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The 15 Best Artificial Christmas Trees to Make Your Season Merry and Bright

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Sydney Meister for PureWow

There's no doubt that a twinkling Christmas tree on a dimly lit winter morning feels like pure magic. While many are die-hard fans of the real deal, there's also something to be said for forgoing the sticky tree stumps and messy pine needles in favor of one of the best artificial Christmas trees.

Since you'll likely be using it for years to come, you'll want to invest in a tree that best suits your needs and your home. For full holiday vibes with the least amount of hassle, a pre-decorated tree, like this KI Store champagne Christmas tree might be just what you're after. Or, if space is tight, a petite style, like this Balsam Hill Sonoma Slim Tree can still deliver oodles of holiday joy without taking up half your living room. While they won't smell like the real deal, you can always use a festive candle or two to replicate that signature piney scent. I researched thousands of artificial Christmas trees and narrowed the selection down to the top 15 that even Santa would be proud to display.

The Best Artificial Christmas Trees at a Glance

1

Most Realistic Artificial Christmas Tree Overall

Balsam Hill Vermont White Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

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2

Best Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree

Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

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3

Best Unlit Artificial Christmas Tree

National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Artificial Full Christmas Tree

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4

Best Artificial Christmas Tree Under $40

Goplus White Artificial Christmas Tree

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5

Most TikTok Viral Artificial Christmas Tree

Home Decorators Collection Grand Duchess Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

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How I Chose the Best Artificial Christmas Trees

While searching for an artificial tree that would allow for one of the most joyful parts of the season (aka decorating), I polled PureWow staffers for their favorites—like this Balsam Hill one, which was approved by our editor-in-chief—and looked at home decor sites, DIY havens and yes, even TikTok, to find the top-rated artificial Christmas trees that would come the closest to the real deal. I looked for a variety of sizes (you should have at least 6 inches between the top of your tree and the ceiling, according to Balsam Hill), ornamentation and aesthetics, including everything from flocked trees to "real feel" ones, to ensure there would be something for everyone on our list. 

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Most Realistic Artificial Christmas Tree Overall

1. Balsam Hill Vermont White Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • changeable light settings
  • realistic branches
  • only one plug required

What We Don't Like

  • shaping can be time consuming

Balsam Hill

Deemed one of Balsam Hill's "most realistic" trees, this Vermont white spruce will have your guests doing a double-take. (It's also the tree of choice of our editor-in-chief, Jillian Quint, per her PureWow100 review.) "Now granted my vision isn’t what it used to be, but even from very closeup, I really cannot tell the difference! The branches and shape are irregular enough to be convincing, and I like that you can pick your fullness to fit both your space and your preferences; some people like an iconic cone, while others prefer something less traditional. I also appreciate that the branches can be adjusted for ornament placing, and that you can even trim them, which I did,” Quint says. 

She also notes, “Though most people report a lifespan of 8-10 years, and the company offers a 3-year limited warranty, which they honor: The top of my friend’s tree stopped lighting up, and Balsam Hill sent him a replacement section. I’ve only had my Vermont Spruce for one season, but I was impressed with how well it held up in storage over the year.” Her only downsides? “The base is clearly metal (not a tree trunk), but that’s easily covered with a tree skirt. And, of course, the smell, which is nonexistent. The solution: get a candle.”

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 4.5 to 15 feet
  • Tree type: white spruce
  • Lights: unlit, clear or multi-colored
  • Needle Type: true needle
  • Tip Count: 878+ to 14,679+

Best Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree

2. Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • one plug lights the entire tree
  • three-year warranty

What We Don't Like

  • larger sizes are very heavy

Balsam Hill

Sometimes, you simply want the classics (especially during the holidays), and it doesn’t get much more classic than this gorgeous blue spruce tree. Available in multiple heights (seven, to be exact) with four different lighting schemes—unlit, clear, clear and color or twinkly light show—this tree is Christmas perfection. A few highlights from its more than 4,000 5-star reviews? Shoppers call it “truly remarkable,” “built to last a very long time” and “the best tree on the market.” You can even do your own quality pre-check with the brand's branch sample kit ($19). Oh and need I remind you that all Balsam Hill trees come with a three-year warranty? Peace of mind as well as peace and joy.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 4.5 to 15 feet
  • Tree type: blue spruce
  • Lights: unlit, clear or multi-colored
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 886+ to 11,454+

Best Unlit Artificial Christmas Tree

3. National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Artificial Full Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • each branch has three moveable sections for a full look
  • easy to put together each piece
  • branches are sturdy to hold ornaments and lights

What We Don't Like

  • significant fluff time

Amazon

With more than 9,000 five-star reviews from beloved Amazon customers, it’s easy to see why this Dunhill Fir is a no-brainer swap for your usual holiday pine. It features more than 1,000 individually crafted branch tips made from hypo-allergenic and fire-resistant needles that, when fluffed and primed, look just like a real, full-bodied tree that’s ready for lights and ornaments. Take it from one shopper, who had only ever bought real trees in the past: “It took a couple of hours to completely fluff it out after getting it out of the box for the first time, but I wanted it to be thoroughly done…It is a very nice, very full, sturdy and well-shaped Christmas tree. Seriously, I cannot say enough about how perfect it is and it is just what I was looking for…Mission for finding the perfect Christmas tree accomplished (and I can use it for many more years to boot)!”

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 4 to 14 feet
  • Tree Type: dunhill fir
  • Lights: unlit 
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 1,838

Best Artificial Christmas Tree Under $40

4. Goplus White Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • $50 for the 8-foot size
  • available in white and green
  • indoor or outdoor use

What We Don't Like

  • metal pole is thin and requires careful handling

Goplus

Dreaming of a white Christmas? This affordable white tree is just what you need to make your holiday decor pop—and with a starting price of under $40 for the 5-foot version, it’s an absolute steal. Available in green as well, the tree is also designed for easy indoor or outdoor setup in just three steps, thanks to its two-piece design (plus a foldable base). One reviewer raved, “Give it a chance! It is worth ONLY $40...I love, love, love the tree.” While lightweight, the tree stands tall at up to 8 feet, though keep in mind that the top may require a little bending to accommodate a topper. The reviewer also shared, “If you're heavy-handed, let someone with delicate hands handle the tree,” since the metal pole is quite thin and may require some careful handling. That said, with a little TLC, this tree can be a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday setup—even if you only get a couple of Christmases out of it.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 5 to 8 feet
  • Lights: unlit
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 350 to 1,138

Most TikTok Viral Artificial Christmas Tree

5. Home Decorators Collection Grand Duchess Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • Power Pole technology makes assembly a breeze
  • TikTok-viral for easy fluffing
  • pre-lit and available in three sizes

What We Don't Like

  • only one color of lights available

Home Decorators Collection

The Home Decorators Collection Grand Duchess Balsam Fir, more famously known as the T27 Christmas tree, has taken TikTok by storm for a reason. Reviewers love its innovative Power Pole technology, which makes assembly a breeze: just snap the sections together, and the tree is ready to decorate. “I didn't quite believe the ‘no fluffing’ thing but this was the EASIEST Christmas tree I’ve ever put together and this is what it looks like straight out of the box” one reviewer backs in a video. Plus, standing at an impressive 7.5 feet—also available in 9 and 12 feet—the tree features 2,250 pre-lit LED lights that create a warm and festive glow. “I feel like they are a warm white, but I wouldn’t say they have a yellow tone...Definitely not a cool blue tone though,” the reviewer adds. And with 7,647 lush branch tips and color-changing fairy lights, this tree is sure to bring a full and lifelike appearance.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 7.5 to 12 feet
  • Tree type: fir
  • Lights: warm white
  • Tip Count: 7,351 to 9,503

Best Mini Artificial Christmas Tree

6. National Tree Company Pre-lit Artificial Mini Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • tabletop size with pre-strung lights
  • crush-resistant branches in a burlap bag base
  • pre-lit with 6 hour timer

What We Don't Like

  • too tall for a dining table centerpiece

National Tree Company

Sticking with the theme of trees that won’t break the bank: A small space and limited budget shouldn’t stop you from adding a little Yuletide cheer to your abode. This 3-foot mini tree is just the ticket, where it features life-like branch tips that are lightly frosted— mimicking a fresh dusting of snow—while the pre-lit warm white LED lights create a cozy ambiance. It also has a simple timer function—just press the button and enjoy 6 hours of soft light before it automatically turns off for 18 hours. "No extension cord necessary, so you can put it anywhere," one reviewer noted. Plus, the neutral burlap-wrapped base provides a rustic touch, though you can always switch it up with a ribbon or ornaments for a fresh look each year.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 3 feet
  • Tree Type: fir wood
  • Lights:  warm white LED lights 
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 130

Most Customizable Artificial Christmas Tree

7. Balsam Hill Fraser Fir Flip Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • full, slim or wide shape options
  • Endless size and light customizations
  • no heavy lifting required—just rotate the base and attach the top portion

What We Don't Like

  • expensive

Balsam Hill

At this point, one thing should be clear: Balsam Hill sets the standard for high-end artificial Christmas trees that look incredibly realistic and are built to last. Yet, what sets this tree apart is how customizable it is. You can choose between heights ranging from 5.5 feet to an impressive 12 feet, as well as different shapes—full, slim, or wide—to fit your space. And when it comes to lights, the options are endless: clear, multicolor, a combination of both, or even a Twinkly light show option, all with remote control and dimming capabilities. Better yet, the tree is designed with Balsam Hill’s innovative Flip Tree® technology, meaning assembly is as easy as rotating the base and attaching the top portion—no heavy lifting required. (This feature also allows the tree to be easily rolled from room to room if you want to switch its location after decorating.) One reviewer backs this, writing: “This is, hands down, the most gorgeous artificial tree I’ve ever seen! The flip tree was EASY for me to set up alone, the lights are fantastic—colored, clear, mixed with clear, remote, dimmer...could not ask for more! I didn’t even have to do the lights myself!”

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 6.5 to 10 feet
  • Tree type: Fraser fir
  • Lights: clear or multi-colored
  • Needle Type: true needle
  • Tip Count: 2,071+ to 5,155+

Best Pre-Decorated Artificial Christmas Tree

8. Best Choice Products Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • comes fully decorated with traditional pine cones and berries
  • tall option for homes with high ceilings
  • easy to assemble

What We Don't Like

  • berries can shed after assembly

Best Choice Products

Tight on time (and budget) but still want a great holiday vibe? This pre-lit, pre-decorated spruce tree by Best Choice Products has already done all the decorating work for you. It features up to 900 built-in lights, depending on the tree size you choose, plus “pinecones and berries that look very real and are a beautiful addition,” according to one reviewer. It also has tons of tips (up to 2,128, to be exact), so it won't look ultra-fake in your living room, either.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 4.5 to 9 feet
  • Tree type: spruce
  • Lights: warm white
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 398 to 2,128

Best Retro Artificial Christmas Tree

9. Vickerman Flocked Vintage Fir Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • heavy flocking and warm white lights give it a classic retro vibe
  • quick setup with easy pull-down branches 
  • 1,991 flocked tips for a snowy look

What We Don't Like

  • requires significant fluffing to achieve its full, dense appearance

Vickerman

Keeping with the theme of interior-friendly trees: This flocked vintage fir is the perfect retro throwback. Standing at 7.5 feet tall and 50 inches wide, its heavy flocking mimics a fresh snowfall, making it a show-stopping focal point for any room. The tree also comes pre-lit with 700 warm white Italian LED lights, giving it that soft, nostalgic glow that feels straight out of a vintage holiday movie. As one reviewer said, “The color is a rich creamy ivory with white flocking... it is simply gorgeous... If you are looking for a tree that is different than any you have ever seen, buy this one.” Pair it with metallic ornaments or let its frosted beauty stand alone. 

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 7.5 feet
  • Tree type: flocked fir
  • Lights: clear / white LED
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 1,991

Best Narrow Artificial Christmas Tree

10. Balsam Hill Sonoma Slim Tree

What We Like

  • 26 to 28-inch-wide silhouette
  • fits in tight spots and between furniture 
  • comes in pre-lit and unlit options

What We Don't Like

  • on the pricier side

Balsam Hill

Whether you’re dealing with a tight corner or an awkward living room layout, sometimes a narrow Christmas tree is the perfect solution. Enter: Another highly rated staple from Balsam Hill. Its ultra-slim, 26 to 28-inch-wide silhouette fits seamlessly into compact spaces like foyers or between furniture, while still offering a festive yet elegant feel. The faux pine also comes pre-lit, and with its realistic, soft-to-the-touch branches, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something that looks more like the real deal. One reviewer writes, “I could have decorated this tree right out of the box—the quality was that good.” They also add, “The tree came in three parts—each individually wrapped. No detail was left out... If you are looking for the most realistic tree—short of cutting down a live tree—this is definitely a worthwhile purchase.” Complete with a storage bag and a two-year limited warranty, it’s also built to reuse season after season.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 7 to 10 feet
  • Tree type: natural pine
  • Lights: unlit or clear LED lights
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 598+

Best Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree

11. Fraser Hill Farm Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • high height for tall ceilings
  • one-click light connection

What We Don't Like

  • may have branch gaps between sections

Fraser Hill Farm

This flocked tree by Fraser Hill will turn your home into a winter wonderland in no time thanks to the copious 1,000-plus lifelike snow-covered tips. It also comes with 400 to 1,600 pre-lit LED bulbs, depending on the tree's size, with a quick setup (meaning there's one plug for the whole shebang) and multiple light settings. You can choose between colored string lights or warm, clear ones to suit your taste—and one reviewer reminisced, “This is the kind of tree my family always got when I was growing up...It really is a nice tree, Charlie Brown.” The slight imperfections in the flocking only add to its authenticity, and all you'll need to do is add the ornaments and tinsel ($14) to get it ready for the big day.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 6.5 to 9 feet
  • Tree Type: spruce
  • Lights: clear, multi-colored, unlit or warm white
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 940 to 3,796

Best Outdoor Artificial Christmas Tree

12. Home Accents Holiday Fraser Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • pre-lit and designed to be used outside 
  • barrel pot included
  • stability weight

What We Don't Like

  • needs to be covered in inclement weather

Home Accents Holiday

When you want the outside of your home to be as festive as the inside, this 4-foot outdoor artificial tree is the perfect solution for adding some curb appeal. With 558 branch tips and warmly lit white lights, it’s substantial enough to make a statement but compact enough not to overwhelm your entryway or porch. Plus, the sturdy whiskey barrel base not only adds a touch of rustic elegance but also ensures stability—even on windy days. As one reviewer noted, “Looks classy in the whiskey barrel, and the barrel is wide enough to make the tree sturdy and stable; no issues with wind blowing it over.” Just keep in mind that it’s best to set this tree up under some coverage, as heavy rain or snow may affect the lights.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 4 feet
  • Tree type: Fraser fir
  • Lights: warm white
  • Needle Type: plastic
  • Tip Count: 558

Best Glam Decorated Artificial Christmas Tree

13. KI Store Champagne Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • included trimmings
  • base and remote with timer
  • lightweight

What We Don't Like

  • some branches may arrive damaged

KI Store

Sure, having a pre-lit tree is great and all, but you still need all the trimmings, including garland (from $20) and a glorious show-stopping topper ($50). That isn’t the case with this tree. “The quality and variety of accessories offered were very worth it...They give you SO MANY different styles of ornaments—rose gold flowers, tree picks, glitter leaves and clip-on birds,” one reviewer shared. They also noted how easy it was to assemble, with “color and letter labels for each section” and the included gloves helping to avoid scratches. Its non-toxic PVC branches assemble atop a sturdy metal base, and once the tree is up and the lights are strung, you can add the included decorations (ribbon, flowers, wooden word signs, and the topper). It even comes with a remote and timer for the lights, which come on a silver string you can easily conceal within the branches.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 6 to 7 feet
  • Lights: warm white
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 580 to 850

Best Artificial Christmas Tree at Amazon

14. Best Choice Products Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • more than 11,000 five-star reviews
  • high sturdiness and easy to assemble
  • foldable stand

What We Don't Like

  • time-consuming fluffing

Best Choice Products

With more than 11,000 5-star reviews, this artificial Christmas tree is a best seller on Amazon for a reason. It’s unlit, allowing you to customize it exactly to your taste, and it comes in three easy-to-assemble pieces for quick setup. Starting at just $50 for the smallest size (4.5 feet) and going up to $150 for the 9-foot version, it’s a great value too. Reviewers mention that while fluffing the tips (which range from 400 to over 2,000, depending on the size) takes a bit of time, it’s well worth the effort. One customer shared, “This will be my fifth Christmas with this tree and it is still just as stunning as it was on day one! BUY IT, I promise you won’t regret it!” They went on to say that the tree is easy to set up and store away, noting, “For the price, you really can’t beat it!”

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 4.5 to 9 feet
  • Tree type: spruce
  • Lights: unlit
  • Needle Type: PVC
  • Tip Count: 400 to 2,028

Best Smart Artificial Christmas Tree

15. Mr. Christmas Smart Artificial Christmas Tree

What We Like

  • Alexa- and voice-command compatible
  • 40 energy-saving lighting options
  • automatically turns on/off according to your schedule

What We Don't Like

  • needs a lot of fluffing
  • may overheat easily

Mr. Christmas

Finally, if you can’t decide between classic white or colorful holiday lights, this smart artificial tree is your answer. With 40 (!) different energy-saving light settings, you can switch up the mood in an instant using a simple voice command via Amazon Alexa. Just connect it to an Echo Dot (sold separately), and you’ll be able to control the tree's lights with ease—whether you want a festive rainbow display or warm, twinkling white lights. As one reviewer noted, “Setting up an easy routine in Alexa allows my tree to automatically turn on and off on my schedule...I love that I can easily change the color and light feature by either clicking a button or asking Alexa.” The tree does require some fluffing out of the box to achieve its full, lush look, but once it’s set up, it’s a holiday showstopper that blends timeless tradition with tech.

Fast Facts

  • Tree Height: 5 to 9 feet
  • Tree type: mountain fir
  • Lights: color-changing
  • Needle Type: plastic
  • Tip Count: 575 to 2,461

What Is the Most Realistic Type of Artificial Christmas Tree? 

When looking for the most realistic type of artificial Christmas tree, you’ll want to look primarily at needle type, according to the experts at Balsam Hill. The classic artificial look is generally made of PVC needles, which are soft, flat and flexible. A molded PE needle tends to look more realistic, as it mimics the dimensions of a real tree needle.

In addition, you also want to look for the density of branches and the overall needle count. Generally, the more there are of each, the more realistic, straight-from-the-forest look you’ll be getting.

How Long Should an Artificial Christmas Tree Last?

When it comes to the lifespan of artificial Christmas trees, most high-quality trees will last between 8 to 10 years, according to Balsam Hill experts. Trees made from PVC, which is a common material for artificial trees, tend to be more affordable but may show wear faster, especially in high-traffic homes. Meanwhile, trees with PE (polyethylene) branches are typically more durable and realistic, giving you a longer lifespan and better aesthetics. Some manufacturers, like Balsam Hill, offer warranties that can extend up to 10 years, reflecting the potential longevity of well-made trees. Proper storage is also key: Keeping the tree in a cool, dry place can help it last even longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Best Time to Buy Artificial Christmas Trees?

The best time to buy artificial Christmas trees depends on whether you’re looking for a steal or for the best variety. According to Forbes, sales generally start to pop up when customers start searching for trees—reliably around Thanksgiving. If you can wait it out a bit longer, however, stores start to drop prices to move inventory the closer it gets to Christmas Day. Deal-hunter extraordinaires with storage space to spare can get the best prices right after Christmas.

Can You Leave a Fake Christmas Tree Plugged in All Night?

Nowadays, most pre-lit trees come with energy-efficient LED lights that generate less heat, making them safer for extended use. However, it’s still recommended to unplug the tree when you go to bed or leave the house to prevent any electrical malfunctions. Plus, ensuring the lights are UL-listed (tested for safety) and using surge protectors can reduce the risk of issues.


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Freelance Writer

Anna Vognsen received her B.A. in English Literature from Trinity College. She has been writing commerce content for PureWow since 2023 and is forever and always a deal hunter. She covers verticals including beauty, parenthood and fashion. Prior to covering shopping content, Anna worked in the fashion industry for 17 years in trend forecasting as a market analyst, womenswear and children’s apparel sales. Most recently, she managed the U.S. education program for Canada Goose.

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