Top 8 Alternatives To GeneWeb For Building Your Family Tree Online

Table of Contents

There’s no denying that technology has made it easier to delve into one’s ancestry and preserve a family legacy. Online genealogy services have opened a new door for discovering one’s roots. With family tree software, individuals with little or no knowledge on genealogy can create and share family trees with a few clicks of a button.

One popular online genealogy service is GeneWeb. GeneWeb is an open source genealogy software that allows users to create a family tree and share it with others online. It’s a great tool, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. There are numerous alternatives to GeneWeb, each with unique features, ease of use, and pricing.

In this article, we’ll explore the top eight alternatives to GeneWeb, their features, pros, cons, and how they compare to GeneWeb.

Video Tutorial:

What is GeneWeb?

GeneWeb is a free-of-charge multi-platform genealogy software, which creates web pages and databases from genealogical data. The program generates reports complete with a family ancestry tree, printable output, and graphical representation. GeneWeb can also import and export data from other genealogical formats such as GEDCOM, HTML, PDF, CSV, and JSON.

While GeneWeb may be a popular family tree building software, there are other options on the market that can provide similar or different features that may suit your needs.

Top 8 Alternatives to GeneWeb

1. Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com is the top leading online genealogy resource, which has been around for over 20 years. With over 25 billion verified records, it is one of the most reliable and trusted sources of historical data for genealogy research. Ancestry is subscription-based, and its pricing plans range from $19.99 to $44.99 per month, depending on which plan you choose.

Pros:
– Access to over 25 billion verified records.
– The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
– A vast network of online support.
– Offers DNA testing and analysis for more accurate ancestry tracing.

Cons:
– Can be pricier than other alternatives.
– The downloadable data export only transfers a limited number of records.

2. MyHeritage

MyHeritage is a family tree software that provides users with family history research support tools that help them explore their roots and preserve their family’s legacy. The software’s features include the creation of family trees, DNA testing, record matching, and a global family network community. MyHeritage has a freemium plan, which is free-of-charge but offers limited features. Their premium plans start from $11.50 per month and range up to $25.33 per month.

Pros:
– A vast database of records, including rare data from countries like Sweden, Israel, and France.
– Customizable family tree templates.
– Smart Match technology that can connect you with other MyHeritage users with similar family histories.
– Integrates DNA testing for more accurate ancestry tracing.

Cons:
– Pricing can be costly for full access to all features.
– The interface can be challenging for new users.

3. FamilySearch

FamilySearch is one of the largest and most comprehensive online genealogy databases available, and it’s entirely free-of-charge. It’s a non-profit organization owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The site provides a platform for collaborative family history research and supports a massive database of genealogical records.

Pros:
– Entirely free to use with no hidden fees.
– Collaborative environment to connect with other users and build a family tree together.
– Access to over 2 billion digitized and indexed records.

Cons:
– Some records may contain errors.
– Limited features compared to subscription genealogy services.
– Limited customer support.

4. WikiTree

WikiTree is a family tree community site, similar to Wikipedia, but specifically for genealogical data. It provides entries for not only individuals but also families, linking family members and critical events throughout history with reliable sources. The site is free to use, and its interface is easy to navigate.

Pros:
– Entirely free to use.
– Large community of family historians contributing to a shared database.
– WikiTree profiles show the progress and authentication of genealogical research.

Cons:
– Limited ability to customize layout in comparison to other genealogical software.

5. Gramps

Gramps is an open-source genealogy software that is available on both Windows and macOS. It is free, and its features include family tree building, report generation, and is capable of working with multiple languages. Gramps is an excellent tool for anyone looking to connect family members from different parts of the world.

Pros:
– An entirely free software with no hidden fees.
– Supports over 40 languages
– Popularity with smaller, more intimate family trees.

Cons:
– The interface can be difficult to navigate for non-tech savvy users.
– It may take time to adjust to the interface as it is jam-packed with features that aren’t always needed for beginners.

6. Legacy Family Tree

Legacy Family Tree is a strong contender for best genealogy software, with over 100 built-in reports, included mapping features, and excellent customer support. The software is easy to use, but its advanced features come at a cost. Legacy Family Tree offers a freemium plan, but its full plan costs $79.95.

Pros:
– Easy-to-use interface.
– Over 40 languages supported at no additional cost.
– Syncs to mobile devices for genealogy research on-the-go.

Cons:
– It can be expensive compared to other genealogy software.
– Advanced features may be unnecessary for beginner genealogists.

7. RootsMagic

RootsMagic is a software that features a clean, easy-to-use interface and several advanced features. Its largest selling point is its usability and compatibility, as it can read files generated by other genealogy software. RootsMagic offers a freemium plan, but a full license costs $39.99.

Pros:
– Easy-to-use interface.
– Compatible with all formats of genealogy data.
– Standard features such as merging family trees, connecting via GPS, and mapping capabilities.

Cons:
– Limited option for beginners via respective price options.

8. TNG Software

The Next Generation (TNG) is genealogy software with a sophisticated website that allows users to build multi-language, multi-media family trees. TNG offers a freemium plan, but full access costs a one-time fee of $32.99.

Pros:
– Unique multimedia features like photos, videos, and audio recordings.
– Complete control over the family tree layout and data displayed.

Cons:
– Need technical knowledge of website designing to access all features.
– Updating the site takes more time in compare to other data solutions.

Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software

To help you compare and decide which software is right for you, we’ve created a table showing a comprehensive comparison between all eight genealogy software above.

Our Thoughts on GeneWeb’s Top Alternatives

Choosing the right family tree software depends on several factors, including budget, experience, and features. The above alternatives provide different options depending on which factor holds the most weight.

Ancestry and MyHeritage are great resources for those that don’t mind paying for the extensive features that are available. On the other hand, FamilySearch and WikiTree are excellent options for beginners, and they won’t cost a cent.

FAQs about GeneWeb’s Alternatives

Q: Can I import data from GeneWeb to another software?

A: Yes. GeneWeb supports GEDCOM data export, which can be imported into most family tree software.

Q: Which software is the cheapest compared to GeneWeb?

A: FamilySearch is entirely free-of-charge, whereas WikiTree is free and open to use, but donations are appreciated.

Q: Can I use these alternatives on a Mac computer?

A: Yes. Many of these software options are available for both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Q: What are some of the significant differences between Ancestry.com and MyHeritage?

A: Ancestry.com has a much larger database than MyHeritage, however, MyHeritage offers a unique feature that allows users to upload their pictures and compare them to historical photographs to see if they look like their ancestors.

Q: Are there any alternatives that offer free DNA testing?

A: No. DNA testing is a feature that comes with a subscription to genealogy services like Ancestry and MyHeritage.

In Conclusion

Each of these eight alternatives provides unique solutions to build and preserve a family tree for future generations. Prices, ease-of-use, and features vary between each option, ensuring that anyone can find software that best suits their genealogy needs. Whether you’re willing to spend, or you want it for free, we hope this comprehensive list helped you find a suitable GeneWeb alternative that fits your needs.