We tested palettes the way acrylic painters actually use them: mixing aggressively, leaving paint out too long, cleaning in a hurry, and judging how much frustration they caused. Our picks balance usability, durability, cleanup, price, and how well each palette works with acrylics instead of against them. If a palette made us mutter under our breath, it didn’t make the list.

Need? No. Benefit enormously from? Yes. Acrylics dry fast, and the wrong palette can turn your paint into sad little plastic islands before you’re done mixing. A good palette either extends working time, mixes smoothly, or makes cleanup painless—sometimes all three.

If you mix custom colors or paint in longer sessions, absolutely. A wet palette keeps acrylic paint workable far longer than a standard surface, which means less wasted paint and fewer “why doesn’t this color match anymore” moments. It’s not mandatory, but once you use one, it’s hard to go back.

It depends on your habits.

• Glass is best for color accuracy and effortless cleanup.

• Plastic is lightweight, affordable, and beginner-friendly.

• Disposable paper is perfect for travel, studies, or anyone who hates cleanup with a passion.

There’s no moral high ground here—just pick the one that matches how you actually paint.