The 10 Best Artificial Christmas Trees of 2022
Updated: Mar. 01, 2023The best artificial Christmas trees are nearly indistinguishable from real ones—yet you don't have to worry about shedding needles or fire hazards.
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Why Choose an Artificial Christmas Tree This Year?
If you’re used to opening presents under a live tree on Christmas morning, switching to an artificial tree can be a big step. The right artificial Christmas tree, however, brings holiday tradition without the fuss. If you’re looking to make the switch to an artificial tree this year, here are six reasons that faux is the way to go:
- Artificial Christmas trees are almost always easy to set up—no saw or bulky tree stand is necessary.
- Faux trees never die—they can last a decade or longer if cared for and stored properly.
- Artificial trees look perfect all season long, even if you keep them up past the holidays to show off your best Christmas tree decorations.
- You don’t have to worry about watering your tree, cleaning sap from your hands, vacuuming up needles or disposing of it after the holidays.
- Dried-out live trees can pose a fire hazard, but artificial trees are typically made from flame-retardant materials.
- Many artificial trees come pre-lit, saving you the hassle of untangling miles of string lights. Some trees even come pre-decorated if you’re unsure about which Christmas tree aesthetic is right for you.
Best All-Around
Balsam Hill BH Balsam Fir
Balsam fir, with its dark green color and teardrop shape, has long been the gold standard of Christmas trees. The Balsam Hill BH Balsam Fir is an artificial version of the classic Christmas tree—with semi-flat needles and upward-slopping branches—to mimic the balsam fir that thrives along North America’s eastern coast.
The BH Balsam Fir comes in different heights and with lighting options, too. If you want a pre-lit model, options include both clear and color LED light combinations. Plus, this tree features Balsam Hill’s Easy Plug system, so lighting your tree is as simple as plugging it into a socket.
Pros:
- Realistic and durable unlit and pre-lit options
- 3-year warranty
- Stand, storage bag and protective gloves included
- App-controlled LEDs included on trees with Twinkly Light Show
- Remote control included on trees with Color+Clear LED Lights
Cons:
- A more expensive option
Most Realistic Tree
National Tree Company Dunhill Fir
Finding an artificial tree that doesn’t look fake can be expensive, but the Dunhill Fir from the National Tree Company is affordable and looks incredibly lifelike. Thanks to its wide, full-bodied branches, you’ll have plenty of space to display all your favorite ornaments. Each branch is individually crafted with needles made of realistic-looking PVC that’s both hypo-allergenic and fire-resistant, making this a kid- and pet-friendly tree.
You don’t have to sacrifice height at this bargain of a price, either. The Dunhill Fir comes in 10 different height options.
Pros:
- Individually crafted tips for full bodied branches and lifelike look
- Hypo-allergenic, fire-resistant needles
- Durable metal base
- An affordable option
Cons:
- Sharp needles and branches
- Protective gloves and storage bag not included
Best Pre-Lit Tree
National Tree Company Pre-Lit ‘Feel Real’ Downswept Douglas Fir
A cousin to the Dunhill Fir, the Pre-Lit ‘Feel Real’ Downswept Douglas Fir is another lifelike option, but with even less work required. This 7-1/2-foot tree is pre-strung with 900 Dual Color LEDs that allow you to alternate between white and multicolor lights.
This pre-lit tree is also equipped with 10 different light functions. Whether you’re wanting a warm white-light twinkle or a colorful flash, this faux tree has you covered.
Pros:
- Dual Color LEDs alternate between white and multicolor lights
- PowerConnect feature allows wires to run through center pole, eliminating need for extension cords
- Sturdy metal base
Cons:
- One height option
- Lights do not dim
Best Slim Tree
National Tree Company Slim Kingswood Fir
The National Tree Company Slim Kingswood Fir is only 30 inches in diameter, so it takes up minimal space in your home or apartment. Its hinged branches are pre-attached to its center and drop down for quick and easy setup.
This slim tree comes in 6-1/2-, 7- and 7-1/2-feet options. It’s unlit, so you can opt for a simple, minimalist look with white lights and a few ornaments. You can go for a more-is-more look by adding all the decoration this slim tree can hold and a Christmas tree fence.
Pros:
- 3 height options
- Hypo-allergenic, fire-resistant needles
- Durable metal base
Cons:
- Branches are not as full as other options
Best Pre-Decorated Tree
The Holiday Aisle Lighted Artificial Pine Christmas Tree
If you’re looking to bring a little holiday cheer with almost no work, look no further. This pre-decorated artificial pine by The Holiday Aisle is designed for easy set-up.
This pop-up artificial pine comes pre-lit and pre-decorated, and it’s an affordable small Christmas tree option for apartments, dorms, schools and office spaces. This 6-foot tree is another slim option with a 30-inch diameter. It’s complete with warm white lights, frosted branches, pinecones and red berries, so it’s ready to display as-is.
Pros:
- Flocked and decorated with pinecones and berries
- Quick and easy setup
- Folds down to be stored in flat box
- Metal stand
Cons:
- A smaller option
Best Minimalist Tree
Balsam Hill Frosted Alpine Balsam Fir
The Frosted Alpine Balsam Fir offers the subtle charm of winter woodlands. Sparse by design, the slim tree features an organic shape and visible faux trunk for a more natural look. Its branches are made of light-green frosted needles that mimic snow-covered foliage and come pre-fluffed for reduced setup time.
This tree features BH’s Easy Plug system and comes pre-lit with clear LED fairy lights for an enchanted look. You can display the frosted alpine tree as it comes for a minimalist holiday look or outfit with DIY ornaments for an added personal touch.
Pros:
- Center pole looks like real wood
- Multiple height options
- Pre-fluffed memory wire branches fan into place upon unboxing
- Easy, one-plug system for lighting
- 3-year warranty
- Stand, storage bag and protective gloves included
Cons:
- One option for lighting
- A more expensive option
Best Frosted Tree
Terrain Snowy Faux Norway Spruce
This 7-foot, snow-covered spruce by Terrain is another frosted option but with a fuller look. This faux tree is strikingly natural, with a mix of needle and branch shapes and a heavy dusting of snow for a magical winter look.
Pros:
- Frosted branches look lifelike
- Metal stand
- Full branches
Cons:
- One height option
Best Value Tree
The Twillery Co. Jack Artificial Fir Christmas Tree
This Jack Artificial Fir is a durable and budget-friendly option this holiday season. Its needles are made of PVC that’s not only flame retardant, but also mildew-, UV- and odor-resistant.
This highly-rated artificial tree comes in a range of heights from 6-1/2 to 12 feet, but the 7-1/2-foot option is a steal at $179. The faux fir comes with hinged branches that are attached at the center for easy, drop-down assembly.
Pros:
- Significantly more affordable than options of the same size and quality
- Metal body is resistant to rust and weather
- Multiple height options
Cons:
- Requires a lot of fluffing
- Branches do not support heavy ornaments
Best Tinsel
Pottery Barn Pre-Lit Tuscany Tinsel Faux Christmas Tree
Maybe you’re looking to go the nontraditional route with a colorful Christmas tree this year. If you’re in the market for a faux tree that looks more glam than real, tinsel is the way to go.
The Pre-Lit Tuscany Tinsel from Pottery Barn comes in gold and silver with clear incandescent lights. There’s a small, 4-foot and a 7-1/2-foot option for this tinsel tree, so you can a little shine to any size space you’re working with this holiday season.
Pros:
- Tinsel is not overly shiny
- Pre-lit with clear incandescent lights
- Flame resistant
- Lights are UL-listed
Cons:
- Two color options
Best Smart Tree
Twinkly Pre-lit Indoor Fir
When you go faux, you can also go smart. This smart tree by Twinkly is 7-1/2-feet tall with 400 LED lights that you control via Bluetooth connectivity to the Twinkly app.
Smart Christmas trees typically pair easily to your WiFi network via Bluetooth. Once connected, this tree allows you to create your own smart lighting effect or choose from one of many pre-set options in the app. You can even sync multiple Twinkly devices in your home together for an integrated Christmas décor tableau.
All of that comes without lifting a finger beyond setting up the tree. Now that’s working smarter, not harder.
Pros:
- Lights easily controlled with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and Twinkly app
- Different lighting effects, combinations and animations available
- Over 30,000 hours of battery life
Cons:
- One height option
- Less realistic than other options
What to consider when buying an Artificial Christmas tree
Where should you buy artificial Christmas trees?
It can be hard to know where to buy artificial Christmas trees, especially if you’re shopping online and unable to inspect the tree in person. When deciding which tree is right for you, it’s important to know how to spot a quality faux tree.
Typically, artificial trees have one of two types of branches, hinged or hooked. Hinged branches are permanently fixed and are typically found on higher-quality trees. Unless the center pole of your tree is made to look like a trunk and meant to be seen, look for a tree with a higher number of attached tips. The higher the number of tips, the fuller the tree.
Some companies specialize in artificial Christmas trees. Our favorites include Balsam Hill and Terrain. But there are other places to shop too, like West Elm, Lowes and even Amazon.
How do you store artificial Christmas trees?
A high-quality artificial Christmas tree can be an investment, but it won’t take long for your artificial tree to be cheaper than buying a fresh one every year.
To get the most out of your artificial tree, you have to take care of it. When it’s time to put away your Christmas decorations for the year, proper storage methods will help make sure your tree looks good year after year. Proper storage certainly saves space in your home, but also prevents damaged branches, pests and even mold.
One way to ensure proper storage is to get the right Christmas tree storage bag. There are plenty of options when it comes to storage bags but consider one that’s water-resistant and store it in a cool, dry place. Heat can cause artificial Christmas trees to become discolored or even melt.
How do you fluff artificial Christmas trees?
Artificial trees should be shaped and fluffed every year to give them a full and realistic look. Consider fluffing your artificial tree before adding ornaments and other decorations, but after adding lights to get a better idea of how your tree will look when finished. You can also flock your Christmas tree for a frosted appearance.
We recommend using gloves when working with artificial trees to avoid irritating your skin. Start by fluffing the bottom branches at the center of the tree and work your way outward and upward. You can tilt the inner limbs up to ensure there are no visible holes. If your tree is still not as full as you want after fluffing, consider adding a garland to fill in any gaps or holes.
How long do artificial Christmas trees last?
With proper care and storage, artificial Christmas trees last for an average of 10 years, while some trees can be used even longer. Artificial trees made of higher-quality materials tend to last longer. The material of a tree’s base matters too. A metal Christmas tree stand and center pole are preferable to plastic, as they are sturdier and stronger.
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