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For many households, live Christmas trees simply aren’t a practical option. Whether it’s due to convenience, personal taste, lease or HOA restrictions, allergies, pets, or other reasons, a fresh-cut tree may not be the right choice. Fortunately, today’s artificial Christmas trees offer a realistic and festive alternative that can still bring all the magic of the season into your home.
Artificial trees come with plenty of perks—they’re reusable year after year, simple to set up, require minimal upkeep, and are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and price ranges to suit any space or budget.
To make your search easier, our team reviewed some of the best artificial Christmas trees available this season. Here are our top picks.
Top 6 Artificial Christmas Trees
- Best Overall: Best Choice Pre-Lit Snow-Flocked Pine Tree
- Best Height Options: National Tree Co. Pre-Lit Carolina Pine Tree
- Best Small Tree: National Tree Co. Hickory Cedar Tree
- Best Basic Tree: Prextex Hinged Spruce Christmas Tree
- Best Lights: Mr. Christmas Smart Vermont Spruce Tree
- Best Unlit Tree: Best Choice Spruce Christmas Tree
Compare Top Artificial Christmas Trees
| Product | Height | Color | Pre-Lit? | Weight | Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Choice Pre-Lit Snow-Flocked Pine Tree | 7.5 feet | Silver (frosted) | Yes | 42 pounds | 52 x 52 x 90 inches | ||
| National Tree Co. Pre-Lit Carolina Pine Tree | 7.5 feet | Green | Yes | 47 pounds | 61 x 61 x 90 inches | ||
| National Tree Co. Hickory Cedar Tree | 3 feet | Green | Yes | 4 pounds | 18 x 18 x 36 inches | ||
| Prextex Hinged Spruce Christmas Tree | 6 feet | Green | No | 9 pounds | 40.8 x 40.8 x 72 inches | ||
| Mr. Christmas Smart Vermont Spruce Tree | 7 feet | Green | Yes | 31 pounds | 48 x 48 x 84 inches | ||
| Best Choice Spruce Christmas Tree | 6 feet | Green | No | 13.6 pounds | 52 x 52 x 72 inches | ||
| Product | Height | Color | Pre-Lit? | Weight | Dimensions |
Best Overall
Best Choice Pre-Lit Snow-Flocked Pine Tree
- $179.99
- $219.99
- 18% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Made with durable metal hinges and flame-retardant branches
✔ Can be put together in three steps
✔ Created with strong branches to hold garlands and ornaments
✘ Has arrived with missing bulbs for some customers
✘ Made with flocking material that can fall off and create a mess
What Customers Are Saying
Most reviewers stated that the tree was sturdy and easy to assemble. Some also used “perfect,” “stunning,” and “beautiful” to describe the tree. Those who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that the tree didn’t arrive with as many lights as advertised.
Best Height Options
National Tree Co. Pre-Lit Carolina Pine Tree
- $389.43
- $619.99
- 37% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Sold by a family-owned company that’s based in the United States
✔ Has a steel base
✔ Comes with hinged branches for easy assembly
✘ Can take 45–60 minutes to assemble
✘ The light warranty is shorter than the tree warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers stated that the tree was made of high-quality materials, making it durable. Many also complimented the tree’s value. However, some said that it was difficult to replace the lights, stating that the bulbs couldn’t be found at their local home improvement store.
Best Small Tree
National Tree Co. Hickory Cedar Tree
- $34
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Is lightweight and compact
✔ Comes pre-lit
✔ Has a sturdy square-shaped base
✘ The tree doesn’t have as much of a realistic look as other artificial Christmas trees
✘ Some customers said that the tree looked sparse
What Customers Are Saying
The majority of customers said that this tree was the perfect size for their home or work area. They added that the tree was easy to unbox, assemble, and re-fluff. Alternatively, some customers said that the tree looked sparse, and others didn’t receive the tree stand.
Best Basic Tree
Prextex Hinged Spruce Christmas Tree
- $76.99
- $101.99
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with easy-to-fluff branches
✔ Made with fire-resistant and non-allergenic materials
✔ Packed in a storage carton to prevent damage during shipping
✘ Can only be purchased in a 6-foot option
✘ The branches fell off easily for some customers
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that this artificial Christmas tree was great for small spaces and easy to assemble. However, its affordable price tag meant that it wasn’t made from the most high-quality materials, as customers said it didn’t last long.
Best Lights
Mr. Christmas Smart Vermont Spruce Tree
- $217.96
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a built-in power pole for easy setup
✔ Designed to look like a spruce tree
✔ Comes with energy-saving LED light bulbs
✘ Has arrived with electrical shorts for some customers
✘ Was difficult for some customers to connect to Amazon Alexa
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers said that the tree was great for small spaces. Others said the tree was worth the expensive price. A common complaint among unsatisfied customers was that their Amazon Alexa had difficulties pairing with the tree.
Best Unlit Tree
Best Choice Spruce Christmas Tree
- $69.99
- $79.99
- 13% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has easy-to-fluff branches
✔ Comes in various sizes
✔ Is crafted with durable metal hinges and flame-retardant PVC branches
✘ Several customers mentioned they felt their tree did not match the product pictures
✘ Not ideal for those who want a pre-lit tree
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it was built with sturdy branches, was easy to assemble, and was lightweight and easy to maneuver. However, we also found that customers who gave this product a negative review found that it could be hard to fill out, and several customers were let down by the design of the tree when it arrived at their homes.
Buying Guide to Artificial Trees
Artificial Christmas trees come in a wide variety of heights and designs, so there are several important things for you to consider before choosing which tree is best for your needs. Read our guide below to learn more about the top factors when shopping.
Height
Artificial trees come in many heights, with the most popular being 5, 6, 7, and 9 feet tall. Choose a tree that will fill your living space best.
Lights
Some artificial trees come with pre-lit branches. This prevents you from having to buy separate string lights and put them on your tree every year. However, once a few bulbs die, the entire section or the entire tree will also die, making the tree unusable.
Material
The material a tree is made of can determine how natural it looks and how durable it is. Steel is your sturdiest base option, while PVC is the best branch material because it’s durable and flame-retardant.
Tip Count
Tip count refers to how many individual tips an artificial Christmas tree has. Typically, the greater the number of tips, the fuller and “fluffier” the tree will look. If you want your tree to look as realistic as possible, look for one with a high tip count of 1,200 or greater.
Assembly and Ease of Storage
Your artificial Christmas tree should be simple to put together and easy to store away in its original box, another container, or a storage bag in the offseason. Most trees come in three parts that attach together without using tools. Additionally, you’ll likely need to fluff the branches of the tree for a full shape.
Design Features
In addition to lights, artificial trees sometimes have other design elements that make them look more realistic. Common elements include fake snow, pine needles, and pine cones. Other elements also add to the convenience of an artificial tree, such as a remote control or foot pedal for easy on/off, and a built-in tree topper
Tips for Setting Up an Artificial Christmas Tree
Putting up a fake Christmas tree is an enjoyable activity the whole family can partake in. However, there are some things you should keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the most out of your tree. Here are some helpful tips for setting up an artificial tree.
- Have a plan: If you have a smaller living room, you may need to plan ahead to determine where you want to put your tree. Make sure your tree is not blocking any vents, fireplaces, or radiators and that it won’t be in the way when you’re moving around the room. If you need to, move other furniture to different rooms during the holiday season to make room for the tree.
- Start with the bottom: When setting up the tree, start by assembling the bottom section first and going up from there. Make sure the pole is firmly inserted and screwed into the base. Then, add each tree section from the bottom up, fluffing the branches as you go.
- Be mindful of the skirt: Selecting a light, heat-resistant tree skirt is best for an artificial tree. Make sure that the skirt is made from flame-retardant material if you plan on having a fire nearby.
- Position the tree near an outlet: Pre-lit trees need to plug into an outlet to light up, so make sure you’re near an outlet when setting the tree up. If needed, run an extension cord across the floor to plug in the lights.
- Make it your own: The best artificial Christmas trees are those that have been decorated with care. Whether you prefer lots of ornaments, a more reserved approach, or simply the pre-lit white lights or multicolor lights that come with the tree, decorate your tree in whichever way makes you feel most at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do artificial Christmas trees last?
The average artificial Christmas tree can last between five and 10 years. If the tree is pre-lit, the lights will last longer if they have LED instead of incandescent bulbs.
Do artificial Christmas trees present a fire hazard?
Like real Christmas trees, artificial Christmas trees can catch on fire. To prevent this from happening, keep it away from all heat sources and adhere to any safety precautions listed in the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, make sure that you choose a tree that’s fire-resistant.
How can I clean an artificial Christmas tree?
If the artificial Christmas tree is pre-lit, you can wipe the branches with a soft, dry cloth or clean them with dish soap and water if the tree doesn’t have lights. You can put the mixture in a spray bottle or on a cloth. You can also vacuum the branches of artificial Christmas trees that aren’t pre-lit.
Which artificial Christmas tree is the most popular?
The most popular artificial Christmas trees are usually ones that come pre-lit, saving homeowners the hassle of stringing their own lights on the tree. Artificial Christmas trees that are 7 feet tall also tend to be the most popular.
How We Selected the Best Artificial Christmas Trees
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of artificial trees with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
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