12 of the best artificial Christmas trees, tried and tested

Best artificial Christmas tree overall

• Height: 6.5ft

• Number of lights: 920

• Number of tips: 2228+

For the best-looking artificial Christmas tree, you can not go wrong with this Fraser Fir. Upon opening the box, we discovered a large, robust storage bag, three carefully wrapped tree sections, a stand and a bag containing gloves, a remote control and several spare parts. Comprehensive instructions are included to guide you through constructing the tree, arranging it, as well as storing it. 

It took around 45-50 minutes to set up, and another pair of hands were needed as the bottom sections were heavy and a little tricky to manoeuvre into position. There is no need to plug the lights together from each section as the connections are cleverly made via the trunk as it is slotted together - so all we had to do was plug it into the mains. The 920 LEDs create quite a light show, as you can select warm white lights, multi-coloured (ideal for a New Year’s celebration) or a combination of both. There is also the option to dim them for a more subtle sparkle to your decorations too. 

It was easy to arrange the branches, and the finished result was a full and realistic-looking tree. Branches are well made, strong and durable, showing that this classic-shaped tree can withstand use for many years. We were particularly impressed by how realistic the finish on this tree was, it had the most branch tips with the authentic moulded design which made it look like a real tree in daylight, even without decorations or the lights on. 

Packing the tree into the storage bag took 20 minutes, a task ideally suited for two people. Despite the high price point, this quality artificial Christmas tree is highly impressive – its ease of setup, stunning appearance, and durable quality make it a tree worth dressing each year as part of festive décor. The versatile lighting feature is a unique touch that sets this tree apart and helps justify the investment.

Best luxury Christmas tree

• Height 7.5ft

• Number of lights none

• Number of tips 1754

From the very large box for this tree, we unpacked a beautiful wicker tree skirt, a stand and three tree sections to create this striking Nordmann Fir. Given its size and weight it needed two people to put together, which then took 50 minutes to arrange into a full and bushy shape.

The branches are extremely realistic and boast an impressive quality that is built to last – we were surprised at just how realistic it appeared and certainly commands a closer inspection. The tree itself is strong and sturdy in the stand, giving you confidence to dress with an abundance of fairy lights and baubles of all shapes and sizes. We loved the wicker tree skirt which adds a stunning finishing touch that is both classic and modern.

For a traditional-shaped tree that provides you with a blank canvas to build your Christmas decorating scheme upon this is a wonderful investment. The branches boast an extremely high quality finish in strong and durable materials which will allow this tree to become a family favourite that will stand the test of time. While it is amongst the most expensive trees that we tested and it does not include lights or additional finishing touches, its quality and impressive overall appearance justify the expense, offering the next best thing to a real Christmas tree.

Best voice-activated artificial Christmas tree

• Height: 7ft

• Number of lights: 700

• Number of tips: 3049

For convenience and style, this was the best artificial Christmas tree I tested. Once out of the box, the tree took only a few minutes to construct; the sections slotted together easily and fitted neatly into the metal stand provided. The lights from each of the three sections are connected via the trunk, so no time is wasted searching for the wires to connect.

The tree boasts memory wire branches, meaning that they retain their shape to reduce fluffing time year after year. The branches fell open during construction, and I only spent 10-15 minutes tweaking the tips, but they really required very little attention, as a full and even shape was instantly created, which was very impressive.

Many of the branches are finished with the realistic PE tips; they also get lighter in colour towards the ends, which enhances the finish.

This Next artificial Christmas tree is a pre-lit design, which also comes as an 8ft option. The lights are mains operated, and you can select from the 6 different settings via a box near the plug or by using the remote control. The remote itself has a built-in hook so that you can, discreetly, hang it in the tree for easy storage. Once the remote displays the green light, you can then activate the different light settings via voice commands. Standing within a metre of the remote, you can easily switch between the different lighting options, moving from warm white to multi-coloured, steady, twinkling, as well as turn the lights off.

There is also a handy timer option which, when selected, will keep the lights on for 8 hours and off for 16 hours.

When it came to packing it away, the tree only took 10-15 minutes to disassemble and pack back down into the box, by myself.

While this tree is among the more expensive artificial Christmas trees tested, I definitely feel that it is a worthwhile investment that provides value for money. The tree is durable and sturdy when built, while the colour and realistic finish, quickest construction time and amazing lighting options all make it the best artificial Christmas tree on the market for 2025.

Best realistic artificial Christmas tree

• Height: 7ft

• Number of lights: 900

• Number of tips: 3566

Neptune’s Windsor pre-lit Christmas tree gives that authentic, real tree look in an instant. 

The tree took just 5-10 minutes to construct; it fitted securely into the metal stand included, and the three sections simply slotted together once the indents in the poles were aligned. The lights in each section are connected via the trunk, so once the tree is constructed, you simply plug the tree into the mains and it is ready for use. 

A handy foot pedal is located on the cable, which can be positioned so that you can easily turn the lights on and off. Nearby to the foot pedal is a box, and it is here that you can select the light display of your choice - the subtle twinkle was my favourite. The 900 micro LEDs made for a magical display that is perfect for Christmas, even without any further decorations on.

As the tree I tested was not brand new and had been used before, it only took me 10 minutes to fluff the branches into shape. The finished look was full and dense, little details such as the wrapped trunk and subtle colour change to a lighter green on the tips, made for a truly authentic tree, making it one of the most realistic trees I tested. 

The tree packed down into its original box well, in just 10-15 minutes - the slightly larger box size meant that I didn’t feel the branches were being crushed, and so the quality would be maintained for years to come. 

This was the most expensive artificial Christmas tree tested, but it was also among the most sturdy, durable and well-built. Each branch was secure in its position and felt strong enough to display some of the larger hanging decorations. Features such as the foot pedal for light control and the generous 900 LEDs enhanced its high-quality finish. 

The Windsor pre-lit tree is also available in 6ft, 8ft and 9ft size options to suit whatever space you want to add some festive cheer to.

Best small outdoor Christmas tree

• Height: 91cm

• Number of lights: 100 warm white LED bulbs

• Number of tips: 129

If you love to dress the front of your home for the season then this small, potted, pre-lit artificial tree will make the perfect addition. The tree arrives in two parts, the base with the galvanised pot and the top section, these simply slot together, then it took us 15 minutes to fluff out the branches and create a bushy, well-rounded shape with an even spread of lights. 

The battery pack, which takes three D-sized batteries, neatly tucked inside the pot so you do not see any wires or the box which could ruin the appearance. The lights have an on, off and timer function, once the timer was selected the lights stayed on for six hours and then turned off for 18 hours, this cycle is repeated until they are turned off manually. We really liked this option as it meant we could place the tree out on the porch knowing the lights would come on at dusk and would go off without having to give them a second thought. 

The branches felt durable and well made as they were pulled into place, giving us confidence that, if stored properly when the festivities are over, this is a tree that can be used year after year as part of our outdoor Christmas decorations, further justifying its price point too. 

Best flocked Christmas tree

• Height: 6ft

• Number of lights: 500 warm white LED bulbs

• Number of tips: 1972

Create a winter wonderland with this snowy artificial Christmas tree. It took 40 minutes to put together the stand and connect the three tree sections and lights, which was simple, straight forward and easy to do alone. We were particularly impressed that the frosted finish didn’t come off the branches as they were arranged, as is often the case with these designs. 

The tree felt strong and sturdy, a great base to add decorations to bring it to life further. There were no gaps or holes once we had finished arranging the branches, with the overall appearance looking full and festive as the plentiful warm white LEDs reflected off the white details. 

Packing the tree away was quick and easy, and again the frosted effect did not come away on our hands, giving us confidence that this unique feature is one that would last.

We loved the appeal of this artificial Christmas tree, the quality, appearance and ease of set-up make it a tree that will be a striking focal point in your decorations with minimal fuss. When comparing the price with the other trees tested, we feel it is great value for money too and will be a quality tree that can be used time and time again to celebrate the season.

Best artificial tree for lighting options

• Height: 7ft

• Number of lights: 380

• Number of tips: 1218

Achieve a snowy, winter woodland effect with the flocked Verbier artificial Christmas tree.

This 7ft tree came in three sections along with a metal stand, and took 10-15 minutes to unpack and construct in place. The branches all have a lovely, flocked effect to create that freshly fallen snow feel - this is well-made, and while some did come away during construction, it didn’t affect the finish, which was full and snowy.

Due to the dense foliage and finish, it was difficult to locate the light cables to connect each section together. The cable from the plug to the first light is very long, which is ideal for positioning the tree and locating a plug socket. This is particularly important as the button for switching between light settings is located on the plug, so this needs to be in an accessible place to allow easy control.

It took approximately 35-40 minutes to fluff the branches and arrange the tips to create a full shape without any gaps. I was really impressed with the shape, the durable branches and the flocked finish, which showed no signs of coming off.

The versatile light display is one of this tree’s unique features; there are a huge 11 settings, but it actually felt like there was more as I scrolled through them. The beautiful warm white lights offer classic appeal, and as they reflect off the flocked finish, the light is diffused, creating a beautiful glow. I was then able to switch to a multi-coloured light display with red, blue, green and yellow lights, creating a more fun, festive finish. I then discovered a pastel lighting option, which was really pretty, offering a lilac, soft green and gentle yellow which would complement decorations of a similar colour palette perfectly. Select each of these colours in a number of styles, including flash, twinkle or fade, to suit your festive decorations, or switch between them all throughout the season to create a different ambience.

Pack down took around 15 minutes. I struggled to get it back in the original box due to the full and fluffy branches – an extra pair of hands was required to be able to tape the box up well enough to keep it in good condition for next year. Dismantling the tree did leave some of the snow effect on the floor, but this didn’t take long to clear up and was to be expected.

Priced at just over £200, I was really impressed with this tree. The snow effect provides a magical feel to the decorations and the lights, together with the extensive array of colours and display styles, offer more than you could need. A tree storage bag would be a wise investment to ensure this flocked artificial Christmas tree stays looking its best year after year.

Best classic pre-lit Christmas tree

• Height: 7ft

• Number of lights: 250

• Number of tips: 2301

For a classic fir Christmas tree that’s pre-lit for convenience, this tree from Dunelm is a great option. It was easy to construct, taking just 10 minutes to position the sections together in the metal stand provided. I needed to connect the lights between each section, but these are clearly labelled, so after making sure the sections were aligned, the connectors slotted together effortlessly. The sections themselves were not too heavy, so I could just about construct them by myself.

The bottom and middle sections have hinged branches which fall into place. It then took me approximately 1 hour to fluff all of the branches into a lovely, full and dense shape. The lights had tangled around the branches in places, so time was spent rectifying this to allow the branches to rest in the desired position. The bottom and middle sections blended seamlessly, while a little more time was spent adjusting the branches to fill the gap between the middle and top sections, but hanging decorations and baubles would help to blur this line further.

The 250 LED lights give a warm white glow, which provides a great base for further decorations. Control of the light settings is via a button on the plug, so this is something to consider when positioning your tree and locating its power source. You will need to ensure the plug is easily accessible so that you can adjust the lights safely.

Dismantling the tree and packing it away into its original box took 15 minutes by myself.

For a simple, classic artificial Christmas tree shape, with dense foliage and a scattering of realistic tips, I feel that this Dunelm tree is a great solution. Its mid-range price point makes it a good value for money; it felt sturdy and durable to last many Christmases to come.

Best slim tree for small spaces

• Height: 6ft

• Number of lights: 280 warm white LED bulbs 

• Number of tips: 861

If you have limited space or want to place an additional artificial Christmas tree in the hallway, consider this slim-line design to fill the area perfectly. 

The Alaska slim pine tree comes in three sections which slot together, and into the stand provided, with ease. It took 20 minutes to build and arrange the hinged branches, providing the perfect base to add baubles. We liked the mix of branch tips to create an authentic finish and the pre-lit feature is definitely an advantage. The branches were easily moveable and did not feel too lightweight.

The 280 warm white lights are evenly scattered throughout the tree and give a lovely, warming glow in the evening. The lights boast eight different settings: steady, waves, sequential, ‘slo-glo’, chasing, slow fade, twinkle and combo - twinkle was our personal favourite setting, providing subtle movement to the lights without dominating the room or becoming too much of a distraction. The light functions are selected on a small box on the lighting cable, and a handy foot switch is ideal if you have the tree in a corner in front of a power source. The cable is long so the tree can be placed exactly where you want it and the foot switch can be positioned in a more accessible position too. 

We did feel that the tree was not as bushy as expected, but if you like a more pared-back pine-style tree with a Nordic feel, this would be a great option. Once decorated with baubles and ribbon, we think this could make an eye-catching tree wherever you choose to display it.

Best alternative Christmas tree

• Height: 1.8m

• Number of lights: 744 warm white LED bulbs and 93 white LED bulbs

• Number of tips: N/A

If you are after something a bit different, this design could be what you are looking for. This versatile decoration comes with a stand so it can be freestanding, or use the loop at the top to mount it to your wall, either inside or out. Perfect for enhancing a festive welcome at the front of your home, you can also use the stakes provided to anchor the stand to the ground when outside too. 

It took 25 minutes to build the tree and arrange the branches and the individual starburst twigs – it was quite a fiddly task ensuring an even spread of lights, but the finish was worth the effort. This tree makes a striking statement as the scattering of plain white LEDs flash on and off sporadically to give the illusion of a twinkling tree. 

The style of this alternative Christmas tree means there is no need to dress it with hanging decorations or a topper, we feel the lights are more than enough to bring that special sparkle. Unfortunately, we did not find the tree as appealing during the day when the lights were not on, due to the dark brown wrapped finish, so we would consider it more as part of a seasonal lighting display. The affordable price increases this tree’s appeal as an alternative addition to an existing scheme, we think it would make a lovely touch.

Best traditional style tree

• Height: 7ft

• Number of lights: 260 warm white LED bulbs

• Number of tips: 1236

For a large, traditional-style tree bursting with pinecones, berries, frosted details and beautiful warm white lights, this Victorian tree is a beautiful, quality artificial Christmas tree. 

The three sections slotted together and into the stand securely with no wobbling. The lights easily push together and the long cable connects them to the power supply to emit a warm, white glow. This particular tree was one of the longest to construct, taking around 50 minutes to build and arrange the branches for a full shape, but it does create a beautiful focal point in the room. 

The addition of the faux berries, pine cones and frosted details gives this tree a full look, so it would not need too many baubles to dress it for the festive season. The lights have eight functions, including twinkling, fading and chasing, but we felt the steady glow was more than enough for this traditional design. 

We found this tree to be sturdy, impressive, and realistic, with durable and strong branches. It promises to look stunning each time it’s unboxed for many Christmases to come. The only negative was that when building and packing away this tree, tiny plastic balls (which form the frosted details at the branch tips) easily fell onto the floor. While the loss of these balls was not noticeable to the appearance on this occasion, it might be a consideration if you have pets or small children.

Best tinsel-style Christmas tree

• Height: 6ft

• Number of lights: none

• Number of tips: 952

The Arbor Vitae fir is an extremely affordable artificial Christmas tree that can provide a great base for your festive decorations. 

This 6ft tree arrived in a compact box, which makes storage after use easier to accommodate. The tree itself comes in several pieces: the metal stand, the pole, which is in two pieces, the individual branches and the top section.

The Arbor Vitae tree took longer to construct than some of the others, as there were six levels and I had to fix in place each colour-coded branch on each of these levels. These slot into holes on a bracket around the trunk. They fit into place easily, but did wobble, and one came out when I tried to move the tree into position. The top section is then added, and I just needed to pull the branches down to give it shape. It took 25 minutes to fluff the tree’s branches into place, creating a lovely, traditional-style full tree. 

Dismantling the tree is straightforward, but it would be wise to group together the branches for each level to store, in order to make life easier when constructing the tree again next year. 

The tinsel-style of this tree reflects the more budget price point, at under £100 for both the 6ft and 7ft styles. It doesn’t feel as durable as some of the other, more expensive, options I tested, and I missed the more realistic finish to the branch tips. However, this tree did boast a perfect, classic shape, and it was bushy in places. When dressed with fairy lights, baubles and a garland, I’m sure this would make a great focal point for your festive décor.