#1 The Best Artificial Christmas Trees in 2023

The Best Artificial Christmas Trees in 2023

With an artificial tree, you can enjoy the holidays without having to worry about watering it or picking up pine needles every day. Many often arrive pre-lit or even pre-decorated to remove all the uncertainty from Christmas decorating, which can frequently feel stressful or overwhelming.

But just like there are numerous varieties of real Christmas trees, there are numerous shapes, sizes, and designs available for fake trees. Therefore, in our experience, choosing the greatest fake Christmas tree can truly come down to a matter of personal opinion. Our top options from reputable brands are shown here based on in-depth research and recent evaluations; nevertheless, if they don’t quite suit your tastes, browse the manufacturer’s websites and you’re sure to find the ideal tree for your requirements.

Our Top Picks

It’s time to get shopping now. The following artificial Christmas trees were selected for our assortment due to their sturdy design, lifelike appearance, and reasonable price. A member of the Bob Vila Holiday Team evaluated and tested each of these trees. The following trees range in size, design, and price, and one will undoubtedly stand out in your home this Christmas season.

National Tree Company Full Downswept Christmas Tree

This Douglas fir model is only one of the many realistic-appearing artificial Christmas trees produced by the National Tree Company. The 7.5-foot model, which is available in three sizes, features 1,183 branch tips for a full, rich appearance. The same size also has 750 lights that have a foot switch that allows them to change from white to multicolor, providing a number of different lighting options.

With its realistic branches and massive body, the 7.5-foot variant we tried lived up to its reputation. The tree is full and wide thanks to its 59-inch base diameter.

The foundation and three different components make up the tree. Its branch design, which has hinges, makes assembly simple. The fluffing of each branch during tree setup took the longest. Each branch has robust, durable tips that are crush-resistant, and we had no trouble hanging our biggest ornaments without worrying about them sagging. This tree looks natural and has a lovely shape after being fluffed.

Product Specs

Height: 6.5, 7.5, or 9 feet
Tree type: Downswept Douglas fir
Lighting: Prelit

National Tree Company 6.5 ft. Artificial Full Tree

This Dunhill fir from National Tree Company is designed to seem like a towering fir tree, and with 2,514 distinct branch tips, it gives the impression of a real Christmas tree. The tree is available in 10 sizes, ranging in height from 4 feet to 14 feet, giving buyers options that are affordable and suitable for most households. Users can decorate the tree anyway they choose because it arrives unlit and breaks into three halves for convenient storage.

The Dunhill fir Christmas tree has realistic-looking synthetic fir foliage that gives the impression that it has just been cut. The 2,514 branch tips, however, made for a time-consuming setup. To get the pleasing dense look in our test assembly, it took over 212 hours of constructing and fluffing. Upgrading the camera’s setting by 600 lights

We particularly appreciate this tree’s beautiful taper. There is ample Christmas space for decorations and presents below the tree as the foliage stretches to a circumference of 50 inches and starts 11 inches above floor level. All the way to the top, where the foliage is 8 inches wide near the tip, it retains its fullness well. This tree is best suited for tiny and medium-sized ornaments, yet it can carry glass ornaments and other heavy items due to the density of its branch tips.

Product Specs

Height: 4, 4.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 9, 10, 12, or 14 feet
Tree type: Dunhill fir
Lighting: Unlit

National Tree Company Pencil Slim Christmas Tree

A slender type like this one from the National Tree Company would be ideal for people with small floors because they might not have place for a tree with a 5-foot circumference. It may be tucked into a corner without taking up much room because it is only 32 inches square and 7.5 feet tall. It features fewer lights than other models due to its small shape, but its 350 prestrung bulbs provide a warm white lighting.

This tree was quick and simple to put up. It was divided into three parts, each of which was labeled. The tree is prelit, thus it was crucial to align the light socket while adding each component so that it would fit snugly into the one before it.

The tree has PVC tips closer to the trunk and realistic-looking molded points at the front of each branch. This tree was exceptionally full after fluffing and had no barren places. The tree did have a slight leftward lean, but we were able to straighten it up so that it was barely perceptible by properly bending the affected area.

Product Specs

Height: 7.5 feet
Tree type: Douglas fir
Lighting: Prelit

National Tree Company Carolina Pine Christmas Tree

The Carolina pine tree, another fantastic alternative from the National Tree Company, is available in five sizes that range from 4.5 feet to 9 feet and features built-in beautiful pine cones. The 1,399 branch tips in the 7.5-foot variant produce a rich, lifelike impression. It has 750 pre-strung lights for a vintage, neutral look.

In about two hours, we put the Carolina pine tree together and fluffed it. The tree appeared to have been trimmed and molded by hand due to the abundance of artificial pine-needle foliage and the uniform length of the branch tips. The artificial pine cones with a delicate flocking captured our attention. Although some of them were loosely fastened, they nonetheless improved the tree’s natural aspect. We had to make adjustments as we fluffed it.

This tree’s traditional shape has a 60-inch base diameter that narrows to 10 inches just below the top branch. There isn’t much room under the tree for gifts and decorations because the lowest branches are only 10 inches off the ground.

Product Specs

Height: 4.5, 6.5, 7, 7.5, or 9 feet
Tree type: Carolina pine
Lighting: Prelit

Puleo International 7.5 ft. Aspen Fir Christmas Tree

In just over an hour and a half, we put together and fluffed the Puleo International Aspen fir. Only the lateral branches needed to be shaped because the lower and intermediate branches hinged exactly as intended. We had to modify the lights since, in numerous locations, the cables extended across adjacent branch tips rather than at the ends closest to the trunk. The setup time went up as a result.

Once put together, the tree had a light appearance and resembled a tree that had grown in a forest as opposed to one that had been cultivated on a farm with many branches. Its silhouette resembled a tapered pillar, with a few longish branches in the upper third that resembled untamed new growth. Its diameter tapered from about 60 inches at the base to about 20 inches near the top. It provided plenty of apertures for larger ornaments and around 18 inches of space beneath the tree for presents or holiday decorations between the floor and the lowest branches.

Product Specs

Height: 4.5, 6.5, or 7.5 feet
Tree type: Aspen fir
Lighting: Prelit

Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree

This blue spruce-like 7-foot tree from Balsam Hill is carefully made and has 2,366 branch points for a lush and bountiful appearance. The tree stand has scratch-resistant rubber feet to protect flooring, and the 850 warm-toned lights can be regulated with a foot pedal. Every purchase comes with a storage bag and fluffing gloves to protect hands during assembly and disassembly.

This tree impressed us during the entire process. We were sold on it because of the useful extras that were included and the how the tree looked and felt.

Even with the lights, the setup was simple and only took about 134 hours; all we had to do was make sure the sockets were hooked into the right outlets. Additionally, the tree was plumb straight immediately and didn’t need any changes. The tree’s branches were all quite strong yet flexible as we fluffed it. The gloves that came with the tree were also quite helpful; after fluffing, our hands were free of cuts.

The branches were full and proportioned like those of a real tree, with just the right amount of wispy, longer branch ends for an organic appearance. The rest of the aesthetics more than made up for the flat needles’ lack of realism. The LEDs that were used further enhanced the attractiveness of the tree. The tree was abundantly and evenly lit due to the quantity of lights and their arrangement.

Without durability, appearances are meaningless, yet this tree had both. This tree proved to be fairly strong during our tests. We pounded on the trunk of this tree more than a dozen times while pretending to collect presents from beneath it like eager children. The branches and ornaments jingled and the top wobbled a little, but the base stood steady each time, eventually bringing everything back to quiet.

The topper as well as the hefty ornaments were effortlessly supported by the robust branches. The heavy ornaments prevented the branches from significantly sagging, and the top branches continued to stand erect even after we added a star to them.

Product Specs

Height: 4.5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 9, or 15 feet
Tree type: Blue spruce
Lighting: Prelit LEDs

Best Choice Products Snow Flocked Christmas Tree

We tested the tallest size of this gorgeous white-tipped tree from Best Choice Products—a 4-foot tree that came in a box weighing more than 50 pounds. The tree was delivered in three pieces along with a stand. When the tree was set up, we had second thoughts about the stand because it seemed a little feeble at first but held the tree firmly.

The Best Choice Products tree’s magnificent final appearance (following fluffing) is a noteworthy advantage. The tree in our room was even more gorgeous than it appeared in the web advertisement’s photo. The branch arrangement and shapes gave it a natural appearance, and the flocking that resembled snow gave it the ideal final touch. We discovered that the individual branches and branch tips were more than capable of supporting ornaments. We even inserted a real birdhouse into the branches, and they didn’t sag at all.

Even so, it wasn’t altogether enjoyable since after we were done fluffing the tree, the flocking dust covered our clothing, hair, and skin, and we were coughing from inhaling it. Will we re-establish this tree? Absolutely! But if we were intelligent, we’d wear dust masks and caps. One of the most beautiful fake trees we’ve ever seen is this one. In person, it truly appears so much nicer than in the pictures.

Product Specs

Height: 4 feet
Tree type: Snow-flocked pine
Lighting: Unlit

National Tree Company Artificial Slim Christmas Tree

This tree’s size and shape came as a welcome surprise. The 5-foot model we examined really delivered something that fit into a tiny space while having plenty of surface area for ornaments, despite the fact that “slim” is frequently interpreted as “small” for an artificial Christmas tree.

The tree was packaged inside a 3-foot-long box in three separate halves, along with a stand, just like larger options. It only took us around 11 minutes to get the tree’s components and stand out of the box and put it together. Unfortunately, shaping the tree was a different matter. The limbs on this tree were challenging to grip due to the pointed PVC needles, even if there wasn’t as much to fluff as there was on larger options.

The tree has 50 white LED lights that are fastened to its limbs. While we enjoyed the prelit appearance from some angles, the lighting was inconsistent and bare in others. A possible tangled mess of power lines is allowed to snake through the branches rather than the trunk due to the tree’s lack of cable management.

Having a maximum diameter of 24 inches, the fully built tree provided a slender form that we could only describe as “scrappy” and “sparse.” In other words, not everyone will like the final design. Although the branches are beautiful on their own, they expose a lot of the little, dark trunk. Despite appearing thin, the branches kept their shape even when heavy ornaments were placed on top of them.

We thought that this thin hickory cedar would be a perfect option for compact areas or a less conventional appearance, while it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Product Specs

Height: 3, 4, or 5 feet
Tree type: Hickory cedar
Lighting: Prelit with 50 white LEDs

National Tree Company 9 ft. Artificial Full Tree

When we first got this tree, we were a little worried because the delivery box had a sizable hole in it. Fortunately, when we started putting this substantial artificial fir together, our worries subsided. It took us around two hours to put the tree together and fluff it up. All four of the parts and the limbs were in good condition.

When we were done, we admired how full the branches were. We liked the fact that they didn’t appear completely alike. This artificial tree appeared more realistic since some of its branches stretched beyond the tree’s normally consistent contour. Though it was significantly less obvious as we decorated the tree, the voids between the layers of branches were more evident toward the bottom.

However, despite its 9-foot height, we were pleased with the tree’s general steadiness as we decorated it. It stood upright and was sturdy. We even gave it a few solid bumps just to be safe. The heavy ceramic ornaments were kept securely in place by the branch tips, and even though the branch tips’ very ends sagged noticeably, we just had to reposition the ornaments a small distance to prevent further sagging.

This tree was really easy to remove when the time came, however we did need to apply a little more force to get the central pieces out—this was normal.

Overall, this strong tree is a fantastic value for its size and could easily support a busy home.

Product Specs

Height: 4, 4.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 9, 10, 12, or 14 feet
Tree type: Dunhill fir
Lighting: Unlit

National Tree Company Artificial Mini Christmas Tree

This alternative Christmas tree is easy to put together; we had it up and decorated in under 30 minutes. The tree is made of one piece and is prelit; there are no pieces to put together or stands to attach. The top piece had to be straightened and fluffed because it had been packed so closely that some of the needles had come curved at odd angles.

This tiny sapling is adorable and petite at just 2 feet tall, but it still has prestrung lights and an incredibly realistic appearance. For aesthetic appeal, the base is wrapped in a red fabric bag that is fastened with a gold ribbon. It has 71 distinct branch tips and 35 white lights. The branches have a distinctive style with two slightly different curves that make the tree appear more realistic overall.

We were impressed with the quality of the branches because they were manageable and remained in place even when heavily ornamented. The exception to this rule was the topper, which would only sustain our daughter’s kindergarten paper star on its extraordinarily tall center branch.

It didn’t take long to decorate this miniature holiday emblem, but it did take longer than expected because most ornaments simply appeared too big on the tiny tree. A highly natural or even “au naturel” appearance may be preferred by users.

The tree swiftly turned into one of our favorite accents in our modest condo in a mountain town. Although the fire-resistant needles offered a festive touch to our fireplace, our teen’s bedroom finally won the battle for the tree.

Product Specs

Height: 2 feet
Tree type: Fir
Lighting: Prelit

What to Consider When Choosing an Artificial Christmas Tree

Size and Shape

From miniature tabletop versions to towering options for homes with high ceilings, artificial Christmas trees are available in a wide range of sizes. Before buying a tree, measure the area to determine the correct size for your house. The most common Christmas tree size is 7.5 feet because the American ceiling height is 8 feet. For consistency, this guide frequently includes information for the 7.5-foot option. The shapes of artificial trees also differ. For tiny places, tall, thin trees usually work best, whereas larger trees frequently look more lifelike.

Style and Material

Artificial Christmas trees come in a seemingly endless variety of styles and shapes. The majority of trees are made to resemble actual evergreen trees, like a blue spruce, balsam fir, Douglas fir, or Fraser fir. The material is the main factor to take into account while building an artificial tree that looks realistic. Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the two main materials utilized to make fake Christmas tree needles. PE is a better option for quality and realism, although trees produced largely with PE are often more expensive. PVC is frequently used to construct the less obvious inner branches, even in more expensive trees.

Lights

Some artificial trees come prelit, which eliminates the need to install a string of lights and is one of their main advantages. Most employ LED lights, which save energy and don’t need to be changed for many months or even years. Find a tree that has at least 100 lights per foot of height for the finest lighting effect. White lights can be found on certain trees, while vintage-looking multicolored lights can be found on others. With the touch of a button, still others can change colors or add flashing lighting patterns.