Quick Overview
- 1#1: Family Tree Maker - Desktop genealogy software that syncs directly with Ancestry.com trees for seamless editing and research.
- 2#2: RootsMagic - Award-winning genealogy program with Ancestry integration, census matching, and book publishing tools.
- 3#3: Legacy Family Tree - Comprehensive software offering free basic version with advanced charting, sourcing, and Ancestry imports.
- 4#4: Gramps - Free open-source genealogy application supporting GEDCOM imports from Ancestry and multimedia family trees.
- 5#5: Reunion - Mac-exclusive genealogy software with powerful witness tracking and easy Ancestry data imports.
- 6#6: Heredis - Professional genealogy tool for large trees with automatic record searches and Ancestry synchronization.
- 7#7: Family Historian - Diagram-focused software excelling in evidence citation and GEDCOM handling from Ancestry trees.
- 8#8: GenoPro - Visual genealogy software for complex relationships with export options compatible with Ancestry.
- 9#9: Ancestral Quest - Reliable program with strong multimedia support and direct imports from Ancestry family trees.
- 10#10: Charting Companion - Specialized add-on for Family Tree Maker to create professional ancestor and descendant charts from Ancestry data.
We selected and ranked these tools based on compatibility with Ancestry data, usability, feature set, and overall value, ensuring a balanced guide for both casual researchers and seasoned genealogists.
Comparison Table
This comparison table helps navigate ancestry software options, featuring tools like Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, Gramps, Reunion, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and unique strengths to identify the best fit for their family history needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family Tree Maker Desktop genealogy software that syncs directly with Ancestry.com trees for seamless editing and research. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | RootsMagic Award-winning genealogy program with Ancestry integration, census matching, and book publishing tools. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Legacy Family Tree Comprehensive software offering free basic version with advanced charting, sourcing, and Ancestry imports. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Gramps Free open-source genealogy application supporting GEDCOM imports from Ancestry and multimedia family trees. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 5 | Reunion Mac-exclusive genealogy software with powerful witness tracking and easy Ancestry data imports. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 6 | Heredis Professional genealogy tool for large trees with automatic record searches and Ancestry synchronization. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Family Historian Diagram-focused software excelling in evidence citation and GEDCOM handling from Ancestry trees. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | GenoPro Visual genealogy software for complex relationships with export options compatible with Ancestry. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Ancestral Quest Reliable program with strong multimedia support and direct imports from Ancestry family trees. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | Charting Companion Specialized add-on for Family Tree Maker to create professional ancestor and descendant charts from Ancestry data. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
Desktop genealogy software that syncs directly with Ancestry.com trees for seamless editing and research.
Award-winning genealogy program with Ancestry integration, census matching, and book publishing tools.
Comprehensive software offering free basic version with advanced charting, sourcing, and Ancestry imports.
Free open-source genealogy application supporting GEDCOM imports from Ancestry and multimedia family trees.
Mac-exclusive genealogy software with powerful witness tracking and easy Ancestry data imports.
Professional genealogy tool for large trees with automatic record searches and Ancestry synchronization.
Diagram-focused software excelling in evidence citation and GEDCOM handling from Ancestry trees.
Visual genealogy software for complex relationships with export options compatible with Ancestry.
Reliable program with strong multimedia support and direct imports from Ancestry family trees.
Specialized add-on for Family Tree Maker to create professional ancestor and descendant charts from Ancestry data.
Family Tree Maker
specializedDesktop genealogy software that syncs directly with Ancestry.com trees for seamless editing and research.
Seamless two-way synchronization with Ancestry trees, allowing offline work with automatic updates to online data
Family Tree Maker from MacKiev is a powerful desktop genealogy software designed for building, organizing, and visualizing family trees with seamless synchronization to Ancestry.com accounts. It offers advanced features like interactive charts, source citations, media integration, and book publishing tools, making it ideal for in-depth research. Users can work offline while keeping their trees up-to-date with Ancestry's vast database of hints and records.
Pros
- Deep integration with Ancestry.com for syncing trees and hints
- Robust tools for charts, reports, and publishing family books
- Handles large, complex trees with media and source management efficiently
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to extensive features
- Full potential requires an Ancestry subscription
- Occasional sync delays or issues reported by users
Best For
Serious genealogists and Ancestry.com power users who need advanced desktop tools for offline editing and professional-grade outputs.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $79.99 for Family Tree Maker 2019; Ancestry.com subscription ($19.99-$39.99/month) recommended for full integration.
RootsMagic
specializedAward-winning genealogy program with Ancestry integration, census matching, and book publishing tools.
Source Writer assistant for effortless, standardized citation creation and management
RootsMagic is a powerful desktop genealogy software for Windows and Mac that enables users to build, organize, and visualize extensive family trees with advanced data management tools. It excels in source citation, media integration, relationship calculations, and generating customizable reports like books, charts, and timelines. With seamless integration to Ancestry, FamilySearch, and other databases, plus robust GEDCOM support, it bridges local and online research effectively.
Pros
- Outstanding value with one-time purchase and lifetime free updates
- Superior source citation and documentation tools
- Deep integration with Ancestry, FamilySearch, and GEDCOM standards
Cons
- Desktop-only with limited native mobile access
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Performance can lag with massive trees over 100k individuals
Best For
Serious genealogists and researchers who want a feature-rich desktop app for detailed family history management without recurring fees.
Pricing
One-time purchase: Free Essentials version (limited features), RootsMagic 9 Standard $39.95, full version $59.95; includes lifetime updates.
Legacy Family Tree
specializedComprehensive software offering free basic version with advanced charting, sourcing, and Ancestry imports.
Advanced book compiler that generates professional family history books with customizable layouts, indexes, and multimedia directly from your tree data
Legacy Family Tree is a robust desktop genealogy software program tailored for serious family historians and researchers. It excels in building complex family trees, supporting GEDCOM imports/exports, and generating customizable reports, charts, and multimedia-rich narratives. Additional tools include research planners, source citation management, and data verification features to ensure accuracy.
Pros
- Exceptional reporting and book-publishing tools for professional outputs
- Comprehensive GEDCOM support and advanced data integrity checks
- Integrated research planner and to-do lists for organized genealogy work
Cons
- Outdated interface that feels clunky compared to modern apps
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to dense feature set
- Limited native cloud/mobile sync without upgrading to Deluxe
Best For
Advanced genealogists and researchers who prioritize powerful desktop tools for detailed data management and publication over simplicity.
Pricing
Free standard edition available with core features; Deluxe edition (with cloud sync) for one-time purchase at $59.95.
Gramps
specializedFree open-source genealogy application supporting GEDCOM imports from Ancestry and multimedia family trees.
Advanced plugin and Grampslet system for extensive customization and add-on functionality
Gramps is a free, open-source genealogy software that enables users to build and manage comprehensive family trees with support for individuals, families, events, sources, repositories, media, and places. It offers powerful tools for research, including relationship calculators, customizable reports, charts, graphs, and book generation. Designed for Linux, Windows, and macOS, it emphasizes data privacy by storing everything locally without cloud dependency.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions
- Extremely feature-rich for advanced genealogy research
- Strong privacy focus with fully local data storage
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Dated and clunky user interface
- Lacks cloud sync and easy collaboration features
Best For
Experienced genealogists seeking a powerful, customizable, offline tool for in-depth family history research without ongoing costs.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions).
Reunion
specializedMac-exclusive genealogy software with powerful witness tracking and easy Ancestry data imports.
Advanced booklet and book publishing directly from your tree data
Reunion is a veteran desktop genealogy software from Leister Productions, available for both Mac and Windows, designed for building and managing extensive family trees. It excels in organizing research data, multimedia attachments, sources, and citations, while offering powerful tools for generating charts, reports, and even family websites. Though not cloud-based, it handles large databases efficiently with advanced search, analysis, and GEDCOM import/export capabilities.
Pros
- One-time purchase with no recurring fees
- Exceptional reporting, charting, and book-printing tools
- Robust support for large databases and multimedia
Cons
- Dated interface with a learning curve
- No cloud sync or mobile app
- Limited direct integration with modern online services like Ancestry.com
Best For
Serious desktop genealogists who prioritize powerful local tools and a perpetual license over cloud collaboration.
Pricing
One-time fee of $99 for Reunion 14; upgrades from prior versions start at $49.
Heredis
specializedProfessional genealogy tool for large trees with automatic record searches and Ancestry synchronization.
The integrated Research Assistant that automatically searches and suggests records from 15,000+ databases based on tree data
Heredis is a longstanding desktop genealogy software for Windows and Mac, specializing in building, managing, and visualizing complex family trees. It provides robust tools for data entry, multimedia integration, GEDCOM support, and automated research assistance across numerous online databases. Users can generate professional charts, reports, books, and even publish interactive websites from their trees.
Pros
- Powerful automated research assistant for sourcing records
- Extensive chart, report, and book publishing options
- Perpetual license with no recurring fees
Cons
- Dated interface with a steeper learning curve
- Limited cloud sync and mobile app support
- Less intuitive integration with U.S.-centric databases like Ancestry.com
Best For
Experienced genealogists focused on detailed desktop research and professional output who prefer one-time purchases over subscriptions.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from €69 (Home) to €149 (Pro); free trial available, no subscription required.
Family Historian
specializedDiagram-focused software excelling in evidence citation and GEDCOM handling from Ancestry trees.
Interactive All-in-One Diagrams that dynamically connect individuals, sources, places, and media in a single, explorable view
Family Historian is a robust desktop genealogy software specializing in advanced family tree visualization and data management. It excels at creating interactive diagrams, charts, and reports while supporting detailed source citations, multimedia integration, and complex relationships. Ideal for in-depth research, it imports from GEDCOM and other formats, offering powerful querying tools for analysis.
Pros
- Exceptional interactive diagrams and charts for visualizing trees
- Superior source citation and evidence handling
- Flexible queries, reports, and multimedia support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Windows-only (no Mac or mobile native support)
- Lacks real-time online collaboration features
Best For
Experienced genealogists who prioritize advanced desktop diagramming and detailed data management over simplicity.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license: £37 (Basic), £65 (Full version); optional annual updates ~£25.
GenoPro
specializedVisual genealogy software for complex relationships with export options compatible with Ancestry.
Advanced genogram diagramming with standardized symbols for medical conditions, emotions, and social interactions
GenoPro is a specialized genealogy software focused on creating professional genograms, which are detailed graphical diagrams of family relationships, medical histories, and social connections. Unlike traditional tree-based tools, it emphasizes visual pedigree charts that handle complex relationships like adoptions, divorces, and non-blood ties with customizable symbols. It's particularly suited for genetic counselors, therapists, and serious genealogists tracking health patterns across generations.
Pros
- Powerful genogram creation with medical symbols and relationship visualization
- Extensive data fields for attributes, events, photos, and documents
- Handles complex, non-traditional family structures effectively
Cons
- Outdated, clunky Windows-only interface with steep learning curve
- Limited integration with online ancestry services or cloud syncing
- No mobile app or modern collaboration features
Best For
Professional genealogists, genetic counselors, or researchers needing detailed visual family health and relationship maps.
Pricing
One-time purchase: Personal edition $95, Professional edition $295 (Windows only).
Ancestral Quest
specializedReliable program with strong multimedia support and direct imports from Ancestry family trees.
Built-in temple ordinance tracker and deep FamilySearch integration for LDS genealogy
Ancestral Quest is a longstanding desktop genealogy software for Windows users, enabling the creation and management of detailed family trees with robust data entry, sourcing, and relationship tracking. It supports GEDCOM standards for easy file sharing and offers tools for generating charts, reports, books, and websites from your data. Particularly tailored for LDS users, it includes temple ordinance tracking and integrates directly with FamilySearch for research assistance.
Pros
- Affordable one-time purchase with a free basic version
- Strong support for large databases and advanced sourcing
- Excellent FamilySearch integration and LDS ordinance features
Cons
- Windows-only with no Mac or mobile support
- Dated user interface that feels clunky for beginners
- Lacks cloud syncing and modern collaboration tools
Best For
Windows-based genealogy enthusiasts, especially LDS researchers, who want powerful offline tools without recurring subscriptions.
Pricing
Free basic edition; full version $39.95 one-time purchase (download or CD).
Charting Companion
specializedSpecialized add-on for Family Tree Maker to create professional ancestor and descendant charts from Ancestry data.
Advanced hourglass charts that display both ancestors and descendants in a single, customizable view
Charting Companion is a dedicated genealogy charting tool that imports GEDCOM files to produce professional ancestor, descendant, and hourglass family tree charts. It excels in customization, allowing users to adjust layouts, fonts, colors, and symbols for polished outputs suitable for printing or sharing. While focused solely on visualization rather than data management, it supports exports to PDF, EMF, and image formats for versatile use.
Pros
- Extensive variety of over 20 chart types including complex hourglass and bow-tie formats
- Deep customization options for professional-looking outputs
- Reliable GEDCOM import/export with no data alteration
Cons
- Dated Windows-only interface with a learning curve for advanced features
- Lacks integrated data editing or research tools
- No mobile app or cloud synchronization
Best For
Genealogists who prioritize creating high-quality printable charts for sharing or publishing over full tree management.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $49.95 for the full Pro version; limited free demo available.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Family Tree Maker emerges as the top choice, praised for its direct sync with Ancestry.com trees that streamlines editing and research. RootsMagic and Legacy Family Tree follow, with RootsMagic offering award-winning ancestry integration and Legacy providing a free basic version with advanced charting and sourcing—each excelling in distinct areas to meet varying needs.
Begin your family history exploration with Family Tree Maker; its seamless Ancestry sync and user-friendly design make it the perfect tool to build and preserve your legacy.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison