As an artist, I’ve been using Copic markers for years, but they can be expensive, so I’ve been searching for affordable alternatives.
After trying several brands, I highly recommend Prismacolor, ShinHan, Ohuhu, and Arteza markers:
Overview: Best Copic Alternatives in 2026
Premier Double-Ended Art Markers, Fine and Brush Tip, 48-Count with Carrying Case
Basic Colors, Fine and Broad Nib Markers
Set of 120 Colors, EverBlend Dual Tip Markers with 144-Slot Organizer, Fine and Broad Chisel Nib, for Coloring and Drawing
Alcohol Based Double Tipped Art Marker Set for Kids, Adults Coloring Illustrations, 60 Unique Colors + 1 Colorless Alcohol Marker Blender + 1 Marker Case, Chisel & Fine Dual Tips
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Premium: ShinHan Touch Twin Brush Markers
Basic Colors, Fine and Broad Nib Markers
ShinHan Touch Twin markers are arguably the best high-quality alternative to Copic, and some artists even prefer them.
While their colors may be slightly less vivid than Copic’s, the difference is minimal, they’re still rich, beautiful, and professional-grade. With excellent flow, control, dual tips (brush and chisel), refillable ink, interchangeable tips, and a solid range of 204 colors, they’re more than capable for any level of work.
If you’ve never used Copic, you’ll likely find ShinHan markers outstanding; and even if you have, these are a superb, cost-effective alternative worth serious consideration.
Great Value: Arteza Complete Alcohol Markers Bundle
Set of 120 Colors, EverBlend Dual Tip Markers with 144-Slot Organizer, Fine and Broad Chisel Nib, for Coloring and Drawing
For just a bit more than the cost of a small 36-piece Copic set, you can get 192 Arteza alcohol markers, an incredible value that makes them the most useful and creative alternative to Copics.
While they don’t quite match the premium feel of Copic, ShinHan, or Prismacolor, Arteza markers still deliver bold, blendable colors, a comfortable dual-tip design, long-lasting ink, and an impressive range of 120 standard colors, 36 skin tones, and 36 greys.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, they offer freedom to experiment, grow, and create without breaking the bank, and that makes them a phenomenal pick.
My Pick: PrismaColor Premier Double Ended Markers
Premier Double-Ended Art Markers, Fine and Brush Tip, 24-Count with Carrying Case
Premier Double-Ended Art Markers, Fine and Brush Tip, 48-Count with Carrying Case
Premier Double-Ended Art Markers, Fine and Chisel Tip, 72-Count
Premier Colorless Blender Marker 2-Markers, Non-Toxic Ink
Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Markers are arguably the best value alternative to Copics on the market today.
While they may not match Copics in subtlety or blendability, they come impressively close in flow, control, and overall feel, at about half the price. With 200 vibrant, richly pigmented colors and dual tips (chisel and fine), they’re highly versatile and expressive.
Though they aren’t refillable, individual markers are affordable and easy to replace or expand. If you’ve never used Copics, you’ll find Prismacolors exceptional in quality and performance, bold, smooth, and a joy to draw with. Highly recommended.
Budget Option: Ohuhu Double-Tipped Markers
Double Tipped Brush & Chisel Sketch Markers for Artist, Coloring Art Markers for Kids, Adults Coloring Book, 48 Unique Colors + 1 Alcohol Marker Blender + Marker Case
Alcohol Based Double Tipped Art Marker Set for Kids, Adults Coloring Illustrations, 60 Unique Colors + 1 Colorless Alcohol Marker Blender + 1 Marker Case, Chisel & Fine Dual Tips
Double Tipped Alcohol Based Permanent Art Marker Set for Kids Adults' Coloring Book Illustration, 80 Unique Colors + 1 Colorless Blender + 1 Marker Case, Chisel & Fine
While there are cheaper markers out there, none match the quality of Ohuhu alcohol brush markers at this price point.
These double-ended markers offer rich, vibrant colors, smooth flow, and expressive, durable tips, making them the most affordable professional-quality markers I’ve used. Though they’re not refillable and have a smaller color range than Copics or ShinHan, they still deliver excellent performance for illustration, manga, fine art, or commercial work.
Comfortable in the hand and consistently reliable, Ohuhu markers are a fantastic budget-friendly option and easily the best cheap alcohol markers on the market today.
Cheaper Copic: Copic Ciao Alcohol-Based Markers
Round Barrel, Medium Broad Chisel and Super Brush Nibs (0-1) clear
The best alternative to Copic markers might just be… Copic markers themselves. The Copic Ciao series offers nearly all the benefits of the more expensive Sketch and Classic lines; same high-quality ink, refillable cartridges, dual brush and chisel tips, and interchangeable nibs, at about a third less in cost.
They’re slightly smaller, come in a round barrel (which can roll), and have a smaller color range (still 180 strong), but for most artists, they’re more than enough.
If you want true Copic quality at a lower price, Copic Ciao is the best budget-friendly entry into the Copic system.
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How to Choose the Best Copic Alternatives
You want markers that blend smoothly, feel great to use, and won’t punish your budget. Use these quick criteria to spot strong Copic substitutes fast.
Ink & Blend Performance
Alcohol-dye ink should layer without streaks and glaze to smooth gradients.
- Look for: even laydown, clean glazing, minimal streaking.
- Watch out for: blotchy patches, sticky surfaces, color shifts when layered.
Nibs & Handling
The brush tip is the magic—its spring and taper decide your line quality.
- Look for: flexible brush + firm chisel, replaceable nibs, consistent ink flow.
- Watch out for: mushy brush tips, frayed fibers, tips that dry out quickly.
Refillability & Cost Over Time
Refills and spare nibs turn a “cheap” marker into real value.
- Look for: easy refilling, widely available nibs, price per ml that beats Copics.
- Watch out for: disposable-only lines; refills that cost nearly as much as new markers.
Color Range & Numbering System
A logical palette helps you match hues and values for blends.
- Look for: broad range with warm/cool grays, skin tones, primaries; clear numbering similar to hue/value/chroma systems.
- Watch out for: big sets with duplicates, gaps in mid-tones, hard-to-read labels.
Paper Compatibility
Good paper prevents feathering and keeps blends clean.
- Look for: marker paper (bleed-resistant, smooth) or heavyweight Bristol.
- Watch out for: fuzzy fibers (feathering), heavy bleed-through on thin sketchbooks.
Lightfastness & Display Needs
Most alcohol dyes fade in sunlight—plan accordingly.
- Look for: brand LF data if you sell originals; otherwise scan and print for display.
- Watch out for: direct sun on originals without UV glazing.
Odor, Safety & Ergonomics
You’ll use them for hours—comfort matters.
- Look for: low-odor formulas, ventilated workspace, barrels that fit your grip.
- Watch out for: strong fumes, caps that are hard to open/close.
Availability & Open Stock
Sets are great; open stock is essential.
- Look for: individual colors, replacement parts, consistent global supply.
- Watch out for: limited runs you can’t replace mid-project.
3-Minute In-Store Test
- Lay three stripes (light–mid–dark) of the same hue; blend with the mid tone—check for a seamless gradient.
- Draw hairline to thick strokes with the brush tip—should spring back and keep a fine point.
- On your usual paper, check feathering, bleed, and streaks after a quick second layer.
Starter Palette Tip
Begin with cool gray set + warm gray set + primary triad (Y, M, C) + skin trio. Add favorite accents later instead of buying a giant box.
Other articles in the drawing pencils, pens, and markers series:
- Best Watercolor Pencils
- Best Colored Pencils for Artists
- Best Mechanical Pencil for Drawing
- Best Drawing Pens
- Best Drawing and Sketching Pencils
- Best Markers for Coloring Adult Coloring Books
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
