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The Best Christmas Artificial Tree

Last updated on June 23, 2023

We looked at the top 15 Fake Christmas Trees and dug through the reviews from 132 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Fake Christmas Trees.

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When the temperature starts dropping and the trees turn yellow, you know that the holidays are just around the corner. Celebrations with family and friends will warm your heart, but all of the preparation can bring out anyone’s Grinch-y side. A quick way to reduce holiday stress is by investing in an artificial holiday tree.

Artificial trees got a bad rap for years, but today’s options look just as gorgeous as a real tree — without the heft and hassle. Instead of spending hours finding the perfect tree, sawing the stump down to size, strapping it to the hood of your car and driving it home, you can order a perfectly sized tree online with a few clicks. You also don’t need to worry about keeping your artificial tree watered, sweeping up pine needles or dealing with sticky tree sap. 

Modern artificial trees have a metal base and frame, with a center pole up the middle and metal arms reaching out to the sides. The pole and arms are painted to add depth and realism. The “needles” are constructed from green PVC or polyethylene, and they’re customized depending on what type of tree they’re supposed to mimic. A quick spray of white latex paint creates a light dusting of “snow” on fake trees. Manufacturers add on strings of LED lights on some trees to create a more festive look. 

It’s fairly simple to assemble an artificial tree. After removing the tree from the box, find the stand and plant it wherever you’d like. Some stands have hinged arms, some come as one piece and some have rolling wheels or an electric motor to spin your tree. Make sure the stand is sturdy and that the arms are locked in place (usually in an X shape).

Your tree’s instructions should tell you which section of the center pole goes into the stand first. After you’ve inserted the first section, continue inserting sections until you reach the top of the tree. You may need a screwdriver or wrench to insert screws or tighten bolts. 

Pop out the branch arms and fluff the tree’s artificial needles. Most trees need to sit for about an hour for the needles to puff up and reach their full size. 

From there, you can turn on any included lights (or add your own) and decorate your tree with ornaments, ribbons and garlands.

When the season is over, remove any decorations from your tree and unplug any included lights. Almost all artificial trees have hinged arms and a folding base for easy storage. The base, center pole and arms should fit easily into the original packaging. Some companies offer specialty storage bags to keep your tree in like-new shape all year round.

Our Picks For The Top Fake Christmas Trees

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Best Choice Products Classic Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree, 7.5-Foot

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Best Choice Products

Classic Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree, 7.5-Foot

This hinged artificial pine stands tall in minutes. More than 1,000 spruce-style tips create a full, natural look. The hinged branches also disassemble easily for year-round storage.

Overall Take

Easy AssemblyThis artificial tree is a festive tree that's easy to set up and take down.

Pros
" The Best Choice Products’ branches start high off the ground, meaning there’s plenty of room for presents under the tree."
Cons
"Not as realistic looking as some other pricier trees."
 Runner Up

National Tree Company Hinged Branches Artificial Fir Tree, 7-Foot

National Tree Company

Hinged Branches Artificial Fir Tree, 7-Foot

While most artificial tree average around 6-foot in height, this one reaches a foot higher. The tree is also designed to be realistic with life-like tips. Since the tree is hypoallergenic, it's an excellent choice for individuals who are allergic to real trees.

Overall Take

Nice and TallThis artificial tree comes with a stand, so you don't have to purchase one separately.

Pros
" The authentic look on this tree makes it a worthy purchase."
 Perfect for a White Christmas

Best Choice Products Snowy Pine, 6-Foot

Best Choice Products

Snowy Pine, 6-Foot

The first thing you'll notice about this artificial tree is its snowy white branches, which allow you to bring an outdoor look indoors. The tree is full in appearance and made using strong flame-retardant PVC branches. It takes just seconds to set up, so you can expect to get right to decorating.

Overall Take

Snow-Flocked DesignThis artificial tree is a beautiful sight to behold.

Pros
" The snow covered branches will create wintery feel right in your living room."
Cons
"The flocking makes a bit messy."
 Strong Contender

National Tree Company Realistic Pre-Lit Artificial Carolina Pine, 7.5-Foot

National Tree Company

Realistic Pre-Lit Artificial Carolina Pine, 7.5-Foot

Putting lights on a Christmas tree is the chore most homeowners wish they could skip. With this artificial tree, you actually can. The tree comes with the lights already installed. The lights are clear, but you can add color to your tree with garland, ornaments or tinsel.

Overall Take

Best Pre-Lit TreeThis full-bodied artificial tree is sure to be the focal point of your living room during the holidays.

Pros
" Overall, this tree has a realistic aesthetic. It’s plump and tall, with cashmere and bristle branch tips in variations of green that contribute to its natural look."
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22

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the fake christmas trees available to purchase.
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Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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132

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Good Housekeeping, Average Person Gardening, Business Insider, O'Christmas Trees, Superior Top List.

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Our experts reviewed the top 15 Fake Christmas Trees and also dug through the reviews from 132 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Fake Christmas Trees.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • Artificial trees come in different colors, shapes and sizes. Most of them are modeled after real-life trees, like spruces, pines and firs. Larger “pine trees” create a gorgeous traditional style for any celebration, while tall, thin trees are ideal for smaller rooms.
  • Most artificial trees look fairly realistic from a distance, but you might notice a difference when you stand closer. The level of realism depends on what your tree’s “needles” are made from. PVC needles are the norm, but they can look a bit flat. Polyethylene (or PE) needles have a depth and 3D look that’s closer to a real tree. That’s because PE is injected into needle molds to create every arm of the tree, while PVC needles are cut into flat strips. A combination of PVC and PE needles, or just PE needles, will look the most realistic, but they also cost more.
  • Make sure there’s plenty of room for your tree before you place it. If your space isn’t large enough you’ll wind up with bent branches or torn needles. Avoid placing it too closely to staircases or doors. 
  • Include the diameter of your predicted haul of gifts when you measure the space for your tree. Make sure that there’s enough room for any train sets or standing decorations, too. 
  • Check out your tree’s weight before you put it up. Don’t overdo it by setting up your tree on your own — larger trees require more than one person for assembly. You may also want a second person to make sure the tree is standing straight and level once it’s up. 
  • You won’t need to worry about your dog lapping up water from the stand with an artificial tree, but they can still get into trouble. Consider buying a small fence to keep furry friends (or curious kids) away from your tree.
  • Take extra safety steps if your tree has built-in LED lights. Avoid using extension cords (grounded power strips are okay) and keep water away from your tree.

Fake Christmas Tree Rankings

3. Best Choice Products Snowy Pine, 6-Foot

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 7

7. OasisCraft Pre-lit Blue Spruce Christmas Tree, 6-Foot

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 2

10. Best Choice Products 7ft Pre-Lit Pine Tree

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 17

13. Best Choice Products 7.5 ft Pre-Lit Spruce Tree

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 21

More to Explore

Artificial trees seem like a modern invention, but they’ve been around for centuries. In the 1800s, German manufacturers would use dyed green goose feathers to create willowy needles on a fake tree. They were called “paradise trees” with apple ornaments to represent the Garden of Eden. 

Today, Americans spend almost $10 million per year on artificial trees, and they become more popular every year. So much for Paganism!

More to explore