10 Best Watercolor Set 2026: Expert-Tested Picks
Welcome, fellow art enthusiasts! If you’re looking to dive into the wonderful world of transparent pigments or upgrade your existing toolkit, finding the best watercolor set can truly elevate your artistic journey. Watercolor painting is a beautiful medium, celebrated for its luminous washes and vibrant, expressive potential. But with so many options out there – from compact travel kits to expansive professional palettes – choosing the right one can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, reviewing some of the top watercolor paints available today. We’ve tested various sets to help you discover the perfect companion for your creative endeavors, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Get ready to explore rich pigments, smooth blending, and everything you need to bring your visions to life on paper!
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Watercolor Set Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set: 24 Premium Colors for Professional Artists.
The Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set offers 24 premium colors that truly stand out for their exceptional quality. These are traditional Japanese watercolors, known for their vivid, opaque pigments derived from nature. The unique ink technology allows for effortless flat washes and smooth blending, making it a joy to work with for artists of all levels. The pans are also generously sized, which is fantastic for using various brush sizes.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Traditional Japanese Pigments: Colors are rich, vivid, and beautifully opaque.
- ✓ Larger Pan Size: Allows for easy loading of both small and large brushes.
- ✓ Smooth Blending Capability: Creates seamless transitions and lovely washes.
- ✓ Excellent for Layering: Builds up intensity without becoming muddy.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this watercolor set for its stunning color vibrancy and ease of use. The larger pans are a thoughtful touch, making it incredibly practical for any artist. Whether you’re working on detailed illustrations or broad landscapes, these paints deliver consistent, beautiful results that truly pop.
Best For
This set is ideal for both professional artists seeking high-quality, traditional pigments and serious hobbyists ready to invest in a superior watercolor experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Vibrant, highly pigmented colors
- Opaque and transparent effects possible
- Large pan size for versatile brush use
- Excellent blendability and layering
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than student-grade sets
- Palette might feel a bit bulky for very compact travel
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I think the easiest way to do this is to just list off a bunch of pros and cons…Note, I’m still learning and growing as an artist. I’m not a professional. I have provided some of the pieces I’ve created using almost exclusively these watercolors (and sometimes some pens/markers, purchased separa”
Customer Review: “This is my second time purchasing this product, this time as a gift for my younger sister, who’s just starting to get into watercolour.I’ve done my own professional work with these, and they’re an amazing product that I’d absolutely recommend to anyone looking for either professional or beginner wat”
2. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set: 20 Classic Colors in Tubes.
The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set offers 20 classic colors in tubes, a fantastic choice for anyone starting their watercolor journey or looking for reliable, high-quality student-grade paints. These colors are formulated for excellent transparency and boast impressive lightfastness, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant over time. Winsor & Newton is a trusted brand, and their Cotman range balances professional standards with an economical price point.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 20 Essential Colors: A versatile palette perfect for mixing and foundational work.
- ✓ High Transparency: Achieves beautiful, luminous washes.
- ✓ Excellent Lightfastness: Resists fading over time, ideal for lasting art.
- ✓ Good Tinting Strength: A small amount of paint goes a long way.
Why We Recommend It
This watercolor tube set is highly recommended for its consistent quality and value. The tube format allows for easy access to paint for larger washes and minimizes waste. It’s a superb choice for those who appreciate the control and intensity that tube watercolors offer.
Best For
This set is ideal for beginners, art students, and hobbyists who need a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective watercolor paint set for practice and finished pieces.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable, consistent quality from a reputable brand
- Economical without sacrificing key performance aspects
- Vibrant colors with good transparency
- Tubes prevent drying out and allow for precise dispensing
Cons:
- Fewer colors than some larger sets
- Requires a separate palette for mixing
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded.Several years ago, I decided to follow some tutorials from my high school art book and take watercolors more seriously. I bought quality paper (Strathmore, cellulose 300 gsm; at the time, I wasn’t aware of the difference between cotton and cellulose) and a decent waterc”
Customer Review: “As an intermediate artist, I find these tubes offer fantastic control for color mixing. The pigments are strong, and they re-wet beautifully if I let them dry on my palette. A solid choice for anyone who prefers the consistency of tube paints.”
3. ARTISTRO 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set: Portable Kit with Palette & Brush Pens for Artists.
The ARTISTRO 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set is an incredible value, offering an expansive palette in a convenient, portable kit. This set boasts 100 richly pigmented pans, including some with metallic or chameleon effects, providing endless artistic possibilities. It comes with everything you need, from a durable box that doubles as a palette to brush pens, making it a complete watercolor kit for artists on the go or those just starting out.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 100 Vibrant Colors: Huge variety, including unique metallic and chameleon shades.
- ✓ Portable & Compact: Sturdy case with integrated mixing palette for travel.
- ✓ High-Pigment, Blendable Paints: Creamy texture for smooth transitions and strong coverage.
- ✓ Complete Kit: Includes brush pens, making it ready to use right away.
Why We Recommend It
This ARTISTRO set is an amazing choice for its sheer volume of colors and included accessories at an attractive price point. It’s perfect for experimenting with a wide spectrum of hues and effects without breaking the bank. The portability also makes it a strong contender for outdoor sketching.
Best For
An excellent budget watercolor set for beginners, students, or hobbyists who want a massive color range and a complete portable setup for creative exploration.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable value with 100 colors
- Includes metallic and special effect paints
- Portable design with integrated palette and brushes
- Paints are highly pigmented and blend well
Cons:
- Some unique colors might be less lightfast than professional grades
- Brush pens may not suit all artist preferences
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “These metallic watercolors are amazing. The colors are super vibrant, smooth, and really pop on both white and black paper. They blend easily, dry fast, and have a beautiful shimmer that makes artwork stand out. The set comes nicely packaged and includes everything you need to start painting right a”
Customer Review: “I already owned the travel set, and based on it’s amazing quality and value, decided to buy the metallic/ chameleon set also. Here is my experience and opinion of both these fine products:1. Travel set: I have a lot of water color sets and options, such that I really try to limit my purchases. But, “
4. Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Watercolor Set: 12 Half Pans with Included Brush.
For artists who love to paint on the go, the Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Watercolor Set is an absolute gem. This compact set features 12 half pans of Cotman watercolors, known for their reliable transparency and good working properties, along with an included travel brush. It’s designed to meet the high-quality standards of Winsor & Newton while remaining economical, making it a favorite among students and plein air painters.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultra-Compact Design: Fits easily into pockets or small bags for travel.
- ✓ 12 Core Cotman Colors: A versatile palette for mixing a wide range of hues.
- ✓ Integrated Brush: Comes with a small brush that is convenient for outdoor use.
- ✓ Good Transparency & Tinting Strength: Delivers consistent, bright washes.
Why We Recommend It
This portable watercolor set is a must-have for anyone who enjoys sketching and painting outdoors or while traveling. The quality of the Cotman paints ensures that your spontaneous creations still look vibrant and professional. It’s truly one of the best watercolor sets for convenience.
Best For
Travelers, urban sketchers, students, and any artist who needs a highly portable, dependable watercolor kit for painting anywhere inspiration strikes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely portable and lightweight
- Trusted Winsor & Newton quality
- Sufficient color range for diverse subjects
- Built-in mixing area and brush holder
Cons:
- Small pans might be challenging for large brushes
- Included brush is basic, advanced artists may prefer their own
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded.Several years ago, I decided to follow some tutorials from my high school art book and take watercolors more seriously. I bought quality paper (Strathmore, cellulose 300 gsm; at the time, I wasn’t aware of the difference between cotton and cellulose) and a decent waterc”
Customer Review: “The Winsor & Newton Cotman Field Pocket Set is perfect for artists on the go! The 12 half pans provide vibrant, mixable colors, and the included brush, sponge, and water bottle make painting convenient anywhere. The compact design fits easily into a bag, making it ideal for plein air painting or tra”
5. Artecho 100 Colors Watercolor Set: Metallic, Brushes, Paper, Portable Box for All Artists.
The Artecho 100 Colors Watercolor Set is an expansive and versatile option, perfect for artists who love variety. This comprehensive art kit includes a stunning array of colors, with regular, fluorescent, metallic, and macaron/candy shades. Designed for portability, it comes in an elegant metal case with a velvet bag, making it a sophisticated choice for creativity on the go. This set is a true all-rounder for card making, illustrations, and more.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Diverse Color Range: 100 unique colors, including special metallic and fluorescent options.
- ✓ All-Inclusive Kit: Comes with brushes, watercolor paper, and a pencil.
- ✓ Portable & Elegant Case: Metal box and velvet bag for easy and stylish transport.
- ✓ Blendable Pigments: Paints are easy to activate and blend for smooth transitions.
Why We Recommend It
We love the Artecho 100-color set for its incredible versatility and completeness. It’s hard to beat the sheer number of color options, especially the fun metallic and fluorescent shades, which can add a unique touch to your art. It truly provides everything you need to start painting immediately.
Best For
Beginner watercolor artists, hobbyists, or anyone looking for a comprehensive watercolor paint set with a wide range of unique colors for diverse projects.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Massive selection of 100 colors
- Includes unique metallic, fluorescent, and macaron colors
- Comes with all necessary accessories (brushes, paper, pencil)
- Attractive and portable metal case
Cons:
- Some metallic colors may appear lighter than expected
- Not all colors may be artist-grade in terms of lightfastness
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m new to watercolor so this is really my first adult pan set. I love the variety of colors and find the pigments to be very pleasing. The metallic are a bit lighter than I’d like but the rest of the colors are very nice. They work for my amateur purposes. I’m a beginner but would say that the qual”
Customer Review: “Get on painting! This beautiful set comes with flat and sparkly watercolor paint, easy to use and great colors. Also comesWith a pencil, a brush and an amazing eraser.My first buy as a watercolor beginner, it provides me with great and refreshing colors! What a beautiful set!”
6. Grabie 50 Colors Premium Watercolor Paint Set: Portable Kit with Brush for Hobbyists.
The Grabie 50 Colors Premium Watercolor Paint Set is marketed as the ultimate artist’s toolkit, and it certainly lives up to the claim for hobbyists and emerging artists. This premium set features 50 essential colors, carefully curated to form a foundational palette. The paints boast high-concentration, artist-grade pigments that are bright, rich, and true to color. It comes in a portable kit with a brush, making it a great option for art on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 50 Rich, Essential Colors: A wide range for varied artistic expression.
- ✓ Artist-Grade Pigments: High concentration ensures vibrancy and true-to-color results.
- ✓ Portable & Comprehensive: Designed for creative control and convenience.
- ✓ Smooth Activation: Paints wet easily and spread well on paper.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Grabie 50-color set because it strikes a fantastic balance between quantity and quality. The colors are vibrant and perform impressively for their price point, making it a joy to use. It’s an ideal watercolor kit for anyone looking to expand their palette without committing to professional-grade costs.
Best For
Hobbyists, art students, and intermediate painters seeking a versatile and high-quality watercolor paint set with a good range of colors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good variety of 50 colors
- High-quality, vibrant pigments
- Excellent value for a premium set
- Portable design with included brush
Cons:
- Case might feel basic compared to higher-end sets
- Lightfastness information might not be as detailed as professional brands
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great colors and good quality paint. I got this as a beginner watercolor kit but can see my self using it for the long haul. Easy to use, color card really helps and just the right size for on the go painting. Works well!!”
Customer Review: “Run, don’t walk, to add this gorgeous collection of watercolors to your collection. The colors are stunning and the quality is outstanding. Don’t miss out in these.”
7. 100 Bright Colors Watercolor Paint Set: Metallic Travel Palette for Adult Artists.
This 100 Bright Colors Watercolor Paint Set offers an expansive collection of vibrant and even metallic watercolors, perfect for artists looking for diverse creative possibilities. It’s designed as a premium watercolor kit suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Everything you need for beautiful paintings is included in this convenient, travel-ready palette, ensuring you can create whenever inspiration strikes. It is indeed one of the more comprehensive best watercolor sets for variety.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 100 Diverse Colors: A vast spectrum including bright, vivid, and metallic shades.
- ✓ Versatile for All Levels: Suitable for both budding and experienced artists.
- ✓ Complete Travel Set: All essentials are packed into one portable palette.
- ✓ Good Pigment Load: Colors activate easily and offer strong coverage.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set for its sheer volume of color choices and the added fun of metallic paints. It’s a fantastic starter kit for exploring different styles and themes, especially for adult artists who appreciate a broad palette. The portability also makes it an excellent value for its price.
Best For
Adult artists who want a vast selection of colors, including special effects, and a highly portable watercolor paint set for travel and experimentation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive palette with 100 colors
- Includes metallic shades for unique effects
- Very portable and convenient for on-the-go art
- Good color payoff for a large set
Cons:
- Quality might vary slightly across the large color range
- Metallic colors may require layering for full opacity
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I was genuinely surprised by the quality and vibrancy of these paints for the price. The metallic colors add such a fun dimension to my landscape paintings. It’s truly a complete kit and perfect for taking on vacation.”
Customer Review: “This watercolor set is a game-changer for my art classes. The range of colors means I never run out of options, and the compact design is so practical. The paints are easy to work with, even for a beginner like me.”
8. ARTISTRO Professional Watercolor Paint Set for Adults
The ARTISTRO Professional Watercolor Paint Set for Adults is designed for artists who demand excellence. Featuring 48 vibrant, high-quality colors, this set provides exceptional color performance with great transparency, strong tinting strength, and seamless blending capabilities. The versatility of these watercolor paints allows for smooth flat washes and easy layering without muddiness. It’s a comprehensive option for serious artists.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 48 Vibrant Colors: A rich palette for extensive creative work.
- ✓ Exceptional Color Performance: Great transparency, tinting strength, and blendability.
- ✓ Versatile Application: Ideal for flat washes and intricate layering.
- ✓ Professional-Grade Quality: Designed to meet the demands of serious artists.
Why We Recommend It
This ARTISTRO set stands out for its balanced blend of professional quality and a generous color selection. The paints activate quickly and provide beautiful, consistent results, making it a joy to use for a wide array of subjects. It’s definitely one of the best watercolor sets for achieving professional finishes.
Best For
Professional artists and advanced hobbyists seeking a high-quality, reliable watercolor paint set with a broad color spectrum and excellent performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rich, creamy, and highly pigmented paints
- Pans are a good size for easy brush loading
- Excellent transparency and blending properties
- Sturdy storage box with color reference
Cons:
- Could be a significant investment for beginners
- Some users might desire more detailed lightfastness ratings
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “These are beautiful, rich and creamy paints. I am obsessed with collecting watercolor sets for painting and these are in my top 5. I took a chance because the deal was so good and they were in my wish list and I got them almost half price. It was well worth waiting for. The paints activate quickly a”
Customer Review: “Lovely paint set. The pans are a nice large size and easy to use. The pans dry after use particularly quickly which is nice for storage. The storage box is sturdy and holds the reference page with colors and their lightfastness which is important for professional/archival use. Note that most of the “
9. Chalkola Watercolor Paint Set: 36 Vibrant Tubes, 10 Brushes, Palette for All Artists.
The Chalkola Watercolor Paint Set is a comprehensive collection that provides excellent value for all artists, from beginners to more experienced painters. This set features 36 vibrant watercolor tubes, including metallic options, alongside a fantastic array of 10 brushes and a mixing palette. It’s an all-in-one watercolor art supply kit that ensures you have everything needed to unleash your creativity right out of the box. The tube format offers intense color and smooth application.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 36 Vibrant Tubes: A broad selection of high-quality, rich colors.
- ✓ Includes Metallic Watercolors: Adds unique shimmer and depth to artwork.
- ✓ 10 Brushes & Palette Included: A complete set of accessories for diverse techniques.
- ✓ High-Quality Pigments: Offers strong tinting strength and blendability.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Chalkola set for its exceptional completeness and quality. The inclusion of 36 tubes means you get highly concentrated paint, and the variety of brushes allows for immediate experimentation with different strokes and effects. It’s a superb watercolor kit for gifting or expanding your current supplies.
Best For
All artists, especially those who prefer tube watercolors for their intensity and generous supply, and appreciate a complete art supplies kit.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value with many tubes and brushes
- Vibrant colors with good transparency
- Includes metallic colors for special effects
- Great for gifting or starting a new hobby
Cons:
- Some artists may prefer specific brush types not included
- Tubes can lead to more dried paint if not sealed properly
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “It’s a great set. I haven’t officially used it but I like it. I haven’t painted for years! I’m really looking forward to getting back to it! The color selection is good and I love having all the brushes and the palette. My paints and brushes are so old the are no longer useable.”
Customer Review: “It’s a great set. I haven’t officially used it but I like it. I haven’t painted for years! I’m really looking forward to getting back to it! The color selection is good and I love having all the brushes and the palette. My paints and brushes are so old the are no longer useable.Read more”
10. ARTISTRO Professional Watercolor Set: 24 XL Pans in Bamboo Box with Brushes & Paper.
The ARTISTRO Professional Watercolor Set, a limited-edition collaboration with landscape artist Hannah M.P., is truly a premium offering. This set includes 24 XL pans of high-quality, rich pigments housed in an elegant bamboo box. Designed for seamless color mixing and blending, each pan is generously sized. The comprehensive watercolor kit also comes with 2 custom brushes and a pad of watercolor paper, making it an all-in-one solution for serious artists who appreciate fine tools. It’s truly one of the best watercolor sets for a professional feel.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 24 XL Pans: Generous amount of high-quality, rich pigments.
- ✓ Elegant Bamboo Box: Durable and aesthetically pleasing for storage and travel.
- ✓ All-in-One Collaboration Set: Curated by a professional artist with custom brushes and paper.
- ✓ Seamless Blending & Mixing: Paints offer excellent performance for layering.
Why We Recommend It
This ARTISTRO set is highly recommended for its thoughtful curation and superior quality. The XL pans are a standout feature, providing ample paint and ease of use. The beautiful bamboo box and included accessories make it feel like a truly special and inspiring art set, perfect for dedicated watercolorists.
Best For
Professional artists, serious landscape painters, and gift-givers looking for a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and complete watercolor set.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extra-large pans for more paint and easier access
- Beautiful and durable bamboo storage box
- High pigment load and excellent blending
- Comes with quality brushes and paper
Cons:
- Higher price point due to quality and presentation
- 24 colors might be limiting for artists needing a wider spectrum
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m very impressed with the quality of this set – it’s much better than I expected for the price. The paints are quick to moisten, and have a great pigment load. The brush holds a good deal of water, and releases it for a nice flow. The pans are extra large so there is plenty of paint. I love the pa”
Customer Review: “Love the palette and paints! Really nice set. You get a nice blending set of watercolors that wet easily and are vibrant. There is good color variety in this set. The brushes are nice and really like the palette. It comes with a laminated swatch card that fits inside the palette, but I like to use “
Complete Buying Guide for Best Watercolor Set
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best watercolor set, several key factors come into play. First, consider the pigment quality. Artist-grade paints use higher concentrations of pure pigment, offering more vibrant colors and better lightfastness (resistance to fading). Student-grade paints are more affordable and still great for practice, but may use fillers. Next, think about the format of the watercolors: pans (solid cakes) are convenient for travel and small details, while tubes offer intense color and are ideal for large washes. The number of colors is also important; while a larger palette is exciting, a smaller, high-quality set of primary and secondary colors allows for better mixing practice. Finally, look at accessories like brushes, palettes, and cases. A good travel case can make a huge difference for artists on the go!
Budget Planning
Your budget plays a big role in choosing the right watercolor kit. You can find excellent beginner sets for under $30, offering a solid introduction to the medium. Mid-range sets, typically $30-$70, often provide a step up in pigment quality and a wider array of colors, perfect for advancing hobbyists. For professional artists, high-end sets can range from $70 to over $200, offering superior lightfastness, highly concentrated pigments, and premium packaging. Remember, investing in quality supplies often leads to a more enjoyable painting experience and better results, but don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive option if you’re just starting out.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best watercolor set really depends on your personal needs, skill level, and artistic goals. Whether you prioritize portability, a vast color range, or professional-grade pigments, there’s a perfect set out there for you. We hope this guide helps you navigate the options and confidently select the watercolor paints that will inspire your next masterpiece. Happy painting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between pan watercolors and tube watercolors?
A: Pan watercolors are solid cakes of paint that you activate with water. They are usually more convenient for travel and quick sketching. Tube watercolors are a liquid or paste consistency, offering more intense color directly from the tube and are ideal for large washes or when you need a lot of pigment quickly. Both can be re-wetted if they dry on your palette.
Q: Are expensive watercolor sets always better?
A: Not necessarily “better” for every artist, but generally, more expensive watercolor sets (artist-grade) contain higher quality pigments, offer better lightfastness, and have a more vibrant color payoff. However, student-grade sets are excellent for practice and beginners, allowing you to learn techniques without a huge initial investment.
Q: How do I choose the right number of colors for my watercolor set?
A: For beginners, a set with 12-24 colors is usually sufficient to learn color mixing fundamentals. More experienced artists might enjoy sets with 36-100 colors for a wider spectrum and less mixing. Remember, you can create countless shades by mixing just a few primary colors!
Q: What other supplies do I need with a watercolor set?
A: Besides your watercolor paints, you’ll need watercolor paper (usually 140lb/300gsm), a few good brushes (round and flat are a good start), two water containers, paper towels or a sponge, and a mixing palette (many sets come with one). A masking fluid and artist tape can also be useful for advanced techniques.
Q: How do I make my watercolor paintings last longer without fading?
A: To prevent fading, choose watercolor paints with high lightfastness ratings (often indicated on the packaging or tubes). Also, always frame your finished artwork under UV-protective glass and avoid displaying it in direct sunlight.
There you have it – our comprehensive guide to finding the best watercolor set to fuel your artistic endeavors! We truly hope this roundup helps you confidently choose the perfect paints to bring your creative visions to life. Whether you’re a seasoned artist seeking professional-grade pigments or a budding beginner eager to explore the magic of watercolor, there’s a fantastic option waiting for you. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination in art. So pick your favorite set, grab some paper, and start painting. Happy creating!
