I’ve found the best artificial Christmas trees that look anything but fake

The Vermont white spruce is Balsam Hill’s most popular Christmas tree, and it’s clear to see why. I was absolutely blown away by every element of this tree, from its exceptionally realistic needles to its full shape and convincing colouring – it even prompted several visitors to say “wow” when they saw it. No detail has been overlooked here – it even comes with a manual, alongside various added extras, including durable storage bags, spare bulbs and gloves, so you can fluff out the branches without getting speared by the artificial needles (yes, they’re that realistic).

I love how customisable this tree is, too. While I tested the 7.5ft with clear LED lights, there are six sizes to choose from, as well as the option for it to be unlit or come with clear, coloured or twinkly lights.

As for the setup, it really couldn’t be easier. The tree comes in four sections, each numbered and easily slotting together. Owing to its size, it is rather heavy, and while it’s certainly possible to build solo, I did have to ask for some assistance. The branches are all hinged to the centre, too, meaning they collapse down with ease. It takes a while to fluff out all the branches, but this is a job worth doing properly, as the finished result will have you wondering why you didn’t make the switch to an artificial tree sooner.

The lights are a game-changer as well, saving you heaps of time (and one less Yuletide argument to worry about), and they’re generously spread out, requiring zero adjusting. This is an expensive tree, but the quality is incredible. It’s sure to last many years and could even be in the family for generations to come.

Ideal for smaller spaces or those on a budget, M&S’s artificial Christmas tree measures a wee 3ft high and sets you back just £16. It arrives fully assembled in a woven basket, which adds rustic appeal to your home. Pre-lit with 40 LED bulbs throughout (two AA batteries are included), the warm fairy lights create a cosy atmosphere. Plus, they can be put on a timer to stay lit for eight hours before turning off for 16 hours. The battery-powered design also means it’s portable, so there are no restrictions on where you can place it in your home (I put mine on a sideboard cabinet).

The tree itself is handmade and easily malleable, so you can bend the branches to get your desired silhouette. While it’s not realistic and large enough to be a centrepiece, this M&S artificial Christmas tree adds just the right amount of festive spirit to your space.

If the Balsam Hill Vermont white spruce is out of budget, I’d recommend considering this alternative from Very Home. While it doesn’t feel quite as premium, it still looks incredibly realistic with a mix of PVC and PE tips that, after some careful fluffing, create a bushy silhouette with no large gaps.

There’s a gorgeous realism to the needles, and the branches are hinged, so it’s easy to set up and take down. The tree itself comes in three parts, so you can fluff as you go, and it also has a sturdy metal base. It’s a big tree that requires a fair amount of floor space and can take some time to arrange perfectly, but if it’s impact you’re looking for, that’s what you’ll get. Plus, as far as realistic-looking trees go, it’s fairly affordable.

Balsam Hill is renowned for its quality, and this tree is another that proves exactly why. From the moment you open the box, it feels like a cut above: neatly packed, thoughtfully labelled, and surprisingly easy to put together. The three hinged sections slot smoothly into place, the lights are already wired in (praise be), and you’re glowing – literally – in about 10 minutes.

Once fluffed (using the complementary silky-soft protective gloves), it’s a real showstopper. The mix of true and classic needle foliage gives it that just-cut-from-the-forest look without any of the mess. Plus, I loved that the warm lights are evenly spaced and cast a soft, twinkly glow that feels instantly Christmassy – the sort that makes you want to stick on a film and pour a glass of Bailey’s.

It’s also a slim tree, which makes it a clever choice for anyone short on floor space but still wanting that full, festive feel. Its narrower profile means it tucks beautifully into corners, hallways or smaller living rooms without feeling sparse or compromising on impact. It’s a great pick for creating a proper centrepiece without overwhelming your space – and with spare bulbs, fuses, and a storage bag included, it’s built to last year after year.

If you like the idea of a ‘snowy’ artificial Christmas tree but don’t want one that looks as though it’s been weathering a blizzard for days on end, this option from Next could be ideal. The white flocking isn’t too over the top, and a lovely frosty aesthetic is created when you turn on the warm-white fairy lights incorporated into the design.

The simple green metal base looks a little on the thin side on first inspection, but the tree feels perfectly stable once assembled. The tree can be assembled by one person. However, the separate pieces are not particularly light, so you may need help from a second person if you struggle with strength or mobility.

Once the three tree sections have been slotted into place, the fir’s branches require minimal adjustments to get the tree looking its best. After that, all that’s left to do is to couple the wire-to-wire connectors hidden amid the branches, to ensure power reaches the 200 LED lights dotted around the tree.

As you might expect, you will need to have your vacuum cleaner at hand to hoover up bits of flocking that fall away while you’re manoeuvring the three tree sections into place. However, I found the level of shedding wasn’t too bad, compared with some other snowy artificial Christmas trees I’ve tested (some left my living room looking as though it had been hit by a snowstorm).

If you like the look of Next’s Nordmann fir but you’re not a fan of the snowy effect (or hoovering), this tree is also available without the flocking (£140, Next.co.uk).

Another festive fir that’s on the smaller side, this pre-lit tree can bring some sparkle to outdoor areas as well as your indoor space. It features 150 micro LED bulbs that are evenly spaced throughout its branches to create a slightly warm glow. The tree isn’t super bright, but it does look very pretty, whether situated in the living room or on the front doorstep. Bear in mind the batteries need to be bought separately, though I wish they’d been included, given this tree doesn’t come cheap.

While some Christmas trees can look underwhelming and sparse, after I spent a couple of minutes fanning out the branches, I was wowed by how full it was. It looks very realistic, too, with its thin, forest-green needles that are slightly lighter towards the ends, affording a wintry, frosted effect.

Given its size, it’s not too taxing to move around, nor does it take up a lot of space, meaning it’ll be ideal for decorating throughout the home. What’s more, it’s completely fuss-free, as it arrives pre-assembled.

While some mini artificial Christmas trees can look a little too conical or symmetrical, this dinky design from John Lewis is very realistic. Light a pine-scented candle, and I think you’ll have people fooled into thinking this is the real deal. The only aspect that isn’t quite convincing close up is the trunk, but as this will be hidden by the branches and your decorations, it’s not a deal-breaker. The tree comes pre-lit with battery-powered lights (you’ll need three AA batteries, which aren’t included), so you can place this cute spruce anywhere in your house, without having to worry about the proximity of the nearest mains socket. The LEDs aren’t particularly bright or plentiful, however, so you may want to add more lights to the mix. Although the zinc bucket element isn’t hugely festive, you can always pop it in another pot of your choosing, or wrap some ribbon around the bucket, for extra Christmas cheer. Overall, though, I love the look of this mini tree, and the fact that it comes in one piece means you can simply remove it from the box, splay out the branches, and it’s good to go.

Balsam Hill is the gold standard of Christmas trees, which is why there are multiple of the brand’s festive pines in my guide. If the aforementioned Vermont spruce, with all its brilliant bushiness, isn’t quite your style, I highly recommend investing in the Nordmann fir instead. A superb option for anyone looking to emulate the real deal, it’s incredibly realistic with an organic shape, curved needles and a visible faux trunk. Plus, there are a variety of heights to choose from and it can come pre-lit, if you don’t fancy getting tangled in twinkly lights.

What really sets this particular tree apart from others, though, is its clever flip feature. While you can buy the tree in its standard form (£379, Balsamhill.co.uk) – which we’ve also tested and would highly recommend – the flip version allows you to set up and take down the tree in a matter of minutes, and with very little effort. This makes it a particularly great option for those who are perhaps concerned about how heavy premium trees can be to lug around and put together. To set up, all you need to do is wheel the tree into position, press the foot pedal, pull the tree stem towards you and voila – the base of the tree flips up and locks into place, leaving you just the treetop to slot into place. As a former real tree advocate, I’m happy to report this is one investment I won’t regret.

When I say this tree took a mere five minutes to assemble, I’m not exaggerating. The three sections slot incredibly easily into one another. The bottom tree stand is tightened to secure with a built-in screw, so no other equipment is required, and the built-in fairy lights simply click together.

I particularly liked how the branches were attached via hinges, meaning each layer fanned out as one, making the fluffing experience a whole lot easier. This also meant packing the tree away was a breeze, as the branches folded in together to create a super streamlined shape, making it a great pick for those with limited storage options. Once plugged in, the tree lights up in a warm and cosy golden colour. These lights, combined with the built-in tinsel and frosted effect on the leaves, mean the tree is decorative enough to stand on its own, with or without additional ornaments.

I do have a couple of gripes, though. The first being that the branches aren’t particularly bushy, leaving it looking a little sparse in some areas. Also, the colour reads more like a grey mink than the beige gold in the pictures online, but it’s still a great choice for those who prefer to keep things neutral and are on a budget.

With enough lights to rival the Blackpool Illuminations, this black twig tree looks fabulous when lit up, whether or not you choose to add baubles or other decorations to its branches. I tested the 6ft version (it’s also available in 1.5ft and 3ft), and found that assembly is quick and easy – simply slot the larger tree section into the metal stand, then add the top section of the tree and couple the wire-to-wire electric connectors that join the two pieces. You can adjust the branches to create your desired overall shape, but I found that to get the best effect, you’ll need to fan out the individual lights. This takes a fair bit of time and patience, given there are 2,700 micro-dot LEDs in total. I felt it was worth the effort, however, and loved having this tree gleaming away, all merry and bright, in the corner of my living room. Just note that, as with any micro-dot LED twig design, it doesn’t look as impressive when the lights are off.