faber-Castell Try It Box is an excellent choice for adults interested in exploring various dry art mediums. This 17-piece set includes a diverse range of drawing tools, featuring colored pencils, graphite pencils, charcoal pencils, and an India ink artist pen. One of the standout strengths of this set is its premium quality, as the brand has a longstanding reputation for producing high-quality art supplies. The pencils are made from wood sourced from sustainable forestry and are coated with environmentally friendly varnish, making them an eco-conscious choice.

Additionally, the leads are break-resistant and secure-all bonded, ensuring durability and ease of use, as they are less likely to break and easier to sharpen. This is a huge plus for those who may be heavy-handed or frequently sharpen their pencils. The pencils' casing is comfortable to hold, providing a good grip for extended drawing sessions. However, the set's primary weakness may be its focus on a higher-end market, making it a bit of an investment for beginners who are not yet committed to the hobby.

While it is marketed as an introductory set, the variety and quality of the tools might be overwhelming for those just starting. Additionally, some users might find the erasability of the charcoal pencils less than perfect, as this is a common challenge with charcoal mediums. In summary, the Faber-Castell Try It Box is best suited for aspiring or intermediate artists who are looking to invest in a high-quality, versatile set to explore different dry art techniques. Its eco-friendly materials, durability, and excellent performance make it a worthwhile purchase for serious hobbyists or those looking to improve their drawing skills.