8 Best Christmas Tree Stands, Vetted by Experts

Big or small, Krinner's Tree Genie can bear it all. Designed to expertly stabilize freshly cut trees, this stand comes in five sizes ranging in price from $65 to $129: small, medium, large, XXL and XXL deluxe. The small size can accommodate tree heights stretching up to 6 feet and holds .9 gallons of water, while the largest stand option can secure trees up to 12 feet tall and retains 2.5 gallons of water.

Amazon reviewers love its quick, simple set-up and foot pedal that automatically tightens around the log — no finagling with screws! If you purchase the XXL deluxe version, the foot pedal also incorporates "ding technology" — a bell that rings to indicates when to stop pressing the pedal. Online reviewers also love that the plastic base doesn't leave rust marks on your floor, a common qualm with metal Christmas tree stands.

We appreciate that the new larger versions feature a handy water level indicator that lets you know when it needs to be topped off. While the water reservoir runs deep, a few shoppers helpfully noted that they found it easiest to water by using a long spout pitcher that reaches between the tree trunk and the rim of the tree stand.

Based on our extensive research, it's rare to find a quality tree stand for less than $50, but the CINCO Express stands out.

With a wide 16-inch base and deep 1.3 gallon water basin that includes a spillage catch, this lightweight plastic model props real trees up to 8 feet tall and features a unique push-pull ratchet locking system with sharp spikes at the base to hold the trunk flush and centered — a spec that many reviewers say they prefer over the screw bases they'd tried in the past. (The Cinco Express also comes in two additional sizes, for trees up 12 feet and trees up to 10 feet.)

While some shoppers have reported some difficulty with centering their trees in this stand, the brand suggests that the solve may be cutting the tree trunk to level it out.

A good ol' traditional tree stand like this medium-size one from Jack-Post can fit trees up to 8 feet (there's also a larger option to fit 12-foot trees). Complete with four bolts and made of welded steel, this base is designed to offer stability for hefty trees. The easy-to-fill water reservoir holds up to 1.1 gallons, which is admittedly smaller than most basins for trees of this size, but if any water leaks out, the brand claims its powder-coated hardware is corrosion resistant, too.

Several online reviewers found it a worthwhile investment — one person wrote: "The tree stands I have had in the past were flimsy and didn't balance the tree correctly or the bolts that are used to secure the tree didn't reach the trunk of the tree. This thing is heavy and sturdy! My tree is over 7 feet tall, and all I had to do was place it in the stand and secure it with the bolts."

Designed to look like a family heirloom, this ornamental, 20-pound L.L. Bean Christmas tree stand is crafted from hefty powder-coated cast iron that the brand claims is rust- and chip-resistant. A centering spike snugly displays trees up to 8 feet tall.

But fear not for scuffing hardwood floors: Thoughtful foot pads cradle the stand's legs. Reviewers compliment the solid construction, calling it "virtually impossible to tip over." One caveat? You must drill a small hole into the bottom of the tree trunk to fit over the pivot point on the stand.

If you're looking for something more modern-looking than most traditional tree stands, the Timber Tree Nest base fuses a minimalist steel build with clean beechwood legs — we think it's so stylish, you can even skip a tree skirt. Despite its slim silhouette, the large size of this stand can hold real trees up to 10 feet tall and features a 1.27-gallon water capacity. Just keep in mind that some Amazon reviewers say they had trouble assembling and disassembling this stand because the bolts holding the feet to the stand fit very tightly.

For those indecisive on their Christmas tree setup or those who prefer to store their artificial tree upright, this rolling stand may come in clutch. In fact, Balsam Hill topped our best fake Christmas tree tests not once or twice, but thrice — so we feel confident recommending its rolling tree stand.

Hailed as "well constructed" and "heavy duty" by online reviewers, this mobile faux tree stand is made from black metal and includes clear lockable wheels that look discreet. We appreciate its universal fit design — it includes extendable legs and tightening bolts. Consider it a stable base for fake trees (flat or pointed) that measure 1.25 inches to 2.12 inches in diameter.

Give your artificial Christmas tree an upgrade with this souped-up rotating stand. Designed with three built-in two-prong outlets, it can connect directly to your Christmas lights, mitigating the tangle of cords you'd need to cleverly hide underneath the tree.

The brand claims it can hold faux trees that reach up to 7.5 feet and weigh up to 80 pounds (avoid any tilt by making sure your tree is a compatible fit). Show off your stunning tree decor thanks to this stand's smooth 360º rotation setting that works with the lights on and off. One small gripe customers had: It only turns counter-clockwise.

National Tree Company's 28" steel folding stand fits up to 8-foot-tall faux trees (there's also a version that fits trees up to 10 feet). Once you find the right spot for your holiday centerpiece, simply lock the four wheels in place. This steel stand also folds flat for easy storage.

While our Good Housekeeping Institute Lab pros haven't tested this stand in particular, they were impressed by this brand's products during our artificial Christmas tree testing, and think National Tree Company's slim Kingswood Fir — our pick for the best slim tree — would be an ideal fit for this rolling stand.

That said, some Amazon reviewers flagged that they struggled with the set-up. For optimal sturdiness, one Amazon reviewer advised making sure the hole of the inner sleeve is lined up with the screws, so it can properly tighten against the tree post.