TLDR
MyHeritage leads for comprehensive features and DNA integration, while RootsMagic offers the best desktop experience for serious genealogists.
Choose MyHeritage for all-in-one genealogy and DNA testing, RootsMagic for desktop-based control, or WikiTree if you prefer free and collaborative.
Building a family tree has never been easier, with tools ranging from free web-based platforms to comprehensive desktop software.
Whether you're tracing your British ancestry, storing DNA results, or collaborating with relatives, there's a family tree tool for every need.
We've reviewed seven leading platforms to help you find the right fit for your genealogy journey.
Each offers different strengths in historical records access, ease of use, and collaborative features.
best family tree software Tools compared
Filter by what you care about. Every tool stays on the page.
| Tool | Price | Family Tree Builder | DNA Testing & Integration | Historical Records Access | Pricing Model | Collaboration Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MyHeritage | See site | Yes | Yes | Yes | Freemium | Limited |
| Findmypast | See site | Yes | No | Yes | Subscription | Limited |
| Legacy Family Tree | See site | Yes | Limited | Limited | One-time purchase | Limited |
| RootsMagic | See site | Yes | Limited | Limited | One-time purchase | Limited |
| Family Echo | See site | Yes | No | No | Free | Yes |
| WikiTree | See site | Yes | Yes | Limited | Free | Yes |
| Geni | See site | Yes | No | Limited | Freemium | Yes |
Highlighted rows are featured placements. Competitor details are set by each platform, so confirm on their site before buying.
The 7 best best family tree software tools
MyHeritage
See siteMyHeritage is a comprehensive genealogy platform that combines family tree building with DNA testing and access to billions of historical records. It operates as a cloud-based service, making it accessible from any device and ideal for users who want an integrated suite of genealogy tools.
Pros
- Offers DNA testing alongside genealogy research
- Access to 41.4 billion historical records for research
- Cloud-based access from any device
- Combines multiple genealogy features in one platform
Cons
- Requires subscription for full feature access
- Large database can require narrowing searches
Best for: Users seeking an all-in-one genealogy and DNA testing solution with extensive historical records.
Findmypast
See siteFindmypast specializes in British and Irish genealogy, hosting the largest collection of UK and Irish genealogy records and newspaper archives. It's the go-to choice for users tracing British or Irish ancestry through historical documents and newspaper records.
Pros
- Largest collection of UK and Irish genealogy records
- Extensive newspaper archives for ancestor research
- Specialized focus on British genealogy
- Comprehensive historical documents and records
Cons
- Limited value for non-British ancestry research
- Requires subscription for record access
Best for: Genealogists researching British and Irish family history and ancestors.
Legacy Family Tree
See siteLegacy Family Tree is desktop genealogy software designed for comprehensive family history research and analysis. It's built for serious genealogists who want a powerful, feature-rich application to store and organize multi-generational family trees on their computer.
Pros
- Most comprehensive genealogy software available
- Easy-to-use interface for desktop users
- Designed for multi-generational family trees
- Full control over data storage on your computer
Cons
- Requires installation on individual computers
- Less accessible for cloud-based collaboration
- Steeper learning curve than web-based tools
Best for: Serious genealogists who want comprehensive desktop software for detailed family tree analysis.
RootsMagic
See siteRootsMagic is a desktop genealogy application available for Windows and Mac that lets you build and store family trees on your own computer. It emphasizes one-time purchase pricing with no subscriptions and integrates with popular genealogy services like Ancestry and FamilySearch.
Pros
- No subscription required, buy once and keep it forever
- Works with Ancestry and FamilySearch data
- Available for both Windows and Mac
- Full control of your genealogical data
Cons
- Desktop-only without subscription limits cloud sync
- Less integrated record access than cloud platforms
- Requires manual software updates
Best for: Users who prefer desktop control and want to avoid ongoing subscription fees.
Family Echo
See siteFamily Echo is a free, web-based family tree builder focused on simplicity and visual tree creation. It's designed for users who want a straightforward way to create, print, and share their family trees online without complexity.
Pros
- Completely free to use
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Easy to create and print visual family trees
- Good for sharing trees with relatives
Cons
- Limited historical records integration
- No DNA testing features
- Fewer advanced genealogy tools than desktop software
Best for: Casual users who want to create and share simple family trees online for free.
WikiTree
See siteWikiTree is a free, collaborative genealogy platform where volunteers worldwide work together to build one shared, accurate family tree. It operates on a community model with DNA testing integration and emphasizes free access and volunteer-driven genealogy.
Pros
- Completely free family tree and genealogy research
- Community-driven with volunteer genealogists
- DNA testing integration available
- Collaborative approach connects extended families
Cons
- Requires community participation and consensus
- Less control over your own entries
- Smaller record collection than subscription services
Best for: Users who prefer free, collaborative genealogy and want to contribute to a shared family tree.
Geni
See siteGeni is a social genealogy platform that emphasizes collaborative family tree building and connections. It allows you to create your family tree, invite relatives to share, and search millions of profiles to discover new ancestors. The platform focuses on family connections and sharing media.
Pros
- Large database of 285 million profiles to search
- Easy relative invitations for collaborative building
- Share photos, videos, and media with family
- Social approach to genealogy research
Cons
- Smaller historical record database than specialized services
- Requires privacy balance for sharing with relatives
- Less comprehensive for detailed genealogy research
Best for: Families who want to collaborate online and share photos and information while building their tree together.
How we chose
We selected these seven tools based on their prominence in genealogy research and verification of their core features from official sources.
We compared them across family tree building capability, historical records access, DNA integration, pricing models, and collaboration features to help you find the right fit for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between desktop and cloud-based family tree software?
Desktop software like RootsMagic and Legacy Family Tree stores your data on your computer, giving you full control but limiting access to one device. Cloud-based platforms like MyHeritage and Geni let you access your tree from anywhere but require an internet connection. Desktop software typically uses one-time purchase pricing while cloud services often use subscriptions.
Which family tree software is best for researching British ancestry?
Findmypast is specialized for UK and Irish genealogy with the largest collection of British historical records and newspaper archives. If you need a broader platform that also covers British ancestry, MyHeritage offers access to billions of historical records including UK sources.
Do any family tree software options include DNA testing?
Yes. MyHeritage offers integrated DNA testing alongside genealogy research. WikiTree also supports DNA testing integration. Family Echo, Findmypast, RootsMagic, and Legacy Family Tree do not offer direct DNA testing, though some can integrate with external DNA test results.
What's the most affordable option for building a family tree?
WikiTree and Family Echo are completely free. Geni and MyHeritage offer free starter versions with optional premium features. RootsMagic offers a free version and one-time purchase pricing with no subscription. If you need extensive historical records, you'll likely need a paid subscription.
Can I collaborate with family members on these platforms?
Yes, several platforms support collaboration. Geni and Family Echo are designed for inviting relatives to contribute. WikiTree is community-collaborative. MyHeritage offers limited collaboration features. RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, and Findmypast focus more on individual research with limited sharing capabilities.
How do I choose between so many options?
Consider your priorities: budget (free vs. paid), research style (collaborative vs. individual), geography (UK-focused vs. global), features (DNA testing, records access, desktop vs. cloud), and commitment level (casual vs. serious genealogy). MyHeritage works well for comprehensive genealogy with DNA. RootsMagic suits desktop users avoiding subscriptions. Findmypast is best for British ancestry. Free options like WikiTree are ideal for beginners.
The bottom line
Family tree software ranges from simple visual builders to full research platforms. Your choice depends on whether you want cloud convenience, desktop control, or community collaboration.