Best Site for Genealogy
Summary
The best site for genealogy is FamilySearch — genuinely free, backed by the LDS Church's substantial genealogy investment, with billions of records. Ancestry dominates the commercial market with the largest DNA database but subscription costs add up. MyHeritage is the strong international alternative. 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in 2025 raising significant genetic-data privacy concerns — older listicles still recommend it without acknowledging the post-bankruptcy genetic-data fate. GEDmatch is the third-party DNA-analysis platform. We rank by cost-quality plus the genuine privacy concerns specific to genetic data.
Top 5 at a glance
| # | Site | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FamilySearch | Free comprehensive genealogy records backed by the LDS Church | Free |
| 2 | Ancestry | Largest commercial genealogy with biggest DNA database | Subscription pricing |
| 3 | MyHeritage | Strong international coverage particularly for European ancestry | Subscription pricing; DNA test separately |
| 4 | GEDmatch | Third-party DNA comparison across testing companies | Free tier; paid Tier 1 for advanced |
| 5 | 23andMe (post-2025 bankruptcy) | Reference — 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in 2025 with significant privacy implications | Variable post-bankruptcy |
Detailed rankings
FamilySearch
Free comprehensive genealogy records backed by the LDS Church
The default for genealogy research. The free model with comprehensive records makes it the practical starting point regardless of how you feel about the LDS Church operation.
Pros
- Genuinely free with no paid tier
- Billions of records including international
- Strong scanning and indexing operations
- Family tree collaboration with other researchers
Cons
- LDS Church operation — some users object to the religious affiliation
- Some records require visiting affiliated libraries for access
- DNA testing not part of the service
Price: Free
Sources: www.familysearch.org
Ancestry
Largest commercial genealogy with biggest DNA database
The right pick when DNA matching matters and you can budget the subscription. FamilySearch covers most record research free.
Pros
- Largest commercial record collection
- Largest DNA testing database with most matches
- Polished family tree interface
- Strong AI-driven hints and matching
Cons
- Subscription cost adds up over years
- DNA test fees additional
- Genetic data handling raises privacy considerations
- Owned by Blackstone — direction tied to private equity strategy
Price: Subscription pricing
Sources: www.ancestry.com
MyHeritage
Strong international coverage particularly for European ancestry
The right pick for European ancestry. Pair with FamilySearch for free US records and you have broad coverage.
Pros
- Strong European record collections that Ancestry covers less
- Israeli-based with strong European focus
- DNA testing with reasonable matching
- Photo enhancement and animation features
Cons
- Smaller US database than Ancestry
- Subscription required for serious use
- DNA database smaller than Ancestry
Price: Subscription pricing; DNA test separately
Sources: www.myheritage.com
GEDmatch
Third-party DNA comparison across testing companies
Useful tool for serious DNA genealogy. The corporate trajectory and law-enforcement matching warrant attention before opting in to those features.
Pros
- Upload DNA from Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FTDNA for cross-platform matching
- Advanced analysis tools genealogists use
- Useful when relatives tested at different companies
Cons
- Acquired by Verogen in 2019 — Verogen acquired by Qiagen in 2024 — corporate direction has shifted
- Law enforcement matching has been controversial — opt-in but the precedent matters
- Interface utilitarian
Price: Free tier; paid Tier 1 for advanced
Sources: www.gedmatch.com
23andMe (post-2025 bankruptcy)
Reference — 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in 2025 with significant privacy implications
Listed because 23andMe appears in nearly every older listicle. The 2025 bankruptcy and genetic-data implications mean it is no longer a default recommendation. Existing customers should consider their data-handling options carefully.
Pros
- Was a popular DNA testing service
- Health reports alongside ancestry alongside core service
- Established brand recognition
Cons
- Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025
- Genetic data of 15 million customers became part of the bankruptcy asset sale process
- Multiple US states issued advisories urging customers to delete their data
- Long-term fate of customer genetic data remains uncertain — depends on the bankruptcy outcome
- Older listicles still recommend 23andMe without acknowledging the bankruptcy
Price: Variable post-bankruptcy
Sources: www.23andme.com, oag.ca.gov
How we chose
- Record database breadth and quality.
- Free versus paid for the record access actually needed.
- DNA-testing privacy practices for genetic data.
- Operator stability — what happens to your data if the company changes?
- International coverage for non-US ancestry research.
- Community for collaborative research.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with 23andMe in 2025?
23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025. The company's genetic database — covering approximately 15 million customers — became part of the bankruptcy proceedings. Multiple US state attorneys general issued advisories urging customers to delete their data. The long-term fate of the genetic data depends on the bankruptcy outcome including who acquires the database. The episode is the most significant genetic-data privacy event to date and listicles haven't broadly caught up.
Should I delete my 23andMe data?
If you have an account, the prudent step is to read the latest guidance from state attorneys general or privacy advocates and decide whether to delete data and destroy your sample. The deletion options were preserved through the bankruptcy. Specific guidance from your state's attorney general is the best source.
Is FamilySearch really free?
Yes, fully free. The LDS Church's substantial investment in genealogy research means the free model is sustainable. The Church's interest in family history (theological reasons) aligns with free public access. Use FamilySearch first before paying for commercial alternatives.
Is DNA testing safe?
Define safe. Testing itself is biological. The genetic data once tested exists in the company's database. The 23andMe bankruptcy demonstrated that genetic data can become part of corporate transactions in ways customers didn't anticipate. For users specifically concerned about long-term data fate, consider whether the genealogy benefits justify the genetic-data exposure.
Can I do genealogy without DNA testing?
Yes — historical record research using FamilySearch and Ancestry doesn't require DNA. Many serious genealogists focus on documentary research and treat DNA as supplementary. The records cover further back in time than DNA matching reliably does.