Jan 2015
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Jun 2020
Jan 2021
ColorGaia
Apr '17

As many have mentioned, there are a lot of cheaper alternatives. However, Copics do a lot of things very well, whereas most of the cheaper options do one or two things well but fall behind in other areas.

Like most people have said, the Prismacolor markers are a pretty solid choice if you want Copics but don't have the budget. I think the biggest shortfall for them are the nibs; they just don't have the same feel and nowhere near the same variety. The one thing the Copic Classics have going for them is the sheer amount of different nibs you can plug into those things.

If you're looking to use these markers for blending, another option are the Chameleon ColorTone pens. They are cheaper than Copics and specifically designed for blending.

We recently put together a huge interactive comparison guide on all the different types of Copics on our website. Down at the bottom you will find a section devoted to Copic alternatives:

http://colorgaia.com/copic-markers-depth-review-comparison/169

4 months later
Silerna
Sep '17

Depends on the store. I bought the packs with 24 markers for €22, packs with 6 markers for €7 and single ones for €1. Single copics are €4-5 per marker.

2 years later
TheLastMan
Jun '20

I would say to go with Ohuhu Markers. I have some and they work like a charm - almost as good as Copic, in my opinion. They range from pretty cheap, like $35 - $65. It all kind of depends on if you want a brush on your pen or a chisel nib. Oops - sorry, I just realized that a ton of people have said Ohuhu.

loardeva
Jun '20

To find an alternative of Copic you need to make sure that, what's makes 'Copic' so amazing?
Copic is alcohol-based we know, but its ink is refillable and nib also replaceable. At the same time, it provides a great blending option. Now you need to find which one is providing the same quality.
A few sets in the market like OhuOhu/Touch Twin provides the same quality as Copic. Also if you can use Prismacolor makers they provide the same color tone and great ink flow as I'm using it. Or you need to research further.

NickRowler
Jun '20

Not a direct alternative but the cheapest option is buying a clear/colorless alcohol-based maker and using it to blend watercolor pencils.

I always thought the whole point of Copic-like makers was to do watercolor like drawings while not having to deal with the set backs of watercolors, like warped paper. You could also just try your hand at doing straight up watercolors. I think the thing you have to look out for is making sure your paints are good quality.

nostalgicroxas
Jun '20

honestly in the US, I just buy my markers from a shop in california that does reasonable pricing per marker and shipping to me. And in terms of price, they're less expensive than my art store sells them for.

surenlicious
Jun '20

Yeet yourself over to some nice Ohuhu markers, they're super cheap and they blend beautifully. I think these are the best alternative, and I used quite a few alchohol markers myself.

1 month later
4 months later
noahenholm
Dec '20

I bought Shuttle Art to see if they could be an inexpensive alternative to my Copic markers. So far, I am really pleased with them. All markers arrived in good shape in a nice case. None of the markers were dried out or messed up in anyway. Very satisfied with this set, you can consider it.

1 month later
maria_tanish
Jan '21

Everybody knows that how expensive a Copic Marker is. That’s why alternative can be a great idea. 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. So, you get COPIC markers alternative that won’t cost that much and still offer a more-than-decent result. Most of the COPIC markers are alcohol based and the best lucrative advantage you’ll get is the refillable option. And of course, COPICS provide the best color tone and quality.

What's so good about-5.png1024x576 751 KB

Now that you’ve decided to get a more accessible option than COPIC, then you’ll want to know what I’m talking about. By keeping these things in mind, I’m giving you some recommendations that I’ve used personally and I really liked all of them as an alternative to Copic.

1. Prismacolor Markers

2. Ohuhu Dual Tips Art Marker

3. Kuretake ZIG KC-3000N/12B1 Kurecolor Twin WS

I’ve personally used these markers and have got the feeling that they can be an alternative to Copic Markers. The reason is, they provide super quality color tone, smooth blending option, spare tips and refillable ink option. So, you can also try as they are pretty budget friendly.

Lady_T_Musings
Jan '21
1

This is pretty legit, I've used them all save for the Ohuhu ones, but have heard pretty great things about them. I use Prisma alongside Copic as the Prismas have some great saturation and do darker tones well while Copics are great for delicate coloring. I like Kuretakes in general too. I have tried the Spectrum Noir Illustrator alcohol markers and they aren't horribly bad, I use them for practice and sketching though they aren't the best at blending, it can be done.

Stay away from Art n Fly if you see them, they are hot garbage.

Black_Conscious
Jan '21

hmmm
I could only think of the markers on Amazon
I just randomly picked this on on my List, so I am not sure of this one :sweat_02:

The Ohuhu Markers are pretty cheap

CosmicLeon
Jan '21

Ohua markers I hear are good, though I have not had a chance to use them. There are also touch markers, though in my experience they don't glide across the paper as easily as copics. Spectrum Noir markers are good as well. There is also a set of markers from La Plum that look great, but they are a cheap marker and i found that the nibs were fraying on me after a bit (but these were the closest to the same drawing feel as copics). I also know some people use prisma color markers as well, but I'm not a big fan of them as i find the nibs are too hard.

Llyrel
Jan '21

Definitely agree that Ohuhu markers are pretty amazing! :smiley: I used them for the first few pages of my comic and I still use them for random illustrations from time to time.

Another VERY cheap alternative that is surprisingly good would be Flying Tiger's twin-tuscher markers. One package costs 3€ and includes three markers, which makes them only 1€ each! Unfortunately, though, they come in only a very limited amount of colors, and like... only three of them work for realistic skintones XD also, the colors on the caps look nothing like what you see on paper, so testing them before coloring is pretty much mandatory. That said, though, they're very nice to use and definitely one of the cheapest alternatives around :smiley: you can see them in action here (not my video).