Family tree sites are online platforms that let you build, store, and share your genealogical history, with the largest ones also offering searchable databases of billions of historical records. The best choice for you depends on your goals, budget, and whether you want to simply organize what you know or dive deep into original documents.
What Family Tree Sites Actually Do
At their core, these sites replace the old paper pedigree charts and family group sheets. You enter names, dates, and places, and the software connects them into a visual tree. Most platforms also link each person to sources—census records, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and military drafts—so you can prove each fact rather than just repeating family lore.
The biggest sites (Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, Findmypast) are not just tree builders; they are vast record repositories. Ancestry, for example, holds billions of records, while FamilySearch is a free nonprofit run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others like WikiTree and Geni focus on collaborative trees, where one global tree is edited by many users. There are also simple, no-frills tools like Gramps (free desktop software) if you want total control without subscriptions.
How Family Tree Sites Work
You typically start by entering your immediate family—parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. As you add names, the site’s search engine automatically looks for matching records in its databases. When you click a hint, you see a scanned image of a document; you then decide if it truly matches your ancestor by comparing details like birth year, location, and spouse’s name.
Once you attach a record to a person, the site extracts the facts (e.g., a census lists a birth year) and adds them to that person’s profile. You can also upload your own photos, stories, and audio files. Most sites allow you to control privacy: you can keep a tree private, share a link with family, or make it public for others to find. The tree itself is stored in the cloud, so you can access it from any device and invite relatives to collaborate in real time.
Key Differences Between the Major Sites
- Ancestry: Largest consumer database, best for US and UK records, strong DNA integration, but requires a paid subscription for most records.
- FamilySearch: Completely free, with a massive global record collection and a collaborative single-tree model. No DNA tests, and some records are restricted by church policy.
- MyHeritage: Strong international focus (especially Europe, Australia, and Israel), excellent photo colorization and AI tools, and competitive DNA matching.
- Findmypast: Best for British and Irish research, plus specialized collections like Catholic parish records and the 1939 England and Wales Register.
- WikiTree: Free and collaborative, with a strict sourcing requirement. You work on one shared tree rather than your own separate copy.
- Gramps: Free, open-source desktop software. No online sharing or record hints, but you own your data completely.
How to Choose the Right Site for You
Start by asking where your ancestors lived. If they came from the British Isles, Findmypast or Ancestry will serve you best. If they were from continental Europe, MyHeritage has stronger indexes. If you’re on a tight budget, begin with FamilySearch—it has billions of records and a capable tree builder, and it’s free.
Next, consider whether you want to take a DNA test. Ancestry and MyHeritage both offer autosomal DNA tests that link you to genetic relatives and provide ethnicity estimates. If you want to combine DNA with family trees, those two are the easiest. If you prefer a pure documentary approach, FamilySearch or WikiTree are excellent.
Finally, think about how much time you’ll invest. Ancestry’s hinting system is the most automated, but it can also lead you to incorrect records if you don’t verify them. WikiTree requires you to cite sources for every fact, which is more work but produces a more reliable tree. If you just want to print a nice chart for a family reunion, a simple tool like MyHeritage’s free basic tree might be enough.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
The biggest pitfall is attaching the wrong person. Many ancestors share the same name, especially in small towns. Always compare at least three data points: birth year, location, and a family member’s name. For example, a census record for a “John Smith” born in 1840 in Ohio might not be your John Smith if your ancestor was born in 1845 in Pennsylvania.
Another issue is copying errors from other people’s trees. Most sites let you view other users’ trees, but those trees may be full of unsourced guesses. Never copy a fact without seeing the original record. Also beware of “same-name” traps: a common surname in a small area can appear dozens of times in the same county.
Privacy is a real concern. If you make your tree public, living people are usually hidden automatically, but you should double-check your settings. Some sites have had data breaches (e.g., Ancestry and MyHeritage both reported breaches in recent years), so use a unique password and enable two-factor authentication.
Costs and Free Alternatives
Subscription prices vary widely. Ancestry’s U.S. Discovery membership is around $25–$50 per month depending on the plan, while MyHeritage’s Complete plan is roughly $30–$40 per month. Both offer annual discounts, and they frequently run free trial periods. Findmypast is similarly priced for its UK-focused records.
If you don’t want to pay, FamilySearch is the best free option—it has billions of records, a collaborative tree, and no paywall for documents. WikiTree is also free but relies on volunteers and has a steeper learning curve. For a purely offline solution, Gramps is free and runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Many local libraries and genealogy societies also offer free access to Ancestry Library Edition or Findmypast from their computers.
Safety and Accuracy Tips
- Always cite the original source for every fact, not just another tree.
- Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication on any site that stores your DNA data.
- Read the privacy policy before uploading DNA or photos. Some sites may share data with law enforcement under certain conditions.
- If you see a hint that looks wrong, ignore it. Hints are suggestions, not proof.
- Back up your tree regularly. Most sites let you export a GEDCOM file, which is a standard genealogy format.
- For living people, keep their details private. Never post a living relative’s birth date or address publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ancestry worth the money?
If you have ancestors from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, yes—Ancestry’s record collection is the most extensive, and the hinting system saves hours of manual searching. But if your family is from Scandinavia or Eastern Europe, MyHeritage might be better. Try the free trial first and see how many hints you get.
Can I use FamilySearch for free forever?
Yes. FamilySearch is a nonprofit operated by the LDS Church, and its records and tree builder are free to everyone. Some records are restricted to church members, but the vast majority are open. You do need to create a free account.
What is a GEDCOM file?
GEDCOM is a standard file format for genealogy data. It contains names, dates, places, and family relationships in a plain text structure. You can export your tree from one site and import it into another, though some formatting (like photos and notes) may not transfer perfectly.
How do I find my ancestors if they came from a country with few records?
Start with the records they left in their new country, like naturalization papers, passenger lists, and census entries that list birthplaces. Then, use the FamilySearch Research Wiki for guidance on that specific country. For many countries, parish records are the key—and many are now indexed online.
Are DNA tests worth taking if I already have a tree?
Yes, because DNA can break down brick walls. If you take an autosomal test from Ancestry or MyHeritage, you’ll get a list of genetic cousins. By comparing their trees with yours, you can often identify a shared ancestor that paper records didn’t reveal. But DNA alone won’t give you names—you still need documents to confirm.
How do I keep my tree private?
On most sites, you can set your tree to “private” or “private and searchable.” Private means only people you invite can see it. “Private and searchable” means others can see that you have a match but not the details. Always check the settings for living people—they should be automatically hidden from public view.
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