Ancestry vs FamilySearch vs Findmypast – Which Is Best?

Updated on 26 Sep 2024

OneBrowsing

 4.5

(Reviews: 45K)

Est. users: 3M

Price Ranges: $19.99 - $34.99 - $44.99

 4.7

(Reviews: 3K)

Est. users: 2M

 4.3

(Reviews: 1.5K)

Est. users: 3.5M

Price Ranges: $9.95 - $14.95 - $19.95

Ancestry vs FamilySearch vs Findmypast

Ancestry, FamilySearch, and Findmypast are all genealogy platforms but differ in scope and access. Ancestry is a subscription-based service offering a vast collection of historical records, user-submitted family trees, and DNA testing. FamilySearch is a free resource managed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing extensive record collections and a collaborative family tree but without DNA testing. Findmypast specializes in British and Irish records and also operates on a subscription model, often appealing to those researching UK ancestry.

Ancestry

  1. Subscription-based service
  2. Extensive genealogical records
  3. DNA testing available
  4. User-friendly online trees
  5. Large global user community
  6. Mobile app support
  7. Regular promotions and discounts
  8. Includes Newspapers.com integration

FamilySearch

  1. Free access to records
  2. Run by the LDS Church
  3. Collaborative family tree
  4. Limited DNA services
  5. Focus on historical preservation
  6. No advertising
  7. Offers volunteer indexing projects
  8. Wide volunteer base

Findmypast

  1. Focus on UK and Irish records
  2. Subscription and pay-per-view options
  3. Strong newspaper archive
  4. Integration with Newspaper Archive
  5. Offers historical websites like and others
  6. Collaborative with British National Archives
  7. Provides military record collections
  8. Online tree builder

Key Differences

  1. Database Size

    Ancestry has one of the largest genealogical databases available, with billions of records, making it likely to provide more extensive ancestry details.

    Winner: Ancestry

  2. User Interface

    FamilySearch offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier for beginners to navigate and search for records.

    Winner: FamilySearch

  3. Cost

    FamilySearch is completely free, which makes it accessible to anyone without financial burden.

    Winner: FamilySearch

  4. Historical Records Focus

    Findmypast has a strong focus on British and Irish records, offering unique data sets for users researching in these regions.

    Winner: Findmypast

  5. Collaboration Tools

    Ancestry provides extensive collaboration tools and DNA testing services for those looking to connect with relatives and build family trees together.

    Winner: Ancestry

  6. Mobile Access

    Ancestry and FamilySearch both offer mobile apps, but Ancestry's app is noted for providing more features, such as syncing with online trees and accessing DNA matches.

    Winner: Ancestry

Distinct Features

AncestryFamilySearchFindmypast
Extensive DNA testing services with ethnicity estimates and connections to DNA matches.Completely free access to all records and services due to being operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Exclusive access to extensive UK and Ireland records, including parish registers.
Large collection of proprietary historical record databases and digitized records.Collaboration on a single, global family tree edited by the community.British newspaper archives with coverage from the 18th to 20th centuries.
Integration with newspapers.com and fold3.com for additional records and military history.Access to digitized microfilm and diverse international records.Access to British military records and the 1939 Register with unique details.
Hints system that automatically suggests potential records for individuals in trees.Family History Library catalog and Lookup Service for records not digitized.Integration with the British Newspaper Archive for detailed exploration.
Ancestry app with offline capabilities and integration with other Ancestry features.Integration with LDS Church resources for family history research.Special focus on connecting with professional genealogists for detailed research.

Pricing Overview

Ancestry

View Pricing Plans  

  1. Basic ($19.99) - Individuals exploring their family history
  2. Premium ($34.99) - Genealogy enthusiasts looking for comprehensive data
  3. All Access ($44.99) - Serious researchers and historians

Basic

$19.99 / per month

Starting point for beginners

  • Build your family tree

  • Access to historical records

  • View and add photos

  • Search on the go with Ancestry mobile app

Premium

$34.99 / per month

Enhanced features for detailed research

  • All Basic features

  • Military records

  • International records

  • Ancestry support

All Access

$44.99 / per month

Full access to Ancestry's resources

  • All Premium features

  • Fold3 Access

  • Newspapers.com Basic subscription

  • Members-only events

Findmypast

View Pricing Plans  

  1. Starter ($9.95) - For individuals looking to start their genealogy journey.
  2. Plus ($14.95) - For users needing access to a wider range of records.
  3. Pro ($19.95) - For enthusiasts needing comprehensive global records.

Starter

$9.95 / Monthly

Ideal for beginners and occasional users.

  • Unlimited searches

  • Access to records

  • Create Family Trees

Plus

$14.95 / Monthly

Great for more experienced researchers.

  • All Starter features

  • Access to newspapers

  • Enhanced search options

Pro

$19.95 / Monthly

Advanced plan for serious genealogists.

  • All Plus features

  • Access to international records

  • Priority support

Indepth Overview

AncestryFamilySearchFindmypast
Genealogy Research
DNA Testing ★4.5 - Extensive insights into genetic heritage.
User Interface ★4.7 - Intuitive and easy to navigate for users. ★4.0 - Functional but less polished than competitors.★4.2 - User-friendly but not as modern as Ancestry.
Record Collection ★4.9 - Largest archival collection of records globally. ★4.5 - Strong, but not as vast as Ancestry.★4.6 - British-focused records, weaker outside the UK.
Mobile Access ★4.3 - Mobile app offers many features but lacks some desktop functionalities. ★4.2 - Mobile site is informative but limited for tree building.★4.1 - Functional app, some features missing from desktop.
Family Tree Builder ★4.8 - Robust tools for creating and expanding family trees. ★4.7 - Collaborative family tree feature is a highlight.★4.4 - Good tools but less intuitive than Ancestry.
Historical Records ★4.8 - Vast array of historical documents available. ★4.5 - Significant amount of records available.★4.5 - Strong in UK and Ireland records.
Search Filters ★4.6 - Advanced search features to refine results. ★4.4 - Good search capabilities, improved with use.★4.3 - Basic filters available, needs enhancements.
Storage for Trees ★5.0 - Unlimited storage for family trees. ★4.0 - Limited storage for collaborative trees.★4.5 - Reasonable storage but fewer collaborations.
Collaboration Tools ★4.2 - Supports collaboration with family members. ★4.5 - Strong focus on collaborative research.★4.0 - Limited compared to Ancestry and FamilySearch.
Community Forums ★4.0 - Active discussions for genealogical queries. ★4.3 - Engaging community for genealogical support.★4.2 - Useful forums for UK genealogy enthusiasts.
Pricing and Accessibility
Subscription Pricing ★4.5 - Competitive pricing with diverse plans. ★5.0 - Completely free access to all records.★4.2 - Higher pricing for full access compared to others.
Free Trial Availability ★4.0 - Offers a 14-day trial period. ★3.5 - Limited 14-day trial for new users.
Accessibility of Records ★4.6 - Most records require a subscription. ★5.0 - Unrestricted access to all users.★4.3 - Mostly subscription-based, few free records.
Discounts and Offers ★4.7 - Regular promotions for new users. ★4.0 - Offers seasonal discounts and promotions.
International Availability ★4.3 - Services available in multiple countries. ★4.5 - Global access but has localized records.★4.0 - Primarily targeted at UK records.
Data Privacy and Security
Data Privacy Policy ★4.5 - Transparent and regularly updated privacy policies. ★4.0 - Good policies but less detailed than competitors.★4.3 - Fairly detailed but less transparent than Ancestry.
User Control over Data ★4.4 - Users can manage visibility of family trees. ★4.2 - Limited options for controlling data visibility.★4.0 - Users have limited control over visibility.
Security Features ★4.7 - Strong security protocols for user data. ★4.4 - Secure platforms, regular audits performed.★4.2 - Employs standard security measures in the industry.
Data Retention ★4.3 - Retains data as long as necessary for services. ★3.9 - Data retention policies not as clear.★4.0 - Retains data in line with services offered.

Comparision Reviews

David Harmon

Denver, CO

Ancestry offers a well-rounded user experience, particularly impressive with its expansive historical record database and easy-to-use interface, making navigation straightforward. FamilySearch, however, stands out due to its comprehensive free access to resources, although the interface can sometimes be less intuitive. Ancestry's innovative DNA integration provides an edge for those deeply interested in genetic genealogy.

Ancestry 4.5

FamilySearch 4.0

Megan Chen

New York, NY

FamilySearch is unbeatable when it comes to free access to genealogical records, which is fantastic for beginners who want to delve into family history without financial commitment. Ancestry, on the other hand, has superior technical support and a more robust data presentation, but with a higher cost. The choice depends on budget and user experience preference.

Ancestry 4.2

FamilySearch 4.4

Oliver Patel

San Francisco, CA

While both platforms bring their strengths to the table, Ancestry tends to excel with its detailed records and ongoing updates, especially in the context of U.S. genealogy. Conversely, FamilySearch offers a broader global perspective which can be valuable for those looking into diverse ancestry lines. Ancestry's cost is justified by its breadth and depth of information, despite FamilySearch's attractive pricing of free.

Ancestry 4.6

FamilySearch 3.9

Sofia Mendes

Chicago, IL

For someone new to genealogy, FamilySearch is a great starting point due to its ease of access and cost efficiency. However, for consistent and more personalized customer support, Ancestry delivers a better experience, although the subscription fee might be a deterrent for some users. Ancestry's DNA services add a compelling dimension for those interested in their genetic roots.

Ancestry 4.3

FamilySearch 4.1

Lucas Varga

Austin, TX

Ancestry's advanced tools and integrations, like DNA testing, are perfect for tech-savvy users and those who want to explore comprehensive datasets. FamilySearch is excellent for users who prioritize a broader historical directory and community collaboration. Even though FamilySearch's user interface can be challenging, its open-access ethos makes it a winner for those seeking community-based research.

Ancestry 4.4

FamilySearch 4.2

Comments

John_Doe
Hey guys, I've been diving into some family history. Anyone used Ancestry, FamilySearch, or Findmypast? Opinions?
Jenny007
Hey John! I've used Ancestry a lot. It has a massive database, but you gotta pay for it. Worth every penny though!
Michael_Smith
I've been using FamilySearch. It's free, which is a win! But sometimes their records aren't as detailed as Ancestry's.
Michael_Smith
And FamilySearch is awesome for collaborative work because of its community-driven updates. But yeah, more details would be nice.
Ava_Green
Findmypast is pretty decent too. Lots of UK records, which were really helpful for my family.
Ava_Green
True that! One downside of Findmypast is fewer international records compared to Ancestry. But it's gold for UK stuff.
LiamOConnor
LOL, I tried all three when hunting for my great-grandfather's records. Each has its own quirks and perks, huh?
John_Doe
Yeah, I'm torn. Ancestry seems great, but that subscription fee! FamilySearch caught my eye for being free though.
Jenny007
*laughs* Just make sure to save your work often. Ancestry's hints can send you down rabbit holes.

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