I'm wondering what would be my option for best quality paper that doesn't use animal ingredients for beginner, intermediate and advanced watercolor artists.

Would it be Fabriano Studio (cold press) for the beginners and Fabriano Umbria and Fabriano Uno (soft press?) for the intermediate and the advanced?

Are there other equally good or better options?

Whether you consider yourself an amateur or a professional you never want to compromise your craft or your work of art. For me I would always want the very best paper to do my artwork on. That said there are several choices in the market and you would be best advised to try a few to see which paper works best for your technique and style. Don't let anyone tell you this is the "best" sheet there is for wet media. The best sheet is what works best for you. Be wise and try some of these: Waterford watercolor - available in several weights & surfaces, Lanaquarelle watercolor - available in several weights & surfaces, Arches watercolor - available in several weights & surfaces, Fabriano Artistico - available in several weights & surfaces, Bockingford watercolor - Cold Press surface in several weights. Every grade I mentioned above is listed on my website in detail www.legionpaper.com. To me no one is a beginner - your first piece may be one of your best and worth framing, so you want to start by using the best available paper you can. Try several and see what feels and works best for you. Have fun painting!
Michael Ginsburg

Whether you consider yourself an amateur or a professional you never want to compromise your craft or your work of art. For me I would always want the very best paper to do my artwork on. That said there are several choices in the market and you would be best advised to try a few to see which paper works best for your technique and style. Don't let anyone tell you this is the "best" sheet there is for wet media. The best sheet is what works best for you. Be wise and try some of these: Waterford watercolor - available in several weights & surfaces, Lanaquarelle watercolor - available in several weights & surfaces, Arches watercolor - available in several weights & surfaces, Fabriano Artistico - available in several weights & surfaces, Bockingford watercolor - Cold Press surface in several weights. Every grade I mentioned above is listed on my website in detail www.legionpaper.com. To me no one is a beginner - your first piece may be one of your best and worth framing, so you want to start by using the best available paper you can. Try several and see what feels and works best for you. Have fun painting!
Michael Ginsburg

Kim,
I can't speak about all the papers Michael listed, but I know Arches uses animal products, specifically gelatin, in the sizing process. Fabriano does not. You'll have to check on the others.