Best Round Art Paintbrushes of 2026

"Getting back into miniature painting, I tried several brushes before investing in Winsor & Newton. Switching to these was a game changer—the brushes hold their shape, carry plenty of paint, and let me work faster with better results. I realized I need fewer brushes overall, since a #2 or #3 handles almost everything, even the smallest details. The quality means they last much longer than synthetics, making them a smart investment."

"As a comic artist and inker, I've relied on Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes for my projects. They’re an industry staple for a reason: the fine point, smooth ink flow, and versatility make them my top choice for detailed inking. I mainly use them with sumi and carbon black inks, and they outperform every other brush I own. I plan to expand my collection with more sizes."

"After using these brushes for a couple of years, I can confidently say they’re the best I’ve ever owned. Even though they cost a bit more, they’re absolutely worth it for the performance and longevity. I use them with all types of paint, and they still work great, so I always keep spares on hand."

"As a watercolor beginner, I've tried several brands, but these brushes truly stand out. They hold much more water than others I've used, and maintain their shape beautifully. Although a bit pricey, the quality absolutely justifies the cost, and I'm eager to try more sizes and shapes from this line."

"I own Princeton Heritage, Neptune, and a variety of other brushes, but this one quickly became my favorite. I love the combination of flexibility, firmness, and softness, plus it's incredibly absorbent and retains its shape even after weeks of heavy use. Cleaning is easy, the brush is vegan, and it's an outstanding value for the quality."

"This brush is not just for washes—I've used it for landscapes and florals, and it really encourages me to loosen up my painting style. Right after receiving it, I created a quick floral sketch using only this brush. Its versatility and performance have made it an essential tool in my kit."

"I've been using Da Vinci brushes for a while and this one is no exception—it holds a ton of paint and forms a sharp point, making it perfect for both fine lines and broad glazing. The handle is comfortable and easy to control, which really stands out for me. It's not 'top shelf,' but for the price, the quality is hard to beat. Just remember, since it's natural hair, proper cleaning and reshaping is a must after each use."

"At first, I thought these brushes were a disaster—the prep before first use took me by surprise. But once I washed and trimmed the few loose hairs, the brushes became fantastic. They're stiff, hold plenty of paint, and perform beautifully after some initial care. New painters should be aware of the prep needed, but now that I know, I'll definitely be buying more."

"These Ussuri Sable brushes are an incredible value for the money. Even compared to some of the pricier Kolinsky Sable brushes, they stand out for their quality and control. While I noticed a few stray hairs, it didn’t affect the performance at all. The brush has a good point, solid snap, and feels better than other hobby brands I’ve tried."

"I was impressed by the quality and affordability of this brush. It's well made and does exactly what I need—definitely a five-star purchase in my book."

"The softness and water capacity of this brush are outstanding, but I did notice it sheds some hairs during use, which can be frustrating when they end up on my artwork."

"This brush is excellent for oil painting—it’s soft yet strong, perfect for a light touch or blending paint. Plus, it cleans easily and keeps its shape."

"After years of struggling with average brushes, I finally tried this one and it completely changed my watercolor experience. The bristles are incredibly soft and hold the perfect amount of water, allowing for smooth, controlled strokes. The tip stays razor-sharp, letting me work on the finest details without any unwanted paint blobs. I truly wish I'd discovered this brush sooner—it's a real game-changer for beginners and experienced artists alike."

"I bought this brush by mistake, but it turned out to be a fantastic surprise. The unique shape behaves like both a traditional and a dagger brush, making it extremely versatile. It holds its point beautifully, even when fully loaded with water, and the control is superb. I was amazed that a size 12 could handle such fine details as well as broad washes. I’m so impressed I plan to add more sizes to my collection."

"I’ve tried many brushes over the years, but none compare to this one. The water and pigment capacity is outstanding, and it always snaps right back to a fine point. Even as someone fairly new to watercolor, I notice how much easier and more enjoyable painting has become. The investment is absolutely worth it, and I’d recommend this brush to anyone serious about their art."

"I absolutely love this brush! It’s exactly what I was hoping for. The bristles are wonderfully soft and make blending on canvas super easy. Plus, it’s a great deal—you really can’t go wrong."

"This brush has become one of my favorites. It did shed a little bit the first time, but after that, it was totally fine. The softness and blending capabilities are fantastic."

"I only received 2 out of the 5 brushes I ordered, but the vendor was very responsive and refunded me immediately for the missing items. The two brushes I did get are very soft and blend amazingly well—I’ll definitely be ordering more supplies from this seller."

"After a year of hobby painting, I've tried many expensive professional brushes, yet these perform better than any high-end brands I've used. The price is very reasonable for the quality, and the brushes are extremely comfortable—even during long sessions. I haven’t encountered any quality issues, and I highly recommend them to others."

"This brush is perfect for creating foliage like trees and bushes. Because I work on smaller canvases, I prefer this size to the larger foliage brushes. The bristles stay in great shape if you care for them properly, and I use rubber bands to keep them neat when not in use. Any stray hairs are easy to remove, and the overall build quality is excellent."

"The brush delivers versatile effects for wet-on-wet oil painting, and I’m confident it goes beyond just that technique. It’s a solid, reliable tool for various painting styles."

"I've tried a lot of brushes, but I keep coming back to this one because it holds plenty of water, keeps its sharp tip, and is really comfortable to use. For the price, it’s hard to beat."

"As a watercolor teacher, I need brushes that are affordable, hold enough water, and maintain their springy, pointy tip. This brush checks every box for both my students and me, and it’s just as good as the old Loew Cornell brushes I used to buy."

"I love how this brush retains its point and delivers great value. I have a lot of brushes, but this one in size 10 is my go-to for watercolor work because it has just the right amount of stiffness and excellent performance."

"I've taught watercolor for decades and these brushes consistently carry enough water, keep a sharp tip, and are affordable. They remind me of my old favorites that are no longer available. I highly recommend them for students and professionals alike."

"After using a variety of brushes, this one stands out for me—it holds paint well, maintains a precise point, and is comfortable to use. Great value for the price!"

"I use these brushes for painting duck decoys and they deliver great control for fine lines and details. While they're not quite at the level of the top-tier sables, they're a solid substitute at a fraction of the cost."

"I started painting about a year ago and initially used cheap bulk brushes, but after switching to these Kolinsky Sable brushes, I noticed a huge improvement. They hold their shape well, maintain a sharp tip, and let me focus on painting my minis instead of fighting with the brush. For the price, especially compared to Army Painter synthetics, these are a fantastic upgrade. I would definitely buy again."

"I really like to use these brushes for detail work. The bristles haven't frayed, they're simple to clean, and the value is great for real sable hair. I'd recommend them to anyone new to painting models."

"These brushes are a noticeable step up from Warhammer and Army Painter options. The three sizes included are ideal for miniature painting, and I'd suggest giving them a try."