Now that you have the basics ready to go you, one of the decisions you are going to have to make is to decide where you want to store all of the information and records that you find.
One of the main things you want to consider is if you want an online platform that you is stored on the systems cloud storage or if you would prefer to have a platform that stores it on your computer.
All of these are good options. There really isn’t a “bad” vs “good” in this list. You just have to figure out which one best meets your individual needs.
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they have worked out partner access to some of these and other research sites at no cost to you. To learn more about this access go to their Partner Access page.
Here is a run down on some of the most popular platforms currently available.
FamilySearch is a free, user-friendly genealogy website that allows users to build and share family trees collaboratively, making it easy to connect with relatives and combine research efforts. They provide helpful resources like guided tutorials, research tips, and access to digitized books and photos. FamilySearch is for beginners and experienced researchers alike. Another feature is that for members of the LDS church you can connect your ancestors to the temple databases to help you do ordinance work.
| URL | Type | Price | Mobile App | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| www.familysearch.org | Online | Free |  |
100% free research and collaborative global family tree. AI Research Assistant, digitized book collections, handwriting recognition |
Ancestry is a popular platform that offers an intuitive family tree builder that allows users to create, organize, and share their genealogical information, often with automated “hint” suggestions that connect records to individuals in their tree. Ancestry.com includes DNA testing services that can reveal ethnic origins and connect users with potential relatives based on genetic matches. Ancestry provides a comprehensive and engaging way to research and understand family heritage.
| URL | Type | Price | Mobile App | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| www.ancestry.com | Online | Subscriptions | |
DNA testing, vast record databases, and ease of use. ThruLines (connect DNA to ancestors), hints, photo colorization |
MyHeritage is a site that provides a family tree builder with smart technologies like Smart Matches™ and Record Matches, which automatically suggest connections between users’ trees and historical records. In addition, MyHeritage offers DNA testing services that provide detailed ethnicity estimates and help users find biological relatives through genetic matching. The platform also includes unique features such as photo enhancement, colorization, and animation tools that bring old family photos to life.
| URL | Type | Price | Mobile App | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| www.myheritage.com | Online | Free limits; Premium Subscriptions | |
International research, AI discovery tools, and DNA. AI Record Finder, AI Storyteller (timeline summaries), DeepStory |
FindMyPast is a site specializing in British and Irish family history. It hosts billions of digitized historical records—including exclusive census data, parish registers, military files, and a massive newspaper archive—alongside tools to build and trace your family tree. FindMyPast offers the largest set of English parish records online, twice as many Irish records as competing sites, and exclusive access to the 1921 Census of England and Wales. Allows you to visually build your family tree, import GEDCOM files, and receive automatic record hints.
| URL | Type | Price | Mobile App | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| www.findmypast.com | Online | Subscriptions | |
UK, Ireland, and Commonwealth historical records. Advanced newspaper archives, Catholic Heritage Archive. |
Family Tree Maker is a powerful desktop genealogy software that includes multiple family tree-building tools, which allow users to create profiles for individuals, including photos and documents. The software also integrates with online databases like Ancestry and FamilySearch, enabling users to sync their trees and access records directly within the program. FTM offers advanced charting and reporting options and includes tools for data management, error checking, and cloud backup. FTM allows you to work offline or in combination with online resources.
| URL | Type | Price | Mobile App | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| www.mackiev.com/ftm/ | Offline | Desktop Download | |
Known for highly polished, customizable charts and two-way syncing with online Ancestry trees. |
Roots Magic is a genealogy and family history software program that allows users to research, organize, and publish their family trees. It works both offline and transfers and merges data between the software and online Ancestry and FamilySearch trees. Features interactive WebHints and integrated tools to track DNA matches, health details, and sources. One of Roots Magic’s features is that it can generate over 100 customizable charts, reports, books, and shareable websites.
| URL | Type | Price | Mobile App | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| www.rootsmagic.com | Offline | Licenses Download |  |
Excellent cross-platform desktop software that directly integrates with online hints from major platforms. |