These Christmas Trees Look So Real No One Will Know They're Fake, Promise

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Ah, it happens every season—the moment it feels like Christmas is when you spot your first tree twinkling away in the distance, and then you realize it's probably time to set yours up. If you aren't a fan of the shopping trip to find a real tree and then carry it all the way back home, maybe you should consider an artificial Christmas tree this holiday season.

They don't make them like they used to—they actually look even better now, and by better, I mean so realistic your guests won't even realize it's not real. The best artificial Christmas trees are often modeled and designed after real trees you can actually go out and find in nature, except these won't give you the added stress of having to water and maintain them. That way you can spend more time shopping for the best Christmas gifts for your fam and friends and making healthy Christmas cookies, instead of hoping your tree will make it through the season.

If you buy a high-quality artificial Christmas tree now, you won't have to worry about shopping for a new one for many more years to come. But with so many on the market, sifting through the inventory can feel overwhelming. So, here's a list of the top-rated and best artificial Christmas trees online, according to Christmas decor experts and reviewers.

Pre-lit Classic Blue Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

This seven-foot tall pre-lit Classic Blue Spruce by Balsam Hill is 53-inches wide with 2,366 branches, which feature a mix of light gray, blue-green, and moss green PVC needles. Unlike traditional LEDs that emit cold white light, the 850 candlelight LEDs on the pre-lit options cast a soft warm glow and won't burn out.

Reviewers love how realistic this tree looks, but they admit it does take some time to get it there. Out of the box, the tree branches require about 20 minutes of fluffing up to get it to look full. Still, customers say it loses some of its fullness around the middle. Reviewers also say it's not a true seven-foot tree, as the stand height and tip of the tree is included in that measurement. But customers agree it's easy to assemble and sturdy enough for multi-year use.

Pre-Lit Dunhill Fir Tree

This six and a half-foot tall Dunhill fir (there are also 7.5 and 9.5-foot versions) has a 51-inch base diameter and 650 white lights. It's designed with individually-crafted branch tips that create full-bodied branches to make the tree appear more lifelike. The needle branches are fire-resistant and sturdy, so that they don't fall off in the storage process.

Something to keep in mind, though, is that reviewers say the tree takes several hours to fluff up. Customers also say that gloves are needed during the process in order to prevent scratches or pokes from the tree needles. But once full, many reviewers said the tree looked even better than some live trees.

Another thing to note is that some customers also complained about some lights not working, but reviewers say customer service is very responsive and will work with you to troubleshoot or even send a new tree over.

Red Spruce Slim

If you're looking for an option that fits into a smaller living room or entryway without sacrificing some of its realism, this Red Spruce from Balsam Hill is a solid option. It comes pre-lit in either color or clear LED light options, but you only have to worry about dealing with one plug. The tree is designed with an 'EasyPlug' system that incorporates light connections into the trunk.

The branches on this tree are inspired by the Red Spruce, which grows in states like Vermont and North Carolina. The artificial tree features short to medium light green candles and reddish-brown branches that make it appear very lifelike. The light and branch tip count depend on the size you opt for, but both are upwards of 720 and 2,600, respectively. The smallest option of this slim Red Spruce is designed to have a height of 6.5 feet and the tallest, 12 feet.

Reviewers noted that the tree does arrive with a musty smell that may linger for a while, though, so that's something to keep in mind, One customer also said that the branches aren't designed to hold very heavy ornaments—mostly medium to light.

Prince Flock Artificial Christmas Tree

Frosted trees can really help you get into the holiday spirit, especially if you live in warmer climates where it doesn't snow. This heavily-flocked tree from King of Christmas is designed with more than 350 warm white LED lights, and comes in options between six and 10 feet. Its sturdy metal core and tree stand keep it standing tall and the low voltage lights keep it from running hot. It also features an on/off foot pedal for conveniently powering it off at night or on in the morning.

Reviewers rave about how beautiful and realistic this tree looks, but do say that it's prone to shedding. Some customers also said that their tree featured a few gaps, or thinning out at the bottom. The gaps are less noticeable once the tree is fully-decorated and assembled, which reviewers say is pretty easy.

White Artificial Christmas Tree

If realistic isn't your goal, that's okay. White Christmas trees look just as elegant as green ones, and this choice is a very budget-friendly option at just $120. This tree is designed with 2,132 branch tips to give it a full-bodied appearance, but it doesn't pack many of the extra features the others do—like lights. Instead, this tree offers a blank canvas which makes it perfect for people who have a holiday theme or very specific color scheme in mind.

The tee does come with a sturdy metal stand to keep it standing tall, and can be bought in six, 7.5, and nine-foot options. With over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's a top-rated buy. Reviewers say that that tree can be put together and fluffed in less than an hour and that the tree looks real—as much as a white tree can look real. Customers do note that the tree has some gaps, and that the topper isn't as sturdy as preferred, so it may not be able to hold something heavy, like a metal star or angel topper. But many did find it a good bargain for the price.

Long Needle Tinsel Tree

The champagne-colored, tinsel branches on this tree will fit in with more elegant Christmas decor schemes. The longer needles and hundreds of lights give it a warm but sophisticated feel that can hold its own—no extra decor needed. But, the choice is yours. You can totally dress up this tree, too, if you want to. The Christmas tree also comes with a white metal stand and weighs just 29 pounds, so it's easy to move.

Customers rave that the tree is stunning when lit at night and that it has a very full appearance once fluffed. It is on the pricier side, but the purchase is one that will hopefully last for many more years to come.

Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree Unlit

Emily Piepenbrink, an interior deisgner who specializes in Christmas decor and founder of Made Merry, says that this tree has a realistic sparse look that really lets your ornaments shine. "Since lights are usually the first thing to wear down or break on an artificial tree, I often buy the unlit version," Piepenbrink says. "You can add lights yourself—just make sure to keep the cord ends matching up with the joints where your tree comes apart."

This tree isn't as full-bodied as other options, so it's designed for the minimalist. Customers say it has an airier feel and a sparser look, but that that's what gives this tree it's charm—imperfect, almost like you went out and picked it yourself.

One customer did say that the top of the tree is weak, though, so you may not be able to use heavier metal ornaments as toppers, and that you should use gloves while setting it up to avoid scratches.

Lighted Artificial Christmas Tree

When opting for an artificial Christmas tree, sometimes you want to lean all the way into the fakeness of it all. This 4-foot pre-lit tree is perfect for small spaces like a dorm or first apartment, and it has plenty of color options to choose from—in fact, it's not even available in that classic Christmas tree green. This one is really for those who like to be unconventional.

The artificial Christmas tree also comes equipped with battery-operated lights that can run on a timer, so you can be sure to keep your space feeling Christmas-y for exactly the amount of time you want it to. Plus, they are able to sparkle in eight different "modes," so you can create your own personal light show.

One happy customer purchased the pink version for her granddaughter, and is so pleased with how it compliments her room for the holidays. "It is easy to assemble, and it’s a perfect size for her room," she says.

Pre-Lit Holiday Christmas Spruce Tree

The worst part of the holiday season is taking down the decorations, but this tree makes clean-up a breeze. It comes with its own large storage bag (with carrying handles!) so you don't have to worry about where you'll store this bad boy when Christmas is over.

The company behind this tree knows that functionality matters just as much as festivity when it comes to Christmas tree shopping. So it's created to be super long-lasting with metal hinges and flame retardant PVC branches. It also comes in three (!) different heights, so you can go with one that perfectly fits into your space.

"This tree exceeded all my expectations," one happy buyer says. "From the moment I unboxed it, I was captivated by its beauty. Setting it up was a breeze, thanks to the clear and straightforward instructions provided."

Pre-Lit Christmas Tree

This option just screams Christmas. If you're someone who gets a bit overwhelmed by the decorating that comes with the holiday season, look nor further than this fully decked out Christmas tree option. It comes with pre-lit colorful lights and even delicately snow-touched pinecones to give it a more authentic look.

On top of how aesthetically awesome it is, this tree is also super high-quality. Its PVC base is fire-retardant, and it includes a collapsible stand. What's more, it comes with a remote to adjust the light settings from afar. That way you can have full control of the festivities without having to mess with the tree itself at all.

"I absolutely love everything about this tree," one happy customer writes. "It was easy to set up and the lights can be set to several different moods."

Artificial Christmas Tree With Decorations

If you'd like to get all your Christmas decorating in in one fell swoop, this MeetXmas tree is perfect. It comes with 102 individual decorations, and it's pre-lit with eight different flashing modes. The brand boasts that this option is great for a more communal space like an office or school.

At under $60, you really can't go wrong with this option either—especially considering the bang you get for your buck! The texture itself is a bit more artificial than others on this list (it's straight up plastic), but that means it'll hold up over time, no problem.

"It is really a beautiful tree when it's all put together," says one happy buyer of this pick. "It's the perfect size, and I love that you get all the decorations with it."

Christmas Tree Wall Decoration

If you're looking into Christmas tree options for your first place ever, odds are that you may not have a lot of space, and probably have some empty wall that needs an accent. Enter: The Moresec Christmas Tree Wall Decoration. It's not an actual artificial tree per sé, but if you're opting for something fake, why not go even more unconventional?

This Christmas tree wall decoration comes with six rows of hanging branches, and it's perfect if you have small children or pets that make you extra stressed around a regular tree. It's very similar to the trendy Grandin Road option, but a lot cheaper.

"Very clever!" one hanging tree newbie writes. "Easy to hang and it doesn’t require a lot of decorations." This pick is great if you're a little lazy around the holidays, and it's more unique than anything else on this list.

How we chose the best artificial Christmas trees

Women’s Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, vetted the bestselling, top-rated artificial Christmas trees online. Our team consulted two Christmas decor experts and then evaluated hundreds of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best artificial Christmas trees for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Meet the experts

• Emily Piepenbrink, an interior deisgner who specializes in Christmas decor and founder of Made Merry

• Hannah Bartlett, co-founder of Jolly Festive, a year-round Christmas-inspired online blog

What should I look for in an artificial Christmas tree?

While it may seem like an easy purchase, there's actually quite a bit to think about when shopping for a new artificial Christmas tree. Unlike the real ones, if you don't love it, there's not as much hope for next year (unless you want to shell out a lot more money!). Here are some things to consider while shopping:

Size

You should consider your space when thinking of the size of Christmas tree you want. Most trees on this list are full size (aside from a few choices), which means you'll need some significant living room space to "spruce" up the place (get it?). Options on this list range from about four feet (which is on the smaller side for a Christmas tree), to eight feet (which is taller than Jacob Elordi, enough said).

Pre-lit vs. unlit

There's some obvious pros to purchasing a pre-lit Christmas tree (i.e. it saves you a ton of time while decorating). Before you ask about what happens when a bulb goes out, most newer artificial trees will maintain their light even after a few bulbs burn out. Obviously, it's better to go for a high-quality purchase if you're especially worried about this.

Tree type

There are several different kinds of trees featured on this list from highly realistic ones to wall art. Depending on the kind of Christmas vibe you want to cultivate, the tree type is very important.

This is also a point worth thinking about when considering how you'll store it, as what goes up must come down.

Price

As with any purchase, price is highly important when shopping for a new artificial Christmas tree. A pricier option usually means it may be more long-lasting, and as Piepenbrink points out, a quality tree will run you a few hundred dollars—but it's so worth it for how it looks around Christmastime and how many years it'll last.

Setup and safety

Most artificial Christmas trees are fairly easy to set up, but it's never a bad idea to scope out reviews and see which ones are more difficult than others. Plus, easy set up doesn't always mean the tree is the safest for your family. A flimsier tree may be a breeze for set up, but you should make sure it's stable, too.

What are the benefits of artificial Christmas trees?

For some, artificial Christmas trees can take some of the stress out of a busy holiday season, Piepenbrink says. "With an artificial tree, you'll save time on the set-up of your Christmas tree and you won't need to remember to water it."

Because it's low maintenance, there's no worry that the tree won't last through the entire holiday season, adds Hannah Bartlett, co-founder of Jolly Festive, a year-round Christmas-inspired online blog. Bartlett also adds that it may be easier to decorate an artificial tree. "The branches can be manipulated into position to secure ornaments and ribbon, and they tend to be bushier than their real counterparts," she explains.

You can also pick the exact size, style, and shape of the tree you want, as opposed to kind of trying your luck when you're shopping for a real one. It also helps that some artificial Christmas trees can be purchased pre-lit, which also saves you some time when it comes to decorating it, Bartlett adds.

Finally, Piepenbrink says that artificial trees are a cost-effective option. "A great artificial Christmas tree may run you a couple hundred bucks, but you'll be able to use it for years!"

Are there any downsides to artificial Christmas trees?

There can be! For some, it may take away from the holiday experience—like the joy of going out and shopping for a tree. There’s also no pine tree smell, Bartlett adds, which is another big part of the Christmas tree experience for many people. Though, this may be a pro for those allergic to real fir trees, she adds. Piepenbrink agrees, but says that a quick solution to that is stocking up on some holiday candles.

Another thing to consider is storage and set up once the holidays come around, Bartlett says. Some trees can be quite bulky so it may be a hassle to store them, and then fluff them up again once you take them out of storage.

Others may also consider the environmental impact of artificial trees, Bartlett adds. "Artificial Christmas trees are commonly made from plastic products." But there's an increasing interest in branch-less style trees, like cardboard or wall trees, which Bartlett says are other options to consider if you're concerned that artificial trees aren't environmentally-friendly.

Finally, a good artificial tree may cost you, so it's quite a financial investment, Bartlett says. Though if what you buy can be used for many years, it could be worth it in the long run.

What is the most realistic brand of artificial Christmas trees?

There are many brands that make realistic Christmas trees, like Balsam Hill and King of Christmas. Bartlett says she's a huge fan of Balsam Hill actually. "They are an investment product, but we at Jolly Festive have found their range to be authentic, easy to care for, and they last well over the years." She also loves that their pre-lit trees are easy to assemble.

When shopping for a realistic tree, Piepenbrink recommends you weigh your options, though, by looking across several brands. "Artificial tree companies swear that theirs are the most realistic, but in my experience each brand usually has one or two truly realistic-looking trees," she says.

Read about the best holiday gifts

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