The Best Alcohol-Based Markers For Beginners (From An Artist Who’s Tried Many)
Getting into alcohol markers can be overwhelming. There are so many brands, prices, and promises — and when you're just starting out, it’s hard to know what’s actually worth your money.
Over the years, I’ve tested a bunch of marker brands: some expensive, some cheap, and a few that completely surprised me. If you're a beginner looking for the best alcohol-based markers to get started with, here’s what I’ve learned — and what I’d personally recommend.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
1. Dollar Store Markers / Twin Markers
Best for: absolute beginners who want to test the waters
If you're just dipping your toes into alcohol markers, these budget markers — often found at the dollar store or labeled as “Twin Markers” — are a great starting point. I haven’t personally used them, but a good friend of mine swears by them, especially because she doesn’t want to spend much on art supplies.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Surprisingly decent blending
- Decent build quality for the price
Cons:
- Limited and sometimes odd color selection
- Usually sold in small packs (you can’t buy just one or two)
- You’ll probably outgrow them fairly quickly
If you’re not sure whether alcohol markers are your thing, these are a low-risk way to find out.
2. Ohuhu Honolulu Markers
Best for: beginners who want pro-level results at a mid-range price
These were a surprise hit for me. Ohuhu originally sent me a set as part of a sponsorship, but after trying them, I switched over completely. They’ve honestly become my go-to markers.
What stood out right away: the brush nib. It has a really nice feel to it — not floppy or mushy like other brands (including Copics, honestly). You can feel how it moves on the paper, which makes coloring feel much more intuitive.
Pros:
- Excellent brush nib with tactile feedback
- Vibrant, well-distributed color range
- Very affordable in sets
- Minimal overlap between sets (smart curation)
- Comes with swatch cards and a bleed-proof plastic sheet
- Plenty of very light and very dark tones (great for contrast)
Cons:
- Some niche colors are missing (like greenish yellows or magenta-reds)
- Slight graininess on certain types of marker paper
- Individual markers are much more expensive than buying sets
- Storage bag is nice but not ideal for organizing
These are the markers I wish I’d had when I was just starting out.
3. Copic Markers (Sketch & Ciao)
Best for: beginners who want access to a massive color library and long-term value
Copic is the name in alcohol markers — and for good reason. Their color selection is absolutely top-tier. I’ve used both Sketch and Ciao markers, and while they’re expensive, the quality shows.
That said, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them as your first markers unless you’re ready to invest more from the start.
Pros:
- Unmatched color selection
- Refillable and replaceable nibs (great for long-term use)
- Available individually or in curated sets
- The Ciao version is more affordable and beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Expensive upfront (especially the Sketch markers)
- Brush nib feels less responsive than Ohuhu’s
- Chisel nib is small and harder to use for large areas
If you know you want to get deep into marker art and want a set you can build on over years, Copics are worth it — especially the Ciaos.
4. Winsor & Newton Promarkers (and Brushmarkers)
Best for: beginners interested in cartooning or anime-style art
Promarkers were my very first alcohol markers, and I used them for over five years. They’re reliable, solid markers with some quirks you should know about.
The regular Promarkers don’t have a brush nib — just a bullet and chisel — while the Brushmarker version adds a brush nib that’s... okay, but a little flimsy compared to others. Where these really shine is ink flow: it’s easy to fill large areas without streaks, which makes them great for animation-style coloring or flat-style illustration.
Pros:
- Great ink flow, easy to get smooth coverage
- Same price whether bought individually or in sets
- Long-lasting, consistent performance
Cons:
- Color selection is a bit random and unstructured
- Limited shades per hue
- Brush nib (in the Brushmarker) can feel a bit wobbly
- Sometimes markers are overfilled and can drop ink unexpectedly
They still have a special place in my art journey, and if you’re doing bold, flat-color work, they’re a strong option.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Pick?
| Marker | Price Range | Best For | Brush Nib Quality | Color Selection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar Store / Twin | $ | Testing the waters | ❌ (Usually bullet/chisel) | ❌ | Great if you're unsure whether to invest |
| Ohuhu Honolulu | $$ | Most beginners | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | My personal favorite: great value + quality |
| Copic Ciao | $$$$ | Serious beginners | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ | Long-term investment, refillable |
| Promarker / Brush | $$$ | Flat-color styles | ✅ / ❌ | ✅ | Good for cartoon or anime art |
If you’re just starting out and want a balance of quality, affordability, and fun, I’d go with Ohuhu Honolulu markers. They’ve made drawing with markers feel fun again, even after years of experience.
Got questions or want to see some side-by-side comparisons? Let me know — I’m always happy to help you pick the right tools.
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I love bringing cars to life with alcohol markers and colored pencils.
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