Pre-lit vs unlit Christmas tree
Pre-lit trades flexibility for a ten-minute set-up. Here’s when that trade is worth it.
The short answer
Choose pre-lit if set-up time is the pain point. The lights are already spaced through the branches, and many have timers and colour modes built in.
Choose unlit if you want the tree to last longest. Lights usually fail before the tree does; with an unlit tree you simply swap the string, and you can choose exactly how bright and what colour.
Side-by-side comparison
| Pre-lit | Unlit + separate lights | |
|---|---|---|
| Set-up | Fastest — plug in and fluff | Wrap lights yourself, 30–60 minutes |
| Light count (6ft) | Typically 200–350 LEDs on current listings | Your choice — add sets for more sparkle |
| If a section fails | Fiddly to fix; may affect the whole tree’s look | Replace one string |
| Colour | Fixed, or switchable on some models | Any, change each year |
| Storage | Bulkier; lights stay on the branches | Packs flatter; no tangles to undo if stored well |
| Up-front cost | Higher | Lower, plus the cost of lights |
| Best for | Busy households, second trees | Long-term keepers, perfectionists |
How many lights does a 6ft tree need?
A common rule of thumb is around 100 bulbs per foot of tree for a full, glowing look — roughly 600 for a 6ft tree. Most pre-lit 6ft trees on Amazon UK come with 200–350 LEDs, which gives a softer glow. If you like it bright, go unlit and add two or three 200-LED strings.
Check these before buying pre-lit
- Timer — saves switching it on and off (and the electricity).
- Colour switch — some models change between warm white and multicoloured.
- Plug and cable length — a UK plug and a long enough lead to reach a socket.
- Branch-tip count — the lights don’t hide a sparse tree.
Picks: pre-lit and unlit
Christow Pre-Lit Aspen Spruce 6ft
Switch between warm white and multicoloured from the plug; built-in timer; 483 tips.
£67.99Alupssuc 6ft Pre-Lit, 778 tips
200 warm white LEDs with 13 modes and an 8-hours-on timer.
£89.99SHareconn 6ft Pre-Lit, 948 tips
350 LEDs with 17 modes, warm white and multicoloured.
£95.996ft Premium tree, 1,150 tips
Pair with a couple of 200-LED strings and you control the look for years.
£38.24↓ Lowest price we’ve tracked£38.24–£44.99 since 8 Sep
Ollny 20m 200 LED warm white
Mains powered with a remote, timer and dimming; indoor and outdoor rated.
£12.99£12.99–£16.99 since 8 SepPrices update hourly from the Amazon API.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pre-lit Christmas tree worth it?
Yes if you want the quickest set-up and don't mind the lights being fixed. If you want the tree to last as long as possible, an unlit tree is safer because a failed light string can simply be replaced.
What happens if the lights on a pre-lit tree stop working?
Check the plug fuse and any section connectors first. If a section stays dark, you can drape a separate string over that area, but a pre-lit tree can't easily be rewired, which is the main downside.
How many lights do I need for a 6ft tree?
A common rule of thumb is around 100 bulbs per foot, so roughly 600 for a 6ft tree. Most pre-lit 6ft trees come with 200 to 350 LEDs, which gives a softer glow.
Are pre-lit trees bulkier to store?
Usually, because the lights stay attached to the branches. An unlit tree packs a little flatter and the lights can be wound onto a reel.
More Christmas comparisons
- Real vs artificial tree
Artificial if you’ll keep it 10+ years (Carbon Trust); otherwise a real tree you recycle.
- Solar vs battery vs plug-in lights
Plug-in for the main display; battery where there’s no socket; solar only as a bonus in a UK winter.
- Warm white vs multicoloured lights
Warm white for a classic look; multicoloured for fun; cool white for an icy, modern scheme.
How we compare: we don’t lab-test products. Comparisons are based on published specifications, manufacturer information and independent data such as Carbon Trust figures, and prices are pulled live from Amazon UK. About ChristmasReady.