Finding the best oil paint sets under $50 feels like hunting for treasure. Walk into any art store and the good stuff costs $80, $100, sometimes $200 for a full set. I have spent the last three months testing budget oil paint sets with my niece (a true beginner) and a friend who paints every weekend. We pushed tubes around on canvas, mixed muddy colors, layered thick impasto, and judged each set like it owed us money.
Here is the honest truth: you no longer have to spend a fortune to get good oil paint. The five sets below all sit comfortably under $50, and several rival professional brands for color vibrancy and blendability. I ranked them by pigment quality, color variety, tube size, and how forgiving each formula feels for someone still learning the difference between burnt umber and raw sienna.
This guide covers sets ranging from a 36-color budget champion to a 50ml-tube professional option. I will walk you through what each set does well, where it falls short, and who it suits best. By the end, you will know exactly which oil paint set belongs in your studio, classroom, or gift box.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Oil Paint Sets Under $50 for October 2026
- Best Oil Paint Sets Under $50 in October 2026
- 1. Ohuhu 36 Oil Color Set – Best Budget Variety for Beginners
- 2. ARTEZA 24 Color Oil Paint Set – Best Vibrant Coverage
- 3. Winsor & Newton Winton 20 Color Set – Best Professional Quality Under $50
- 4. Magicfly 40 Color Oil Paint Set – Best Maximum Color Variety
- 5. Paul Rubens 20 Color 50ml Tubes – Best Tube Size for Serious Painters
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Oil Paint Set Under $50?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Paint Sets Under $50
- Final Thoughts on the Best Oil Paint Sets Under $50
Top 3 Picks for Best Oil Paint Sets Under $50 for October 2026
Winsor & Newton Winton…
- Professional grade pigments
- Lightfast and permanent
- Uniform consistency
Best Oil Paint Sets Under $50 in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ohuhu 36 Oil Color Set |
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 ARTEZA 24 Color Set |
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| Winsor & Newton Winton 20 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Magicfly 40 Color Set |
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 Paul Rubens 20 Color 50ml |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Ohuhu 36 Oil Color Set – Best Budget Variety for Beginners
Ohuhu 36 Oil-Based Colors Oil Paint Set, 12ml/0.42oz x 36 Tubes Non-Toxic
36 colors included
12ml tubes each
Non-toxic formula
Pros
- Maximum color variety at a low price
- Smooth blendability
- Certified non-toxic and safe
- Excellent for beginners and kids
Cons
- Small 12ml tubes
- Some caps may arrive cracked
The Ohuhu 36-Color Oil Paint Set was the first set I cracked open during testing, and it immediately won me over with sheer value. For the price of a single tube of professional oil paint, you get 36 vibrant colors stacked in a portable carrying case. I started a simple landscape painting and never once had to stop and mix a gray or a deep green from primaries because every color I needed was already in the tray.
The non-toxic formula carries ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 certifications, which gave my sister peace of mind when her two kids wanted to paint alongside me. The paint consistency is smooth and buttery right out of the tube. It blends easily on canvas and holds brush strokes without turning chalky. Drying time clocks in around 24 hours for thin layers, which is forgiving for beginners who need time to rework.
Where the Ohuhu set stumbles is tube size. At 12ml per tube, serious painters will burn through favorite colors fast. I emptied half my Titanium White within three mid-sized paintings. A few user reviews also mention cracked caps on arrival, though my set shipped in perfect condition. If you paint daily or execute large canvases, plan to repurchase the white and black tubes separately.
The color selection leans heavily toward bright, candy-like hues, which is fantastic for craft projects and student work but slightly limiting for traditional landscape or portrait painters. Skin tones and earth tones are present but not as refined as what you get from a premium brand.
Who should buy this set
Beginners who want maximum color variety without commitment, parents buying a first set for kids, art teachers stocking classrooms, and hobby painters who want a vibrant palette for less than $20. If you are unsure whether oil painting is your hobby, this is the safest entry point on the market.
Who should skip this set
Intermediate and advanced artists who need studio-grade pigments and larger tube sizes. If you paint large canvases daily or seek traditional earth-tone palettes for portrait work, step up to the Winsor & Newton or Paul Rubens sets below.
2. ARTEZA 24 Color Oil Paint Set – Best Vibrant Coverage
ARTEZA Oil Paint Set, 24 Colors, 0.4 fl oz Tubes for Canvas Painting
24 vibrant colors
12ml tubes
Fast-drying formula
Pros
- Highly pigmented colors
- Excellent canvas coverage
- Fast-drying formula
- Includes storage box
Cons
- Faster drying may limit blending time
ARTEZA has built a reputation for delivering artist-grade quality at prices that do not scare beginners, and the 24-color oil paint set proves the hype is deserved. The pigments here are noticeably richer than the Ohuhu set. When I squeezed out a coin-sized dollop of Cadmium Red and brushed it on canvas, the color stayed bold and opaque without needing three coats. Coverage is the standout feature.
The fast-drying formula is a real benefit for impatient painters like me. Thin layers dry in about 12 hours, so I could complete a small still-life in one weekend without waiting a full day between sessions. The storage box is also a nice touch. ARTEZA ships each set in a sturdy cardboard case with labeled slots, which keeps your tubes organized and prevents the dreaded “mystery cap” problem.
The tradeoff is blending time. Oil painters traditionally love slow-drying oils because they allow hours of soft blending for skies, skin tones, and atmospheric effects. ARTEZA’s 12-hour dry time is fast for oil paint. If you paint alla prima (wet-on-wet), you will need to work in smaller sections or use a slow-drying medium to extend working time.
I also noticed the tube size is identical to the Ohuhu set at 12ml, so heavy users will run out of white and earth tones quickly. The finish is gloss, which looks beautiful on canvas but can feel slightly plastic under certain lighting.
Who should buy this set
Artists who want punchy, saturated colors and faster project completion. Plein air painters who need layers to set before packing up will appreciate the dry time. Beginners who want a more organized, professional-feeling introduction to oils will love the included storage case.
Who should skip this set
Traditional portrait and landscape painters who prefer long blending sessions. If you spent years watching Bob Ross videos and want that same slow, forgiving wet-on-wet experience, look at the Winsor & Newton Winton set instead.
3. Winsor & Newton Winton 20 Color Set – Best Professional Quality Under $50
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Set, 20 x 12ml (0.4-oz) Tubes
20 starter colors
12ml tubes
Lightfast pigments
Pros
- Professional grade pigment load
- Lightfast and permanent colors
- Uniform consistency
- Retains brush and knife strokes
Cons
- Smaller tubes for the price
- Longer drying time up to 7 days
Winsor & Newton is the brand name most serious artists trust, and the Winton line is their student-grade option that still punches well above its weight. This 20-color set costs more than the budget options, but every squeeze of the tube delivers pigment richness that genuinely competes with professional $15-per-tube paints. My friend who has been painting for 15 years admitted she could not tell the difference between Winton and her usual artist-grade oils in a blind test.
The pigment load is exceptional. Colors stay vibrant on canvas and do not shift chalky when dry. The Winton line is also lightfast and permanent, meaning your finished paintings will not fade in sunlight or shift colors over decades. For serious beginners and intermediate artists, this matters more than tube size. You are investing in a set that protects your artwork.
The stiff consistency is ideal for impasto techniques. If you like thick, textured brush strokes that hold their shape, the Winton paint behaves like butter and stays put. The matte finish also layers beautifully for traditional oil painting styles.
The compromise is drying time. Full cure can take up to 7 days, which is normal for traditional oils but jarring if you are used to acrylics. Beginners often get frustrated waiting for layers to dry. Plan your projects with patience, or use a drying medium to speed things up.
Who should buy this set
Serious beginners ready to invest in paints that will last through their learning journey, intermediate artists who want professional results without professional prices, and anyone who plans to paint portraits, landscapes, or fine art that needs to last. The 20-color selection is curated for traditional painting, with a balanced range of earth tones, primaries, and secondary colors.
Who should skip this set
Casual hobbyists who just want to dabble. If you are not sure oil painting is your medium, the Ohuhu or Magicfly sets offer better value for less commitment. The Winton set rewards painters who will use it regularly.
4. Magicfly 40 Color Oil Paint Set – Best Maximum Color Variety
Magicfly Oil Paint, 40pcs (18ml/0.6oz) Oil Paint Set, Oil Paints on Canvas
40 colors including metallics
18ml tubes
Non-toxic
Pros
- 40 unique colors including metallic gold and silver
- Larger 18ml tubes than typical sets
- Rich vibrant pigments
- Non-toxic ASTM D-4236 certified
Cons
- Metallic finishes may not suit all projects
- Not water resistant
Magicfly delivers something most budget sets cannot: 40 unique colors in tubes larger than the typical 12ml. The 18ml size gives you roughly 50% more paint per tube, which means your favorite colors last longer and you spend less time rationing white. The color range is genuinely impressive, including metallic gold and silver that add a luxurious touch to mixed media projects.
The pigments are rich and vibrant. I tested the metallic silver on a dark canvas and it popped like a real metal leaf without the hassle of gilding. The thick, creamy consistency spreads smoothly and holds brush strokes well. The gift packaging is also a major plus. The box arrives presentation-ready, which makes this set a popular gift choice for artists and crafters.
The metallic finish is not for everyone. If your painting style leans traditional or impressionistic, the metallic colors will feel out of place. Some users also report minor texture inconsistencies between tubes, though I did not experience this in my test set. The formula is not water resistant, so finished paintings need to be sealed with varnish if displayed in humid environments.
At 40 colors, the set is a treasure trove for crafters, mixed media artists, and beginner painters who want every option at their fingertips. The trade-off is that several colors are duplicates with subtle variations, so you may not use every tube.
Who should buy this set
Crafters and mixed media artists who want a wide color palette with metallic options, gift buyers looking for a presentation-ready set, and beginners who love having every color option available without buying separate tubes. The larger 18ml tube size also makes this a smart pick for painters who want better value per ounce.
Who should skip this set
Traditional oil painters focused on portraits, landscapes, or fine art. The metallic colors and broader craft-focused palette will not suit classical painting styles. If you want a curated set of traditional colors, the Winsor & Newton or Paul Rubens sets are better options.
5. Paul Rubens 20 Color 50ml Tubes – Best Tube Size for Serious Painters
Paul Rubens Oil Paint, 20 Colors x 50ml Large Professional Tubes
20 colors
50ml large tubes
High saturation
Pros
- Large 50ml tubes for extended use
- High saturation and vivid colors
- Creamy buttery texture
- Excellent lightfastness
Cons
- Higher price point
- Longer drying time 7-14 days
- Smaller color selection
Paul Rubens is a brand serious artists whispered about for years, and their 20-color 50ml set finally brings pro-level tube sizes to the under-$50 category. At 50ml per tube, you get roughly four times the paint of the typical 12ml tube. If you paint large canvases or work in a studio every day, this matters more than color count. You will not run out of Titanium White mid-painting.
The high saturation and creamy texture are the immediate standouts. The paint glides on canvas and blends like soft butter. The refined linseed oil base gives the paint a traditional feel that professional artists recognize immediately. Pigments are vivid and opaque, with excellent covering power even on dark surfaces.
Lightfastness is excellent, meaning your finished paintings will hold their color for years. The non-toxic formula is also a bonus for shared studio spaces. I painted a 16×20 inch portrait with this set and used only a fraction of each tube, which tells me this set will last a working artist months.
The price sits right at the top of the budget range, and the 20-color selection is smaller than the Ohuhu or Magicfly sets. If you need specialty colors like fluorescent hues or metallics, you will need to buy additional tubes. Drying time is also longer at 7-14 days for full cure, which is normal for traditional oils but requires planning.
Who should buy this set
Intermediate artists, students, and serious hobbyists who paint frequently and need larger tube sizes. If you want professional creaminess and do not need 40 colors, the Paul Rubens set is the smartest long-term investment under $50. It is also a great step-up set for artists who started with budget options and want to upgrade.
Who should skip this set
Absolute beginners who are unsure if oil painting is their thing. Start with the Ohuhu set to explore the medium affordably. Color variety seekers will also want to look at the Magicfly or Ohuhu sets for more options at a lower price.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Oil Paint Set Under $50?
Choosing the right oil paint set feels overwhelming because every manufacturer claims professional quality. I have painted with all five sets above and talked with artists who use them daily. Here are the factors that actually matter when shopping for the best oil paint sets under $50.
Pigment Quality and Lightfastness
Pigment quality determines whether your colors stay vibrant or fade into mud. Look for sets that advertise lightfast and permanent pigments. Winsor & Newton and Paul Rubens both score high here. Budget sets like Ohuhu and Magicfly use decent pigments but may not be archival quality. If you plan to sell your paintings or want them to last decades, prioritize lightfastness over color count.
Color Count and Variety
More colors do not always mean better painting. Beginners benefit from 20-30 essential colors that teach color mixing. Too many colors can actually slow your learning because you stop mixing and start relying on pre-made shades. Stick to 20-24 colors for foundational learning, and add specialty colors as you grow.
Tube Size and Value Per Ounce
Tube size matters more than most buyers realize. A 12ml tube might seem like a deal, but if you paint large canvases, you will empty it in two sessions. The Paul Rubens 50ml tubes offer the best value per ounce in this price range. The Magicfly 18ml tubes are a solid middle ground.
Drying Time and Working Time
Oil paints dry slowly, but some formulas dry faster than others. ARTEZA’s fast-drying formula is great for impatient painters but limits blending. Traditional oils from Winsor & Newton and Paul Rubens give you more working time for soft blending. Choose based on your painting style.
Certifications and Safety
If kids or pets are nearby, look for ASTM D-4236 certified non-toxic sets. The Ohuhu and Magicfly sets both carry this certification. Winsor & Newton and Paul Rubens are also non-toxic, though they do not always advertise certification on the packaging.
Included Accessories
Some sets include brushes, palettes, or storage boxes. The ARTEZA set includes a sturdy storage box. The Magicfly set has presentation-ready packaging. Most budget sets do not include brushes, so plan to buy those separately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Paint Sets Under $50
Are cheap oil paint sets good for beginners?
Yes, cheap oil paint sets are excellent for beginners. Sets like the Ohuhu 36-color kit offer enough color variety to learn color mixing without a major investment. You can upgrade to professional sets after you decide oil painting is your hobby.
How many colors do I need in an oil paint set?
For beginners, 20 to 24 colors is the sweet spot. This range covers all the essential primaries, secondaries, and earth tones you need to learn color theory. Sets with 36 or 40 colors add variety but can slow learning because you stop mixing colors yourself.
What is the difference between student and artist grade oil paints?
Student grade oil paints use less expensive pigments and more fillers, which lowers the price but reduces color intensity. Artist grade paints use higher pigment concentrations and purer pigments. Winton by Winsor u0026amp; Newton is a student grade that rivals many artist grade brands.
Do I need to buy brushes separately from an oil paint set?
Most oil paint sets do not include brushes. You will need to purchase hog bristle or synthetic brushes separately. Budget around $15 to $30 for a starter set of 5 to 7 brushes in various sizes.
How long do oil paintings take to dry?
Oil paintings dry slowly compared to acrylics. Thin layers dry in 12 to 24 hours, while thick layers can take 7 to 14 days to fully cure. Fast-drying formulas like ARTEZA can speed this up, but traditional oils reward patience with longer blending time.
Final Thoughts on the Best Oil Paint Sets Under $50
You can absolutely find quality oil paint sets under $50 in 2026. The five sets I tested all deliver real value, and the best choice depends on your skill level and goals. Beginners should start with the Ohuhu 36-color set for maximum color variety at the lowest price. Intermediate artists who want professional pigment quality will love the Winsor & Newton Winton set. Frequent painters who need larger tubes should invest in the Paul Rubens 50ml set.
Oil painting is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can pick up, and the entry costs have never been lower. Pick the set that matches your style, grab a few brushes, and start painting. Your first canvas will not be perfect, but it will be yours.