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11 best artificial Christmas trees to decorate your home this festive season
Christmas is around the corner, so it’s time to start getting into the festive spirit. Everybody wants a hassle-free Christmas and one easy way to achieve stress-free, festive fun is by planning early and getting an artificial Christmas tree. Read on for this year’s top tree recommendations.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Nov 22, 2023
Although real Christmas trees look the part and spread so much joy during the festive season, they also tend to drop those pesky little needles everywhere.
That’s why many people choose to buy an artificial Christmas tree instead. Not to mention that a fake tree doesn't require frequent watering, plus it won't agitate any allergies, so it's a win-win all round.
Artificial Christmas trees are also reusable and more cost-effective. Most last for several years, if not decades, and are easy to store away when not in use.
Our tree recommendations have come from our forums as well as trusted consumer websites, so you can be sure that the artificial Christmas tree you choose has been tried and tested by lots of families.
Here are the 11 best artificial Christmas trees to buy in 2023.
1. Best overall artificial Christmas tree: Very Home 7ft Cashmere Tips Christmas Tree
RRP £130 | Buy now from Very
What we like
A beautifully bushy tree
Ends of branches are soft, not spiky
Sturdy metal stand
What we don’t like
Some reviewers felt the gap underneath the tree was too large
What Mumsnet users say
“I've just got a cashmere tips off very. The tips are much better quality and filled out with "normal" artificial tree material. [...] I'm really pleased with it - I've looked all over and it certainly is much better than your usual b and q, wilko, dunelm etc.” Recommended by Mumsnetter amiold
“I have the 7 foot one of these and I'm very impressed with it.” Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Alittlebitofthis
Our verdict
With its beautifully soft cashmere tips, this 7ft tree from Very is a far cry from some of the plasticky, scratchy, fake trees that may have graced our homes when we were growing up. If you devote some time to fluffing the branches out, this is a truly beautiful tree. It may only have 686 branch tips, but this really doesn’t affect the fullness of the tree.
Whether you plan on putting it in the living room, hallway or conservatory, this tree will be sure to bring some of that Christmas magic to your festive scene.
2. Best budget artificial Christmas tree: TradeXone-Colorado Green Pine Bushy 7ft Artificial Christmas Tree
RRP: £41 | Buy now from Amazon
What we like
Budget-friendly
Easy to assemble
Comes with a free spacious storage bag
What we don't like
Requires fluffing before it’s ready to use (up to 90 minutes)
Our verdict
If you’d prefer to splash your cash on presents and food, then this budget-friendly TradeXone-Colorado 7ft Artificial Christmas Tree might be just what you need. We love that this spruce tree, made from PVC and metal, also comes with a free spacious storage bag, making it easy to store your tree and accessories away once all the festivities are over.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves as Christmas has barely even begun. If you’re keen to go the whole hog this year, we think this 1,000 branch-tipped tree will help you get in the festive mood as it looks like a real pine tree and has plenty of space for decorations.
You’ll need to fluff the branches up for a full-bodied look but, thankfully, this Christmas tree is easy to assemble. It also comes with a sturdy metal stand.
3. Best artificial pre-lit Christmas tree: M&S 7ft Pre-Lit Pine Christmas Tree
RRP: £129 | Buy now from M&S
What we like
It’s pre-lit, which makes decorating easier
Sturdy design
What we don’t like
A little bit on the pricey side
What Mumsnet users say
“Ours was from M&S around 4 years ago. It's prelit but so natural looking that a lot of people have mistaken it for being real. It was fairly reasonably priced too.” Recommended by Mumsnetter rolotops
“M&S 7ft Pre-Lit. It's absolutely beautiful, the picture really doesn't do it justice [...] The M&S tree has a thick steel rod down the middle and is nice & wide which is seemingly quite rare these days.” Tried and tested by Mumsnet user ThePumpkinPatch
Our verdict
If the thought of untangling yet another string of fairy lights fills you with dread, then perhaps it’s time to give a pre-lit tree a whirl instead.
Trusty old M&S has come up trumps with this beautiful 7ft pre-lit pine Christmas tree, which still manages to maintain a natural look, despite the presence of 300 built-in LED bulbs. It’s a sturdy tree and, as Mumsnetters will attest, it’s an investment that will see you through many merry Christmases to come.
4. Best small artificial Christmas tree: Oncor Christal Balsam Fir 4ft Artificial Christmas Tree
RRP: £26 | Buy now from Amazon
What we like
An eco-friendly option
Ideal for small spaces
Comes with a 30-year product life
High-density plastic stand included
What we don't like
It only has 12 branches
Our verdict
Bigger isn’t always better as this cute little Oncor Christal Balsam Fir 4ft Artificial Christmas Tree proves. Whether you’re looking for something small for your living room, dining room or office, this 23-inch diameter tree, complete with 208 tips and 12 branches, is just what you need.
What we love about this product is that it’s made from 100 percent recycled PVC plastic, which means you’re celebrating Christmas and also helping the environment. If you're particularly eco or budget-conscious, you'll also love that this tree comes with a minimum product life of 30 years.
5. Best 6ft artificial Christmas tree: Habitat 6ft Mixed Cashmere Christmas Tree
RRP: £60 | Buy now from Argos
What we like
Affordable price
Easy to assemble
What we don’t like
May need some tweaking to give it the ‘full’ look
What Mumsnet users say
“I've just bought this tree from habitat argos for about 80 pounds, 6 foot and I'm thrilled with it. So life like and full!” Recommended by Mumsnetter 729927luc
Our verdict
If you are looking for a seasonal six-footer that won’t make too much of a dent in your Christmas budget, then you could do worse than check out this tree from Habitat.
Mumsnetters who have bought it say visitors often mistake it for the real thing, which is partly thanks to the tree’s hinged branches, 631 tips and mix of 3D and flat needles. However you may need to spend a while rearranging and ‘fluffing’ the branches to achieve a nice bushy look.
6. Best snow-covered artificial Christmas tree: John Lewis 7ft Snowfire Unlit Christmas Tree
RRP £179 | Buy now from John Lewis
What we like
Big and bushy
Snow doesn’t fall off
What we don’t like
The stand is a little on the flimsy side
What Mumsnet users say
“John Lewis! Beautiful 7 foot bushy tree.” Recommended by Mumsnetter CoreyTaylorsbiggestfan
“We got a gorgeous one from John Lewis a couple of years ago.” Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user mac1974
“My John Lewis beauty, purchased very hastily the night we discovered my son is allergic to real ones!” Rated by Mumsnetter Tuxedokitty
Our verdict
If you like your Christmas tree with a light dusting of snow that actually stays put on the branches, then this offering from John Lewis comes highly recommended.
Beautifully bushy, this realistic-looking tree really is a wintery wonder. However a couple of previous buyers have said the accompanying base is a little flimsy for such a big tree, so this is something to bear in mind.
7. Best 10ft artificial Christmas tree: SHATCHI Pre-Lit Alaskan Pine 10ft Artificial Christmas Tree
RRP: £129 | Buy now from Amazon
What we like
Pre-lit tree with eight light settings
Good value for money and size
Easy to assemble
Comes with a metal stand for extra stability
What we don't like
Branches near the trunk are a little bare
Our verdict
Smaller Christmas trees in large rooms can look out of place, but if you have high ceilings, taller trees are available. And the good news is that they're affordable, like this SHATCHI Pre-Lit Alaskan Pine 10ft Artificial Christmas Tree.
With 1,800 tips, there’s an abundance of space to hang your favourite Christmas tree decorations. You can also save money on lights, as this 10ft tree comes with 420 warm white LED lights and a choice of eight flashing settings.
8. Best luxury artificial Christmas tree: The White Company 6ft Grand Spruce Christmas Tree
RRP: £225 | Buy now from The White Company
What we like
Hand-painted branches help achieve a realistic look
Thick and bushy
What we don’t like
Expensive for a 6ft tree
What Mumsnet users say
“We got ours from White Company and it is lush and beautiful. Always get loads of compliments on it.” Recommended by Mumsnetter dressedforcomfort
Our verdict
This elegant tree from The White Company is made with high-quality faux foliage, with many branches hand-painted to give it a realistic look. The branches come with a special memory-flex feature, meaning they should simply fall into place when the tree comes out of the packaging. Clever, huh?
As beautiful as it is, this is quite a pricey tree, so although it might be at the top of your list, some of us can only dream of a White (Company) Christmas.
9. Best artificial Christmas tree under £100: The Seasonal Aisle 6.9ft Green/White Pine Artificial Christmas tree
RRP: £78 | Buy now from Wayfair
What we like
Good value for a 7ft Christmas tree
Comes with a sturdy iron base
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
What we don't like
Although it comes pre-fluffed, it may require extra fluffing
Our verdict
For under £100, this Seasonal Aisle Green/White Pine Artificial Christmas tree, complete with pine cones and white glitter faux-frosted branches, offers something a little different to the traditional tree. It stands at just under 7ft and has 1,060 tips that can be decorated to suit your tastes.
This tree comes pre-fluffed and has shaped branches, although some reviewers say it doesn’t look as full-bodied as they’d expect so you might want to spend some time fluffing it up. It also comes with an iron base stand for extra stability.
We love that this tree is lightweight and weather-resistant, allowing you to place it in your home or outside in the garden.
10. Best slim artificial Christmas tree: National Tree Company Slim 7.5ft Artificial Christmas Tree
RRP: £70 | Buy now from Amazon
What we like
Fire-resistant and non-allergenic
Comes with a five-year warranty
The slim size is ideal for smaller rooms
What we don't like
It takes 45 to 60 minutes to fluff up
What Mumsnet users say
“I bought a lovely one from the National Tree Company […] It was a bit too wide at the base and we are a bit pushed for space, so in the sales online after last Christmas I bought a slimmer but taller tree from the same brand, but with ‘real feel’ needles on the exterior branches. It’s lovely, and I am so looking forward to this Christmas and decorating it.” Recommended by Mumsnetter girlywhirly
Our verdict
Those looking for a slimmer tree might want to consider the National Tree Company’s Slim 7.5ft Artificial Christmas Tree. Slimmer designs are great for those with limited space, but slimmer doesn’t have to mean less impressive. With a diameter of 30 inches, this realistic artificial fir will provide you with 1,075 branch tips and a full-bodied tree effect.
The sturdy metal base and hinged branches also make it a durable option, and it’s easy to set up and disassemble.
With this tree, you can enjoy needles that won’t drop and that are fire-resistant and non-allergenic. The only drawback is that you will need to spend about 45 to 60 minutes fluffing it up.
11. Best Balsam Hill artificial Christmas tree: Balsam Hill Canadian Blue Green Spruce
RRP: From £119 | Buy now from Balsam Hill
What we like
Looks realistic and is full-bodied
Comes in a variety of sizes and light choices
What we don't like
Requires fluffing up before decorating
Can get pricey
What Mumsnet users say
“I got a Balsam Hill tree in the sale last year. I actually took down the M&S tree we had up and put the BH one up instead. It's beautiful.” Rated by Mumsnetter Twilightstarbright
“I love mine! Easy to put up, but you do have to spend the time on ‘floofing’ it and just working on it, but it's worth it. [...] I can't complain about Balsam Hill - my tree arrived really quickly and I'm made up with it!” Recommended by Mumsnet user alfagirl73
Our verdict
Across our forums, many Mumsnetters are raving about Balsam Hill trees and it’s easy to see why. This Balsam Hill Canadian Blue Green Spruce Tree comes in a variety of sizes, light options and prices. Size options include 4ft, 5ft, 6ft, 7ft, and 8ft trees, with the light options of unlit, candlelight clear LEDs, multi LEDs, clear LED fairy lights and twinkly light show. Prices start from £119 and go up to £499.
At £329 for a 6ft tree with 350 clear LED fairy lights, don’t let the price put you off, as this durable Balsam Hill artificial tree offers a luxurious and ultra-realistic multi-toned option that’ll look elegant in your home.
You can also expect plenty of space for decorations as the 6ft tree has a conical shape and has 1,460 branch tips that are waiting to be filled with festive decor.
How do I choose an artificial Christmas tree?
Choosing the right artificial Christmas tree for your home depends on your preferences. Some things to consider include; the size, price, light type, number of tips, and material.
Size: Trees typically range from 4ft to 12ft. The average-sized living room often looks great with a 7ft tree in it. Think about the size of your room and about how wide you want the tree to be.
Price: The price is always important, especially when you have other things to budget for this Christmas. We recommend you set yourself a budget and stick to it. Remember better quality trees might cost more, but they’re also likely to last longer and save you money.
Light type: Some artificial trees come with light options, so if this is something that you think will save you time and money, then it might be a good idea to get a pre-lit tree.
The number of tips: Trees with a higher tip count (the number of needles on the tree) often look fuller and give a more realistic feel.
Material: Most artificial trees are either made of PVC, PE, or sometimes a mixture of both. PE tips are often more expensive, but they do provide a more realistic look and feel. If you want a fire-resistant tree, then you should choose one made from PE or find a Christmas tree that has been treated with fire-resistant chemicals. If you suffer from bad allergies, then either a PVC or a PE tree will be much better for you than a real Christmas tree. However, they can still gather dust and allergens, so remember to dust them and air them before use. You can also find water-resistant artificial trees, for outdoor use, but these are often treated with water-repellants as opposed to specific water-resistant materials (if this is the type of tree you want, remember to research or ask a retail assistant whether the tree is water-resistant).
How much should I spend on an artificial Christmas tree?
The question of how much to spend on an artificial Christmas tree depends on two things: your budget and how long you want to keep and reuse the tree.
You can easily pick up a bargain artificial Christmas tree for under £50 however, these will either be smaller or won’t last as long. If you want to save money in the long-term and know you’ll reuse the tree, then we’d recommend spending around £100-£130.
When should I buy a fake Christmas tree?
Some fake Christmas trees can cost hundreds of pounds, which might put you off. However, there are sales, for example on Black Friday and Cyber Monday where you can usually bag yourself a bargain. Often well-loved brands can reduce their artificial Christmas tree prices quite substantially, so we recommend keeping your eye on the sales.
How long should an artificial tree last?
A real Christmas tree only lasts for about six weeks, while an artificial tree can last an average of six years. If your artificial tree is of high quality and is well-kept, you might even get 10 years or more out of your tree.
Which artificial Christmas tree is the best?
The best artificial Christmas tree to buy this year is the Very Home 7ft Cashmere Tips Christmas Tree. We love the soft tips and bushy branches, plus it comes with a sturdy stand too.
How we chose our recommendations
Honest recommendations
Finding the right artificial Christmas tree for your home can be tricky. You want to know that you’re buying a beautiful, sturdy and durable tree that will last years. That’s why we took to the Mumsnet forums to bring you the very best tree recommendations. Many of our artificial tree recommendations are tried, tested and loved by our Mumsnet users.
Expert opinion
Once we had our long list, we consulted the consumer watchdog Which? to see which brands and products they recommended. We made sure to look out for industry awards too.
Verified customer reviews
Finally, we completed our triple-check verification process by cross-referencing our shortlist against verified customer reviews on websites such as Amazon, John Lewis and Argos. We paid attention to those that were bestsellers and those with plenty of rave reviews.
About the author
Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on home care content. She writes buyer's guides, cleaning and laundry articles, and tests products out in her family home to help our readers make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies. She is a mum of two and lives in Sussex.
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