You can spend hours scrolling through lists of the best artificial Christmas trees and still end up wondering what to buy. How real does it actually look? Is it appropriately full? Does it shed? Are the branches strong enough to hold that lopsided homemade macaroni ornament you’ve hung on your tree since 2004?
We decided to settle the debate once and for all by bringing the best-selling artificial trees from three leading brands into a studio for a blind-judged contest. We got 10 trees from Balsam Hill, King of Christmas, and National Tree Company, then found 10 assemblers to put the trees together and fluff them. Next, our panel of three interior-designer judges assessed the results.
Crucially, the judges didn’t know the brand or price of each tree—they picked the winners based on what they could see and touch. There were some surprises along the way, and we learned quickly that sometimes the gift in the biggest, shiniest box isn’t the best.
Be sure to check out WIRED’s other seasonal buying guides, including the best smart Christmas lights, advent calendars, and stocking stuffers.