Going with an artificial Christmas tree over a real one for the holiday has a lot of advantages. For starters, you don’t have to keep paying year after year for a tree, a faux tree can have less of an environmental impact (estimates have shown analysis that you’d have to keep it for a minimum of eight years —ideally up to 20) and watering and vacuuming needles isn’t a thing! Plus, a fake tree will still give you the pizzazz of a real one in terms of look and feel. If you’re missing the “real tree smell” you can always hang a few tree-scented ornaments.
Ready to make the leap to an artificial Christmas tree? The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested dozens of trees over the years, and Rachel Rothman, the chief technologist and director of engineering at the Good Housekeeping Institute, has a few tips to help you pick one that’s right for you. Rothman says to look for an artificial tree that advertises “true needles” or “real feel.” They’re designed to more closely mimic the look of a real Christmas tree. Also opt for hinged vs. hooked branches — the former is permanently attached (meaning you won’t have to fasten them on individually). When it comes to size, it’s up to you, but Rothman does note that if you’re getting a larger tree (we’re talking 7, 8 or even 12 feet high), make sure you have a metal stand to keep it sturdy.
Regardless of your style, any one of these best fake Christmas trees will make every light and ornament shine. There are options from Amazon (which has a ton of Balsam Hill picks), Walmart and even QVC.
1
Most Realistic
Blue Spruce, 6.5 Feet
Balsam Hill
amazon.com
$499.00
$299.00 (40% off)
From across the room you wouldn’t even be able to guess this Blue Spruce from Balsam Hill isn’t real. The price for the 6.5-foot unlit tree includes a tree stand, storage bag, gloves and a three-year limited warranty.
2
Classic Tree
Carolina Pine Tree, 7.5 Feet
National Tree Company
amazon.com
$619.99
$345.41 (44% off)
Reviewers on Amazon say this tree is gorgeous in person. A bonus is that it comes in at 7.5 feet, one of the most popular heights for Christmas trees.
3
Easy Assembly
Premium Spruce, 7.5 Feet
Best Choice Products
amazon.com
$109.99
An inexpensive option that has rave reviews on Amazon. Just make sure you give it some fluff and allow it to settle before you decorate.
4
Best Pre-Lit Tree
Carolina Pine Tree, 7.5 Feet
National Tree Company
amazon.com
$619.99
$345.41 (44% off)
Yep, you can find this extravagant beauty on Amazon, too. Branches trimmed with 750 pre-strung lights and faux pine cones make decorating a snap.
5
Best Tall Tree
Dunhill Fir Tree, 12 Feet
National Tree Company
amazon.com
$1,069.99
$519.99 (51% off)
If you really want to make a statement, this massive 12-foot tall tree will do the trick. Reviewers say it’s very full and easy to put together.
6
Best Value
Pine, 6 Feet
Best Choice Products
amazon.com
$54.99
A budget buy can still make a statement. Amazon’s top-selling Christmas tree measures a solid six feet tall with plenty of branch tips ready for decorating.
7
Best on Walmart
Pre-Lit LED Tree, 7 Feet
Best Choice Products
walmart.com
$104.99
These aren’t the retro C9 bulbs of yesteryear. Dazzle the kids with eight different light sequences courtesy of an LED-equipped pine.
8
Best Narrow Tree
Kingswood Fir Pencil, 7.5 Feet
National Tree Company
amazon.com
$149.99
$117.49 (22% off)
Although narrow (just 30 inches in diameter!), the tree’s branches are still lush, do you won’t be missing that wow factor. It’s available from 4 to 16 feet, allowing you to pick the best height for your space.
9
GH Tested
Aspen Fir, 7.5 Feet
Puleo International
amazon.com
$235.80
Outfitted with 700 UL-listed lights, Amazon reviewers tout how realistic the tree looks (especially considering the affordable price). And our experts also liked how easy it was to assemble.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW
10
GH Tested
Fraser Fir, 9 Feet
Puleo International
amazon.com
$559.98
$246.57 (56% off)
Another GH Tested tree, this is a Fraser Fir that comes in at a whopping 9 feet. Similar to the one above, our experts said this is pre-lit with a nice amount of lights, which stayed on even when a few were unscrewed.
11
Best on QVC
Balsam Fir, 5 Feet
Bethlehem Lights
qvc.com
$258.57
As a best seller on QVC, if you’re looking to downsize your tree while still having a very festive look, this is for you. Pre-lit with 300 incandescent lights, it’s only five feet and has an oval shape, allowing you to place it almost anywhere.
12
Best Tree With Snow
Flocked Tree, 6 Feet
Best Choice Products
amazon.com
$99.99
The snow covered branches will create wintery feel right in your living room. While not pre-lit, the full body making stringing lights easy.
13
Best White Tree
Winchester White Pine, 7 Feet
National Tree Company
amazon.com
$409.99
$235.08 (43% off)
Outfitted with beautiful white lights, Amazon reviews have said it’s the “most beautiful white Christmas tree” they have ever seen. All you have to do is take a moment to fluff out the branches.
14
Best Fully Decorated Tree
Collapsible Tree, 7 Feet
HOLIDAY PEAK
amazon.com
$184.99
Not only is this option collapsible, but it also comes fully decorated with lights, ribbons and ornaments.
15
Best Outdoor Tree
Pine Tree, 5 Feet
Designed to hold any topper in place perfectly, this tree comes in green and white. It’s also waterproof, so it can go outside if you want.
16
Best Apartment Tree
Green Pine Tree, 7 Feet
The Holiday Aisle
wayfair.com
$227.99
No corner? No problem. The half tree sits perfectly against any wall, allowing even the smallest spaces to have a big decor moment.
17
Best Upside Down Tree
Green Cypress, 7.5 Feet
The Holiday Aisle
wayfair.com
$369.99
We’re in love this this upside down tree! Not only is it fun, but if one bulb burns out, the rest of the white lights will stay lit.
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