Marker Brand Comparison Guide: Copic vs Ohuhu vs Prismacolor vs Others

Choosing the right marker brand affects your art quality and budget. Here's a comprehensive comparison. See our alcohol markers guide and art markers comparison for detailed reviews.

Copic Markers

Price: £5-8 per marker. Pros: Industry standard, 358 colors, refillable, replaceable nibs, excellent blending, consistent quality. Cons: Expensive initial cost, strong smell. Best for: Professionals, serious hobbyists, long-term investment.

Ohuhu Markers

Price: £35-50 for 48-120 sets. Pros: Excellent value, good blending, dual tips, durable case. Cons: Not refillable, fewer colors than Copic. Best for: Beginners, students, budget-conscious artists.

Prismacolor Premier

Price: £90-120 for 72-marker sets. Pros: Rich colors, smooth application, fine and chisel tips. Cons: Not refillable, less color range than Copic. Best for: Illustration, fine art, mid-range budget.

Arteza Markers

Price: £50-70 for 60-90 sets. Pros: Good color selection, consistent ink, organized case. Cons: Not refillable, mid-range quality. Best for: Intermediate artists, good value.

Winsor & Newton ProMarkers

Price: £3-5 per marker. Pros: Twin tips, 148 colors, good for design work. Cons: Not refillable, less blending than Copic. Best for: Professional design, UK availability.

Tombow Dual Brush Pens

Price: £2-3 per pen. Pros: Water-based, flexible brush tip, 96 colors, safe. Cons: Different medium, less smooth than alcohol. Best for: Lettering, watercolor effects, beginners.

Feature Comparison

Refillable: Copic yes, others no. Replaceable nibs: Copic yes, others no. Color range: Copic 358, Ohuhu 120, Prismacolor 156. Blending: Copic excellent, Ohuhu good, Prismacolor good.

Cost Analysis

Initial: Ohuhu cheapest, Copic most expensive. Long-term: Copic cheapest (refills), disposable brands ongoing cost. Break-even: Copic pays off after 2-3 years heavy use.

Quality Ranking

1. Copic (professional). 2. Prismacolor (high-quality). 3. Winsor & Newton (professional design). 4. Arteza (good value). 5. Ohuhu (best budget).

Recommendations

Absolute beginner: Ohuhu 48-pack. Serious beginner: Arteza 60-pack. Intermediate: Prismacolor 72-pack or Copic 36-pack. Professional: Build Copic collection gradually.

Tips

Start budget, upgrade later. Test before committing. Consider long-term costs. Match brand to skill level and budget.