5 Best Smart Christmas Trees for 2022
Updated: Feb. 07, 2023Work smarter—not harder—this holiday season with a pre-lit, app-controlled tree. Here are our top choices for smart Christmas trees this year.
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At this point, most American households likely have a smart home gadget or two. But as the holidays inch closer, you may want to consider springing for a smart Christmas tree instead of your usual real or artificial tree. A smart Christmas tree can completely transform how you decorate for the holidays.
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for technology when it comes to your smart Christmas tree. Brands that specialize in lifelike artificial Christmas trees like Balsam Hill offer smart lighting on select models. Even general retailers like Walmart and Amazon offer smart Christmas trees that have customizable lighting effects with a wide range of colors.
We’ve picked our favorite smart Christmas trees so you can choose the tree that fits your holiday needs.
What is a Smart Christmas Tree?
You’ve probably seen pre-lit artificial Christmas trees in stores. They feature hundreds of gorgeous, twinkling lights so you don’t have to string Christmas tree lights around the tree yourself.
Nowadays, you can also purchase Christmas trees with lights, ornaments and even smart home compatibility. These smart Christmas trees can be added to your smart home ecosystem, like a smart soap dispenser or a smart home thermostat.
Some will even integrate with your Alexa devices so you can add your Christmas decorations to your smart home routines. You may also edit the colors, light patterns and even music, depending on the model.
Best Overall Smart Christmas Tree
Mr. Christmas Mountain Fir Tree
If you’re looking for a traditional Christmas tree with classic lighting, this Mr. Christmas Tree is an excellent choice. It comes with 2,400 flame-resistant tips so you have plenty of places to hang ornaments, tinsel and décor. Its 500 LED lights can be customized with your choice of colors and light shows.
Plus, it comes with Alexa voice assistant integration. That means you can start setting up light routines and issuing voice commands right away, even before you’ve finished arranging the branches. You’ll enjoy a brightly lit holiday in no time. No frustrating setups or fighting with a bunch of wires.
Pros:
- High-quality and easy to assemble
- 40 different lighting functions
- Compatible with Alexa
Cons:
- Looks less realistic than some options
Mr. Christmas Smart Christmas Tree Specs
- Color: Green
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions: 7-ft. x 4-ft
- Tree Type: Spruce
- Lighting: 400 RGB LED Lights
Most Realistic Smart Christmas Tree
Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
The Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree is lit with Twinkly LED lights that change colors, light shows, and patterns through an app. This tree looks incredibly realistic, just like Colorado’s state tree, the blue spruce. With this smart tree option, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for technology.
Pros:
- Looks lifelike
- Easy, one-plug system for lighting
- 3-year warranty
- Stand, storage bag and protective gloves included
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
Most Affordable Smart Christmas Tree
Costway Eight-Foot App-Controlled Pre-Lit Christmas Tree
Costway’s eight-foot-tall tree gives you impressive size without a steep price tag. Its PVC and PE tips feature 670 pre-strung lights, each of which will continue burning even if others flicker and die.
Scan the QR code on the adapter to download the app that controls the tree. From there, you can dim the lights, change between colors and glittering speeds, choose a preset mode or customize your own.
Since this tree comes in three sections, it’s more hands-on to assemble than some trees, but its light density and full, realistic appearance make up for it. Pair it with one of these DIY alternative Christmas tree ideas for well-rounded holiday décor.
Pros:
- An affordable option
- 15 preset lighting modes
- Full-bodied appearance
Cons:
- One height option
Best Tree with Multicolor LEDs
Holiday Time Twinkly App-Controlled Carolina Spruce
If you like your artificial Christmas trees as realistic as possible with plenty of colorful lights, this Holiday Time model should more than satisfy you. This tree is outfitted with app-controlled multicolor LED lights that can be individualized through the Twinkly app. The app includes a 3D mapping feature that locates all the lights on your tree via your mobile camera to control light effects.
Pros:
- Connects to mobile app via Wi-Fi
- 3D mapping technology
- Quick setup
Cons:
- One height option
- Some buyers note a shorter lifespan than expected
Best Slim Smart Christmas Tree
Balsam Hill Vermont White Spruce Narrow
This tree from Balsam Hill is a great slim option for smaller spaces. It’s also lit with Twinkly LED lights that change colors, light shows, and patterns through an app. This tree’s sturdy construction and upward-sloping branches are perfect for displaying your favorite ornaments and decorations, even heavier ones.
Pros:
- Slim body is compatible with small spaces
- Looks realistic
- Easy, one-plug system for lighting
- 3-year warranty
- Stand, storage bag and protective gloves included
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
What to Consider when Buying a Tree
What do smart Christmas trees offer?
The most obvious benefit of a smart Christmas tree is that its pre-strung lights can be controlled and changed with the touch of a button. In need of flashing multicolored lights for a holiday party? Simply tap a button. Feel like warm white lights for a night with the family? Just open an app.
Can I repair my smart Christmas tree?
Most smart Christmas trees are pre-strung with LED bulbs. You can fix Christmas lights once you figure out what the issue is. Loose connections can lead to problems too—reinforcing screws on adapters can help.
How much do smart Christmas trees cost?
Smart Christmas trees generally cost more than other artificial Christmas trees. However, choosing the right smart Christmas tree can save you time and money. With a smart tree, you won’t have to spend extra time or cash on separate lighting strands.
If you’ve recently invested in an artificial Christmas tree that isn’t a smart tree, you might be interested in looking at smart Christmas lights this holiday season.
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