“There are downsides to having a real tree,” says Mary Patton, owner and designer at Mary Patton Design in Houston, Texas. “You could be extremely allergic, like I am, to a real live forest in your house.” That is enough for some to look for the best artificial Christmas tree they can find. But there are other considerations if you can handle decorating a Christmas tree that’s been freshly cut. “Real trees require you to change the water, mist the greenery, and you can expect your pets to eat the pine needles,” says Patton. Our BHG team tested two dozen artificial Christmas trees, scoring our best artificial Christmas trees list based on ease of setup, disassembly, and storage. Plus, we judged them on appearance, stability, and overall value. Ultimately, we chose the Puleo International 7.5 Pre-Lit Teton Pine Artificial Christmas Tree as the best overall pick. We loved how sturdy and realistic it looked, plus the ease of setting up and taking down this pre-lit artificial tree was somewhat of a Christmas miracle in itself. Here are the best artificial Christmas trees. Keep in Mind: The lights are not strung all the way to the end of the branches. If you’ve never had a pre-lit tree before, here’s something to win you over: It took our tester just 17 minutes to set up this tree from Puleo International. Needless to say, it’s simple to assemble for one person, from putting the stand together to matching up the plugs for the lights. It took just five minutes for our tester to take it down, and there was no trouble fitting it nicely into the box. That’s another reason this Puleo tree made our best pick overall on our best artificial Christmas trees list—it not only looks beautiful, but the ease of taking it down means that you’ll be able to store it properly for use year after year. “[The] tree looks great for the price, and [the] quality is excellent," said our tester. Product Details: Height: 7.5 feet | Tree Type: Teton Pine | Base Diameter: 52 inches | Lighting: 600 clear incandescent lights | Features: Full-shape tree, light-lock bulbs; stand included | Material: PVC Editor’s Note: Due to high demand, this artificial tree is currently out of stock at all retailers. However, you can still shop the Puleo International 7.5-Foot Pre-Lit Elegant Series Fraser Fir, which is the same brand at a similar size, style, and price. Keep in mind that we have not tested this particular model, but we expect it to be of similar quality to the Best Overall Puleo tree we loved in our lab. Keep in Mind: The branches and needles are sparse, and the lights are not evenly distributed. While our tester was impressed with the quality of the needles—they “appear realistic from a distance,” they said—but you will have to fluff the needles and adjust the branches to make the tree look fuller. Do so gently. Though, the tester noted that a few needles did fall during setup. You’ll also want to make some adjustments as you decorate the tree, as our tester noted that there are more lights at the bottom of the tree than there are at the top. This tree is a bit lightweight, and the stand seems small, but our tester found that it does hold branches up without dipping, though take care when attaching a tree topper. Disassembly was also swift, and the tree does fit back in the box, though our tester said it didn’t close fully—perhaps that’s a testament to how fluffy the branches were once it was up. Price at time of publish: $150 Product Details: Height: 7.5 feet | Tree Type: Kingswood Fir | Base Diameter: 30 inches | Lighting: None | Features: Stand included | Material: PVC Keep in Mind: A “snow” covered tree isn’t for everyone—and neither is the price tag. “The addition of large bulbs adds a lot of illumination,” our tester said, and the tree was “gorgeous” even with minimal decor added to the branches. If you like loading up your Christmas tree’s branches with tons of ornaments that have been handmade and collected throughout the years, you might choose another on our list because this one is at its best with minimal decoration. Still, it’s your tree, your rules, and these branches are up to the task. Our tester found this tree to be very stable and sturdy, so you could add heavier ornaments gently. If you are looking for a tree that takes center stage on its own without accessorizing with so many ornaments, the Vickerman is ideal. The larger bulbs and smaller bulbs combine for beautiful illumination, so this one is truly worth the splurge. It is an investment, so make sure you store it properly after the holidays. Our testers found that once it was taken down, it fit back into the box nicely, though it is heavy. Price at time of publish: $922 Product Details: Height: 7.5 feet | Tree Type: Alaskan Pine | Base Diameter: 68 inches | Lighting: 800 clear mini lights and g50 lights | Features: Dura-lit lights with microchips; on/off foot switch; heavy-duty metal stand | Material: PVC Keep in Mind: The slimmer profile is not for everyone, plus there’s no variety of lighting options. Our tester was impressed with how realistic the tree looked, though they noted again that the tall, slim profile might not be the right look or fit for every space. This tree is pre-lit with 400 clear white lights—the perfect illuminated backdrop for any decorations and ornaments you wish to add. The top section has a plug that’s easy to access for a pre-lit topper, so you’ll be ready to decorate in no time. When lit, the tree looks lovely, though if you want a sparkly or colorful light show, you’ll have to choose a different one on our list. “It is a thinner tree, so it would fit well in a smaller space, but it would make a big impact,” said our tester. Price at time of publish: $275 Product Details: Height: 7.5 feet | Tree Type: Virginia Pine | Base Diameter: 38 inches | Lighting: 400 clear super-bright lights | Features: Hinged branches | Material: PVC and iron; mixed cashmere hard needle tips Keep in Mind: You’ll need more storage space to keep this in the off-season. It didn’t take long to assemble this tree, though adding the top section was tricky because it’s so tall (9 feet). Once everything was in place, the fluffing began, and a full, realistic tree was the result. The testers found the tree was stable, thanks to a sturdy “trunk” and a base that can be tightened three different ways. Heavier ornaments might not be as easy to add, though, as our tester found the branches tend to point downward, so some ornaments might slide. Given the size of the tree, you’ll need two boxes to store it, so keep that in mind. There were no accessories like a storage bag, though our testers liked that there was a good deal of replacement lights included. Price at time of publish: $749 for 6-foot tree in clear Product Details: Height: 6, 7, or 9 feet | Tree Type: Balsam spruce | Base Diameter: 46 inches (6 feet), 54 inches (7 feet), 61 inches (9 feet) | Lighting: Available unlit or pre-lit; clear or multicolor LED bulbs | Features: On/off switch, posable branches, “Real Feel” needles, extra light bulbs, fuses included | Material: PE, PVC, and metal Keep in Mind: It doesn’t support a tree topper. Our tester found the tree “a little complicated” to set up at first, but the instructions were clear and made things easier, plus assembly was finished in just 12 minutes. The tree sections are heavy—a partner can be of help in connecting the top two sections. The tree is stable, and the branches are sturdy for ornaments unless you put them at the very edge of the branch. Still, the tree didn’t budge even when pushed. Disassembly is not difficult, but made much easier with the help of a partner, as our tester found the sections quite heavy and hard to put back into the bag on their own. The storage bag is “enormous” and able to hold everything, but the fact that the bag is so big might prove to be a problem if you don’t have much storage space for it in the off-season. If the price tag gives you pause, Patton has some advice: “Balsam Hill makes the most tasteful, realistic artificial trees,” she says. “They’re also 1,000 times easier to decorate because you can manipulate the branches how you’d like to best display your ornaments.” Price at time of publish: $1,299 Product Details: Height: 7.5 feet (also comes in 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, 9 feet, 10 feet, 11 feet, and 12 feet) | Tree Type: Fraser Fir | Base Diameter: 60 inches (7.5 feet) | Lighting: Unlit, clear, candlelight clear LED, multi LED, color and clear LED, twinkly light show | Features: Remote control, foot pedal, stand with scratch-proof rubber feet, protective gloves, extra bulbs, off-season storage bag | Material: Not listed Keep in Mind: The instructions recommend taking 45 minutes to fluff the branches. Easy-to-follow instructions make this tree simple to assemble, though you’ll want to spend a decent amount of time fluffing and pushing down the branches to get it looking the way it should, said our tester. The instructions even recommend taking 45 minutes for fluffing alone, and since there are indeed gaps to be filled, this might be time well spent for the results you want. Still, you’re buying this tree with the intention of adding your own lights, so it might be easier to continue fluffing as you add each strand. Our tester noted that the base was stable and supported the tree well, plus the star topper was easy to attach. Although the tree came down, it was hard to get back into the box, so perhaps make time for some un-fluffing to make this part easier. Price at time of publish: $130 Product Details: Height: 7.5 feet (also comes in 6 feet and 9 feet) | Tree Type: Spruce | Base Diameter: 52 inches | Lighting: None | Features: Includes a star topper and lights | Material: PVC Keep in Mind: A cathedral ceiling is a better fit for this vertically enhanced tree. This Balsam Hill tree is heavy and sturdy, and so is the topper, so that’s another reason to have an assistant when putting together this tree. The struggle during the assembly was worth it, as it did impress our tester. “It is lovely, well constructed, and [has] a very real-looking appearance,” they said, also noting that it has many well-placed lights (which stay solidly lit without any blinking or twinkling). “I could see this as the main tree in many family homes,” they said, though they admitted high ceilings are a prerequisite for this “classy looking” tree. Price at time of publish: $1,249 Product Details: Height: 7.5 feet (also comes in 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, and 18 feet) | Tree Type: Vermont White Spruce | Base Diameter: 63 inches | Lighting: Unlit, candlelight clear LED, multi LED, color + clear LED, twinkly light show | Features: Remote control, foot pedal, stand with scratch-proof rubber feet, protective gloves, extra bulbs, off-season storage bag | Material: Not listed
Our Testing Process
To compile our roundup of the best artificial Christmas trees, our testers in BHG’s Des Moines lab tested two dozen trees. For each one, they timed themselves as they assembled the tree, noting which ones were easy to do on their own and which were better as a two-person job. Once assembled, the testers closely examined the tree branches to see which ones looked the most realistic and whether there were any bare spots. If a particular tree was flocked, the testers noted whether any of the “snow” fell off. For pre-lit trees, the testers tried out all the settings and experimented by removing one bulb to see if the whole tree went dark with one “broken” light. Then, they decorated one side of the tree and added a topper, noting whether the branches held up the decorations or if the tree sagged under the weight. Finally, they took down the tree, once again timing themselves and noting if it were better as a one- or two-person task. Overall, they chose the best artificial trees based on ease of setup, disassembly, and storage—plus appearance, stability, and overall value.
What to Know About Artificial Trees Before Shopping
Size
Does bigger mean better when it comes to Christmas trees? It’s all up to your own personal preference, but according to Patton, “Go with the biggest size that will fit comfortably in your space.” Keep in mind that for fuller trees, the higher you go, the wider the diameter will be. However, if you choose a tree with a slimmer profile, you can opt for more height without worrying about the width.
Tree Type
Many of the best artificial Christmas trees on the market are designed to look like the real thing—if that’s the look you’re aiming for. “I am very pro leaning into the fact it’s a fake tree and getting something kitschy—in a color or a metallic or both!” says Patton. If that sounds like your type of Christmas spirit, go for it. But if you’re wanting something more traditional, know there are more realistic options on the market.
Lighting
Lighting itself isn’t negotiable: Can you even call it a Christmas tree if there aren’t any lights on it? However, you can choose the type of lights you want on your tree. “For me, white lights are preferable,” says Lance Thomas, principal designer at Thomas Guy Interiors in Lake Charles, Louisiana. “It is also easier to blend the tree decorations against the white lights, and they won’t detract from the overall theme.” Some trees, including ones on our best artificial Christmas trees list, make the decision easy by including all the lights. From classic white to a rainbow of colors to twinkle shows, many of the pre-lit variations come with a light show. With the flick of a switch or pedal, you can illuminate s space. But if you like having your lights just so, opt for an unlit artificial tree and customize the look, adding Christmas lights strand by strand.
Features
Flocked and pre-lit trees are the highlights among our best artificial Christmas trees list, and they might indeed be the top features you are looking for when shopping for an artificial tree for your home. Color is also an option—and not just for your ornaments—artificial trees come in colors than your typical (and expected) green. “Green or deep green is ideal for a more natural look; however, there are several other colors, such as white or black, which are modern and can look chic when fully decorated,” says Thomas.
Material
All of the artificial trees on our list are designed from some sort of PVC. Don’t let this stop you from arranging the branches for the fullest tree possible. “When you assemble the tree, it’s good to wear gloves and spend time fluffing each branch,” says Patton. “It’s absolutely worth the time and effort, it makes such a difference.”
Other Artificial Christmas Trees We Tested
Frontgate Oxford Color-Changing Full Profile Tree
The Frontgate Oxford Fir Color-Changing Full Profile Tree was easy enough to assemble, but the stiff branches and tangled lights made it challenging to fluff and arrange, resulting in bare patches. Despite our testers’ best attempts, the tree would not hold a topper, which was disappointing for such an expensive tree ($1,619 and up at the time of this writing).
Costway Pre-Lit Snowy Christmas Tree
“It definitely looks fake,” said our tester of the Costway Pre-lit Snowy Christmas Tree. They weren’t impressed with the sparse branches and fake snow, pinecones, and berries. Plus, the tree shed some needles upon bringing them out of the box for the first time.
Grandin Road 7.5’ Multi-Colored Light Tree
A pair of testers found the Grandin Road 7.5’ Multi-Colored Light Tree and its assembly “more involved” than other selections on our best artificial Christmas tree list. The branches were rather delicate, and some fell off during assembly. Overall, “the tree is too expensive for the quality,” said our testers.
Your Questions, Answered
Are expensive artificial Christmas trees worth it?
“Absolutely. An artificial tree will last for several years as long as you put it away correctly,” says Patton. For most trees, Patton believes you should be fine storing the tree in the box it came in, though a number of the selections on our best artificial Christmas tree list do come with their storage bags. Thomas says proper storage is key to keeping an artificial tree around season after season. “Choose a cool, dry place where the tree can avoid damage throughout the rest of the year,” he says. “Also, remember to unplug the tree when not in use to preserve the longevity of the lights.” You’re not a Grinch if you’ve decided to go with a more budget-friendly model, though. “Regardless of expense, artificial trees will typically last several years,” says Thomas.
When should I buy an artificial Christmas tree?
For the best selection of artificial Christmas trees, head to the store as soon as they’re on display. (This can be as soon as September.) If you want to snag the best deals, you’ll want to wait for the after-Christmas sales—keep in mind that you’ll be stuck with the stragglers.
Are pre-lit Christmas trees worth it?
“Absolutely. A pre-lit tree can save time in the decorating process," says Thomas. Don’t be concerned that one faulty bulb will turn all the lights dull or dark. Instead, choose a pre-lit tree featuring extra bulbs or fuses. This way, you can swap out the offending bulb.
Who We Are
Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, New York, covering all things home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. For Barbara, Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year, when she and her husband get to blast holiday tunes and decorate their pre-lit artificial tree stored conveniently in their basement during the off-season. To compile this list of the best artificial Christmas trees, Barbara analyzed lab insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa. She also consulted Mary Patton, owner and designer at Mary Patton Design in Houston, TX; and Lance Thomas, principal designer at Thomas Guy Interiors in Lake Charles, LA.
