The 8 best artificial Christmas trees for Christmas 2021

A pre-lit Fraser fir pencil tree

The Puleo International Pre-Lit Fraser Fir Pencil Artificial Christmas Tree is thin and tall, so it won’t take up a lot of space. 

For minimalists who want to get the most convenience out of a faux Christmas tree, this pre-lit pencil fir tree from Puleo International is a great option. This high-quality tree comes with white lights wrapped around the trunk and branches for a hassle-free setup. 

The Fraser fir’s narrow pencil shape looks sharp and elegant. This is an ideal tree for those with high ceilings but who live in a small space. Plus, you can adjust the branch tips to make the tree appear fuller or accommodate larger ornaments. 

A classic faux blue spruce

The Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce Tree looks so real, you’ll have to look twice to realize it’s manufactured.

The realistic color of the Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce is a major selling point. The shade is a very natural-looking deep green that will remind you of an authentic winter wonderland.

The set-up is quick and easy so that anyone should be able to do it themselves in less than an hour. In addition to the tree itself, you’ll also get a storage bag and two pairs of white gloves to aid in your branch-fluffing efforts.

This highly rated tree is available in multiple sizes, ranging from 4.5 to 9 feet tall, and can be purchased with or without built-in clear LED lights. The only remaining problem is the lack of that beloved pine scent. But tree-scented candles and aromatherapy oils are getting more realistic, too. Problem solved.

Classic Blue Spruce Artificial Tree (7 Feet) (button)
A towering 10-foot artificial fir

The 10-foot Pre-lit Dunhill Fir Tree by National Tree is the ideal artificial tree for people with high ceilings who want to impress guests.

If you want your living room to look like the grand ballroom in The Nutcracker Ballet, then National Tree’s 10-foot pre-lit Dunhill Fir Tree is your pick.

This particular tree comes pre-lit with 1,500 perfectly spaced clear lights, so there’s no fiddling with tangled strands or burnt-out bulbs — if one burns out, the others will stay lit. The metal stand is also included, so just add a tree skirt, your family’s own traditional ornaments, a topper, and you’re set for Santa.

This tree is rather difficult to put up but looks amazing once it’s done. So that’s something to consider if you’re planning to set it up by yourself. But two people should be able to set it up perfectly well with a bit of time and patience. Besides, at 10-feet tall, you can expect a little assembly time for any tree.

A space-saving wall hugger

The 5-foot Home Heritage Pre-Lit Half Christmas Tree is a good-sized tree that’s perfect for small spaces.

Trying to jam a majestic tree into your studio apartment or even a dorm room just got easier. With the Half Christmas Tree from Home Heritage, you don’t have to limit yourself to a tiny tabletop tree. You can get the look of a full tree without sacrificing your precious floor space because it’s basically a faux tree that’s been cut in half.

At 14-inches wide, you’ll use up what will seem like a tiny amount of floor space for a tree this tall. If you’re worried that the lack of width might make this tall tree tippy, some owners said the stand it comes with works perfectly to keep it upright, with no need to anchor it to the wall.

There’s also a 7-foot version if you have a bit more space that can accommodate a slightly taller and wider tree and a corner version is space is even tighter.

A budget-friendly stalwart

The 6-foot Best Choice Products Artificial Christmas Tree is a solid, sturdy tree that offers bang for your buck.

This isn’t the most realistic-looking tree on our list, but for the money, it’s one of the best values out there. The tree is easy to set up, and the metal stand also drives up the functionality. It makes the tree a lot sturdier and less likely to tip than others that come with cheap plastic stands.

You may have to do some creative branch fluffing to maintain a full-looking tree, but once you load it up with ornaments, lights, ribbons, and tinsel, you won’t think twice about whether or not your purchase was worth it.

If the perfect Pinterest-worthy tree is important to your holiday cheer, then you may want to up your budget. But if a solid tree with easy-as-pie setup and a cheap price tag sounds great to you, then deck the halls with this pick.

A flocked tree for a snow-covered look

If you want to fully embrace a winter wonderland look, the Best Choice Products Snow Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree looks like you plucked it out of a swirling snowfall.

An artificial Christmas tree like Best Choice Products’ Snow Flocked one comes almost pre-decorated. With its fully integrated white lights and the addition of a faux snow overlay, all you need to add are some ornaments or bows to make it your own.

The tree comes in four heights ranging from 4.5 feet to 9 feet. Your tree will come in three sections that stack together with metal fixtures — no painstakingly installing individual branches. Like any artificial tree, you’ll have to take some time to fluff branches for a full look. The all-metal stand provides a solid base.

The flocking does tend to shed, so keep a vacuum handy during setup and breakdown.

It also comes in an unlit version if you already have your own lights.

A nontraditional ombre tree

The Treetopia Silver Shadow Ombre Artificial Christmas Tree is a modern conversation starter.

If you want to expand your Christmas decor beyond the traditional, look no farther than this black-and-silver ombre tree from Treetopia.

A sturdy metal base supports the 6-foot-tall tree shape composed of high-quality PVC and tinsel needles. The shape is tall and thin, like a real-life Douglas fir, but no one will be under the impression that this tree once grew in the ground.

The fact that this tree doesn’t strive to look “realistic” is actually one of its upsides. The shininess and sparkly color, combined with a perfectly cone-shaped silhouette, are the tree’s top features.

Treetopia is a highly praised and customer-friendly brand, and its trees tend to be high-quality yet on the low end of the pricing scale.

You should have no trouble setting this one up yourself, but note that it may take a few days of fluffing and waiting for all the branches to lie perfectly symmetrically.

A miniature tabletop tree

The little Goplus 2-Foot Tabletop Christmas Tree arrives with no setup required — pop in three AA batteries and perch it wherever you need a bit of seasonal decor.

The Goplus 2-Foot Tabletop Christmas Tree is the perfect faux tree for small spaces that need cheerful decor. The tree only weighs 2 pounds, so you can easily carry it wherever you need to go. 

With 71 branches to hold ornaments, you can still customize your artificial Christmas tree for a more traditional look. The miniature spruce comes with white lights decorated around the tree and has a cement base with festive red fabric wrapped around it.

This tabletop Christmas tree is a budget- and space-friendly option for anyone looking for a simple but elegant tree for the holidays.

FAQs

Real versus artificial Christmas trees: What’s the difference?

Artificial Christmas trees are a fairly effortless alternative to purchasing or cutting down a real Christmas tree each year. A fake tree is a one-time purchase that you can use year after year without any hassle. 

However, real trees come with the opportunity to pick one out with friends or family, and they will fill your home with the sweet scents of the forest. Plus, real trees are biodegradable and easy to recycle through local curbside pick-up programs, or you can repurpose the wood for firewood, DIY crafts, and more. 

Real trees require consistent watering and can be hazardous if they dry out. Artificial trees do not require as much attention, and you won’t have to deal with pesky pine needles dropping on the floor. If you’re someone who tends to have bad allergies, a fake tree could be a better option.

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What are the benefits of fake Christmas trees?

The convenient nature of a fake Christmas tree is one of the best reasons to invest in one. Every year you can be certain that you have a tree that you can decorate whenever. You’ll know it fits in your house, and you won’t have to worry about the cost after the initial purchase. 

In addition to ease of use, safety is another perk to artificial trees. Fake trees are fire-retardant, unlike a real tree that needs to be watered.

The bottom line is that fake Christmas trees will likely make your life easier once you purchase one. If you aren’t attached to the idea and aroma of a real tree, fake ones are a convenient alternative. 

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Can I buy a real Christmas tree online?

If you prefer a formerly living Tannenbaum for Christmas, several retailers will ship real Christmas trees to your front door. Stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot have real trees available to ship from tree farms across the country. Trees range anywhere from $30 to over $200, and there can be additional shipping costs. You can order a tree now, but most retailers don’t ship the tree until mid to late November.

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What are artificial Christmas trees made of?

Most artificial trees are made of a mix of plastics and metals. The most common type of plastic used is Polyvinyl Chloride, commonly referred to as PVC. This type of plastic is what makes artificial trees fire-retardant. 

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How long does an artificial Christmas tree last? 

Artificial Christmas trees usually come with a cover or storage to protect them the 11 months out of the year they’re not in use. With proper storage and light use around the holidays, artificial trees can last you up to 10 years. Many artificial trees come with warranties between three to 10 years. 

Since fake Christmas trees are made of PVC plastic and metal, you will have to throw them away in the trash. Artificial trees cannot be recycled, but if your tree is still in good condition, you can give it to a local charity or donation center.

Check out our other great Christmas decorating guides

• The best tree skirts
• The best Christmas tree decorations
• The best Christmas stockings
• The best holiday lights
• The best Christmas decorations
• The best places to buy Christmas ornaments