Markers or coloured pencils — which should beginners buy? We compare both so you don't have to guess.
If you are just getting into art and trying to decide between Ohuhu Alcohol Markers and Prismacolor Coloured Pencils, you are in the right place. Both are top-rated on Amazon with thousands of 5-star reviews — but they are very different tools for very different purposes. In this honest comparison we break down exactly which one is right for you, your budget and your art style.
Alcohol-based markers · 200 colours
Wax-based coloured pencils · 72 colours
| Feature | Ohuhu Markers | Prismacolor Pencils |
|---|---|---|
| Colour Count | 200 colours ✓ | 72 colours |
| Price per Colour | Very affordable ✓ | Higher cost |
| Blending | Excellent — seamless ✓ | Good — requires technique |
| Best For | Illustration, manga, colouring | Portraits, fine detail, realism |
| Skill Level | Beginner friendly ✓ | Beginner to pro |
| Paper Needed | Marker paper required | Any paper ✓ |
| Amazon Rating | ⭐ 4.8 stars ✓ | ⭐ 4.8 stars ✓ |
| Refillable | Yes ✓ | No |
The Ohuhu 200 Color Alcohol Marker Set has taken the art world by storm — and for good reason. These markers deliver rich, alcohol-based ink through dual tips (a broad chisel tip for fills and a fine tip for details), making them incredibly versatile for beginners and experienced artists alike.
What really sets Ohuhu apart is the blendability. The alcohol-based ink layers and blends beautifully, letting you create smooth colour gradients with ease. For manga artists, illustrators and colouring book enthusiasts, this is a game changer. The 200-colour range covers every shade you could possibly need — from soft pastels to deep, rich tones.
Ohuhu markers are perfect if you love illustration, manga, adult colouring books, hand lettering or graphic art. They are also one of the best first marker sets for beginners thanks to their huge colour range and smooth application.
🛒 Shop Ohuhu 200 Markers on Amazon →Prismacolor is not a marker — it is a coloured pencil. But we are comparing them here because beginners often choose between markers and pencils when starting out. The Prismacolor Premier 72-Count Set is the gold standard of coloured pencils, trusted by professional illustrators and fine artists for decades.
The thick, soft wax-based cores produce an incredibly smooth, buttery colour laydown. Blending Prismacolor pencils takes more technique than alcohol markers, but the results — especially for portraits, wildlife and realistic art — are stunning. The lightfast pigments mean your artwork will stay vibrant for years without fading.
Prismacolor is ideal if you prefer pencil work, want more control over fine details, or are interested in realistic portrait drawing, wildlife illustration or traditional fine art. They also work on virtually any paper — no need to buy special marker paper.
🛒 Shop Prismacolor 72 Pencils on Amazon →Choose Ohuhu Markers if: You want to do illustration, manga, colouring or graphic art. You want the most colours for your money. You want smooth, effortless blending. You are a complete beginner who wants an all-in-one set.
Choose Prismacolor Pencils if: You prefer working with pencils. You want to create realistic portraits or wildlife art. You need fine detail control. You want professional quality that lasts a lifetime.
Our pick for beginners: Ohuhu Markers. The value, colour range and ease of use make them the ideal starting point. You can always add Prismacolor pencils to your collection later!
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