Real Christmas trees fill the air with the fresh scent of pine and, depending on where you shop, buying them often supports local tree farms. They also shed
a lot
, creating a mess that’s not fun to clean up after the
holiday season
. If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of buying and maintaining a new one every year, an artificial Christmas tree may be the answer.
More than 90%
of Americans plan to display a Christmas tree in 2024, and almost 80% will display an artificial one, according to Jami Warner, executive director of the
American Christmas Tree Association
, an industry group that represents artificial tree makers and gathered these insights. And since buying an artificial Christmas tree is a long-term investment, it’s important to purchase one you love.
SKIP AHEAD
Best artificial Christmas trees
|
How to shop for an artificial Christmas tree
|
Why trust NBC Select?
For those who don’t want to deal with a real tree, we talked to experts about how to shop for artificial Christmas trees and rounded up some of the best options based on their advice. We also asked experts about the environmental impact of Christmas trees, and what those with
allergies
and
pets
specifically should be aware of before buying one.
Selected.
-
Best pre-lit treeBest Choice Products 4.5-ft Pre-Lit Spruce Christmas Tree
$59.99$74.99Amazon
Learn more
-
Best unlit treeBest Choice Products Premium Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree
$109.99$129.99Amazon
Learn more
-
Best tabletop treeNational Tree Company Pre-lit Artificial Mini Christmas Tree
$34.99$39.99Amazon
Learn more
-
Best unconventional treePink Faux Christmas Tree with Iron Stand
$undefined$76.07Overstock
Learn more
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How we picked the best artificial Christmas trees
Here are the expert-recommended factors we kept in mind while compiling this list:
-
Height:
Since everyone’s home has ceilings with different dimensions, our list has artificial Christmas trees in a range of heights, including tabletop models. -
Pre-lit vs. unlit:
Our list of artificial Christmas trees includes pre-lit trees and unlit trees. The one you choose depends on whether or not you want to add your own lights or use whichever type comes with the tree you get. Pre-lit trees are often more expensive than unlit ones. -
Lighting effects
: For those who want a pre-lit tree, it’s also important to choose a tree with lighting effects you enjoy. Our list includes a range of colors and effects. -
Storage options:
Artificial trees typically come in a box broken down and with branches compressed to help make it easier to store. How you receive the tree is typically how you’ll have to store it when the holidays are over. We chose trees that are easy to store, considering you have a large enough closet or storage room in your home.
Best artificial Christmas trees to shop now
If you want your artificial Christmas tree to last for years, purchase a high-quality model, says Warner. She also recommends reading customer reviews and perusing review images before buying.
Listed below are the best artificial Christmas trees based on expert guidance. It covers a range of price points, sizes and styles, and includes both unlit and pre-lit options. To help you determine how full each tree is, we note the trees’ tip count (meaning branch tips) if provided by the brand. The higher the tip count, the fuller the tree will look. We also point out if the tree comes in one, display-ready piece (pre-assembled) or not. All of the options below have at least a 4-star average rating from 100 reviews or more on one of the retailer websites.
Best pre-lit artificial Christmas trees
Best pre-lit compact tree:
Best Choice Products 4.5-ft Pre-Lit Spruce Christmas Tree
Best Choice Products 4.5-ft Pre-Lit Spruce Christmas Tree
- Good for small spaces
- Easy setup
- Best for small homes
This tree, available in a space-conscious 4.5-feet tall size, comes recommended by NBC Select reporter
Zoe Malin
, who puts it in her apartment living room. “It gives me plenty of room to spread out my ornaments, but isn’t so big that it’s intimidating to put together or take apart. It’s quite sturdy, too,” she says. “I love that it comes pre-lit, which prevents me from having to wrestle with string lights. I can’t wait to set it up again this year.” It has 763 branch tips, which means it has a full look to house all of your ornaments.
Plug-in or battery operated:
plug-in |
Lighting effects:
static |
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
Best pre-lit fir-style tree:
National Tree Company 7.5-Foot Dunhill Fir Incandescent Artificial
National Tree Company 7.5-Foot Dunhill Fir Incandescent Artificial
- Full look
- Traditional style
- May be large for some homes
You can purchase this Christmas tree in three heights: 6 1/2 feet (1,838 tips), 10 feet (5,090 tips) or 12 feet (7,794 tips). It comes pre-lit and its bulbs illuminate the tree with your choice of white or clear light. Replacement bulbs are also included with the tree, which has a 4.4-star average rating from 213 reviews at Home Depot.
Plug-in or battery operated:
plug-in |
Lighting effects:
static |
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
Best pre-lit spruce-style tree:
National Tree Company North Valley Spruce Christmas Tree
National Tree Company North Valley Spruce Christmas Tree
- Full branches
- May be too tall for some
The North Valley Spruce tree from National Tree Company has 1,346 branch tips and stands over 7 feet tall, making it perfect for those who have high ceilings and want to fill out their living room with a festive tree. It has a 52-inch base diameter, so it’s less likely to wobble, even as you decorate it. The branches, which resemble those of traditional spruce trees, are easy to fluff outward for a full look, but they also fold back inward for quick storage.
Plug-in or battery operated:
plug-in |
Lighting effects:
static |
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
Best pre-lit alpine-style tree:
Balsam Hill Frosted Alpine Balsam Fir Tree
Balsam Hill Frosted Alpine Balsam Fir Tree
- Lightweight
- Easy setup
- Less full look
If you’re looking for a slim option that resembles an alpine fir tree, this pick from Balsam Hill is designed with tight spaces in mind, the brand says. It’s pre-lit with LED fairy lights and available in six heights: 4 ½ feet (448 tips), 6 ½ feet (1,088 tips), 7 ½ feet (1,368 tips), 9 feet (2,592 tips), 10 feet (3,544 tips) and 12 feet (5,986 tips). Sparse by design, this balsam-style tree’s faux trunk is visible through the branches and the tree’s foliage is frosted to mimic snow. The tree comes with extra bulbs and has a 4.5-star average rating from 347 reviews on Balsam Hill.
Plug-in or battery operated:
plug-in |
Lighting effects:
static |
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
Best pre-lit tabletop tree:
National Tree Company Pre-lit Artificial Mini Christmas Tree
National Tree Company Pre-lit Artificial Mini Christmas Tree
- No setup required
- Good for dining tables
- Nothing to note at this time
This tiny but festive pre-lit tree also comes recommended by Malin, who typically displays it on her dining table or coffee table. “The rainbow lights add color, so I usually don’t decorate this tree other than adding a little topper. It doesn’t take up much room in my home and is very easy to store,” she says. It has 71 branch tips and 35 multicolor lights, plus a red and gold stand.
Plug in or battery operated:
battery operated |
Lighting effects:
static |
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
yes
Best tree with multiple lighting effects:
Fraser Hill Farm 7.5-Ft. Buffalo Fir Slim Artificial Christmas Tree
Fraser Hill Farm 7.5-Ft. Buffalo Fir Slim Artificial Christmas Tree
- Pre-flocked
- Comes with pine cones
- Less full look
This eclectic pre-lit Christmas tree comes studded with mini pine cones on the end of each branch. It’s also pre-flocked, so it looks lightly dusted with snow for a more authentic look. It has 1,116 branch tips and a total of 550 warm white light bulbs to compliment your adornments.
Plug in or battery operated:
plug-in
|
Lighting effects:
combo, waves, sequential, slow-glow, flashing, fade, twinkle, and static |
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
Best unlit artificial Christmas trees
Best overall unlit tree:
Best Choice Products Premium Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree
Best Choice Products Premium Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree
- Full look
- Sturdy base
- Three-step set up
- May be large for some homes
Available in 6-foot, 7 1/2-foot and 9-foot models, this spruce-like tree has a built-in foldable base and a full shape. The 6-foot tree has 798 tips, the 7.5-foot tree has 1,346 tips and the 9-foot tree has 2,028 tips. With a 4.6-star average rating from 12,940 reviews on Amazon, this tree is ideal for embellishing with ornaments of different sizes and weights and can handle a range of different strong light styles, such as fairy or vintage.
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
Best unlit, unconventional tree:
Pink Faux Christmas Tree with Iron Stand
Pink Faux Christmas Tree with Iron Stand
- Muted color
- Easy setup
- Sturdy
- Unique style
NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez bought this tree a few years ago when he wanted to go the unconventional route with a sugar plum fairy theme. “It has a wonderful muted pink color, and it pairs well with multicolor fairy lights, pink tinsels and pink ornaments of different sizes,” he says. “It’s also easy and quick to set up, and it doesn’t shed many bristles.” This option has 617 branch tips.
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
Best unlit spruce-style tree:
Wondershop Alberta Unlit Spruce Tree
Wondershop Alberta Unlit Spruce Tree
- Full look
- Customizable
- May be large for some spaces
With 1,200 hinged branch tips, this unlit tree has a full look to it, but is also tall, making it ideal for filling up a space with high ceilings. You can customize it however you want by decorating it with ornaments, garland and tinsel of different sizes and styles. Plus, since it has a sturdy metal base, you don’t have to worry about it accidentally falling over, according to the brand.
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
Best unlit tabletop tree:
Goplus 2-ft. Tabletop Mini Christmas Tree
Goplus 2-ft. Tabletop Mini Christmas Tree
- Study base
- Customizable
- Best for small spaces
Available in either 2- or 3-foot options, this mini tree can be a festive centerpiece for dining or coffee tables, or you could simply place it on your dresser or mantle next to stockings. You can also decorate it with mini ornaments or a short string of battery-operated fairy lights. With a 4.4-star average rating from 1,689 reviews on Amazon, it also has a durable round cement base wrapped in a festive cloth. It has 67 branch tips.
Stand included: y
es |
Pre-assembled:
yes
Best unlit tree worth the splurge:
Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce Christmas
- Traditional shape
- Full look
- Pricey
This eye-catching, realistic-looking tree — which has a 4.6-star average rating from 6,065 reviews at Balsam Hill — is available in several sizes and lighting styles, including unlit. Thanks to its full silhouette and over 2,000 branch tips, it’s an ideal foundation for large ornaments, garland, tinsels, festive steamers and a topper of your choice.
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
Best aluminum tree:
Wellwood 6-ft. Silver Tinsel Christmas Tree
Wellwood 6-ft. Silver Tinsel Christmas Tree
- Retro look
- Easy to assemble
- Color wheel recommended
If you want a Christmas tree with a retro twist, consider an aluminum tree, such as this one, which comes with an ornament set. It has a 4.3-star average rating from 2,063 reviews on Amazon, and 508 branch tips that can be fluffed for a fuller look. Since aluminum trees are potentially flammable, though, it’s important to decorate them carefully, such as with a
color wheel
, which we explain more below in the FAQ section below.
Stand included:
yes |
Pre-assembled:
no
How to shop for an artificial Christmas tree
Since Christmas trees become part of your home decor for weeks (or months, depending on when you put yours up), purchasing one is largely about your personal style preferences. You’ll want to consider the following factors:
-
Size:
Artificial Christmas trees come in a variety of sizes — some are over 12 feet tall, while others are smaller, allowing you to put them on tabletops. Before you purchase a tree, decide where you want to put it and what size would work best for that area. Plus, if you choose a tree on the taller side, you may need a stepping stool when it comes time to decorate it. -
Color:
Some people want to find the most realistic looking artificial tree possible and opt for green varieties. Others, however, take a non-traditional route and purchase trees in neon colors, white, black and other shades. Some trees even come sparkly or patterned. -
Fullness
: The fullness of artificial Christmas trees are determined by the amount of branches and branch tips it’s built with, experts told us. While shopping online, look on product pages for the tip count of each tree, which can help you determine how full it is. A higher tip count typically makes for a fuller tree, though fluffing the tree also plays a role in its fullness. -
Non-lit versus pre-lit:
Many artificial Christmas trees come pre-lit — they’re either battery operated or have a plug-in attachment. They typically come in a traditional warm white light, while others have more shades. Plus, some have multiple twinkle functions. But some shoppers prefer to add their own lights to the tree, while others don’t want lights at all. If so, an unlit model may be preferable. -
Storage and set-up:
Artificial Christmas trees need to be assembled and disassembled each year, so you’ll want an option that makes both processes as easy as possible. Plus, you’ll want to make sure you have an appropriate place for storage before you buy one: While you may be able to display a 12-foot tree in your living room during the holidays, your closet may not be able to accommodate that same size, even once it’s disassembled.
Frequently asked questions
Artificial trees are used for an average of ten years, but most can be used up to twenty years if cared for properly, Warner says.
To store your tree, Warner recommends keeping it in a box or bag to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating, and to protect the branches and foliage. It’s also important to store your tree in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight — strong sunlight could lead to discoloration over time. Additionally, Warner says storing your tree with a container of baking soda or unused coffee grounds — which can absorb odors — may keep it smelling fresh.
Any way you look at it, “the impact of a real or artificial tree on the environment is negligible,” says
Bert Cregg
, a professor at Michigan State University’s Department of Horticulture and an expert in Christmas tree production. “Both of these have next to no impact when you look at it compared to what most people do in the rest of their lives.”
But because artificial Christmas trees can be reused for years, you might think they’re more eco-friendly than live trees that are disposed of after the holiday season. Since artificial Christmas trees are largely made from plastic and can end up in landfills when they’re trashed, however, the issue has been debated. And many studies have been conducted around the topic, including some commissioned by the
American Christmas Tree Association
.
If you are concerned about sustainability in regards to your Christmas tree selection, Cregg recommended buying a live tree from a locally owned family farm or reusing an artificial tree as many times as you can before purchasing a new one. You can also often buy artificial trees secondhand. Warner noted that if you plan to replace your artificial tree while it’s still in good condition, you should
try to donate it
rather than throw it away.
For those who suffer from certain allergies, bringing a live Christmas tree into the home during the holiday season can cause irritation, says Dr.
Nina Shapiro
, a pediatric ear, nose and throat specialist at Westside Head and Neck in California. Does this mean that artificial trees are better for those with allergies? Not necessarily: Shapiro said you can have the same reaction to an artificial tree.
“Real or artificial, the allergic reaction may be due to contaminants such as mold, ragweed pollen and dust rather than the tree itself,” said Shapiro. And for artificial trees, she said “the longer the tree stays in the home, the more likely dust and mold develops, making people more susceptible to allergies.”
To help reduce allergic reactions, Shapiro said it’s important to wipe down your tree — real or artificial — with a wet cloth or using a towel and a spray bottle filled with water before setting it up. The same goes for ornaments and lights, as well as other decorations you place around your home.
If you can, clean your tree and other decorations outside your home, which helps prevent dust and other allergens from being released inside. And when it’s time to store your artificial tree, consider investing in a storage bag with a tightly zipped seal to prevent moisture and dust from getting in.
Branches and needles of a live Christmas tree aren’t great for pets. If they eat either of those or drink the water a real tree sits in, pets might experience anything from a mild upset stomach to more severe symptoms like organ failure (which is possible for a pet who ingests plant fertilizer), according to Dr. Zay Satchu, chief veterinary officer and co-founder of
Bond Vet
. This aligns with guidance we found from the
FDA
,
ASPCA
and
American Veterinary Medical Association
.
Satchu added that pets sometimes see Christmas trees — real or artificial — as toys. They do the same with ornaments, lights, tinsel and other decorations — all of those items can be dangerous if ingested. Satchu recommended consulting
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
to learn about the potential dangers of seasonal plants and other items before decorating your home, as well as asking your vet for additional guidance before bringing anything new into your home this holiday season.
Aluminum artificial Christmas trees add a retro look to your home, which explains why they’re making a bit of a comeback, according to Warner. That said, it’s important to decorate aluminum Christmas trees carefully since they are flammable. This means you should avoid using traditional lights to embellish it. “Aluminum can conduct electricity really well but can be a bit dangerous, as it can cause voltage spikes or even fire hazards because the metal branches could short circuit the lights,” says Warner. “But don’t despair as there are options such as LED lights or, for a funky, retro vibe, a
color wheel
that shines colors on the tree without any direct contact. And battery-operated lights are another safe bet.”
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
-
Jami Warner
is the executive director of theAmerican Christmas Tree Association
,a non-profit organization and industry trade group that represents those involved in the artificial Christmas tree industry.
-
Bert Cregg
is a professor at Michigan State University’s Department of Horticulture and an expert in Christmas tree production.
-
Dr.
Nina Shapiro
is a pediatric ear, nose and throat specialist at Westside Head and Neck in California. She is the author of “
HYPE: A Doctor’s Guide To Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice
,” as well as a children’s book, “
The Ultimate Kids’ Guide To Being Super Healthy
.”
-
Dr. Zay Satchu
is the chief veterinary officer and co-founder ofBond Vet
.
Why trust NBC Select?
Zoe Malin is a
reporter
at NBC Select, where she has written gift guides for the holiday season, including the
best small brand gifts
and
Hannukah essentials
. For this story, she spoke with a Christmas tree expert, horticulture professor, vet and pediatrician about artificial Christmas trees and compiled a list of options to shop, based on their guidance.
Cory Fernandez is a
commerce editor
at NBC Select, where he writes about home and kitchen-related topics, including holiday decor. He updated this story with new information regarding artificial Christmas trees and added new editor-recommended products for your consideration.
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