Best Free Family Tree Makers in 2024
A comprehensive guide to the best free genealogy software available today. Find the perfect tool for your family tree.
Quick Recommendations
- Best Overall: Tree Family - Modern interface with powerful visualization
- Best for Records: FamilySearch - Free access to billions of historical records
- Best for Privacy: Gramps - Open source desktop software
- Best for Community: WikiTree - Global collaborative family tree
Pros
- Modern, intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Timeline and map visualizations
- No account limits on free tier
- Real-time collaboration
- Beautiful export options
Cons
- Limited to 1 tree and 25 members on free tier
- No built-in historical records
Best for: Users who want a modern, beautiful tree-building experience
Free features: 1 tree, 25 members, PNG export, all visualization tools
Pros
- 100% free with no paid tier
- Massive historical record database
- Worldwide coverage
- Collaborative family tree
Cons
- Dated interface
- Shared tree can be edited by anyone
- Steep learning curve
Best for: Serious genealogists who want free record access
Free features: Everything is free - unlimited trees, members, and records
Pros
- Open source and completely free
- Desktop software - your data stays local
- Powerful reporting features
- No account needed
Cons
- No cloud sync or collaboration
- Dated interface
- Requires installation
- Technical to set up
Best for: Privacy-focused users who prefer desktop software
Free features: Full software with all features, forever free
Pros
- Free forever
- Collaborative global tree
- Good for connecting with distant relatives
- Educational resources
Cons
- Shared tree - others can edit your work
- Basic visualization options
- Learning curve
Best for: Users who want to connect with a global genealogy community
Free features: Everything is free
Pros
- Free basic tree builder
- Strong UK/Ireland records
- Newspaper archives
Cons
- Very limited free tier
- Records require subscription
- US records lacking
Best for: Users researching British and Irish ancestry
Free features: Basic tree with limited record hints
How We Evaluated
Ease of Use
How quickly can a beginner start building their tree?
Features
What can you do on the free tier without paying?
Visualization
How good does your family tree look?
Export Options
Can you download or share your tree easily?
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