How to Buy the Best Realistic Artificial Christmas Tree You Can Afford

Oct 17th 2023

ornaments hanging on Christmas tree branches

Live Christmas tree or artificial Christmas tree? The debate is real and supporters of both varieties can be quite passionate about their choice.

A live tree has charming imperfections and smells fantastic, but dropped needles and the need to water regularly are turn-offs. On the other hand, an artificial tree doesn’t trigger allergies or require daily maintenance.

Full-sized artificial Christmas trees generally cost more up-front than real trees. However, since an artificial Christmas tree lasts for years, you’ll likely save money in the long run.

Cheap artificial Christmas trees are sold just about everywhere during the holidays. Your options shrink if your goal is a realistic artificial Christmas tree, which typically comes at a price.

Is there a way to strike a happy medium between an affordable Christmas tree and a fake Christmas tree that looks realistic? Absolutely!

realistic looking artificial Christmas tree branch

How Are Artificial Christmas Trees Made?

Before we jump into the best values on the most realistic artificial Christmas trees, let’s discuss the two different materials used to make artificial trees: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE). Each material offers a distinct look.

Feathery strips of PVC plastic create the appearance of needles on traditional artificial Christmas trees. You can find classic Christmas trees made from PVC at very low price points, making them popular with decorators on a budget. However, while it provides a great framework for Christmas ornaments, a classic Christmas tree isn’t typically known for its realism.

Alternatively, artificial Christmas trees featuring PE branch tips molded from casts of real pine branches can appear extremely lifelike.

The more PE branches a tree contains, the more realistic it looks – and the more expensive it’s likely to be. That’s why realistic Christmas trees typically feature a mix of both materials. The more expensive PE tips provide the realism while PVC branches provide fullness, helping to balance the cost.

How to Find the Most Realistic Artificial Christmas Tree Under $300

A realistic Christmas tree can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars, but there are values to be found if you shop carefully.

For our list, we searched Christmas Central for Christmas trees with a pleasing blend of PE and PVC branches. Many of these products are included in our line of Real TouchTM Luxury Greenery, which includes artificial Christmas trees, wreaths and garland.

What we found was a mix of traditional and non-traditional Christmas trees available for $300 or less.

We also discovered that some of the best artificial Christmas tree deals can be found by buyers who are flexible with their needs and willing to consider a non-traditional Christmas tree.

artificial Christmas tree with presents

Unconventional Christmas Trees

For our purposes, we’re assuming that a traditional Christmas tree is green, pre-lit and at least 6 feet tall with a medium to full profile. By comparison, a non-traditional tree may be shorter, slimmer, unlit or even potted. Let’s explore each variation.

Small Christmas Trees

Do you really need a 6 foot tall Christmas tree? A small Christmas tree is a space saving option that can represent a considerable bargain. Christmas trees between three and five feet are perfect for small houses and apartments. They’re quick to decorate and easy to store. Set one on a table beside a window. From the outside, no one will even know it isn’t full size. And the open space below the table leaves more room for presents!

Skinny Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees come in three main shapes, or profiles. A tree with a wide silhouette is known as a full profile tree. Narrower tree silhouettes include medium profile and the space-saving slim or pencil Christmas tree. When all other features are equal, a slim Christmas tree is often a less expensive option than a full or medium profile tree. Slim Christmas trees offer a beautiful and elegant look and their slender shape makes them perfect for corners and compact spaces.

Potted Christmas Trees

There’s no reason a potted Christmas tree can’t be your primary Christmas tree! Potted trees replace the traditional four-footed base with an attractive container that doesn’t need to be hidden by a tree skirt. You’ll find potted Christmas trees in all sizes, including heights that are just right for your living room or foyer.

Unlit Christmas Trees

An unlit Christmas tree can sometimes cost $100 less than the same size pre-lit model. This could represent a significant savings, especially if you already have your own Christmas lights. While pre lit Christmas trees come wired with either incandescent or LED mini lights, unlit artificial Christmas trees expand your options. Add classic C9 light strings, wide angle LEDs or novelty lights to reflect your own individual style.

Nordic Christmas Trees

Do you appreciate the spare, natural lines of Nordic design? You’re in luck! Alpine Christmas trees offer some of our best (and underappreciated) bargains! Nordic and Alpine trees mimic the natural look of mountaintop pines. Their open branch structure allows the natural beauty of a few simple Christmas ornaments to shine.

Honorable Mention: The Wall Tree

Meant to sit flat against a wall, wall trees are literally half a Christmas tree. And while a half wall Christmas tree won’t win any prizes for realism, it is both space saving and budget friendly.

Best Value in Flocked Christmas Trees

Flocked Christmas trees have been a style trend in recent years. A full-sized flocked Christmas tree typically costs a little more than an unflocked tree, but there are still values to be found. These three finds all feature classic style branches, with no molded PE needles, but the flocking helps hide the fact nicely.

Christmas trees are a beautiful symbol of the season and a focal point of our holiday gatherings. You want your Christmas tree to express your personal style, but you need to weigh all the other expenses associated with Christmas as you consider your purchase.

Fortunately, a little shopping savvy is all it takes to find the most realistic artificial Christmas tree to decorate your home at a price that doesn’t break your budget.

A good place to start your shopping is by browsing Christmas Central’s full selection of artificial Christmas trees. For the most realistic Christmas trees around, check out our Real TouchTM premium artificial Christmas trees, available in many sizes and styles.