Why Cheap Paint by Numbers Kits Are Booming in 2026
Paint by numbers has evolved from a nostalgic hobby into a mainstream wellness activity. With most kits priced between $20 and $45, it remains one of the most affordable creative outlets available — no art training required, no expensive supplies to buy separately. But with dozens of online shops competing for your attention, finding genuinely cheap paint by numbers kits without sacrificing quality takes some research.
This guide compares 17 popular online stores on price range, shipping costs, delivery times, and free shipping thresholds — so you can pick the right shop for your budget and patience level.
Price Comparison at a Glance
Store-by-Store Introduction
PaintByNumbersDIY positions itself as a no-fuss, budget-friendly option for beginners. The shop offers a clean selection of kits covering animals, landscapes, and abstract designs, with most items priced between $25 and $39. Every order includes free worldwide shipping, premium acrylic paints, and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Order processing takes 2 working days, canvas creation takes 5–7 working days, and shipping adds another 3–5 working days — roughly 8–14 business days in total. The store also offers custom paint by numbers from uploaded photos, making it a solid pick if you want a personalized gift without paying premium prices.
NicePBN carries a broad catalog spanning classic art reproductions, pet portraits, and seasonal themes. Prices typically sit in the $25–$45 range, with frequent seasonal discounts. The store offers **free shipping on orders over $59** (some pages list a $100 threshold for certain regions), and ships to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe via USPS, FedEx, UPS, and Royal Mail. Production takes 5–10 business days, with shipping adding 10–20 days for US orders and up to 25 working days for Europe and the rest of the world. Returns are accepted within 30 days for defective or damaged items, though change-of-mind returns are generally not supported.
PBNartist mirrors the same production and shipping framework as NicePBN — kits are made on demand in China and shipped worldwide. Prices fall in the $25–$45 range for standard kits. US orders ship within 10–20 days after a 5–10 business-day production window; UK orders take 7–14 days for shipping; and Europe/rest of world can take up to 25 working days. The catalog leans toward pop-culture designs, movie characters, and colorful illustrations, with a few Marvel and Disney-inspired options.
ColourSilo offers a similarly structured shopping experience with a focus on bold, colorful designs. Standard kit pricing sits around $25–$45. Shipping follows the same pattern: 5–10 business days production, 10–20 days shipping for the US, 7–14 days for the UK, and up to 25 working days for other international destinations. Kits include a numbered linen canvas, approximately 24 acrylic paint pots, three brushes, and a reference sheet. If you want a reliable mid-range option with consistent quality, ColourSilo is worth a look.
DIYPaintByNumber stands out for its aggressive discounting. Kits are priced between $21.96 and $54.85, often with up to 49% off listed retail prices. The store advertises free shipping worldwide and ships directly from its printing facilities. Processing takes 5–7 working days, with 3–5 working days for delivery — among the faster turnaround times in this list. The catalog includes licensed-looking designs (including a “Bougie Chanel” kit), abstract art, animals, and vehicles. With frames available as an add-on, it’s a good option for buyers who want a complete package at a low entry price.
GoPaintByNumber follows the same FAQ template as NicePBN, PBNartist, and ColourSilo, which suggests shared infrastructure or fulfillment. Pricing is in the $25–$45 range. Shipping times are identical: 5–10 business days production, 10–20 days for US delivery, 7–14 days for the UK, and up to 25 working days internationally. The store’s appeal is its simplicity — a straightforward catalog with no gimmicks, making it easy for first-time buyers to navigate.
NumeralArt prices kits between $23.85 and $46.99, with many designs marked down by 45–50%. The catalog covers vintage still-life scenes (books, candles, cocktails), animals, and abstract cityscapes. Each kit includes approximately 24 acrylic paints, a numbered linen canvas, three brushes, and reference materials. Shipping follows a standard 10–20 day timeline. NumeralArt is a good fit for buyers who prefer artistic, painterly designs over cartoon or pop-culture themes.
This shop keeps things simple with flat pricing around £19.95 for many kits, making it one of the cheapest options for UK buyers. Free worldwide shipping is included on all orders. Processing takes 5–7 working days, with 3–5 working days for shipping — a total of roughly 8–12 business days. The design selection is modest but well-curated, focusing on animals, landscapes, and floral themes. For UK customers especially, this is one of the most cost-effective options.
CanvasWithNumbers offers kits priced between $25.85 and $47.85, with regular discounts of 44–50%. The catalog includes vintage retro aesthetics, seasonal scenes, abstract color studies, and cozy still-life compositions. Kits ship with a numbered linen canvas, about 24 acrylic paints, three brushes, and a reference copy of the canvas. The store positions itself around mindfulness and stress relief, emphasizing the calming benefits of the hobby in its product descriptions.
PBN4 differentiates itself with faster production times — most orders are ready to ship within 2–6 business days, compared to the 5–10 days typical of most competitors. This makes it a strong choice if you’re buying a gift and need it sooner. Pricing sits in the $20–$40 range for standard kits. Shipping takes 7–14 days for the UK, up to 20 days for Canada and Australia, and up to 25 working days for Europe. Returns must be initiated within 14 days of receiving the order, which is stricter than the 30-day windows offered by some competitors.
PaintHeal takes a slightly different angle, positioning paint by numbers as a therapeutic, healing activity — the name says it all. Prices range from $27.85 to $122.85, with the higher end covering large-format and custom kits. Free shipping applies to all orders over $59.99. The kit contents are notably generous: a pre-printed 16×20 inch canvas, 12 acrylic paint bottles, three brushes, an instruction manual, a paint palette, and even a canvas stand for comfortable painting. For buyers who want a complete “experience” package rather than just the basics, PaintHeal delivers strong value.
PBNCanvas offers a standard catalog of kits priced in the $25–$45 range, with free shipping to the US and worldwide for qualifying orders. The store emphasizes high-quality materials and competitive pricing. Shipping timelines follow the typical 10–20 day pattern. One thing to note: customer reviews on Trustpilot mention that orders ship from China in plastic bags, which can occasionally arrive damaged if the kit includes a wooden frame. If you order a framed kit, consider that risk.
ModernPaintByNumber keeps its pricing tight: most kits are $28.85**, with some custom options at **$27.85–$37.85. The trade-off is that you won’t find steep discounts here. Shipping takes 7–14 working days for processing and delivery, with a rapid delivery option (3–10 working days) available by contacting support. All orders include free tracking and insurance. The catalog focuses on motivational quotes, modern illustrations, and minimalist designs — a good match if you prefer contemporary wall art over traditional landscapes.
NumPaints offers kits in the $25–$41 range. Shipping follows the familiar pattern: 5–10 business days production, 12–20 days for US shipping. However, customer reviews are mixed — Trustpilot ratings hover around 2.4–2.5 out of 5, with complaints about product quality not matching the price point and occasional incorrect shipments. Some buyers praise the paint quality and delivery speed, so experiences vary. If you’re budget-conscious but want reliability, you may want to compare NumPaints against the higher-rated alternatives above.
Gatyztory operates primarily through marketplace channels like AliExpress, where kits start as low as **$7.52** before shipping. This makes it the cheapest entry point on this list by a wide margin. Kits ship from China, and shipping costs vary — often adding $5–$15 depending on the destination. Delivery takes 15–30 days on average. The trade-off for the ultra-low price is longer wait times and less customer support infrastructure compared to dedicated PBN shops. If you’re willing to wait and want to test the hobby before committing more money, Gatyztory is worth exploring.
PaintByYou specializes in custom paint by numbers from your own photos. Pricing ranges from $27.85 to $122.85, with the higher end reflecting larger canvas sizes and more complex images. Free shipping applies to orders over $59, and standard delivery takes 10–21 days. Custom kits include premium numbered linen canvas (pre-stretched or rolled), numbered acrylic paints, three brushes, hanging hardware, and printed instructions. The store also offers a free digital preview of your custom template before printing, which is a thoughtful touch for gift-buyers who want to get it right.
ArtistByNumbers offers free shipping on all orders and a 30-day return policy, making it one of the most buyer-friendly shops in this comparison. Pricing sits in the $25–$50 range for standard kits. Delivery takes 7–14 working days — faster than many competitors. The catalog includes a mix of animals, landscapes, and artistic reproductions. If hassle-free shipping and returns matter more to you than rock-bottom prices, ArtistByNumbers is a strong candidate.
How to Choose the Right Cheap Paint by Numbers Shop
If speed matters most: PBN4 (2–6 day production) and DIYPaintByNumber (8–12 day total delivery) are your best bets. ModernPaintByNumber’s rapid delivery option is also worth inquiring about.
If you want free shipping with no minimum: PaintByNumbersDIY, DIYPaintByNumber, ThePaintByNumbers, and ArtistByNumbers all offer free worldwide shipping on every order — no cart-juggling required.
If you’re buying a custom photo kit: PaintByYou and PaintHeal both offer custom templates with free previews, though PaintByYou’s $59 free shipping threshold is lower than PaintHeal’s $59.99.
If you want the absolute lowest price: Gatyztory via marketplace channels is unbeatable on sticker price, but budget an extra $5–$15 for shipping and accept a 2–4 week wait.
If you want the safest bet on quality: Stick with stores that have higher Trustpilot ratings and transparent return policies — NicePBN, ColourSilo, and CanvasWithNumbers all offer 30-day windows for defective items.
Final Thoughts
Cheap paint by numbers kits don’t have to mean cheap quality. The key is knowing what you’re paying for: faster production, free shipping, or premium kit contents. For most buyers, DIYPaintByNumber offers the best balance of low price (from $21.96) and fast delivery, while **PaintByNumbersDIY** wins on simplicity with free worldwide shipping on everything. If you’re patient and want to spend as little as possible, **Gatyztory** through AliExpress remains the lowest-cost entry point. Whichever shop you choose, a kit under $30 with acrylic paints, brushes, and a numbered canvas included is excellent value for hours of screen-free relaxation.
