The 13 Best Artificial Christmas Trees, Editor Tested & Approved

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Members of the Bob Vila holiday team tested today’s most popular artificial trees and got insight into why HGTV star and design expert, Jasmine Roth, goes faux for the holidays.

With so many artificial Christmas trees on the market, choosing one can be an overwhelming task—so we decided to put them to the test. Our testing team tackled assembling and decorating today’s top artificial trees, noting how easy the trees were to set up and take down and analyzing each tree’s stability, degree of realism, attractiveness, and value versus cost.

We researched a total of 47 artificial trees and then tested our top 27 choices. Four of those trees did not meet our specifications, and another 10 were good but not great. This prelit tree from Balsam Hill and this full downswept tree from National Tree Company ranked as our team favorites, and both come in several sizes to suit any setting.

We also consulted Jasmine Roth, interior designer, host, and star of HGTV’s Hidden Potential and Help! I Wrecked My House. Roth said there are several advantages to choosing an artificial Christmas tree over a real tree, such as “less mess, no needles, no water, and no sap.” She also told us having a faux tree is a great eco-friendly option and a big time saver. As a bonus for those with allergies to real trees, artificial Christmas trees offer a healthy solution.

This guide breaks down what to look for when shopping for the best tree and details the pros and cons of every tree we tested. Don’t pick a living Christmas tree before finding out more about the artificial ones that earned a spot in our lineup—and see how the ones we tested look in real-home setups.

1. BEST OVERALL: Balsam Hill Prelit Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
2. RUNNER-UP: National Tree Company Full Downswept Christmas Tree
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Best Choice Products Spruce w/ Berries, Pine Cones
4. BEST UNLIT: National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Christmas Tree
5. BEST ASPEN FIR: Puleo International Prelit Aspen Fir Christmas Tree
6. BEST SLIM: Puleo International Prelit Slim Balsam Fir Tree
7. BEST PENCIL: Puleo International Prelit Flocked Pencil Pine Tree
8. BEST SMALL: National Tree Company Slim Hickory Christmas Tree
9. BEST WITH PINE CONES: Martha Stewart Pine Cone and Berry Prelit Tree
10. BEST FLOCKED: Best Choice Products Snow Flocked Christmas Tree
11. BEST WHITE TREE: National Tree Company Prelit White Christmas Tree
12. EASIEST TO ASSEMBLE: Balsam Hill Fraser Fir Flip Tree
13. BEST HALF TREE: The Holiday Aisle Chapel Pine Christmas Tree

How We Tested the Best Artificial Christmas Trees

In curating the list of trees to test, we considered brand to an extent—manufacturers such as National Tree Company, Puleo International, and Balsam Hill have earned reputations for producing a variety of high-quality trees. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate artificial trees from lesser-known or niche companies if they were made from quality materials and rated highly by consumers. We finally narrowed down our list of 40+ trees to the top performers in various categories to test in our own homes.

Our testing started with an inspection of the trees, noting whether they came with easy-to-understand assembly instructions, and then we set them up. As we went through the steps, we checked to see that the tree stand (if included) was made from substantial materials and whether it was a simple process to insert the bottom trunk of the tree and secure it. We set up each tree step by step, connected light strands if the tree came prelit, and then fluffed the branches and branch tips to give the tree a natural, filled-out look.

Aesthetics were also a top consideration in rating the trees—after all, buyers are looking for a beautiful tree in various styles and sizes that looks like a real tree.

Throughout the testing process, we used a rubric and awarded points based on how well we felt the tree came together, how well the branches supported the ornaments, and how the tree looked when it was fully assembled. The better a tree performed on a specific test or stood out for a certain feature, the higher the points it received. When testing was complete—and the trees were decorated—we totaled the points and used them to help determine the categories and awards for each tree. For more information on selecting the right artificial tree—and additional expert advice from Lewis Puleo—check out the “What to Consider When Choosing an Artificial Christmas Tree” section below our list of this year’s top picks.

Testing Stats

Products Tested: 27
Hours Spent Testing: 50.87
Tests Performed: 5
Individual Testers: 8

Our Top Picks

Now it’s time to start shopping. The following trees earned a spot in our lineup thanks to quality construction, realistic appearance, and good value. Each of these trees was tested and rated by a Bob Vila holiday team member. The following trees run the gamut in terms of size, style, and cost, and one is sure to be a standout in your home this holiday.

Best Overall

Balsam Hill Prelit Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree

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Our Ratings: Setup: 5/5, Realism: 4/5, Stability: 5/5, Lighting: 5/5, Disassembly and Storage: 5/5 

Product Specs

• Height: 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 9, 10, 12 or 15 feet
• Tree type: Blue spruce
• Lighting: Prelit

Pros

• Its stability when bumped makes it great for busy households
• Sturdy branches easily hold heavy ornaments without drooping
• Well-proportioned branches give the tree a more natural look
• Plenty of well-placed LED lights so there’s no need to add more

Cons

• Flat needles don’t have the lifelike look of molded needles

We tested the 7-foot version of this tree from Balsam Hill, which is expertly crafted to look like a blue spruce, featuring 2,366 branch tips for a full and abundant look. Its 850 warm-toned lights are controllable with a foot pedal, and the tree stand features scratchproof rubber feet to protect floors. It comes with a storage bag and fluffing gloves to keep hands scratch-free during setup and disassembly.

We were impressed by this tree from start to finish. Even with the lights, setup was straightforward and took about 1¾ hours. The tree was also plumb right away—no adjustments required. Its branches were sturdy yet flexible and full, and their proportions mimicked a natural tree, with just enough wispy, longer branch tips for a more organic look. While the flat needles lacked realism, the rest of the aesthetics more than made up for it. The included LEDs added to the beauty of this tree, evenly and abundantly illuminating it.

In our testing, this tree was quite sturdy. We bumped into it more than a dozen times, pretended to grab gifts from underneath like excited children, and pushed on the trunk. The ornaments jingled and the top wobbled, but the base held firm every time. The sturdy branches easily supported both heavy ornaments and the tree topper.

The foot pedal for the lights and the storage bag were nice add-ons. We liked not having to bend over to unplug the lights or turn off a floor switch. And the included storage bag was certainly better than a cardboard box and was sizable enough to easily fit the tree and other included items.

Get the Balsam Hill blue spruce tree (various sizes) starting at $199 at Amazon or Balsam Hill.

Runner-Up

National Tree Company Full Downswept Christmas Tree

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Our Ratings: Setup: 4/5, Realism: 4/5, Stability: 5/5, Lighting: n/a, Disassembly and Storage: 4/5

Product Specs

• Height: 4, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 9, 10, or 12 feet
• Tree type: Downswept Douglas fir
• Lighting: Prelit

Pros

• The 7.5-foot size has 750 independently operating lights, which means the entire string is not affected if one or more bulbs go out
• One of the most realistic-looking trees available; branches and overall shape are quite lifelike
• Light color easily switches from white to multicolor and changes via a foot switch

Cons

• Basic assembly is quick and easy, but plan to spend extra time fluffing the branches to create the tree’s full look
• Heavy at nearly 50 pounds; may require more than one person to get the tree in and out of storage

The National Tree Company makes some of the most realistic-looking artificial trees on the market, and this Douglas fir model is no exception. It comes in a variety of sizes, and the 7.5-foot version we tested has a 59-inch-base diameter and 1,183 branch tips for a full, lush look. That same size includes 750 lights that can switch from white to multicolor using a foot switch, which also offers several options for lighting actions.

This tree comes in three separate pieces, plus the base. It features hinged branches, which makes setup a breeze. The most time-consuming part of setting up the tree was fluffing each branch. The branches feature crush-resistant tips that are strong and sturdy, and we were able to hang our heaviest ornaments with no issue and no worry of sagging. Once fluffed, this tree has a beautiful shape and looks real.

Get the National Tree Company downswept tree (various sizes) starting at $149 at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or National Tree Company.

Best Bang for your Buck

Best Choice Products Spruce w/ Berries, Pine Cones

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Our Ratings: Setup: 2.5/5, Realism: 4/5, Stability: 4/5, Lighting: 5/5, Disassembly and Storage: 2.5/5 

Product Specs 

• Height: 6, 7.5, 9, or 12 feet
• Tree type: Spruce
• Lighting: Prelit

Pros

• Stands very straight and stable
• Lights are evenly dispersed
• Berries and pine cones add a nice touch

Cons

• A sturdy ladder is needed to assemble and decorate the 12-foot version, which slows down assembly
• Red berries and pine cones are pretty, but they might limit decorating styles

All trees, especially if they’re slender, come with some added challenges because even a slight tilt to one side can make the tree look as though it’s about to topple. We were pleasantly surprised by this tree from Best Choice Products, which features a well-made four-point stand extending to the top section’s uppermost branch that keeps the tree pencil-straight and sturdy.

Assembly of the 12-foot version of this tree took about 45 minutes, with most of that time spent fluffing the individual branches to give the tree a realistic look. The tall tree comes in five sections, and we needed a ladder for assembly, fluffing, and decorating the tree’s upper portion.

This spruce tree is partially flocked, with the outer tips of the branches coated with white flocking to impart a delicate, snowy look without being overwhelming. It has 700 uniformly distributed warm white lights, which is more than enough to illuminate the tree. It also comes with clusters of red berries and pine cones, and we chose a red-and-white theme to expand on the natural colors of the tree.

Overall, this is a lovely tree, and its slender proportions allow it to be displayed in small nooks with high ceilings.

Get the Best Choice Products spruce tree (various sizes) starting at $99.99 at Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Choice Products, or Walmart.

Best Unlit

National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Christmas Tree

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Our Ratings: Setup: 4/5, Realism: 4/5, Stability: 3.5/5, Lighting: n/a, Disassembly and Storage: 5/5

Product Specs 

• Height: 4, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 9, 10, 12, or 14 feet
• Tree type: Dunhill fir
• Lighting: Unlit

Pros

• Unlit tree allows the freedom to change lighting style from year to year
• Hinged branches automatically fold out into the proper position
• 7.5-foot version has 2,514 crush-resistant branch tips, which provide ample space for lights and ornaments
• Sturdy fold-flat base; sets up in seconds

Cons

• Assembly was time-consuming at 2.25 hours, most of which was spent positioning each branch tip
• PVC needles appear less realistic than PE needles

The National Tree Company unlit Dunhill fir makes an ideal palette for displaying your personal holiday style. The 7.5-foot version we tested offers 2,514 durable PVC branch tips to showcase your lights and ornaments year after year.

When this tree arrived for testing, it was packed in three sections along with its folding steel base. The hinged branches fell perfectly into place from their anchor point on the trunk, and we separated each branch and positioned all the tips. Assembly was easy but time-consuming, taking a little more than 2 hours at a rate of about 20 branch tips per minute. We really liked the full silhouette and the not-perfectly-manicured branch tip lengths.

The base on the 7.5-foot Dunhill fir measures 59 inches in diameter, and its outline from base to tip creates a natural appearance with a blend of longer and shorter branches to accommodate lights and ornaments of different sizes. The branch tips have a flat profile that very much resembles balsam or fir tips, although not as perfectly as polyethylene (PE) artificial tree foliage. The unlit Dunhill fir is sturdy, looks good, and has plenty of branch tips to decorate. We couldn’t ask for more.

Get the National Tree Company Dunhill fir tree (various sizes) starting at $56.56 at Amazon,