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The 9 Best Christmas Tree Stands of 2023

Sturdy, user-friendly bases for all tree sizes and budgets

Decorated Christmas tree displayed next to a sofa in the Krinner Christmas Tree Genie

The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk

Christmas tree stands are a necessity for anyone who brings a tree into their home during the holiday season. Their purpose pretty much speaks for itself, as cut trees topple over without proper support at the base (shattering ornaments and creating a mess in the process).

Plus, like floral bouquets, they need water to prevent drying out and last as long as possible. There are also stands for artificial Christmas trees, which have slightly different features including a rotating design, for a stunning display in your front window, or wheels to make decorating easier.

Beyond type (live versus artificial), not all are created equal. "The most important thing to consider is the size," says Michael Lyons, tree farmer and owner of Christmas Trees In The Mail. "Make sure to check out the specs on the tree stand you purchase."

You'll also want to pay attention to the material, style, assembly requirements, and ease of use, as some are easier to tighten around the trunk or water than others. With these features in mind, we researched the best Christmas tree stands for every home and budget.

What to Know Before You Get Started

  • Christmas tree size: Tree stands should clearly state what type (real or artificial) and size of Christmas tree they can accommodate in terms of both height and trunk diameter. For instance, if your tree is 7.5 feet tall with a 5-inch-wide trunk, a compatible stand might say it fits trees 6 to 8 feet tall with trunks between 4 and 6 inches in diameter. Though you might be able to eyeball it based on the height of your ceiling, it's best to measure your tree before buying a stand.
  • Water capacity: How much water your real tree needs depends on the size of the tree. But a 6-foot Christmas tree, for instance, will drink roughly a gallon of water each day. "Trees drink the most the first few days following a fresh cut," says Lyons. "It's very important to not let water run out in the stand." This typically means you need to refill it daily, so how easily it is to fill and the capacity is important to consider.

For more shopping help with Christmas tree stands, check out our What to Look for Section below.

The Experts

We interviewed several experts for this article, including Michael Lyons, tree farmer and owner of Christmas Trees In The Mail, for tips on preparing, taking care of, and securing a real tree. We also reached out to Heather Goerzen, design director at Havenly, an online interior design studio, for helpful tips.

Our Top Picks
What We Like
  • No assembly with easy foot-pump tightening

  • Extremely sturdy with patented cable reinforcement

  • Water level indicator

What We Don't Like
  • Narrow opening for adding water

After testing the Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand, we think it's the best option to get your real tree secured and ready to decorate, with no fussing around with bolts under a heavy tree. It can accommodate trees up to 12 feet tall with trunks as thick as 7 inches in diameter. Unlike many others, no assembly is required, so you can place your tree in it as soon as you pull it out of the box. And thanks to the clever foot-pump mechanism, we found it to be super easy to tighten around the trunk—just step on the lever and press down repeatedly until the claws lock into position.

The Tree Genie is made primarily of powder-coated stainless steel, an extremely durable, rust-resistant, easy-to-clean material. The claws and lever are made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a thermoplastic with high tensile strength. The largest size is pretty heavy at 18 pounds, but this weight helps ensure tall trees don't topple over. Plus, this stand has a patented metal cable that ensures equal pressure from each claw if the trunk is crooked or otherwise off-kilter.

This tree stand holds up to 2 and a half gallons of water (the most on this list), and there's a handy water-level indicator that tells you when to refill it. The opening for adding water is somewhat small, though, so you'll probably need a watering can with a narrow spout to prevent spills. The Tree Genie isn't the most decorative, but it's also not an eyesore. Place a tree skirt around the base, and you'll be good to go.

Dimensions: 20 x 6 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Water Capacity: 2.5 gallons | Tree Capacity: 12 feet tall, 7-inch trunk | Material: Powder-coated stainless steel, ABS

Krinner Christmas Tree Genie
The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk.

Best Budget

Northlight Green Live Christmas Tree Stand

Green Live Christmas Tree Stand

Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable materials

  • Tip-proof base

  • Flat screw caps prevent puncturing

  • Large watering area

What We Don't Like
  • Partial assembly required

For those looking for something more affordable option for their real tree, and don't mind a little more effort in securing it, we recommend the Northlight Green Christmas Tree Stand. It's made of thick, heavy-duty plastic with four powder-coated metal legs. Designed to accommodate trees up to 9 feet tall with trunks up to 5 and a half inches in diameter, the wide base promises tip-proof sturdiness all season long. Although you still will need to crouch down to water it, the reservoir has a larger opening than our best overall pick, the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand, (but doesn't hold as much water).

Tightening the screws around the trunk is relatively easy, though it may be a two-person job. One person can hold the trunk straight while the other twists the screws evenly into place. Flat-head plastic screw caps prevent puncturing the trunk and leaking sap out, which can be not only sticky but also affect the tree's ability to drink water. Partial assembly is required, but it shouldn't take more than a few minutes. All things considered, this stand is an excellent value.

Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Water Capacity: 0.9 gallons | Tree Capacity: 9 feet tall, 2 to 5.5-inch trunks | Material: Plastic, metal

Best for Large Trees

Goliath Christmas Tree Stand

Welded Powder Coated Steel Christmas Tree Stand

Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable materials with wide-spanning legs

  • Suitable for extra-large/tall trees

  • Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service

What We Don't Like
  • Some assembly required

For great support in protecting your large or extra-large real Christmas tree from toppling over, we love this heavy-duty stand from Goliath. It's made of highly durable, rust-resistant powder-coated steel and welded at the base for extra reinforcement. Four wide-spanning legs with rubberized caps offer reliable sturdiness while protecting your floors from scratches. This stand comes in two sizes to accommodate trees as large as 16 feet tall with trunks as wide as 9 inches. Similar to our best budget pick, the Northlight Green Live Christmas Tree Stand, it's relatively easy to fill this stand with water because it has a large opening (and the same water capacity).

You'll have to assemble the stand at home, but it really only entails attaching the legs. You can also easily remove the legs for compact storage. Promising it's "the last tree stand you will ever buy," the brand backs this product with a lifetime warranty. Goliath also prides itself in helpful, accessible customer service, with quick response times and staff always willing to answer questions. If this truly ends up being the last Christmas tree stand you ever buy, we think under $100 is a pretty stellar price.

Dimensions: 28 x 28 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 9.8 pounds | Water Capacity: 0.9 gallons | Tree Capacity: 5 to 12 feet tall, 5.75-inch trunk | Material: Powder-coated steel

Best Rotating for Artificial Trees

Home Heritage Electric 360 Degree Rotating Tree Stand

Electric 360 Degree Rotating Tree Stand

Amazon

What We Like
  • 360-degree ornament display

  • Can plug pre-lit tree into stand

  • Long power cord

What We Don't Like
  • No aesthetic appeal

  • No remote control

If you want to show off all of the decorations on your artificial Christmas tree (and not just the ones in the front), an electric rotating stand allows all of the pretty baubles to have a turn to shine. Instead of rolling on caster wheels, the base stays in place while the center spins your tree around, giving a 360-degree view of the tree. You can also use the rotation to access other sides of your tree while hanging lights or Christmas ornaments, which is useful if you place it in a corner. While it doesn't come with a remote control, you can easily start and stop it with the switch on the base.

This spinning stand has a long power cord that plugs into a standard wall outlet. If your fake tree is pre-lit, you can plug it into the stand to minimize cord clutter and avoid taking up another outlet. The stand comes in a few colors (black, gold, red, or silver), though it really doesn't have much aesthetic appeal. This particular design can accommodate artificial trees up to 7.5 feet tall, but the brand has a different circular one that can support trees as tall as 9 feet.

Dimensions: 31 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 4.9 pounds | Water Capacity: Not applicable | Tree Capacity: 7.5 feet tall, 1, 1.25. or 1.5-inch tree poles | Material: Powder-coated steel

Best Rolling

TreeKeeper Universal Rolling Christmas Tree Stand

Universal Rolling Christmas Tree Stand

Amazon

What We Like
  • Allows 360-degree decorating access

  • Easy to move and position tree

  • Smooth-gliding, anti-scratch, locking casters

What We Don't Like
  • Not aesthetically pleasing

  • Doesn't roll very well on carpets

The TreeKeeper Universal Rolling Christmas Tree Stand makes it easy to move your tree around your space and access all sides while decorating it. If placing your tree in a corner, you can also decorate it in a more open area, then roll it over once you're done. (Bear in mind this product is only for artificial trees. Swivel tree stands are less common for live trees, as they usually have weight limits, and moving real trees can result in more pine needles dropping.)

This stand has four caster wheels that glide smoothly, lock into place, and promise not to scratch your flooring. But we should note it works best on hard floors—it's harder to move and less sturdy overall on carpets. While it may go without saying, the other thing to mention is that it's not aesthetically pleasing. It basically looks like the bottom component of a basic rolling desk chair. But a decorative tree skirt is an easy remedy to this issue.

Dimensions: 25 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Water Capacity: Not applicable | Tree Capacity: 12 feet tall, 1.5- to 2.12-inch tree poles | Material: Metal

Best Stand with Center Spike

L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

L.L.Bean

What We Like
  • Heavy-duty and exceptionally sturdy

  • Intricate, old-fashioned design

  • Handcrafted by artists

What We Don't Like
  • Cumbersome

  • Only one size

The L.L.Bean's Heirloom Christmas Tree Stand is a great choice if you are putting your tree in a high-traffic area—or just want reassurance that it won't fall over—but don't want to sacrifice style. Made of cast iron, a notably durable, rust-resistant material, it features a baked-on urethane finish to offer extra protection against corrosion and chipping. This stand has three screws that easily twist inward to support the trunk of your tree without puncturing the wood. And to keep it extra snug, there's a spike in the center of the stand, to ensure the tree stays put.

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned lamp post base, the intricate design is handmade by artists using a ball-type milling and hammering technique. We should note that cast iron is notably heavy. At 20 pounds, this stand is pretty cumbersome. It comes with foot pads to prevent floor damage, but be careful when lifting it, and if you store it on a shelf, make sure it can support the weight. The Heirloom Stand only comes in one size, so trees taller than 8 feet with trunks wider than 5 inches will need something more substantial, like our best heavy-duty pick, the Goliath Welded Powder Coated Steel Christmas Tree Stand.

Dimensions: 14 x 14 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Water Capacity: Not listed | Tree Capacity: Not listed | Material: Urethane-coated cast iron

Best Modern

Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Tree Stand

Amazon Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

Amazon

What We Like
  • Mid-century meets minimalist

  • Attractive on its own; no skirt needed

  • Three sizes and four colors available

What We Don't Like
  • Some assembly required

The Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Stand is a great option if you are looking for a modern aesthetic. Embracing both mid-century and minimal aspects of modern home design, this low-profile tree stand has a semi-matte powder-coated steel water basin in your choice of black, red, white, or gray-streaked marble. If you want to veer more minimalist with your holiday decorations, forgo a tree skirt and display the simple stand as-is.

Some at-home assembly is required, but you only have to attach the beechwood legs. Securing the trunk is a relatively straightforward process with minimal elbow grease—hold it straight and twist the bolts until they meet the wood. The Cosmopolitan comes in three sizes: The smallest is meant for tabletop and accent trees up to 5 feet tall, and the largest can accommodate trees up to 8 and a half feet tall.

Dimensions: 19.09 x 9.84 | Weight: 6 pounds | Water Capacity: 1.27 gallons | Tree Capacity: 8.5 feet tall, 2.4 to 5.9-inch trunks | Material: Beechwood, powder-coated steel

Best Wood

Skagerak By Fritz Hansen Stella Christmas Tree Base

Stella Christmas Tree Base

2Modern

What We Like
  • Unique design

  • Sustainable FSC-certified wood

  • Durable with high-end appeal

What We Don't Like
  • Wood may discolor over time

  • Not suitable for large trees

Tree stands aren't typically conversation pieces, but this one is in a league of its own. Made by Danish designer Fritz Hansen, the Stella Christmas Tree Base flaunts an eight-pointed star, which makes it not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly sturdy. It's crafted from FSC-certified wood, meaning the timber was sourced from responsibly managed forests in line with Forest Stewardship Council sustainability criteria.

You can choose from oak wood, which has a cooler tone, or teak, which is a bit warmer—just keep in mind teak is known to turn a grayish hue over time. The gleaming gilt-style water basin is brass-plated steel, a durable material with a high-end holiday appeal. One thing to note is that it can only support trunks up to 3.7 inches in diameter. The average is closer to 5 inches, so it's best for small-to-medium trees.

Dimensions: 20 x 6 inches | Weight: 9.8 pounds | Water Capacity: Not listed | Tree Capacity: 3.7-inch trunk | Material: Oak or teak wood, brass-plated steel

Best Design

Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

Christmas Tree Foot in Various Colors

Burke Decor

What We Like
  • Pared-down, minimalist design

  • Three colors available

  • Comes pre-assembled

What We Don't Like
  • Only one size

  • Doesn't disassemble for storage

For those interested in a simpler yet stunning design that looks beautiful without a tree skirt, we like the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot. This pared-down stand is made of powder-coated iron and comes in your choice of light dove gray, matte black, or semi-shiny brass. We appreciate that this Christmas tree base comes pre-assembled, so you can use it as soon as you pull it out of the packaging. However, the legs are fixed, meaning you can't remove them or otherwise disassemble them for more compact storage.

The five butterfly screws used to secure the tree are the same color as the stand, for a cohesive look. However, this stand only comes in one size and is best for medium-sized trees. Though the weight isn't listed, regular iron is not as heavy as cast iron because it contains much less carbon, so it's likely not hard to lift (but may be easier to knock over).

Dimensions: 19.5 x 19.5 x 5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Water Capacity: Not listed | Tree Capacity: Not listed | Material: Powder-coated iron

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand because it has an extremely sturdy design, easy foot-pump tightening mechanism, and a handy water level indicator. We also love the Northlight Green Live Christmas Tree Stand, our best budget pick. It has a more classic installation process but will keep your tree from toppling over thanks to its durable, tip-proof features.

What to Look For in a Christmas Tree Stand

Tree Compatibility

The first thing to consider when buying a stand is compatibility—not all stands work with all trees. For one, real Christmas tree stands do not work with artificial trees, and vice versa. 

Beyond that, you need to get the right size. "For example, if you purchase a 7-foot stand, make sure the stand says it's made for trees 6 to 8 feet tall," says Lyons. Our best overall pick, the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand is designed for real Christmas trees and is available in multiple sizes for the best fit.

Trunk diameter matters too. Some stands can only accommodate narrower trunks, like our best splurge pick, Skagerak By Fritz Hansen Stella Christmas Tree Base.

Material

Christmas tree stands come in various materials. As with our best overall pick, Goliath Christmas Tree Stand, powder-coated steel tends to be a good choice because it's strong, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. 

Cast iron is another sturdy, heavy-duty option, like our best with center spike pick, the L.L. Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand (though it's much heavier than steel to lift). You'll also find wood and plastic tree bases. Wood tends to be a bit more decorative, like our best wood option, the Skagerak By Fritz Hansen Stella Christmas Tree Base, but can discolor over time. Plastic options are often the most affordable, like our best budget pick, the Northlight Green Live Christmas Tree Stand, but they are often more practical than stylish, and you may be tempted to buy a tree skirt.

Ease of Use

"Most tree stands balance a tree with a series of bolts you hand-turn," says Heather Goerzen, design director at Havenly. It's not particularly hard to secure the trunk this way, but you may need an extra pair of hands to hold it upright while you turn the screws. Goerzen adds that newer models like the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand have "clever foot-lever contraptions." This allows you to tighten the clamps while standing up.

FAQ
  • How do I make my Christmas tree stand more stable?

    It depends on what's causing the instability. If you have uneven floors or the stand is slightly off-kilter, a small leveler (such as a Wobble Wedge) is an easy solution. If it seems like it's leaning to one side, it could be a positioning issue. In that case, you may want to remove the tree from the stand and recruit another person to hold it straight upright while you redo the bolts. Otherwise, the issue may simply be that the stand isn't compatible with the tree size you have, in which case you might need to get a new one.

  • How much should you cut off before putting a tree in a stand?

    You should always cut at least a half-inch off the bottom of the trunk before placing it in the stand—even if it was cut down from a farm the same day. Lyons explains that cutting a tree releases sap that seals the bases of the tree, which prevents it from drinking enough water. "It takes only two hours for this 'seal' to be created," he says. "A fresh cut is essentially removing this layer so the tree can drink more."

  • How do you put a Christmas tree in a stand?

    For most Christmas tree stands, this is a two-person task. Start by gripping the tree in the middle of the trunk and slowly lowering it into the stand. Have one person hold it in place, ensuring it's as straight as possible, while the other person twists the butterfly screws (or other tightening mechanism) until they meet the trunk.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Holland is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home decor, recreation, and lifestyle for The Spruce since 2019. For this story, she interviewed two experts, a tree farmer and an interior design specialist, who provided buying tips and helpful insight. She considered dozens of Christmas tree stands before narrowing it down to durable, user-friendly options with standout features.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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