Everyone in the art industry knows that markers are not cheap. But if there’s a brand that really goes overboard with the price, then you’re talking about “Copic Markers”. And of course, many people don’t like to spendhat much money.
But don’t worry! You can always get an alternative to make your most ambitious art projects without having to spend a fortune.
Here, we’ll go over some of those alternatives so you can get high-quality markers and still receive superb results. Want to know which markers we’re talking about?
Then scroll further and find out!
Why Do You Need Alternative of Copic?
When you go for the Copic markers alternative, it is probably due to the price because copics are pretty expensive. There’s nothing more discouraging as an artist who’s starting than to see the inflated price of the best markers out there.
Or, getting the same experience, as Copic provides can be another reason for looking alternatives. In terms of quality, alternatives are not that far from the original. There’s also a lot of advantage when you can simply get away more affordable products. That’s why you need an alternative.
If you are a beginner or want some practice, spending a lot of money is not the ideal way to proceed. So, you get the best Copic marker alternatives that won’t cost that much and still offer a more-than-decent result.
Best Alternative for Copic Markers | Our Consideration
Most of the COPIC markers are alcohol based and the best lucrative advantage you’ll get is the refillable option. And of course, Copic pens provide the best color tone and quality.
Now that you’ve decided to get a more accessible option than COPIC, then you’ll want to know what we’re talking about. By keeping these things in our mind, below we have eight of the best choices you can get!
1. Prismacolor Double-Ended Art Markers (Editors Choice)
One of the most popular brands around the world– Prismacolor always delivers quality and finesse with its products. This 12-pack of alcohol-based markers is not an exception – providing the beauty and smoothness you need as an artist.
These are fine and chisel tip markers that are ideal for precision. If you need to create the finest and more precise lines possible, then one of the ends of each marker will come like a perfect tool.
Otherwise, you can also make smooth yet broad lines with the chisel on the other end, ideal for coloring and covering.
The ink is superb, it leaves no space for dull colors no matter the type of drawing or art project you’re working on. It will dry out so fast that you’ll get the final results immediately. It uses premium alcohol and a dye ink that produces that professional tone everyone loves to see in art. You can expect the richest and most vibrant shades with each marker.
Apart from that, you can blend the Prismacolor markers easily if needed. The richness and beauty of each line, plus the versatility of the markers place this Prismacolor pack of 12 ahead of the competition as COPIC markers alternatives.
2. Art-N-Fly Brush Tip Marker Set (Best Value)
When you’re looking for professional quality markers within your budget, then Art-n-Fly marker can be the best option. This alcohol based marker provides the same advantages as COPIC.
Even you’ll get refillable ink option and replaceable nibs. Then what else you need!
First of all, it has come up with a unique dual-tip design. This Japanese brush tip allows fine flow of ink confirming a high-grade result. Dual-tip feature also helps you to draw either broad lines or fine lines.
The most important thing is that you’ll be able to replace the tips whenever you want. That means you can get a new nib when you want a high quality artwork. This option will also enhance the durability of these markers.
In fact, the ink quality is fantastic. And it’s providing a refillable ink option, which you can’t even imagine in any other marker at such a price. So, you won’t have to worry about finishing the ink.
This set is available in a wide range of colors like- gray, skin, earth, purple, blue, pastel, multicolored and even in colorless shades. It’s not all! You’ll get this marker in a set of 3 to 48 colors.
So, putting all these things together, it is one of the best Copic marker dupes you can get. Don’t miss it out!
3. TOUCH TWIN Alcohol Brush Markers (Exact Alternative)
Want premium quality without having to pay an inflated price tag? Then go for the Touch Twin alcohol-based marker set from ShinHan Art materials.
As soon as you set your sight on this kit, you’ll know this is more than a simple box with markers. They are outstandingly well made with a double-brush design, a fine brush tip that delivers delicate marks.
Then you have a medium-sized chisel that creates thicker and smooth lines for a colorful experience.
If you stuck in between your artwork due to nib crush, no worry at all! You will get replaceable nib feature with Touch Twin markers so that you can get a new one whenever you want.
With this kit, you can get 24 different colors, but it offers 204 options in the largest set. And with the quality of each tip, the colors will deliver a magnificently smooth line no matter what you use.
Still, they will hold the firmness for years so you can always achieve professional-like results.
The ink is also superb, offering seamless marks wherever you want with a fast-drying capacity that leaves no space for mistakes.
It doesn’t matter how difficult the drawings or project, the Touch Twin brush marker will help you reach your goal.
They are also odorless and provide a unique ink flow with refillable option that increases overall durability. Get every feature together, and this is a high-end set for those who want an affordable cost.
4. Ohuhu Dual Tips Art Marker (Budget Friendly)
Another COPIC marker alternatives that costs less than half than the originals is Ohuhu. This set offers up to 100 alcohol-based markers for a full palette so you can make your most ambitious art projects a reality.
They stand out for the quality of color, offering astonishing tones that you can blend with others for a large number of opportunities.
It doesn’t matter the type of result you’re achieving to get, this set of colors will help you get there without problems. In an affordable price, you’ll get the same type of quality and color tone as Copic Sketch Markers.
This gets even better with the dual tips, with a fine and a broad chisel one. You can get even the most challenging project done without any issue thanks to the versatility they offer.
They are entirely well-made too, so you can expect the highest quality from each marker. They use a high-pigmentation composition that looks fantastic but also provides up to 984 feet of drawing – so they last months or even years.
The best of all, the markers are completely fast-drying. After a few minutes of blending and marking, the ink will dry out, and you’ll be able to handle the art without any damage.
When it comes to quality, Ohuhu markers never lets you down and some of them also offer you refillable option. Here’s a complete review of Ohuhu Markers you may check also.
5. Winsor & Newton Promarker (Best Alcohol Ink)
For ultimate precision and accuracy, you can bring home the promarker from Winsor & Newton. Since the ink is based on alcohol, it promises supremacy and permanency.
As you make all the outlines and write something on the board, the fine bullet nib that gives you full coverage, along with multiple line widths.
On top of that, the ink dries up pretty fast, so, you’ll never get to experience any bleeding or smudge at all.
As you create those fine-grooved lines, prepare yourself to get awe-struck because the markers offer you high pigmented colors. By blending them smooth and easy, you can create more colors by yourself.
It doesn’t matter what you write or what you sketch, there’s no chance of your work-piece being faded away.
If you need darker colors, you can layer the colors or merge them together to create the art-work of your dream.
The set has got a wide range of variations when it comes to the numbers. You can get 25 different colors but it offers 96 options in the largest one.
Price is one of the factors why you’re likely to avoid Copics and searching for alternatives. It’s a relief to acknowledge that this set costs you minimum and delivers maximum quality.
One of the drawbacks you can find is the fact that, these are not refillable. But, the resilient ink, wonderful color collection, and other positive features of this set can surely make you believe that, this will be a great choice as Copic alternative.
6. Kuretake ZIG KC-3000N Twin WS Markers
You’ll not be misled if you trust Kuretake ZIG for your most sensitive artwork. To beautify your creative thoughts, you’ll be having a set of 12 alcohol-based art markers as Copic with the most affordable price and maximum quality.
Unlike other ordinary markers, this one benefits you more with refillable ink. This makes you worry less about the stock of ink per marker. Clearly, it will save some money too.
These advanced dual-tip markers are capable of delivering broad and fine strokes. The round tip helps you getting detailed lines and wider one can make thick strokes.
These outstanding colors are well-pigmented in order to make your artwork look flawless. You’ll not get bored with them as you can blend them so well so easily and create a new one.
The ink will not take long to dry out and it is quite long lasting. Even after years, your artwork will be as lively as it was during the first week. The odor of the ink will not bother you while using it.
Keep them in horizontal position to get the best color and pigmentation of the ink.
Briefly, this marker with alcohol-based, quick drying and refillable ink, dual fine tip and super blending capacity can successfully perform as the alternative to Copic marker. Isn’t it?
7. MILO 48 Dual-Tip Art Marker (Perfect for All)
Another good copic marker alternative you’ll find in the market is the Milo 48 art marker set. The ink has alcohol in it, which lets you create all those artwork you could make from Copics.
You can guess by the title that it’s great for the artist. Let it be beginner or pro artists, everyone can get the best results within a snap with these markers set around.
This reliable ink will impress you with quick drying advantage. Why can it be your perfect catalyst? That’s what we’re about to find out. First off, these double-sided markers come with both brush nib and chisel nib.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re going for the manga, book coloring, architecture, sketch, doodle blending, calligraphy, or whatever, you can use the Milo art markers for almost everything.
Besides, the ink gives you so much detailed design that you can see what you’ve written or sketched from a good distance.
With the whole set, you’re getting no less than 48 vibrant colors to choose from. You can also blend the colors so that your art-work gets more dimensions and looks different.
The ink dries out pretty fast and there’s no room for bleeding or getting smudges. Although these are not refillable markers, it’ll seem to be trivial when you’ll be in love with the finesse of the set.
It also includes a storage box. Even you can store your markers when you’re done working with them.
8. Arteza Everblend Art Markers
When it comes to choosing alternatives to Copic markers, Arteza has always been ahead of the game. Their art markers are designed and formulated with great features that help to create beautiful illustrations.
These dual tips alcohol markers are highly pigmented and offer a perfect wash of color. The alcohol markers come in 60 rich and beautiful color varieties that will please any artist or DIY enthusiast.
Even if you’re an occasional painter, you will enjoy these professional quality markers. The vibrant ink makes it perfect for shading, layering, freestyling, blending, and any sort of impression art you want to create.
Alcohol markers like these can be easily used on different surfaces like paper, glass, wood, and plastic.
A carrying case included with the set is perfect for traveling and organizing the markers properly.
These markers are great color options for anime, architecture, cartooning, using in coloring books, and doing illustrations of any kind. This feature makes them a versatile option in the art world.
Another great advantage is the benefit of having replaceable nibs so that you can gain full control and access over them.
The markers are equipped with dual-ended tips that provide good hold during lettering and fine details, as well as thick and broad lines.
Moreover, they dry out quickly enough for you to enjoy the final results properly. With each stroke, you can get the richest and most vibrant color options from these markers.
So, if your requirement is pretty basic, you can choose this color marker set easily.
9. Keebor Premium 80+1 Colors Dual Tip Alcohol Art Markers
If you’re an art enthusiast, a good art marker set is something you can’t refuse. This one by Keebor is a unique find. With 80+ professional quality markers, you can’t go wrong with this one.
The alcohol markers from Keebor are built with a minimal design that looks pleasing and attractive. Despite the simple design, the quality of these markers is very stable and solid.
They are full of vibrant and rich pigments that offer the best kind of finish on any surface.
These dual-ended art markers are suitable for different types of illustrations, coloring books, sketching, designing, cartooning, and more. Their sturdy build and rich pigmentation make them suitable for a wide variety of surfaces.
Starting from paper to wood, these alcohol markers will leave a long-lasting impression on every surface.
The dual-ended markers are made with fine bullet nib and chisel tips that allow optimum control and change the blending game to a whole new level.
These tips offer appropriate line control, great color intermixing, and the ability to draw thicker and bolder lines effortlessly.
They also provide flexibility similar to a polished brush and are able to give clean thick and thin strokes easily. The brush nib designs of the markers are designed to offer the best results possible.
Besides, the barrels of the markers have an ergonomic design to prevent any kind of strain on the fingers and providing a firm grip.
Overall, these are some great alternatives to Copic markers if you’re looking for something tough and long-lasting with a rich color outcome.
10. Shuttle Art 51 Colors Dual Tip Art Markers
As cheap Copic alternatives, this 51-color set from Shuttle art is a great find. You can be assured that this good quality set will be one of the best investments you ever make.
The set is composed of 51 vibrant, permanent alcohol brush markers that come with a simple design but a solid build. They are equipped with the quality of resisting any kind of alteration over time and thus restore the natural color for a long time.
So, the end result is an outstanding portrait of beautiful rich colors. Compared to Colors Copic Markers range, it can be a great option.
You get a pretty great amount of ink in each marker, and the color payoff is brilliant. These dual-ended markers are built with triangular barrels that offer smooth and comfortable handling.
The unique shape provides a barrier against rolling from smooth surfaces. It comes with a minimal yet sturdy carrying case that looks attractive and protects the markers.
They also come with dual ended tips that are great for trying out multi-purpose functions. A 7mm brush tip is responsible for easy and quick strokes.
On the other hand, a 1mm fine bullet tip does a pretty good job at highlighting, shadowing, Copic sketch and bold writing. Moreover, they come with replaceable nibs that allow you easy access whenever necessary.
These markers are designed to blend appropriately without leaving any streaks behind. They also dry quickly and provide you with quick and effortless results.
So, if you’re looking for replacements for your previous expensive Copic marker sets, you can totally choose this one without any doubt.
11. Caliart 40 Colors Dual Tip Permanent Alcohol Based Markers
On the search for an affordable and good quality art marker set, you can settle for this one by Caliart. Caliart has been a renowned brand when it’s about art essentials, and this 40-color set is no exception.
This set is a combination of beautiful and pigmented color options. You can enjoy 40 brilliant color choices of different tones that you can mix and incorporate into your artistic designs.
The colors are suitable for shading, different illustrations, Copic sketch as well as designing. This kind of versatility is what makes these alcohol markers so fascinating.
There are waterproof and smudge-proof properties in these brush markers, so the quality is definitely on point. They work great on ceramics, glass, plastic, wood, paper, etc., and the finish is remarkable.
Overall, the color outcome and the final pigmentation on the art surfaces makes it a unique product.
There is a broad chisel and a fine point brush nib as well that ensures well-defined highlighting and amazing underlining. You can try writing in both thin and thick strokes according to your convenience and requirement.
The presence of a suitable carrying case adds to the advantages of owning this set. This carrying case is very much useful when it comes to organizing your alcohol markers and for carrying them during your travels.
These professional quality markers are excellent options for architectural design, landscape, comic design, and so on.
Overall, the quality and color aftermath of these markers is truly amazing.
12. Arteza Real Brush Paint Marker (Water-Based Alternative)
Now you may think that why this watercolor marker is in our list? It is not alcohol based nor it has a refillable option. But this real brush marker is able to give you the same color tone as COPICS at a cheap price.
Coming in a pack of 12 markers, it has the cost of one COPIC – so you can have an idea of how cheap it is.
Those who love brush markers yet want premium color tones as COPICS then this is the best option for them. Beginners can also try a set to check whether it meets up their need or not.
You will have so many opportunities to use them, from calligraphy to high-end drawings and sketching plus much more – you can get the most out of them without issue.
The ink is totally mess-free, so you can use them safely on delicate projects. You’ll have ideal precision as well with small tips, so you can draw fine lines like a professional at a fantastic cost.
But the tips are still brush-like, so if you need to make thick lines, these markers won’t let you down either. If you are expecting to get a result close to what real brushes offer, then this pack will come like a gem.
They are still entirely safe to use, with a simple odor, and durable design. You can use these markers for years without any setback.
How to Choose the Best Copic Alternatives
Apart from knowing their importance, you should also be familiar with the different parts to think about. Here we explain the various factors that differ a good set of markers from lousy one:
First thing first. Knowing your purpose is necessary because your purpose will lead you to the next step. Decide if you need a set for calligraphy or painting or coloring or writing. Depending on the different purposes you’ll select the tip size and shape.
Tip Shape and Size
Double tips are mostly appreciated for attending to multiple purposes. Having double or dual or twin tips means having two different kinds of tips in two sides of the same marker. Dual tips mostly include a fine and a chisel tip, sometimes brush tip available.
You’ll be knowing them in detail but first acknowledge that tip size and shape are the two factors you should check first while selecting.
Tip Shape
Bullet shaped tip is round which comes with brush and fine tip. On the other hand, chisel tip is slanted allowing you to create larger and broader lines.
1. Chisel tip: The wider and broader tip with which you can either write or keep on coloring, is called chisel tip. Generally, this is useful when you want clear strokes that are noticeable from a good distance.
However, if you’re up to coloring a bigger portion, this tip is the first thing you need to save your time and energy. They can be measured up to 6.5 mm or more.
2. Fine tip: What will you do with wider tip while drawing the sharp edges of your dog’s ear? For sensitive, accurate and precise artworks, you need a fine tip. They can be measured up to 1 mm which is why you’ll be able to get thinnest strokes with it.
3. Brush tip: This tip is quite adored by all kinds of artists. They have a touch of professionalism and perfection. You can make strokes of different width with this. Coloring becomes easier and the result seems flawless.
Ink Types
The ink is so crucial to judge before buying because it determines the final result of your work. So, what are the factors you should consider before judging the ink of a marker?
Ink Flow
A well-pigmented ink might look poor if the flow rate is not right. Remember, the ink must not flow so much that it bleeds and so less than the real color fades out. Of course, you should be careful about maintaining the marker right. Otherwise, the ink flow might lessen.
Color Variation
The color collection that comes with a set might fascinate you. So, yes! you should look at the color variations. Also, remember that, you can create new ones by blending or overlapping with a good quality marker.
Other Factors to Consider
Alcohol or Water-based?
Alcohol-based ink is widely appreciated for its permanency and safety. Whereas water-based colors might fade away easily, alcohol-based are proved to be long-lasting ones. So, you should think about it.
We recommend alcohol-based inks that are often safe to use and quick to dry. Apart from that, they offer an excellent vibrant tone. Dye-based paints are also useful but may need to be emptied fast if you want to prevent it from drying inside the marker.
How Fast Do They Dry?
Your long days’ work might be ruined if one color accidentally gets mixed with another. With ink that dries up within seconds, this situation might be avoided.
Will They Bleed or Not?
Inks that bleed can technically the worst in kind. If you want precise lines with no overlapping, check the description once again and know if the ink bleeds or not.
Are they Well-Pigmented?
If the cap indicates a darker shade and the ink appears to be quite lighter, the ink is not well-pigmented. To skip this harassment, check before buying.
Blending Ability
If the ink type is up to the mark and it flows in the right amount, the next thing you better look at is if the colors blend together or not. Let me tell you why it is important to have blending capacity?
There are times you’ll have to create colors to bring something different than usual. If your ink can blend smoothly with each other and dries immediately, perfection is possible. Creating darker or lighter colors than the originals becomes easier with blending.
Refilling Capacity
Something that takes markers to another level is when you can refill them. Real Copic markers offer this chance, which is highly convenient and saves you lots of money over time.
If you can get an even more affordable alternative to Copic that still provides the refilling function, then you’re set.
Price Range (Optional)
Let’s be honest, if you were not concerned about the price range, you would go for Copics so far. Since you are looking for alternatives, it is wise to get the most from your set with the least price.
Don’t rush towards cheap markers already. Compare the qualities and price.
Frequently Asked Some Questions (FAQs)
You are almost ready to start getting the ideal markers for your projects. But first, take a look at these questions so you can have some of your doubts answered:
Q: What are the best Copic marker alternatives?
As you’re searching for an alternative to copic, it is quite clear that your first choice was Copic but due to having some issues, you’re shifting to alternatives. To you, the best alternative would be the set that has most of the features of a Copic set.
Now, as you’ve read about the sets above, you already know that all of them are equally amazing and manufactured with the newest features. However, taking decision might be difficult for you if you’re in a rush.
To save time, you can quickly look at the comparative table and decide. If you fail to decide even with the help of that, Prismacolor Double-Ended Markers can be suggested for you as this is the best one till now.
Q: What is a cheaper alternative to Copic markers?
The Keebor Premium 81-color set is an ideal cheap alternative to Copic markers. Not only based on the affordability but also in terms of color payoff and brush features, this one is a good find.
It comes with a vibrant and wide range of color options that allow you to incorporate them into any artistic setting. Moreover, the colors are non-toxic and dry quick enough to provide the best results possible.
Q: Are these alternatives good for professional artists?
Certainly, they are great options for professional artists. It’s not Copics that should be the only choice for professionals. These alternative markers are blended with all the features needed for professional use.
Additionally, they’re saving you a great amount of money. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or already a professional, you can always choose to have the best quality alternative marker set. You’ll thank yourself later.
Q: Are all of these markers permanent?
Yes, most of these markers are specifically designed to be used in artsy projects that demand durability and excellent paint quality. So, they are permanent.
Q: Shuttle Art or Art-N-Fly marker? Which one is better?
When compared to dual-tip shuttle art, the Art-N-Fly Brush Markers are definitely better. Although both work quite effectively, the Art-N-Fly markers comprise of a brush tip on one end and a chisel tip on the opposite end but may also bear a bullet nib and a chisel tip.
The ink used in the markers is capable of blending well without any streaking, which is perfect for different art projects.
Final Thoughts!
Now that you’re acquainted with all the alternative copic marker options out there – it is time to pick the one you prefer.
This doesn’t have to be much work. Just make sure it comes at an affordable price and the right quality that meets your standards. If you do this, you’ll probably have the perfect product on your hands.