![The Best Artificial Christmas Trees of 2025 [Tested and Reviewed]](/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/TOHAxFHMA23_ArtificialXMasTrees_KS_10_11_074-SS-Edit-1.jpg?resize=72,72)
![11 Best Boxes of Chocolates for Holiday Gifting and Hosting [Tested and Reviewed]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TOH_Best-Boxes-of-Chocolates-for-Gifting_Taste-of-Home_KSedit_FT.jpg?resize=72,72)
Curious how King of Christmas trees compare? We tested the top options so you can buy an artificial Christmas tree with confidence.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Learn more.
If you’re on the hunt for the best artificial Christmas trees, it’s hard to know where to even start. Between big box stores and niche retailers, the options this time of year are nearly endless. Then, you have to gauge what kind of tree you even want: slim or wide, full or sparse, colored lights or clear. Heck, even eggnog doesn’t induce this kind of holiday headache!
To help you make an informed decision—after all, merchant photos of Christmas trees can be very deceiving—our Shopping Team has tested nearly 20 trees at every price point. One of our top brands for realistic, feature-rich pre-lit trees is none other than King of Christmas. We tested six of the brand’s top options; here’s what we learned.
Best Blue Spruce
King of Christmas Tribeca Spruce
Pros:
- Super sturdy
- Very lifelike for the price point
- Minimal needle loss during set up
- Easy-connect lights
- Eight light features, plus three dimmer settings
Cons:
- Slightly taller than advertised
- Remote is a bit unresponsive
The holiday task we hate, hate, hate—double hate—and loathe entirely? Fluffing the Christmas tree. Call us a Grinch, but no one wants to spend hours finagling scratchy branches when there are garlands and ornaments to hang!
Luckily, the King of Christmas Tribeca Spruce makes the process pretty painless, according to tester and Editor Emily Way. The first time she put the spruce up, she found it took less time to shape than other trees. The full shape and intuitively shaped branches make for easy bending, and ornaments of various weights hang securely. Plus, after fluffing, only a handful of needles came off during Emily’s testing.
As a pet parent, Emily was impressed with how sturdy this tree felt, especially compared to budget options. She has hope it will stand up to her active cats! Plus, it looks incredibly realistic, thanks to a mix of branch tips and a dreamy blue-green hue.
The lights on this tree connect with built-in trunk technology, so all you have to do is plug the tree in once it’s assembled. It also comes with a remote control that oversees eight twinkling functions and three dimmer settings. One note: Emily found the remote was a bit unresponsive at times.
Long-term Testing Update
Emily kept her tree up from November all the way through February. Not only did it hold up to her furry friends, but it survived the takedown process. “It was easy to take down and pack up into its bag at the end of the season,” she says.
Size options: 7-, 8- and 9-foot | Warranty: 2 years | Light options: LED white, Unlit | Inclusions: Stand, storage bag, fluffing gloves, remote | Price: $529 (7-foot with LED white lights)
Best Alpine
King of Christmas King Noble Fir
Pros:
- Cute Alpine-style that's perfect for showing off ornaments
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- Quick to fluff
- Easy-connect lights
- Eight light features, plus three dimmer settings
Cons:
- Slight lean
- Not the most realistic tree
Ornament collectors, this one’s for you! If you have a cherished collection of vintage Shiny Brites or hand-blown baubles, show them off in style with the King of Christmas King Noble Fir.
While some might call this a Charlie Brown tree, I think it’s an adorable addition to small spaces. I tested the 6-foot version and appreciated its slim build and light weight. I was able to put it together in just a few minutes without any assistance. Weighing a mere 22 pounds, the Noble Fir is one of the most manageable trees I’ve encountered, making it a top-notch option for older adults or anyone who struggles to assemble fuller trees. Inside the box, you’ll find an assortment of add-ons, including a remote to control the lights, a storage bag and arm protectors.
After placing the base of the tree in the stand and (easily!) adding the remaining two sections, all I had to do was plug it in. Like all the other King of Christmas trees we tried, the Noble Fir includes easy-connect light technology, so there’s zero fumbling in the branches looking for plugs. As for the lights, I felt they skewed a bit on the cooler side. But the dimmer settings and eight twinkling light features quickly make up for it.
The sparseness of the branches make this tree easy to fluff, and the branches can accommodate ornaments of all shapes and weights. I tested this tree alongside a Balsam Hill ornament collection that includes baubles of varying size—and they hung beautifully. From large globes to 8-inch finials, this tree makes every ornament shine.
The only downside is we felt it wasn’t as realistic as other trees on our list. It also has a slight lean that, without a multitude of branches, is hard to disguise.
Long-term Testing Update
I kept this tree up in my home office, which also doubles as a guest bedroom, through February. Having a Christmas tree in the space I work in every day added such a cozy feel. I gave it a “woodland” theme, with lots of animal ornaments, plaids and natural textures. Some of the ornaments are on the larger side, and I like that there is enough open space for them to hang freely. They didn’t get smooshed between the branches.
Speaking of branches, I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy they proved to be. Even with the heavier ornaments, they don’t look bogged down by the weight. Better yet, I found that the slight lean I initially encountered more or less disappeared when the tree was set up and decorated.
When it was time to take everything down, the overall cleanup was easy. It lost a few needles but no burnt out lights or any real signs of wear. The storage bag is roomy enough so that you could fit a few garlands or wreaths in there, too if you’re running short on storage space.
Size options: 6-, 7-, 8- and 9-foot | Warranty: 2 years | Light options: LED white, Unlit | Inclusions: Stand, storage bag, fluffing gloves, remote | Price:$549 (7-foot with LED white lights)
Best Fir
King of Christmas Alpine Fir
Pros:
- Very full, lifelike tree
- Minimal shedding
- Suitable for ornaments of various shapes and sizes
- Easy-connect lights
- Eight light features, plus three dimmer settings
Cons:
- Requires significant fluffing
- Very scratchy branches
I’ve been on the hunt for a replacement for my living room Christmas tree, and the King of Christmas Alpine Fir is my new go-to. The full, lifelike shape makes this a classic Christmas tree my family will enjoy for many years.
The setup process was slightly difficult but still manageable with one person. Everything snaps into place easily, and there’s no need to manually connect any lights. But this tree has very scratchy branches. I would highly suggest putting on the included arm protectors or donning long sleeves from the get-go. I also found that the garland wrapped around the trunk of the base section was a little too long, making the tree wobble. Luckily, this was an easy fix, and all I had to do was unwrap the garland piece a little bit so the trunk could better engage with the stand.
The Alpine Fir has micro LED lights that twinkle and dim with the help of an included remote control. I absolutely love the dimmable feature. On silent nights or during holiday movie marathons, I often wish I could turn my tree’s brightness down—and now I can! Ornaments of various weights hang nicely, but extra heavy baubles should be placed further down the branch rather than on the tip for greater security.
As an added bonus, this tree barely sheds. While I used to keep my Dyson vacuum on standby all season in case someone brushed too close to the tree, this beauty barely dropped a needle during the setup and takedown process.
Long-term Testing Update
I kept this tree in my living room through February and I’m still so impressed. It was decorated with white and silver ornaments for a snowy, wintery look.
Throughout the season I loved that I could use the remote to simply turn it on and off. The dimmer setting is also such a plus. It makes the tree easier to see when on during the day, but also lets you bask in a softer glow at night. While we don’t have a TV in the room where this tree lives, I think the dimmable feature is perfect for holiday movie nights.
At the end of the season, I saw no bulbs burnt out or any real signs of wear. I did lose a few needles when packing it up, but that’s to be expected. Speaking of packing up, King of Christmas seems to have a pretty standard storage bag size. I’m pretty sure the bag for this one and the Noble are the same size — even though this is a much bigger tree. It’s certainly a tighter fit but not impossible to wrangle.
That said, I’m not too confident the bag will last for multiple seasons. It feels like a cheaper tarp. It would be great if these were made out of a canvas material.
Size options: 7.5-, 8- and 9-foot | Warranty: 2 years | Light options: LED white, Unlit | Inclusions: Stand, storage bag, fluffing gloves, remote | Price:$875 (7.5-foot with LED white lights)
Best Flocked
King of Christmas Queen Flock
Pros:
- Incredibly heavy and realistic flocking
- Very full branches
- Not as messy as other flocked trees we tried
- Easy-connect lights
- Eight light features, plus three dimmer settings
Cons:
- Heavy
- Our tree had a dysfunctional stand
- Slight lean
Dreaming of a winter wonderland? The King of Christmas Queen Flock delivers snow-kissed beauty directly to your living room.
Emily found the setup of the Queen Flock was a bit more tedious than the Tribeca Spruce, primarily due to the flocking. She (and her floors) got coated in white flecks, but it was still less messy than other flocked trees. It was also surprisingly heavy and unwieldy, again, likely due to the heavy coat of flocking. It was still manageable by herself, but Emily wished she had a helper.
She also had a stand snafu. The bolt popped out and wouldn’t fit back in to tighten the tree fully. We expect this was a manufacturing fluke—especially considering the other King of Christmas trees we tested didn’t have this issue—but it’s still a concern, especially for a tree at this price point.
Once the Queen Flock was upright, all assembly issues were quickly forgiven. Like the other King of Christmas trees, the built-in power pole immediately connects all the lights and a remote controls dimming and twinkling features. And wow, the lights bring this beauty to life. Each bulb shines warmly through the flocking to provide a magical, ambient glow. Plus, the flocking is some of the best we’ve seen. It’s lifelike and truly looks like the tree just came in from a snowy forest. The thick coating on the branches makes fluffing easy, and ornaments hang securely, too.
Like the Noble Fir we tested, we noticed a slight lean to this tree. But thanks to the fullness, it’s much easier to disguise.
Long-term Testing Update
Emily kept this tree up through February along with her Tribeca Spruce. While setting it up was a bit of a pain, taking it down and packing it away was relatively easy. As for the flocking, it wasn’t quite as messy as she expected it to be. “It left surprisingly little mess, though I’d say it still shed a bit as I took it apart,” she explains. But best of all? Her cat never came out from under the tree looking snowy.
Size options: 6.5-, 7.5-, 8-, 9-, 10- and 12-foot | Warranty: 2 years | Light options: LED white, Unlit | Inclusions: Stand, storage bag, fluffing gloves, remote | Price:$899 (7.5-foot with LED white lights)
best budget
King of Christmas Yorkshire Fir
Pros:
- More affordable than other fir trees on our list
- Big, fluffy look
- Snaps together easily
- Eight lighting modes, plus dimmer setting
Cons:
- Fluffing can take a while
If you’re looking for a tree that is reminiscent of Christmas at grandma’s house, then the King of Christmas Yorkshire Fir is bound to make your holidays merry and bright.
“The classic needle tips give it that nostalgic, ’90s-style Christmas charm,” raves shopping editor Mary Henn. Mary tested the 7.5-foot Yorkshire Fir with warm white micro-LED lights. With a little one at home, Mary especially appreciated the fact that this three-piece tree only took a few minutes to snap together. Thanks to the pre-strung lights and power pole, setup is as easy as plugging this tree into the wall.
Mary also loved having the ability to control the lights using the foot pedal or the remote. This tree has eight lighting modes to transform your space, including twinkle and slow glow. “You can even adjust the brightness for a cozy, dimmed effect,” she explains.
The only thing to keep in mind is that this tree takes a bit of time to fluff. That’s because each branch, with the exception of those at the top, splits into three parts that need individual shaping. “Fluffing takes some patience,” says Mary. “But the payoff is a lush, full look.”
Size options: 6.5-, 7.5- and 9-foot | Warranty: 2 years | Light options: LED white, Unlit | Inclusions: Stand, storage bag, fluffing gloves, remote | Price:$449 (7.5-foot with LED white lights)
best slim
King of Christmas King Flock Slim
Pros:
- Slender silhouette
- Available in six different sizes
- Unlit and pre-lit options available
- Realistic and classic needle tips
- Holds heavy ornaments
- Affordable
Cons:
- Flocking might be too much for some
- Moderate shedding
In addition to the Yorkshire Fir, Mary also tested a 6.5-foot King of Christmas King Flock Slim tree with LED lights. “If you’re someone who likes a super-snowy look, then this tree is for you,” she says.
Mary appreciated the tree’s blend of realistic and classic needle tips as well as the included remote to control the pre-strung lights. This tree features eight lighting modes, a timer and dimming function.
Mary notes that while this heavily flocked tree is easy to set up and take down, she did experience moderate shedding. However, that’s easy to overlook given the amount of ornaments this tree is able to hold. “It held both heavy and lighter ornaments, which was seriously impressive,” she raves.
Size options: 6.5-, 7.5-, 8, 9-, 10- and 12-foot | Warranty: 2 years | Light options: LED white, Unlit | Inclusions: Stand, storage bag, fluffing gloves, remote | Price: $399 (6.5-foot with LED white lights)
What To Consider When Buying an Artificial Christmas Tree
We’ve been testing the best artificial Christmas trees for two years now. And in that time, we’ve learned that almost every consumer has a different definition of what the “perfect” tree looks like. Before you start shopping, it’s crucial to consider the following criteria:
- Cost: First and foremost, decide how much you want to spend. Christmas trees run the gamut, ranging from $100 to a couple thousand. Size and features impact cost, as does the brand name. You’ll typically spend less for big-box retailer trees and more for boutique trees like King of Christmas and Balsam Hill.
- Size and shape: Do you want a fat, full tree? Or a sparse, skinny tree? Before clicking add to cart, measure the space you hope to put your tree and pay close attention to permanent structures like walls and doorways. Be sure to measure the height of your ceilings, too. Keep in mind that the bigger the tree, the harder it is to assemble and store. (Unless it’s a flip tree!)
- Realism: Artificial Christmas trees have come a long way from the tinsel-y boughs of yore. That said, if you’re a real tree purist who is making the switch, keep an eye out for two-toned branches, as they generally add depth. You’ll also want to consider the type of tree. Fuller spruces and firs are easier to replicate than scrawny trees with visible trunks.
- Lights: Every year, we test Christmas trees, and every year, the light features get better! Today’s standards include easy-connect pole technology, multiple light settings (fade, twinkle, etc.) or even dimming options. Keep these features in mind, as well as a preference for white, colored or smart lights.
How We Found the Best King of Christmas Trees
We didn’t wait until the holidays to find the best King of Christmas trees! Our research began all the way back in July 2024 when we began to evaluate the brand’s options. After thorough consideration, which included reading online reviews and chatting with experts, we called in four frontrunners for firsthand testing.
In September 2024, Emily Way and I tested these four options over the course of several weeks in our homes. We judged each tree according to a strict methodology; we considered delivery/unboxing, setup, lights, fluffing, realism, ornaments, takedown and price. Next, we performed multiple tests, including timing setup and takedown time, evaluating the branch’s ability to hold ornaments of different weights and measuring height. This was the same process we used in October 2023 when judging a dozen of the best overall artificial Christmas trees.
Recently, we had Mary Henn test two new Christmas trees in her home. She followed the same testing process to ensure consistency.
FAQ
Does King of Christmas have sales?
Yes! You can find markdowns on King of Christmas trees year-round. The brand even has a clearance section with open box and final sale options.
How do you store a King of Christmas tree?
All six King of Christmas trees we tested came with an included tarp-like storage bag. Some (like the sparse Noble Fir) fit inside easier than others.
Why You Should Trust Us
Taste of Home has helped readers create holiday magic for 30 years. In more recent history, we’ve tested and approved all sorts of holiday goodies—from Advent calendars and holiday cookies to, of course, Christmas trees—in our Milwaukee studio and editors’ homes. Combined, our testers have decades of experience and are experts at cultivating meaningful holiday moments.
In my near decade of editorial experience, I’ve covered home trends at Better Homes & Gardens, Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest and, of course, Taste of Home. I’m a holiday decorating and gift-giving expert with a specialty in product testing. To date, I’ve personally encountered trees from Frontgate, Grandin Road and Balsam Hill, plus holiday gear like wreaths and garlands.
