{"id":8904,"date":"2025-10-14T07:30:26","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T05:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/?p=8904"},"modified":"2025-12-18T14:17:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T13:17:51","slug":"best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Building a family tree is part detective work, part storytelling \u2014 and the software or service we choose affects how fast we find records, how clean our sources stay, and how easy it is to share our discoveries.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Below, I compare the most-used genealogy programs and services (desktop and web), explain strengths\/weaknesses, and link to their official sites so you can try or buy them yourself.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-box-title\">In this article<\/div>\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\"><\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#How_Im_comparing_them_criteria\" >How I\u2019m comparing them (criteria)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#At-a-glance_summary\" >At-a-glance summary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#Detailed_profiles\" >Detailed profiles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#Practical_buyingadoption_advice\" >Practical buying\/adoption advice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#Links_to_the_official_websites\" >Links to the official websites<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Im_comparing_them_criteria\"><\/span><strong>How I\u2019m comparing them (criteria)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I focus on practical features we genealogists care about: platform (Windows\/Mac\/web\/mobile), pricing model (free\/one-time \/ subscription), online records and DNA integration, GEDCOM import\/export and interoperability, source &amp; media handling, charting\/printing, collaboration\/sharing, and privacy\/offline options.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"At-a-glance_summary\"><\/span><strong>At-a-glance summary<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Best for record searching &amp; crowdsourced hints:<\/strong> Ancestry (subscription-based). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">ancestry.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best one-time-purchase desktop program:<\/strong> RootsMagic (powerful, one-time purchase). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rootsmagic.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">RootsMagic<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best free massive repository + family tree collaboration:<\/strong> FamilySearch (free, global records &amp; shared tree). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">familysearch.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best all-in-one web + DNA consumer platform:<\/strong> MyHeritage (online trees, DNA, photo tools, subscription-based). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myheritage.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">MyHeritage<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best legacy Windows desktop option with deep printing\/reporting:<\/strong> (free). <a href=\"https:\/\/legacyfamilytree.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legacy Family Tree<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Mac-native genealogy app:<\/strong> Reunion (Mac-focused, strong publishing\/printing, one-time purchase). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leisterpro.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Leister Pro<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best free\/open-source desktop + web combo:<\/strong> Gramps \/ Gramps Web (privacy-friendly, extensible, free, open-source system ). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grampsweb.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Gramps Web<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Note that many of the solutions listed here allow you to download and\/or test them before you decide on buying or subscribing.<\/p>\n<p>Scroll down for short profiles, strengths\/weaknesses, and who each is best for.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Detailed_profiles\"><\/span><strong>Detailed profiles<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h6><strong>1) Ancestry \u2014 best for wide record access &amp; hints<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9090\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/ancestry-kopi\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ancestry-kopi.jpg?fit=833%2C148&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"833,148\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"ancestry kopi\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ancestry-kopi.jpg?fit=800%2C142&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9090\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ancestry-kopi.jpg?resize=467%2C83&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"467\" height=\"83\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ancestry-kopi.jpg?w=833&amp;ssl=1 833w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ancestry-kopi.jpg?resize=300%2C53&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ancestry-kopi.jpg?resize=768%2C136&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 467px) 100vw, 467px\" \/>Official site: Ancestry. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">ancestry.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>What it is: A subscription-based <strong>web<\/strong> service with the world\u2019s largest consumer record collections and the \u201chint\u201d system that suggests matches (leaf icon) from records and other users\u2019 trees. Good mobile apps and an online tree builder. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">ancestry.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Extensive record databases and automated hints. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">ancestry.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Good for quickly discovering document-based leads and collaborating with relatives. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">ancestry.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Most record images require a paid subscription to view; tree data is on their servers (privacy\/portability considerations). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">ancestry.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Best for: People who want fast access to huge record sets and prefer a web-first workflow.<\/p>\n<h6><strong>2) RootsMagic \u2014 best one-time purchase desktop app (Windows &amp; Mac)<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9084\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/rootsmagictitle-kopi\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/RootsMagicTitle-kopi.jpg?fit=1034%2C175&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1034,175\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"RootsMagicTitle kopi\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/RootsMagicTitle-kopi.jpg?fit=800%2C135&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9084\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/RootsMagicTitle-kopi.jpg?resize=496%2C84&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"496\" height=\"84\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/RootsMagicTitle-kopi.jpg?w=1034&amp;ssl=1 1034w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/RootsMagicTitle-kopi.jpg?resize=300%2C51&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/RootsMagicTitle-kopi.jpg?resize=1024%2C173&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/RootsMagicTitle-kopi.jpg?resize=768%2C130&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 496px) 100vw, 496px\" \/>Official site: RootsMagic. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rootsmagic.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">RootsMagic<\/a><\/p>\n<p>What it is: Desktop genealogy software that keeps your primary copy locally while offering integrations (hints) with FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage and others. One-time purchase pricing is emphasized. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rootsmagic.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">RootsMagic<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep your master file locally (good for privacy\/offline work). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rootsmagic.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">RootsMagic<\/a><\/li>\n<li>One-time purchase model (no required subscription) and strong reporting\/printing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rootsmagic.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">RootsMagic<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Desktop-first UI; web\/mobile features are more limited than big web platforms unless you use their cloud\/exports. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rootsmagic.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">RootsMagic<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Best for: Serious hobbyists who want robust desktop tools and dislike subscription lock-in.<\/p>\n<h6><strong>3) FamilySearch \u2014 best free collaborative tree &amp; records hub<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9103\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/familysearch-tree-kopi\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/familysearch-tree-kopi.jpg?fit=132%2C34&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"132,34\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"familysearch-tree kopi\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/familysearch-tree-kopi.jpg?fit=132%2C34&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9103\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/familysearch-tree-kopi.jpg?resize=350%2C90&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"90\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/familysearch-tree-kopi.jpg?w=132&amp;ssl=1 132w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/familysearch-tree-kopi.jpg?resize=130%2C34&amp;ssl=1 130w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/>Official site: FamilySearch. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">familysearch.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>What it is: A free service run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with huge free records and a globally collaborative \u201cFamilySearch Family Tree.\u201d Good for record lookups and connecting with shared, editable tree data. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/en\/family-tree\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">familysearch.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Free access to many records and collaborative tree features. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">familysearch.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Excellent research guides and massive scanned records collection. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">familysearch.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Collaborative tree model means some control is shared; not ideal if you want a private, single-user master file. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/en\/family-tree\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">familysearch.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Best for: Budget-conscious researchers and those using family history centers \/ volunteer indexing projects.<\/p>\n<h6><strong>4) MyHeritage \u2014 strong web platform + DNA + photo tools<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9087\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/my-heritage\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-Heritage.png?fit=425%2C119&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"425,119\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"My Heritage\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-Heritage.png?fit=425%2C119&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9087\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-Heritage.png?resize=321%2C90&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"321\" height=\"90\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-Heritage.png?w=425&amp;ssl=1 425w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-Heritage.png?resize=300%2C84&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 321px) 100vw, 321px\" \/>Official site: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myheritage.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">MyHeritage<\/a><\/p>\n<p>What it is: Web-first genealogy platform offering easy building of online trees, DNA testing, automated matches (Smart Matches\/Record Matches), and AI photo tools (Deep Nostalgia). MyHeritage tends to have strong international records coverage. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myheritage.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">MyHeritage<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Integrated DNA + family tree experience and attractive consumer features (photo animation, smart matches). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myheritage.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">MyHeritage<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Easy for beginners and families to use and share. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myheritage.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">MyHeritage<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Historically involved in at least one large account data incident (security-conscious users will want to check policies). (reported incident 2018). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.axios.com\/2018\/06\/05\/92-million-myheritage?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Axios<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Best for: Families who want a polished web\/DNA package and convenience tools (photo animation, automated matching).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note that we should exercise caution when using information from online family trees, as these sources often contain errors, assumptions, or unsourced claims. Many users copy details from other trees without verifying accuracy, leading to the spread of misinformation. Dates, relationships, and locations may be incorrect or incomplete, especially when based on speculation rather than records. We should treat online trees as clues, not facts, and always verify information through primary sources such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, or wills. Proper documentation and critical evaluation ensure that family histories remain accurate, reliable, and respectful of real ancestral connections.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h6><strong>5) Family Tree Maker\u00a0 \u2014 long-standing desktop option with Ancestry sync<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9077\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/family-tree-maker\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Family-tree-maker.jpeg?fit=512%2C512&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"512,512\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Family tree maker\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Family-tree-maker.jpeg?fit=512%2C512&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9077 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Family-tree-maker.jpeg?resize=116%2C116&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"116\" height=\"116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Family-tree-maker.jpeg?w=512&amp;ssl=1 512w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Family-tree-maker.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Family-tree-maker.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 116px) 100vw, 116px\" \/>Official distributors: Software MacKiev (Family Tree Maker). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mackiev.com\/ftm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Software MacKiev<\/a><\/p>\n<p>What it is: A desktop genealogy program (now sold by Software MacKiev) historically tied to Ancestry via sync features. It\u2019s strong at charts, reports and desktop editing, but relies on a desktop license model. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mackiev.com\/ftm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Software MacKiev<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Solid charting\/printing and good Ancestry sync options (if you use Ancestry). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familytreemaker.com\/aboutsync.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">familytreemaker.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Desktop-focused; functionality depends on version and syncing agreements. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mackiev.com\/ftm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Software MacKiev<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Best for: Users who want a familiar desktop UI with convenient Ancestry links.<\/p>\n<h6><strong>6) Legacy Family Tree \u2014 Windows desktop with strong printing &amp; free base edition<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9073\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/legacy-family-tree\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Legacy-family-tree.jpeg?fit=164%2C184&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"164,184\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Legacy family tree\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Legacy-family-tree.jpeg?fit=164%2C184&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9073 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Legacy-family-tree.jpeg?resize=164%2C184&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"164\" height=\"184\" \/>Official site: Legacy Family Tree. <a href=\"https:\/\/legacyfamilytree.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legacy family tree<\/a><\/p>\n<p>What it is: A Windows desktop genealogy program (Legacy) with long history; many features are available and the software is now completely free. The product was acquired by MyHeritage and continues development. If you are connected to the Internet the program will bring up possible matches from MyHeritage. <a href=\"https:\/\/legacyfamilytree.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legacy Family Tree<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Free edition with comprehensive tooling; strong charting and reports. <a href=\"https:\/\/legacyfamilytree.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legacy Family Tree<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Windows-only; the interface can feel dated to some users. <a href=\"https:\/\/legacyfamilytree.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legacy Family Tree<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Best for: Windows users who want powerful free\/cheap desktop tooling and printed materials.<\/p>\n<h6><strong>7) Reunion (Mac) \u2014 Mac-first with excellent publishing tools<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9080\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/reunion\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/reunion.jpg?fit=450%2C458&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"450,458\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"reunion\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/reunion.jpg?fit=450%2C458&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9080\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/reunion.jpg?resize=148%2C151&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"148\" height=\"151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/reunion.jpg?w=450&amp;ssl=1 450w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/reunion.jpg?resize=295%2C300&amp;ssl=1 295w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 148px) 100vw, 148px\" \/>Official site: Reunion (Leister Productions). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leisterpro.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Leister Pro<\/a><\/p>\n<p>What it is: A native macOS genealogy app (with iOS companion ReunionTouch) focused on publishing, charts, reports and Mac integration (calendars, slideshows). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leisterpro.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Leister Pro<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mac-native, polished publishing and print-first features. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leisterpro.com\/doc\/whatisreunion.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Leister Pro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mac-only; less emphasis on web-based record searching. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leisterpro.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Leister Pro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h6>Best for: macOS users who want great-looking charts\/books and Apple ecosystem features.<\/h6>\n<h6><strong>8) Gramps \/ Gramps Web \u2014 open-source and privacy-focused<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9082\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/gramps_logotype-2015\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gramps_LogoType-2015.png?fit=885%2C189&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"885,189\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Gramps_LogoType-2015\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gramps_LogoType-2015.png?fit=800%2C171&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9082\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gramps_LogoType-2015.png?resize=295%2C63&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"295\" height=\"63\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gramps_LogoType-2015.png?w=885&amp;ssl=1 885w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gramps_LogoType-2015.png?resize=300%2C64&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gramps_LogoType-2015.png?resize=768%2C164&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px\" \/>Official site: Gramps \/ Gramps Web. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grampsweb.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Gramps Web<\/a><\/p>\n<p>What it is: An open-source genealogy project providing a desktop application (Gramps) and Gramps Web for collaborative use. Highly configurable and good at raw data control and privacy. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grampsweb.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Gramps Web<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Free, open-source, and you control your data; powerful for users who like customization. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grampsweb.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Gramps Web<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Less consumer polish; steeper learning curve than web-first products. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grampsweb.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Gramps Web<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Best for: Tech-savvy genealogists who want full data control and free software.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_buyingadoption_advice\"><\/span><strong>Practical buying\/adoption advice<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>If you want records-first, fast results:<\/strong> start with <strong>Ancestry<\/strong> (subscription) or <strong>MyHeritage<\/strong> (subscription + DNA). Try their free trials and compare specific record coverage for the countries important to your research. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">ancestry.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>If you want a local master file &amp; single purchase:<\/strong> try <strong>RootsMagic<\/strong> (one-time purchase) or <strong>Family Tree Maker<\/strong>. Both let you keep local control and export GEDCOMs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rootsmagic.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">RootsMagic<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>If your budget is zero:<\/strong> use <strong>FamilySearch<\/strong> and <strong>Gramps<\/strong> \u2014 FamilySearch for records; Gramps for local management and privacy. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">familysearch.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Mac users:<\/strong> look at <strong>Reunion<\/strong> or RootsMagic (RootsMagic has Mac support) depending on whether you prefer native UI or cross-platform. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leisterpro.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Leister Pro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Links_to_the_official_websites\"><\/span><strong>Links to the official websites<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>(Click the product name to go to the official site \u2014 these are the authoritative product pages)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ancestry<\/strong> \u2014 Ancestry (official). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">ancestry.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>RootsMagic<\/strong> \u2014 RootsMagic (official). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rootsmagic.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">RootsMagic<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>FamilySearch<\/strong> \u2014 FamilySearch (official; free). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">familysearch.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>MyHeritage<\/strong> \u2014 MyHeritage (official). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myheritage.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">MyHeritage<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Family Tree Maker<\/strong> \u2014 Family Tree Maker (Software MacKiev). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mackiev.com\/ftm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Software MacKiev<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Legacy Family Tree<\/strong> \u2014 Legacy Family Tree (official info \/ download). <a href=\"https:\/\/legacyfamilytree.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legacy Family Tree<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Reunion (Mac)<\/strong> \u2014 Leister Productions \/ Reunion. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leisterpro.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Leister Pro+1<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Gramps \/ Gramps Web<\/strong> \u2014 Gramps Web \/ Gramps. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grampsweb.org\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Gramps Web<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Building a family tree is part detective work, part storytelling \u2014 and the software or service we choose affects how<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8913,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[162],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-software-note-taking"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison - Norwegian Genealogy and then some<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A comparison of the most-used genealogy programs and services (desktop and web) with links to their official sites.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A comparison of the most-used genealogy programs and services (desktop and web) with links to their official sites.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Norwegian Genealogy and then some\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MartinRoeEidhammer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MartinRoeEidhammer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-10-14T05:30:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-18T13:17:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Martin Roe Eidhammer\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/MEidhammer\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@MEidhammer\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Martin Roe Eidhammer\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Martin Roe Eidhammer\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c88ba0bf75121593e21bc58cfda26790\"},\"headline\":\"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-10-14T05:30:26+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-18T13:17:51+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1320,\"commentCount\":6,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c88ba0bf75121593e21bc58cfda26790\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1\",\"articleSection\":[\"Software &amp; note-taking\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/\",\"name\":\"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison - Norwegian Genealogy and then some\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-10-14T05:30:26+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-18T13:17:51+00:00\",\"description\":\"A comparison of the most-used genealogy programs and services (desktop and web) with links to their official sites.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1\",\"width\":600,\"height\":600},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Norwegian Genealogy and then some\",\"description\":\"Norwegian genealogy guidance for English-speaking descendants\u2014sources, methods, and real case work.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c88ba0bf75121593e21bc58cfda26790\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Person\",\"Organization\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c88ba0bf75121593e21bc58cfda26790\",\"name\":\"Martin Roe Eidhammer\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/05\\\/Intro-to-the-blog.jpg?fit=861%2C589&ssl=1\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/05\\\/Intro-to-the-blog.jpg?fit=861%2C589&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/05\\\/Intro-to-the-blog.jpg?fit=861%2C589&ssl=1\",\"width\":861,\"height\":589,\"caption\":\"Martin Roe Eidhammer\"},\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/05\\\/Intro-to-the-blog.jpg?fit=861%2C589&ssl=1\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/MartinRoeEidhammer\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/martin_roe_eidhammer\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/https:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/MEidhammer\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UC95EzpOVGkMmJIgiI99ZTtA\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/martinroe.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/martin\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison - Norwegian Genealogy and then some","description":"A comparison of the most-used genealogy programs and services (desktop and web) with links to their official sites.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison","og_description":"A comparison of the most-used genealogy programs and services (desktop and web) with links to their official sites.","og_url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/","og_site_name":"Norwegian Genealogy and then some","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MartinRoeEidhammer","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MartinRoeEidhammer","article_published_time":"2025-10-14T05:30:26+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-12-18T13:17:51+00:00","og_image":[{"width":600,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/MEidhammer","twitter_site":"@MEidhammer","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/"},"author":{"name":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c88ba0bf75121593e21bc58cfda26790"},"headline":"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison","datePublished":"2025-10-14T05:30:26+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-18T13:17:51+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/"},"wordCount":1320,"commentCount":6,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c88ba0bf75121593e21bc58cfda26790"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1","articleSection":["Software &amp; note-taking"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/","url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/","name":"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison - Norwegian Genealogy and then some","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1","datePublished":"2025-10-14T05:30:26+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-18T13:17:51+00:00","description":"A comparison of the most-used genealogy programs and services (desktop and web) with links to their official sites.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1","width":600,"height":600},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Best genealogy software in 2025 \u2014 a practical comparison"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/","name":"Norwegian Genealogy and then some","description":"Norwegian genealogy guidance for English-speaking descendants\u2014sources, methods, and real case work.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c88ba0bf75121593e21bc58cfda26790"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["Person","Organization"],"@id":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c88ba0bf75121593e21bc58cfda26790","name":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Intro-to-the-blog.jpg?fit=861%2C589&ssl=1","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Intro-to-the-blog.jpg?fit=861%2C589&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Intro-to-the-blog.jpg?fit=861%2C589&ssl=1","width":861,"height":589,"caption":"Martin Roe Eidhammer"},"logo":{"@id":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Intro-to-the-blog.jpg?fit=861%2C589&ssl=1"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MartinRoeEidhammer","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/martin_roe_eidhammer\/","https:\/\/x.com\/https:\/\/twitter.com\/MEidhammer","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC95EzpOVGkMmJIgiI99ZTtA"],"url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/author\/martin\/"}]}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Software-logos-e1760442033921.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p79KEH-2jC","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10316,"url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/","url_meta":{"origin":8904,"position":0},"title":"Genealogy for beginners: start the right way","author":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","date":"January 8, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Genealogy for beginners can feel overwhelming: names, dates, places, websites, family stories, old letters, photographs. Before you know it, everything is in a heap on your desk or scattered across folders on your computer. The best way to avoid frustration is to spend a little time organizing your genealogy research\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Getting started \/ Your first steps&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Getting started \/ Your first steps","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/category\/starting-with-genealogy\/getting-started-your-first-steps\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/diary-968592_640.webp?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/diary-968592_640.webp?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/diary-968592_640.webp?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8895,"url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/starting-up-with-genealogy-tracing-the-threads-of-family-history\/","url_meta":{"origin":8904,"position":1},"title":"Starting Up with Genealogy: Tracing the Threads of Family History","author":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","date":"October 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Genealogy, the study and tracing of family lineages, has become an increasingly popular pursuit. The appeal is easy to understand: genealogy offers a way to connect with the past, understand one\u2019s roots, and preserve stories for future generations. This is an introduction for you who haven't really decided whether to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Getting started \/ Your first steps&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Getting started \/ Your first steps","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/category\/starting-with-genealogy\/getting-started-your-first-steps\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Genealogy2-strong.jpg?fit=516%2C344&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7466,"url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/friday-finds-week-7-2019\/","url_meta":{"origin":8904,"position":2},"title":"Friday finds: Week 7 &#8211; 2019","author":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","date":"February 15, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Here are some websites I have visited this last week DNA testing is getting very popular. Choosing what test to take can be difficult. Robin Wirthlin, guestblogger on the Family Locket blog have some suggestions that will help\u00a0us get the most for\u00a0our money and help\u00a0us get the answers that\u00a0we are\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Friday finds&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Friday finds","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/category\/friday-finds\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hand-1248053_640.jpg?fit=640%2C436&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hand-1248053_640.jpg?fit=640%2C436&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hand-1248053_640.jpg?fit=640%2C436&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7113,"url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/what-genealogy-software-do-you-use\/","url_meta":{"origin":8904,"position":3},"title":"What genealogy software do you use?","author":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","date":"November 10, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"It would be interesting to learn what genealogy software you use As I sometimes refer to the use of genealogy software, it would be very interesting to see what genealogy software you use. [socialpoll id=\"2525770\"]","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Genealogy (general)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Genealogy (general)","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/category\/genealogy-general\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Genealogy-software.jpg?fit=747%2C451&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Genealogy-software.jpg?fit=747%2C451&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Genealogy-software.jpg?fit=747%2C451&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Genealogy-software.jpg?fit=747%2C451&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6654,"url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/cluster-genealogy\/","url_meta":{"origin":8904,"position":4},"title":"Cluster genealogy","author":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","date":"August 14, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Cluster genealogy can be a way to break through a brickwall.\u00a0 Cluster genealogy\u00a0is a\u00a0research\u00a0technique [were we try]\u00a0to learn more about an\u00a0ancestor\u00a0by examining records left by [or information about] the ancestor's\u00a0cluster. A person's cluster consists of the\u00a0extended family,\u00a0friends,\u00a0neighbors, and other associates such as business partners.\u00a0Researching the lives of an ancestor's cluster\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Genealogy (general)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Genealogy (general)","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/category\/genealogy-general\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/woman-1169316_640.jpg?fit=640%2C451&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/woman-1169316_640.jpg?fit=640%2C451&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/woman-1169316_640.jpg?fit=640%2C451&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6647,"url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/friday-finds-week-33-2018\/","url_meta":{"origin":8904,"position":5},"title":"Friday finds: Week 33 &#8211; 2018","author":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","date":"August 17, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"After a summer break I am back with some websites I have visited this week Lauren Jonik\u00a0is a\u00a0journalist and media Professional. In her blog The refresh, she shares some thoughts about how her experience helps her in her quest for ancestors. Read her article GENEALOGY RESEARCH: TIPS FOR TACKLING OLD\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Friday finds&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Friday finds","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/category\/friday-finds\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Friday-finds2.jpg?fit=945%2C948&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Friday-finds2.jpg?fit=945%2C948&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Friday-finds2.jpg?fit=945%2C948&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Friday-finds2.jpg?fit=945%2C948&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8904"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8904\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10707,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8904\/revisions\/10707"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8913"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}