Comparison · Updated March 2026
Best Free Family Tree Maker in 2026
Whether you're starting your genealogy journey or looking to share years of research, here's an honest comparison of the best family tree tools available today.
| Tool | Type | Free? | Paid | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PublishMyTreeOur pick | GEDCOM → Website | Preview free | €39 one-time | Sharing finished research with family |
| Ancestry | Research + Records | Free tree builder | €13-40/mo | Active genealogy research |
| MyHeritage | Research + Records | Free tree (limited) | €13-30/mo | International research |
| FamilySearch | Research + Records | 100% free | N/A | Budget-conscious researchers |
| Gramps | Desktop Software | 100% free | N/A | Power users who want full control |
| Family Tree Maker | Desktop Software | No | $79.95 one-time | Ancestry users who want offline backup |
The key question: Research or sharing?
Most family tree tools focus on research— finding records, building your tree, connecting DNA matches. That's what Ancestry, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch do well.
But once you've finished your research, you hit a wall: how do you actuallyshareit with family in a way that's beautiful, easy to explore, and doesn't require everyone to sign up for a subscription?
That's the gap PublishMyTree fills. You're not replacing Ancestry — you're taking what you built there and turning it into something your whole family can enjoy.
How it works with your existing tools
- Build your tree on Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, or Gramps
- Export as a GEDCOM file (every major tool supports this)
- Upload to PublishMyTree → instant beautiful website
- Choose a theme, add photos, share the link
🌳 Ready to publish your family tree?
Upload your GEDCOM file and see your family tree transformed in seconds. Free preview — no signup needed.
Try it free →