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A good artificial Christmas tree sets the stage for holidays and celebrations, and choosing the right one will bring a cheerful, festive vibe to your home. Our team tested 32 artificial trees and then narrowed the field to our top eight picks. Plus, we found a clear favorite: Balsam Hill’s Classic Blue Spruce, which took this year’s top honors for its realistic look, easy setup, and included storage bag.
If you’ve ever unboxed and assembled a holiday tree only to find it didn’t look anything like the advertised photos, this guide is for you. You’ll discover how each tested tree in our lineup earned its spot, and you’ll get tips from Jasmine Roth, host and star of HGTV’s Hidden Potential and Help! My House is Wrecked for choosing the best artificial Christmas trees for your style and budget.
- BEST OVERALL: Balsam Hill Prelit Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Puleo International Prelit Aspen Fir Christmas Tree
↓ Jump to Review - MOST REALISTIC: National Tree Company Full Downswept Christmas Tree
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PRELIT: King of Christmas King Fraser Fir Tree
↓ Jump to Review - BEST UNLIT: National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Christmas Tree
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FLOCKED: Best Choice Products Snow Flocked Christmas Tree
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SLIM: Puleo International Prelit Slim Balsam Fir Tree
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SMALL: National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Tree
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
The following trees earned a spot in our lineup thanks to quality construction, realistic Christmas tree appearance, and good value. Each tree 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
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
- Light color(s): Prelit: clear, twinkly, or unlit
- Number of branch tips: 2,366 for 7-foot tree
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
What We Like
- Stable, even when bumped
- Sturdy branches easily hold heavy ornaments
- Well-proportioned branches for a natural look
- Plenty of well-placed LED lights
What We Don’t Like
- Flat needles don’t have a lifelike look
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 look. Its 850 warm-toned lights are controllable with a foot pedal, and the tree stand features scratchproof rubber feet to protect floors. It has 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 easy and straightforward. 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. The included storage bag was certainly better than a cardboard box and was sizable enough to easily fit the tree and other included items.
What our tester says: “I love everything about this tree: its sturdiness, its organic silhouette, but most of all, I love the lights. They are so well placed that the tree just glows. If you want to step up from an average Christmas tree without breaking the bank, this is it.” —Beth Cranston, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Balsam Hill blue spruce tree (various sizes) at Amazon or Balsam Hill.
Best Bang for the Buck
Puleo International Prelit Aspen Fir Christmas Tree
Our Ratings: Setup 3/5; Realism 4/5; Stability 5/5; Lighting 5/5; Disassembly and Storage 5/5
Product Specs
- Height: 4.5, 6.5, or 7.5 feet
- Tree type: Aspen fir
- Light color(s): Prelit: clear
- Number of branch tips: 1,319 for 7.5-foot tree
- Warranty: Not listed
What We Like
- Tree is conveniently prelit
- Easy to assemble
- Hinged design for easy storage
What We Don’t Like
- No dedicated top branch for a topper
Those who prefer a realistic-looking tree will appreciate the Puleo International aspen fir’s natural appearance; the 7.5-foot tree we tested has sparse branches to give the tree an attractive, slightly imperfect look. Hinged branches make it very easy to put together, and once the tree’s three sections are assembled, it requires only a little fluffing and bending to enhance its appearance. The trunk is somewhat visible through the branches and looks like real wood, adding to the tree’s charm.
However, we found the trunk material quite rough on our hands, so we suggest having a pair of work gloves handy during setup and takedown. The branches are sturdy and will support heavy decorations or an abundance of ornaments for those who like to go all out. Although the lights on this tree are steady (no twinkling), there’s a foot pedal for easy access to turn them on and off.
We think this tree could be improved by including a strong central top branch, as we had to gather a handful of branches and bend them around our lightweight fabric topper to keep it in place. Even then, the topper wasn’t particularly steady, and we had to adjust it several times and wrap more branches around it to get a secure hold.
All in all, we were very pleased with this tree for its easy assembly and natural appearance. Disassembly is straightforward, and the tree fits back into the box with a little maneuvering.
Get the Puleo International aspen fir tree (various sizes) at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Most Realistic
National Tree Company Full Downswept Christmas Tree
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
- Light color(s): White or multicolor: twinkle, flash, or fade
- Number of branch tips: 1,883 for 7.5-foot tree
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
What We Like
- 750 independently operating lights
- Very realistic looking
- Bulbs change color via a foot switch
What We Don’t Like
- Extra time needed to fluff branches
- Heavy at nearly 50 pounds
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 various 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) at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or National Tree Company.
Best Prelit
King of Christmas King Fraser Fir Tree
Our Ratings: Setup 4.5/5; Realism 5/5; Stability 4.7/5; Lighting 5/5; Disassembly and Storage 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Height: 6.5, 7.5, 9, 10, 12 feet
- Tree type: Fraser fir
- Light color(s): Warm white or multicolor
- Number of branch tips: 3,022 for 7.5-foot tree
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
What We Like
- 8 light settings and 3 brightness settings
- Includes remote control and foot pedal for lights
- Light wires are well hidden
- Realistic-looking needles and shape
- Strong branches easily hold heavy ornaments
What We Don’t Like
- Top branches are not as sturdy as the rest
- Strong branches are hard to compress for storage
Paying extra for a prelit tree isn’t worth it if the tree doesn’t lend a festive glow to your room. While many prelit trees meet that minimum often-recommended 100 lights per foot of tree, the King of Christmas Fraser fir goes above and beyond. Fitted with 1,000 LED microlights, this tree sets the stage for a bright holiday season. You can also switch between several warm white, multicolor, and alternating white/multicolor displays.
In our tests, we found that the lighting was ample and well placed, and better still, the wires were quite well hidden—just as advertised. We also liked the steady, blinking, and fade settings and found the brightness settings to be quite practical.
But it wasn’t just about the lights. Powered poles—no need to connect cords— and hinged branches made for a simple setup. We were also impressed with its realistic needles, natural shape, and extra-sturdy branches. Their solid build made shaping a bit more challenging, but they also stood up to heavy ornaments, barely budging when we hung them. Surprisingly though, we did have to gather a couple of branches together to get our wire star topper to stand. Still, it’s a minor downside for an otherwise outstanding tree.
Get the King of Christmas Fraser fir at King of Christmas.
Best Unlit
National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Christmas Tree
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
- Light color(s): Unlit
- Number of branch tips: 2,514 for 9-foot tree
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
What We Like
- Unlit tree for custom lighting
- Hinged branches fold out nicely
- Sturdy fold-flat base; sets up in seconds
What We Don’t Like
- Time-consuming assembly at 2.25 hours
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) needles appear less realistic
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 resembling 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) at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Michaels.
Best Flocked
Best Choice Products Snow Flocked Christmas Tree
Our Ratings: Setup 3/5; Realism 5/5; Stability 5/5; Lighting N/A; Disassembly and Storage 3/5
Product Specs
- Height: 4.5, 6, 7.5, or 9 feet
- Tree type: Pine
- Light color(s): Unlit
- Number of branch tips: Over 2,000 for 9-foot tree
- Warranty: Not listed
What We Like
- Very pretty artificial tree
- Natural, snow-covered appearance
- Branches are strong and stable
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy at over 50 pounds
- Flocking got everywhere during assembly
This stunning white-tipped tree from Best Choice Products comes in multiple sizes, and we tested the tallest version—a 9-foot tree that weighed almost 50 pounds. The tree came in three sections, plus a stand to hold it. The stand looked a little on the wimpy side, but once the tree was set up, it held it securely.
Assembling and fluffing the tree took nearly 2 hours, although we took a short eggnog break. The 9-foot version has over 2,000 branch tips, so it took a while to get it completely fluffed and looking good. We then added lights and ornaments. We even stuck a real birdhouse in the branches, and the branches and branch tips didn’t sag a bit.
The finished look of the Best Choice Products flocked tree is stunning—it was even more beautiful in our room than in the online photo. The branch shapes and configuration made it look natural, and the snowlike flocking added the perfect finishing touch. Still, it wasn’t an entirely positive experience because after we’d finished fluffing the tree, our clothing, hair, and skin were flocked as well, and we were coughing from inhaling flocking dust. Would we set this tree up again? Absolutely! We’ll just be wearing caps and dust masks. This truly is one of the prettiest artificial trees we’ve ever seen.
Get the Best Choice Products flocked tree (various sizes) at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Best Choice Products.
Best Slim
Puleo International Prelit Slim Balsam Fir Tree
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Realism 4/5; Stability 4/5; Lighting 5/5; Disassembly and Storage 5/5
Product Specs
- Height: 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, or 9 feet
- Tree type: Balsam fir
- Light color(s): Clear
- Number of branch tips: 1,273 for 9-foot tree
- Warranty: Not listed
What We Like
- Easy to assemble
- Realistic-looking branches
- Elegant, slim profile
What We Don’t Like
- Lights don’t twinkle
- Somewhat sparse look
The Puleo International balsam fir tree is an elegant addition to a home’s holiday decor with its attractive slim profile and ample white lighting. The 9-foot tree we tested comes in four sections, and assembly was easy. The process took only a few minutes, and fluffing the branches and arranging them only added another 15 minutes.
Once the lights were plugged in (the tree comes prelit with 800 clear lights), the tree was lovely, even without decorations, and given the tree’s delicate appearance, we found that just a handful of lightweight glass ball ornaments was all it needed. However, the branches are sturdy enough to support heavier ornaments.
We were a little disappointed to find that the lights didn’t twinkle, but they are plentiful, and the tree has a foot pedal to make it easy to turn the lights on and off. Adding a tree topper was tricky since there was no dedicated sturdy top branch for this purpose, and we had to wrap several branches around the topper to get it to stay in place without flopping over.
Taking the tree down and putting it back in its box was a breeze—it took only 15 minutes. We liked this tree for its tidy, narrow appearance and for not taking up a lot of floor space like some of the larger trees we tested.
Get the Puleo International slim tree (various sizes) at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Best Small
National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Tree
Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Realism 4/5; Stability 4/5; Lighting: 4/5, Disassembly and Storage 4/5
Product Specs
- Height: 4, 4.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, or 9 feet
- Tree type: Dunhill fir
- Light color(s): Warm white
- Number of branch tips: 763 for 9-foot tree
- Warranty: No
What We Like
- Compact but full shape
- Quick and easy assembly
- Sturdy stand included
- Strong vertical top branch for topper
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with a storage bag
- Branches may not support heavy ornaments
National Tree Company’s 4-foot Dunhill fir tree from Wayfair is short in stature, but its full shape and realistic branches bring a festive touch to small rooms and spaces. We tested the smallest tree of this type, but several other heights are available up to 9 feet.
Assembly was quick and easy—it took about 20 minutes from unboxing to totally fluffed and ready for ornaments. The small artificial Christmas tree came in just two sections and had its own stand that held it securely. The branch sections folded down nicely, and it took only a bit of tweaking to achieve a filled-out effect. We liked the strong single branch at the top, sturdy enough to support a decorative topper. The branch tips are strong enough to hold small to medium-size ornaments.
The 4-foot tree comes with 200 warm LED lights, which average 50 lights per foot of tree. That’s enough to create a subtle glow without overwhelming the room. This is a great little tree for an accent table, bedroom corner, or as a centerpiece on a large banquet table.
Get the National Tree Company Dunhill fir (various sizes) at Wayfair or National Tree Company.
More Tested Trees We Love
Over the past few years, we’ve tested more than two dozen kinds of Christmas trees, and many are still bestsellers. If you haven’t yet found that perfect tree, here are some of the ones we tested and still love. You won’t go wrong with one of these.
- The Best Choice Products Spruce Tree comes prelit and delivers a slender woodland look, with pine cones and berries attached to its frosted branches.
- Crystal-clear lights and snowy flocked branches make this Puleo International Pencil Tree an excellent choice for rooms with limited floor space.
- National Tree Company’s Carolina Pine Christmas Tree is just the ticket for those looking for a full, robust look, and it comes with lights and pine cones.
- This lovely prelit Pine Cone and Berry Tree from Martha Stewart features thick, full branches and is super easy to assemble.
- Make a statement with National Tree Company’s All-White Pine Tree that features clear LED lights and branches dusted with silver glitter.
- Balsam Hill’s Fraser Fir Flip Tree is the ultimate in quick setup. It offers a stunningly realistic look and remote-controlled lights. Check out our tested review of this spectacular tree.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Artificial Christmas Trees
In curating the list of trees to test, we considered brand to some 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.
Our hands-on testing started with inspecting the trees. Then, we set up each tree step by step, connected light strands if the tree came prelit, and fluffed the branch tips to give the tree a natural look.
Aesthetics was a top consideration when rating the trees—after all, buyers are looking for a beautiful tree 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, the more 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.
| Testing Stats | |
|---|---|
| Products tested | 32 |
| Time spent testing | 3 months |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Individual testers | 8 |
| Price range | $75 to $900 |
What to Consider When Choosing an Artificial Christmas Tree
When considering how to pick a Christmas tree, it’s easy to assume they all offer similar performance, but a number of factors affect their functionality. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the most realistic artificial tree for your home.
When asked why her family purchased a faux tree after years of having real trees, Jasmine Roth says, “We usually leave at Christmas and don’t come home until New Year’s. Having a faux tree gives us peace of mind that our house is safe and fire-free while on vacation.” She adds, “It’s also a lot easier to put away when the holidays are over.”
If you’re not into the artificial tree look, consider alternative tree options, such as putting ornaments on a potted plant or creating a tree silhouette on a wall.
Size and Shape
Artificial trees come in a wide range of sizes, from tiny tabletop models to towering options for homes with high ceilings. Measure the space before purchasing a tree to establish the right size for your home. Because the standard ceiling height in the United States is 8 feet, the most popular tree size is 7.5 feet. Artificial trees also vary in shape. Tall, thin trees typically work best for small spaces, while fuller trees often have a more realistic appearance.
Style and Material
Seemingly endless options are available with regard to style and shape. Most trees are designed to replicate the look of certain Christmas tree types, such as a real evergreen tree like a blue spruce, balsam fir, Douglas fir, or Fraser fir. Material is the main consideration when manufacturers are constructing a convincing-looking artificial tree. To get an artificial tree you really love, Roth suggests sticking to a species you’re familiar with. “Doug fir is the most common,” she says, and she advises purchasing the tree from a well-known company that offers a strong warranty.
They may look like plastic Christmas trees, but there are two primary materials used to create the faux needles: PE and PVC. For both quality and realism, PE is the better choice, but trees made primarily with PE typically have a higher price point. Even in higher-end trees, PVC is often used to craft the inner branches that aren’t as visible.
Lights
One of the primary advantages of artificial trees is that many of them come prelit, saving the installation of a string of lights. Most of the best Christmas lights use energy-efficient LED bulbs, which last for months or years before needing to be replaced. Roth is a fan of prelit trees: “If it comes prelit, the lights are even, and you usually see fewer wires than you would with a real tree.”
When shopping for an artificial Christmas tree with lights, look for a tree with at least 100 lights per foot of height—that’s the minimum standard for a festive tree. And consider the color of the lights; clear white lights create a brilliant effect, while warm white is often considered more welcoming. Other lighting effects include multicolor lights and, depending on the tree, may feature twinkling effects. Some lighted artificial Christmas trees come with remote controls.
Ease of Assembly and Disassembly
The larger the tree, the more challenging it can be to assemble, due primarily to the added weight of the sections and the height. Use a sturdy step stool or step ladder when necessary to assemble the upper sections of the tree.
Most of today’s trees come in manageable sections and feature a metal base designed to support the tree’s weight without tilting. Often, the manufacturer will label the sections, making it easier to assemble them in the correct order. If the sections aren’t labeled, fold out the bottom ring of branches and measure the diameter—the section with the largest diameter will go on the bottom, and so on. Adjusting the tightening bolts in the stand may be necessary to get the tree perfectly vertical, especially if you’re using one of the best rotating Christmas tree stands. It’s usually a good idea to get the lower section straight and vertical before adding another section.
Prelit trees will have plugs at the bottom and top of each connecting section where the lights’ strings connect. Plug these in when installing each section before adding the best Christmas decorations to the tree.
The next step is fluffing, which is vital to make the tree look its best. See how to fluff a tree in the FAQ section below.
Taking down the Christmas tree requires a simple reversal of the setup process. After removing all decorations, unplug light strands between sections and then remove the sections one at a time, starting at the top. Two people may need to do this job: one to hold the lower part of the tree in place while the other pulls the upper section out.
Environmental Impact
Choosing an artificial tree prevents a real tree from being harvested. Trees improve air quality by filtering out pollutants and carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen into the air. Living trees also offer a habitat for wildlife, including birds and small animals.
Those eco-friendly benefits offset but don’t eliminate a few problems with artificial trees, such as potentially containing PVC, which isn’t biodegradable. The production of artificial trees may also involve the use of toxic chemicals.
For the most sustainable outcome, consider investing in a quality artificial tree that will last for many years. Or go with an eco-friendly alternative, such as decorating a potted Norfolk pine, for a living tree alternative.
FAQs
While you know more about your options, there may be a few lingering questions about how to use them. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
While some small trees come preassembled, most are shipped in multiple segments for easier storage.
The most effective way is to fluff the branches while you assemble the tree. Start at the inside of the lowest branches (those nearest the trunk) and fold the branch tips outward uniformly. Fluff each layer of branches completely before moving on to the next layer. The result is a fluffy Christmas tree.
Working from top to bottom, dust the branches using a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth.
Lewis Puleo, vice president of Puleo International, a family-owned Christmas tree company, suggests investing in a Christmas tree storage bag and then stowing the tree in a dry place if possible.
Take time to fluff up the branches on a synthetic Christmass tree to make it appear fuller. More decorations make a tree look more realistic, so feel free to go all out with baubles and ornaments.
They last an average of 6 to 10 years, although the best quality artificial christmas trees may last longer.
Meet the Testers
The Bob Vila test team is made up of contractors, remodelers, home design enthusiasts, and freelancers from across the nation. Each member is dedicated to delivering high-quality product information to our readers so they can shop with confidence, knowing the products they purchase have been fully tested and vetted. Beth Cranston, Stephanie Cronk, Kathleen Corlett, Austin Fracchia, Becky Helzer, Michelle Larson, Glenda Taylor, and Mark Wolfe tested artificial Christmas trees.
Additional research provided by Savannah Sher.
