As most artists know alcohol markers are like no other art medium out there, unlike watercolors or oil paints, alcohol markers offer the possibility of a seamless blend of colors, allowing for smooth transitions and gradients that are hard to achieve with other mediums. Their fast-drying nature ensures that artists can layer colors without waiting for long drying times, making the creative process more fluid and spontaneous.

Moreover, the range of colors that go from soft pastels to vivid, deep hues ensure that there’s a shade for every artistic vision. Though more frequently used by architects and designers, after the introduction of the brush tip they became insanely popular within the whole creative community. Due to that popularity, many brands have emerged with new alcohol markers sets, one after the other which has made finding an alcohol markers set that checks all the marks almost impossible.

In this article, we want to help you identify the best qualities when looking for alcohol markers, learn how to differentiate between the high and low quality brands and help you find the markers that might suit your style the best.

How to Find the Best Alcohol Markers

Presentation and Color Range

Unless you’re buying separate units each time, alcohol markers always come in sets or as a part of a collection. Depending on the brand, said collection will either be a set of selected colors from their color range based on a theme (pastel, skin tones, spring, autumn, etc) or a small version of a larger set (12 pcs, 36 pcs, 72 pcs). If you’re planning on going steady with a brand, it’s always a good idea to first check their sets and presentations.

A hallmark of a top-tier alcohol marker set is the diversity of its color palette, from delicate pastels to deeply saturated hues, the range should cater to your needs and style. Additionally, the availability of various shades of a single color, including highlights, mid-tones, and shadows, can significantly enhance your experience with alcohol markers taking away the guesswork and trial-error process.

The 5 Best Alcohol Markers for Artists in 2024

Nib Type and Quality

Markers come in various types based on their tips, there are bullet, fine, chisel, calligraphy, and brush tips. Each type has its own special purpose, but the brush tip is especially popular among artists because it works a lot like a paintbrush (or a waterbrush if you’re familiar with watercolors).

While many markers have chisel or bullet tips, the brush tip is preferred for its ability of blending colors smoothly. A quality brush tip can create both wide and narrow lines, depending on how much pressure you apply, some markers even have two tips, like a brush on one end and a chisel on the other, making them versatile for different art tasks, from filling in large spaces to adding detailed touches. Choose carefully since one set might have a bullet and a chisel, a brush and a bullet or some other a different combination, so look for what you feel would suit your style the best.

Ink Quality

The essence of an alcohol marker lies in its ink, premium markers have ink that is consistent in flow which ensures that the color lays down evenly without bleeding or streaking. High quality ink should also be fade-resistant, with a high lightfastness rating, ensuring that artworks remain vibrant over time.

One of the standout features of alcohol markers is their ability to blend seamlessly and create smooth transitions, and this characteristic is inherent to high quality ink, so when testing markers, observe how easily two analogous colors blend into one another.

Durability and Refills

Investing in alcohol markers means seeking products that stand the test of time. The markers should be robust, with caps that seal tightly to prevent premature drying. The tips, especially the brush tip, should resist fraying even after extensive use. Furthermore, the maker’s body should be ergonomically designed, ensuring comfort during prolonged drawing sessions.
Additionally, a brand that offers refills adds a plus to the experience of new and experienced artists, since there’ll always be colors we use the most and we end up running out of it faster than the others.

Price

When shopping for alcohol markers, the price is often a major consideration. The price variety within the alcohol markers sets and brands is vast, ranging from affordable options for beginners to high-end brands for professional artists, however not all the prices reflect the quality or the grade of a set.

You can find affordable and high quality markers and also expensive but disappointing markers, and let’s not forget about Copic, the peak of marker brands, which, while offering exceptional quality, is also obnoxiously expensive. Instead of looking at the full price of a set vs the other, look at the price per individual marker and reviews where you can see how they perform. Due to their popularity, many youtubers and content creators have reviewed and tested most brands, which makes the selecting process easier.

How to Identify Low Quality Markers

  • Not all markers are created equal, and there are several telltale signs of subpar quality, one of the most prevalent issues with inferior markers is bleeding, where the ink seeps beyond the intended area, ruining precision and detail. Additionally, inconsistent ink flow can lead to patchy coloring which looks quite bad and gives an unprofessional finish.
  • Low-quality markers tend to dry out much faster than their high-quality counterparts, this can be due to poorly designed caps that don’t seal properly or inferior ink formulations. A marker that dries out quickly not only becomes useless but also results in wasted money and resources.
  • While a vast color range isn’t the sole indicator of quality, inferior marker sets often come with a very limited palette, and we all know that in alcohol markers, variety is key. Moreover, the colors might not be as vibrant or true-to-life as those from premium brands.
  • One of the primary advantages of alcohol markers is their ability to blend. However, low-quality markers often struggle in this department.
  • One of the most common and frustrating features of low quality alcohol markers are the tips, which fray or split easily, especially with regular use; this not only affects the precision of the strokes but can also lead to uneven ink distribution. A frayed tip can make it nearly impossible to achieve fine details, severely limiting the marker’s utility.
  • While alcohol markers inherently have a distinct smell due to the solvents used, low-quality markers might emit a particularly strong or unpleasant odor, this can not only make the drawing process uncomfortable but lead to headaches or nausea and dizziness.

Best Alcohol Markers Overall — Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Brush Tip

  • Presentation and Color Range: Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Brush Tip sets offer a diverse color palette, catering to artists of all styles and preferences. With a range of hues from soft pastels to vibrant tones, artists can effortlessly bring their visions to life. The sets are thoughtfully curated to provide a comprehensive selection of colors for various artistic projects.
  • Nib Type and Quality: Ohuhu markers feature high-quality brush tips that mimic the fluidity of a paintbrush, allowing for seamless blending and precise detailing. The brush tips are durable and resilient, ensuring consistent performance even after extensive use. Artists can achieve both broad strokes and fine lines with ease, making these markers versatile for a wide range of applications.
  • Ink Quality: Ohuhu Alcohol Markers boast premium ink formulations that flow smoothly and evenly onto paper. The ink is fade-resistant and lightfast, preserving the vibrancy of artwork over time. Artists can confidently layer colors without worrying about bleeding or streaking, thanks to the superior quality of Ohuhu’s ink.
  • Durability and Refills: Ohuhu markers are designed with durability in mind, featuring sturdy bodies and secure caps that prevent premature drying. The brush tips maintain their shape and performance, even with frequent use. While Ohuhu markers do not offer refill options, their affordable price point makes them a cost-effective choice for artists seeking quality alcohol markers.
  • Price: Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Brush Tip sets offer exceptional value for their quality, making them a top choice for artists of all skill levels. The affordability of Ohuhu markers ensures accessibility without compromising on performance, making them an ideal option for both beginners and experienced artists alike.

The 5 Best Alcohol Markers for Artists

Best Premium Alcohol Markers — Copic Sketch Basic Marker

  • Presentation and Color Range: Copic Sketch Basic Marker sets are renowned for their extensive color range, featuring over 350 vibrant hues. Each set is carefully curated to provide artists with a comprehensive selection of colors, from subtle pastels to rich, saturated tones. With Copic Sketch markers, artists can achieve unparalleled depth and dimension in their artwork.
  • Nib Type and Quality: Copic Sketch markers boast high-quality brush and chisel tips that offer superior control and versatility. The brush tips allow for seamless blending and precise detailing, while the chisel tips are perfect for filling in large areas and creating bold strokes. Both tips maintain their shape and performance, ensuring consistent results with every use.
  • Ink Quality: Copic Sketch markers are renowned for their premium ink formulations, which deliver rich, vibrant color with exceptional blendability. The ink is fade-resistant and acid-free, ensuring the longevity of artwork without compromising on quality. Artists can layer colors effortlessly, achieving smooth transitions and gradients with ease.
  • Durability and Refills: Copic Sketch markers are designed to withstand the rigors of professional use, featuring durable bodies and secure caps that prevent drying out. The markers are refillable, allowing artists to replenish their favorite colors and extend the lifespan of their markers. With Copic Sketch markers, artists can invest in a sustainable solution for their artistic needs.
  • Price: While Copic Sketch markers are considered premium alcohol markers, their exceptional quality justifies the investment for serious artists. The cost per marker may be higher compared to other brands, but the performance and versatility of Copic Sketch markers make them a worthwhile investment for artists seeking the best.

Best Budget Alcohol Markers — SANJOKI Alcohol Markers

  • Presentation and Color Range: SANJOKI Alcohol Markers offer a budget-friendly option for artists without compromising on quality. The sets feature a diverse color palette, ranging from soft pastels to vibrant hues, catering to a wide range of artistic styles and preferences. Each set is thoughtfully curated to provide artists with essential colors for their creative projects.
  • Nib Type and Quality: SANJOKI markers feature durable bullet and chisel tips that offer precise control and versatility. The bullet tips are perfect for fine lines and detailing, while the chisel tips are ideal for filling in large areas and creating bold strokes. Both tips deliver consistent performance, making SANJOKI markers suitable for various artistic applications.
  • Ink Quality: SANJOKI Alcohol Markers boast high-quality ink formulations that flow smoothly and evenly onto paper. The ink is fade-resistant and acid-free, ensuring the longevity of artwork without compromising on vibrancy. Artists can layer colors seamlessly, achieving smooth transitions and gradients with ease.
  • Durability and Refills: While SANJOKI markers may not offer refill options, they are designed with durability in mind, featuring sturdy bodies and secure caps that prevent drying out. The markers are built to withstand regular use, making them a reliable choice for artists on a budget.
  • Price: SANJOKI Alcohol Markers are an affordable option for artists seeking quality alcohol markers without breaking the bank. The budget-friendly price point makes them accessible to beginners and artists on a tight budget, providing excellent value for their performance and quality.

Best Alcohol Markers for Designers — Copic Ciao Start

  • Presentation and Color Range: Copic Ciao Start sets are tailored to meet the needs of designers, architects, and other professionals seeking precision and versatility in their work. The sets feature a curated selection of colors suitable for architectural rendering, product design, and graphic illustration. From neutral tones to vibrant accents, Copic Ciao Start markers offer a comprehensive palette for design projects.
  • Nib Type and Quality: Copic Ciao markers feature durable brush and chisel tips that offer precise control and versatility. The brush tips allow for seamless blending and detailing, while the chisel tips are perfect for filling in large areas and creating bold strokes. Both tips maintain their shape and performance, ensuring consistent results with every use.
  • Ink Quality: Copic Ciao markers boast premium ink formulations that deliver rich, vibrant color with exceptional blendability. The ink is fade-resistant and acid-free, ensuring the longevity of design projects without compromising on quality. Designers can achieve professional-grade results with Copic Ciao markers, whether sketching concepts or finalizing presentations.
  • Durability and Refills: Copic Ciao markers are designed to withstand the demands of professional use, featuring sturdy bodies and secure caps that prevent drying out. The markers are refillable, allowing designers to replenish their favorite colors and extend the lifespan of their markers. With Copic Ciao markers, designers can invest in a sustainable solution for their creative needs.
  • Price: While Copic Ciao markers are considered premium alcohol markers, their exceptional quality justifies the investment for designers seeking professional-grade tools. The cost per marker may be higher compared to other brands, but the performance and versatility of Copic Ciao markers make them an essential asset for design professionals.

Best Alcohol Markers for Beginners — Art-n-Fly Dual Tip Alcohol Markers Set

  • Presentation and Color Range: Art-n-Fly Dual Tip Alcohol Markers Sets are perfect for beginners looking to explore the world of alcohol markers. The sets feature a curated selection of essential colors, providing beginners with a solid foundation for their artistic journey. From basic primaries to versatile neutrals, Art-n-Fly markers offer a comprehensive palette for aspiring artists.
  • Nib Type and Quality: Art-n-Fly markers feature dual tips, including a fine point and a broad chisel, offering beginners versatility in their artistic endeavors. The fine point is perfect for detailing and line work, while the chisel tip is ideal for filling in large areas and creating bold strokes. Both tips deliver consistent performance, allowing beginners to experiment and develop their skills with confidence.