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Shopping for an artificial Christmas tree can be overwhelming, especially when you’re doing it online. You’ll find yourself staring at product photos, wondering: How realistic does it actually look? Will it shed all over my living room? Can you see daylight through the branches? Are the branches strong enough to hold that lopsided homemade macaroni ornament you’ve hung on your tree since 2004?
We got tired of guessing, so we did a little experiment. We brought 10 of the most popular artificial trees from three top brands (Balsam Hill, King of Christmas, and National Tree Company) and hauled them to a photo studio in Kansas. There, 10 volunteer assemblers spent a morning unboxing, building, and fluffing every tree, and three professional interior designers scored them.
The judges didn’t know the brands. They didn’t know the prices. They didn’t even speak to the assemblers about how the construction of each tree went. They evaluated each tree based solely on how it looked and felt.
After our day of testing, we allowed every assembler the chance to take their tree home and set it up for their family. Most did and shared their notes. We’ve added their feedback on how the assembly process went at home, plus photos of the fully decorated trees.
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We researched artificial Christmas trees online to see what other publications and user reviews had to say, and then lined up the 10 most popular and talked-about trees.
Among them were Balsam Hill’s Classic Blue Spruce, National Tree Company’s enduring favorite Dunhill Fir, and an Amazon best-seller you can get for under $300.
All trees were the same height at 7.5 feet, and judged under the same studio lighting and free of ornaments. The prices ranged from $170 to $1,700. (All prices shown below are for 7.5-foot-tall trees.) We accepted review samples of seven of the trees and purchased the other three. In the end, we had $9,540 worth of trees assembled in a rented studio.
The trees were delivered to my home and then transported to a photo studio in Overland Park, Kansas, where 10 testers gathered on a Wednesday morning. Everything, from assembly to evaluation, was monitored and done under controlled conditions to ensure a fair comparison. The studio had one wall of windows letting in natural light, with the remaining space enclosed by walls and lit by white-hued recessed ceiling lights. We kept those overhead lights on throughout building and judging so the judges could properly assess needle structure, branch density, and overall shape without any atmospheric lighting skewing results.
The assemblers knew which brand and model of tree they had, but were not told about the cost or reputation. Some of the trees came with included gloves to help in the fluffing process, but we issued utilitarian latex utility gloves to anyone who didn’t have them, along with scissors and box cutters to help with unboxing. As timekeeper, I hauled empty boxes out of the space to ensure each assembler could put up their tree unobstructed. Tree stands were built, branches carefully unpacked and snapped into the tree base, then fluffed and bent into shape in time for the judges to arrive. Assemblers had an hour and a half to unbox, unload, build, and fluff each tree, and most were fully assembled in about 45 minutes.
Once the trees were ready, three judges—interior designers from Kansas City-based firm ML Designs—arrived to evaluate them and pick the best fake Christmas tree.
What did we look for while testing?
Each judge was given scorecards with a rubric that added up to 25 total points. The judges scored each tree on five categories on a scale of 1-5:
- Realism: How closely does the tree mimic the look and texture of a freshly-cut evergreen?
- Fullness and shape: Does the tree have an even and dense silhouette without visible gaps, and does its overall profile feel proportionate from top to bottom?
- Branch structure: Are the branches sturdy, well-spaced, and capable of holding ornaments without sagging?
- Needle quality: Do the needles look and feel lifelike, with realistic depth and texture?
- Overall appeal: Once fully assembled and fluffed, does the tree look inviting and festive?
The goal was to find out which tree truly looks the best when there’s no logo or price tag swaying opinion. After all three judges evaluated a tree, we combined their scores to get a final score out of a possible 75 points.
In the end, the top tree got 72 out of 75 points while the bottom tree scored 32 (our judges admitted to being on the nice side—only one gave a score of 1).
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Best Overall Christmas Tree
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
Balsam Hill
Vermont White Spruce
Balsam Hill trees are well-known among fake Christmas tree enthusiasts for their ability to mimic the look and feel of fresh-cut evergreen trees. The company has been around since 2006 and is often found atop lists of the best artificial trees. We found that the brand twinkled brightly in a blind competition, without relying on reputation. Balsam Hill’s Vermont White Spruce caught eyes the minute it emerged from the box and took the top spot on our judges’ ballots. No other tree compared in thickness, and it looked incredibly luxurious. “This is like the Hermès of Christmas trees,” said assembler Lexi Wehrmeister as she unwrapped the first section.
The tree’s branches slope upward naturally, making it easy to hang ornaments, and the mix of needle types gives it a realistic texture. “It’s very lush. It looks and feels expensive,” one judge noted. She also pointed out that there was no shedding, and judge Marianne Mayer agreed that the branches were extremely sturdy. The tree also comes pre-lit with LED lights that you can control with an app—get the model which does both color and clear if you want the option of having either white or colored Christmas lights. Most importantly, it looked lifelike, full, and festive without much fluffing.
At home update: Assembler Lexi Wehrmeister set this tree up just a few days after taking it home. Her first observation was that you should be extra careful not to lose the little plastic end caps that come with the three. “The ends of the tree are surprisingly sharp and will slash right through the bag without them—hold onto those, for sure,” she says. The tree was “super easy to set up, and she appreciated not having to untangle strings of lights, as the pre-lit lights click together and power on with no need to plug anything together. “You just sit the tree in the stand; it’s super easy,” she says. “There are no messy lights, you just click it into place—three little clicks. You can press it on with your foot, so that’s really nice. Wehrmeister was very happy with the finished product: “She’s a beautiful tree.”
Score: 72 of 75
Heights available (in feet) 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18 Width and weight Width for a 7.5-foot tree: 5.5 feetWeight for a 7.5-foot tree: 71 pounds Lighting options Unlit, color and clear LED, clear LED, C7 Multicolor LED, Twinkly brand app-controlled lights Light count 1,440 Branch tip count 2,574 for a 7.5-foot tree Accessories included Tree stand, storage bag, protective gloves Warranty 3-year limited warranty Shipping Free shipping on orders $350+, $10 standard shipping WIRED
- Extremely full and lush
- Realistic texture thanks to a mix of needle types
- Upward-sloping branches make ornament hanging easy
- Looks full and festive with minimal fluffing
TIRED
- Higher price
- Its thickness can make disassembly challenging
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Best Flocked Christmas Tree
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
King of Christmas
King Flock
Flocked trees—that is, trees covered in artificial white snow made from a blend of cellulose fibers and adhesive—can be divisive. You either love them or hate them, and our judges are fans. (Then again, several assemblers who said they are not typically fans were still wowed by this tree.) King of Christmas’ King Flock, meant to mimic a subalpine fir, nails the fresh-snow look, something that’s often surprisingly hard to pull off. Its branches are incredibly thick, which makes the tree look full and realistic. Hanging ornaments may prove to be a little tricky, but the winter wonderland look is still stunning.
King of Christmas is a top-rated artificial Christmas tree brand with options that run from extremely inexpensive ($280) to ultra high-end ($3,300). The King Flock is one of the brand’s signature models, and the tree also comes with some techy perks: Its assembler was stoked to discover an included remote for changing the lights and setting a timer. After we wrapped, he did add that disassembling the tree was a lot tougher than putting it up, but the shedding was still pretty minimal for a flocked tree—you won’t end up feeling like someone set off a glitter bomb in your living room. “This one feels like Christmas,” Maureen Lindstrom pointed out during judging. Hard to beat that!
At home update: The assemblers didn’t respond to our queries and are missing and presumed to be overcome with the spirit of Christmas.
Score: 71 of 75
Heights available (in feet) 6.5, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 12 Width and weight Width for a 7.5-foot tree: 4.3 feetWeight for a 7.5-foot tree: 57 pounds Lighting options Unlit, white LED Light count 800 Branch tip count 1,938 for a 7.5-foot tree Accessories included Tree stand, storage bag, protective gloves, remote, and foot pedal Warranty 2-year limited warranty Shipping Free shipping on US orders WIRED
- Realistic “fresh snow” flocked look
- Full, thick branches
- Comes with a remote to change light brightness and set a timer
TIRED
- No option for colored LED lights
- There was some shedding even in this short test
- Disassembly is more difficult than setup
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Best Traditional Christmas Tree
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
King of Christmas
Cypress Spruce
This tree screams classic and cozy. When you think of a nostalgic Christmas, you think of this tree. Aside from some built-in lights, there aren’t a whole lot of frills, which is exactly the point. King of Christmas nails the balance of realism and fullness here, blending PE and PVC needles that mimic real pine while filling out the shape. The result is a full, voluptuous-looking tree without too much bulkiness. Judge Marianne Mayer appreciated its “well-balanced and sturdy” structure and highlighted the tree’s rich color.
At home update: Assemblers Amanda Barnes and Blake Franklin put this one up at home, and had a few notes. “It doesn’t seem to require the sections to be aligned in any specific way to connect them,” Franklin said, which made assembly straightforward. That said, the main takeaway is that the tree is heavy. Even though the included storage bag is handy, Franklin recommends transporting the 75-pound tree piece by piece if you’re climbing stairs or you’re working alone. That weight has a silver lining, though—the tree feels very sturdy, and the heft likely reflects the overall quality of the tree’s construction.
Score: 67 of 75
Heights available (in feet) 6.5, 7.5, 8, 9, 10 Width and weight Width for a 7.5-foot tree: 5.3 feetWeight for a 7.5-foot tree: 75 pounds Lighting options Unlit, warm white, multicolor light LED Light count 1,450 Branch tip count 5,219 for a 7.5-foot tree Accessories included Tree stand, storage bag, protective gloves Warranty 2-year limited warranty Shipping Free shipping on US orders WIRED
- Full and lush appearance without being too heavy
- Well-balanced and sturdy structure
- Natural color
TIRED
- Minimal features beyond built-in lights
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Sturdiest Christmas Tree
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
Balsam Hill’s Balsam Fir makes a strong first impression with its full shape and soft, light-green hue. Its sturdy branches can easily support heavy ornaments without sagging, and there was almost no shedding. Up close, though, judges noticed that some of the magic faded a bit: the branches appeared waxy, and judge Jill Connard pointed out that the needles are also flat, which takes away from the realism. Overall, it’s a tree that balances a realistic silhouette with practical durability, which is perfect if you love your tree stocked with ornaments.
At home update: After assembling it at home, Alex Condon found the tree to be a perfect fit and has received numerous compliments. She says the tree is very easy to set up, and fluffing took some elbow grease, but she’s confident that the more she does it year after year, the easier it will get. Condon also noted that the large storage bag with handles was clutch. She and her family love the tree so much that they’re already planning to get a second for their hearth room.
Score: 59 of 75
Heights available (in feet) 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18 Width and Weight Width for a 7.5-foot tree: 5 feetWeight for a 7.5-foot tree: 73 pounds Lighting options Unlit, color and clear LED, clear LED, C7 Multicolor LED, Twinkly brand app-controlled lights Light count 1,050 Branch tip count 5,752 for a 7.5-foot tree Accessories included Tree stand, storage bag, protective gloves Warranty 3-year limited warranty Shipping Free shipping on orders $350+, $10 standard shipping WIRED
- Extremely sturdy branches
- Minimal shedding
- Full shape and realistic silhouette
TIRED
- Branches and needles appear waxy up close
- Flat needles detract from realism
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Easiest to Fluff
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
National Tree Company
Dunhill Fir Tree
If you’re the type who wants to manipulate your tree every which way, National Tree Company’s Dunhill Fir is for you. Its assembler praised its “extremely pliable” branches, which made it easy to fluff from the bottom up. The result was a classic, dark-green tree that looks full and natural. Judge Maureen Lindstrom noted that the wrapped inner pole added to the realism: “Like it was just pulled off a truck.” Between the flexible branches and soft needles, this tree is perfect for hands-on decorators who want to fluff, shape, and customize every inch.
At home update: The assemblers didn’t respond to our queries and are missing and presumed to be overcome with the spirit of Christmas.
Score: 58 of 75
Heights available (in feet) 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 9, 10, 12, 14 Width and weight Width for a 7.5-foot tree: 4.9 feetWeight for a 7.5-foot tree: Not listed Lighting options Unlit, clear, multicolor Light count NA Branch count Not disclosed Accessories included Tree stand Warranty 3-year limited warranty Shipping Free delivery on all orders WIRED
- Pliable branches make it easy to shape
- Classic dark green appearance
- Wrapped inner pole adds natural look
- Soft needles
TIRED
- Requires some effort on assemblers’ end to fluff and perfect
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Quickest Assembly
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
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Photograph: Jeremey Theron Kirby
This Fraser Fir earned its spot for ease of assembly. Its assembler had the tree fully set up in mere minutes, needed minimal fluffing time, and spent the rest of the hour tinkering just to see if he could make it look any better than it already did. As a whole, all three judges thought the tree looked great: Lindstrom said the needles looked good from afar, and Connard concurred. Up close, though, Lindstrom noted the needles felt pretty plasticky and the branches felt weak, adding that “it feels like you might come down in the morning to find all of the ornaments have fallen off.” Mayer agreed that the branches are a bit weak at the tips, but sturdy enough at the base. Overall, it’s a quick-to-assemble, solid-looking tree that may be best dressed in just lights and ribbons.
At home update: This one was passed to WIRED Reviews team director Martin Cizmar, who put the tree together with his 10-year-old daughter. The included base was somehow lost, so he had to order a replacement for same-day delivery from Walmart. “Finding a replacement stand for a trunk this thick was pretty tough, as most stands I saw sold online were half the required width, which I think speaks to how big and sturdy these Balsam Hill trees are,” he says. Big and sturdy was the theme: “Seeing the trees in a photo studio, I really did not get an impression about how much larger they are than the cheap-o one I had before. This tree is massive and looks great in the corner of my living room. My family has collected ornaments on vacation since I was young, and we have some vintage glass ornaments from my late uncle, so I have more ornaments than I’ve ever been able to fit on a tree before, but I basically emptied the clip and used everything this year.” The tree itself was easy to put together, fairly easy to fluff, and looks proportional with 10-foot ceilings.
Score: 55 of 75
Heights available (in feet) 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 9, 10, 12 Width and weight Width for a 7.5-foot tree: 5 feetWeight for a 7.5-foot tree: 58 pounds Lighting options Unlit, color and clear LED, clear LED, C7 Multicolor LED, Twinkly brand app-controlled lights Light count 850 Branch count 3,272 for a 7.5-foot tree Accessories included Tree stand, storage bag, protective gloves Warranty 3-year limited warranty Shipping Free shipping on orders $350+, $10 standard shipping WIRED
- Quick and easy setup
- Minimal fluffing required
- Sturdy branch bases
TIRED
- Needles feel plasticky up close
- Weak branch tips might not support heavy ornaments
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Compare Our Picks
More Artificial Trees We Tested
King of Christmas’s Yorkshire Fir for $589: This tree isn’t going to fool anyone up close, but it’s not without its charms. Judge Jill Connard complimented the branch placement, which gives the tree a great overall shape. However, Mayer noted that the trunk is pretty visible despite fluffing, and the needles have a somewhat papery feel, so it’s not exactly giving main tree energy.
Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce for $999: The Classic Blue Spruce from Balsam Hill has a nostalgic look that many seek in an artificial Christmas tree. However, judges agreed that it didn’t feel premium; Lindstrom noted it reminded her of her first-ever tree as a young adult. Mayer appreciated the brown tones in the needles for added realism, but felt that the tree lacked an upscale feel. The tree’s silhouette loses fullness toward the top, and up-close inspection of the branches and needles leaves more to be desired. Despite qualms, it remains a solid, middle-grade option for those seeking a traditional look. Score: 47.5 of 75
Hykolity Artificial Christmas Tree for $150: This one is one of Amazon’s top sellers, and has a 4.5-star average rating, so we had to test it. It mostly delivered on expectations; judges agreed that it’d be best suited as a budget-friendly option or in a kids’ room. If you look closely, you can see the branch wire, but judge Mayer summed it up nicely: “There’s a place for every tree.” On the plus side, the needles looked pretty realistic, and the lights included were good quality. One assembler noted that each light strand needs to be plugged into the next after assembly, which was a little confusing at first, but otherwise setup was pretty straightforward, and the price tag is inviting. Score: 46 of 75
National Tree Company Dunhill Fir (Pre-Lit) for $361: This one shocked everyone in the studio, especially when compared to its fraternal twin, the non-pre-lit Dunhill Fir, which ranked much higher. Dubbed the “Charlie Brown Tree” by both judges and assemblers, it looked very bare even after lots of fluffing. The top branch wouldn’t sit upright for a star or angel; cords were exposed throughout, and there were large gaps that couldn’t quite be hidden by fluffing. What looked promising in product photos didn’t translate in person, making this one a disappointing pick for anyone hoping for a full, reliable tree. Score: 32 of 75
A good rule of thumb is to choose a tree that leaves about 6 to 12 inches between the top (with the topper on) and your ceiling. For standard 8-foot ceilings, a 7- or 7.5-foot tree usually looks best. Smaller spaces like apartments or secondary rooms work better with 6-foot or slim trees.
What Tree Shape Should You Choose?
It depends on your space and the look you want.
- Full trees: Have a traditional silhouette and work well in larger rooms where you want a lush focal point.
- Slim trees: Offer the same height but with a smaller footprint. Perfect for apartments, tighter corners, or spots where you need extra floor space.
- Pencil trees: Tall and narrow, and ideal for entryways, offices, or secondary spaces where you want a tree that doesn’t take up a whole lot of room.
What Does Branch Tip Count Mean?
A higher tip count generally means a fuller, more natural-looking tree. For a 7.5-foot tree, 1,500-2,500 branch tips is generally the sweet spot for realism.
Is a Fake Tree More Sustainable Than a Real Christmas Tree?
It depends on how long you use it. Most artificial trees are made from PVC and metal, which aren’t biodegradable. But if you keep the same tree for more than five years, it can have a lower carbon footprint than buying a real tree every year, according to the American Christmas Tree Association. The lifespan of an artificial Christmas tree depends on its quality, materials, and care. On average, a good-quality tree can last 7 to 10 years, while higher-end models may last up to 15 years with proper maintenance.
Is a Fake Tree More Affordable?
Over time, yes. While a quality artificial tree is an investment upfront, you’ll save money by reusing it year after year. Plus, there are no yearly disposal costs.
How Do You Fluff Your Tree?
Start at the bottom and work your way up, using your hands to separate and spread out each branch and tip to fill gaps. Shape branches in different directions for a natural look. It takes some time, but it’s the key to a full, realistic-looking tree. Depending on the tree, you may need protective gloves to protect your hands from poky branches and needles.
How Many Feet of Christmas Lights Do You Need?
Govee recommends about 100 lights per foot of tree height. For example, a 7-foot tree would call for about 700 lights. How many lights per food is dependent on brand; check out the brand we recommend in our guide to the Best Smart Christmas Lights.
My Pre-Lit Tree’s Lights Don’t Work. How Do I Fix Them?
Pre-lit trees usually fail because of broken bulbs, loose wiring, a blown fuse, or worn-out light strings. To fix them:
- Check or replace any burnt or missing bulbs. String lights often won’t work if one goes out.
- Swap the fuses in the plug (many pre-lit trees include extras).
- Use a light tester to identify the dead bulb or section.
- If you’ve tried the above and the lights still don’t work, you can remove the old string and add your own lights rather than replace the whole tree.
How Should You Store Your Tree?
Disassemble the tree carefully, compress the branches, and store it in a sturdy tree bag or the original box. Keep it in a cool, dry place like a closet or basement. Humidity or direct heat can cause damage or dust buildup.
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