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Family Tree Maker alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Family Tree Maker: no free edition, and most useful only if you also use Ancestry. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Family Tree Maker, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. RootsMagic currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1RootsMagic logoRootsMagicFree plan + paidNoWindows, macOS7 of 766.5
  1. RootsMagic logo

    1. RootsMagicTop pick

    Best for: Family historians who want a polished desktop program with record hints from the big genealogy sites

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Family Tree Maker

    Has a free edition and imports Family Tree Maker files directly, with hints from more record sites.

    Pros

    • Free edition with no time limit
    • One-time purchase, no subscription
    • Record hints from Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage and Findmypast
    • Direct import from Family Tree Maker and Legacy

    Cons

    • Major new versions are paid upgrades
    • No Linux version
    • Closed source, so your workflow depends on one vendor
    Visit RootsMagic Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is RootsMagic a good Family Tree Maker alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    Free version
    Yes, no time limit
    Checked Oct 29, 2026rootsmagic.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Pricing
    One-time purchase
    Checked Oct 29, 2026rootsmagic.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac
    Checked Oct 29, 2026rootsmagic.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Record hints
    Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Findmypast
    Checked Oct 29, 2026rootsmagic.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $29.95 one-time (RootsMagic 12 release offer)
    Checked Nov 1, 2026rootsmagic.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Upgrade price
    $19.95 for existing users
    Checked Nov 1, 2026rootsmagic.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, free version to download
    Checked Nov 1, 2026rootsmagic.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Family Tree Maker alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

RootsMagic logo

Best Family Tree Maker alternative for most people

RootsMagic

Has a free edition and imports Family Tree Maker files directly, with hints from more record sites.

webtrees logo

Best Family Tree Maker alternative for a free option

webtrees

Free self-hosted web app for collaborating on a tree without an Ancestry subscription.

RootsMagic logo

Best Family Tree Maker alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

RootsMagic

Has a free edition and imports Family Tree Maker files directly, with hints from more record sites.

webtrees logo

Best Family Tree Maker alternative for open source

webtrees

Free self-hosted web app for collaborating on a tree without an Ancestry subscription.

webtrees logo

Best Family Tree Maker alternative for self-hosting

webtrees

Free self-hosted web app for collaborating on a tree without an Ancestry subscription.

RootsMagic logo

Best Family Tree Maker alternative for Mac

RootsMagic

Has a free edition and imports Family Tree Maker files directly, with hints from more record sites.

RootsMagic logo

Best Family Tree Maker alternative for Windows

RootsMagic

Has a free edition and imports Family Tree Maker files directly, with hints from more record sites.

webtrees logo

Best Family Tree Maker alternative for working in the browser

webtrees

Free self-hosted web app for collaborating on a tree without an Ancestry subscription.

Family Tree Maker alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Family Tree Maker?

RootsMagic ranks first right now. Has a free edition and imports Family Tree Maker files directly, with hints from more record sites.

Is there a free alternative to Family Tree Maker?

Yes. RootsMagic (free plan + paid) and webtrees (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Family Tree Maker?

Yes: webtrees. webtrees can also be self-hosted.

Why do people switch from Family Tree Maker?

The complaints we hear most: no free edition; most useful only if you also use Ancestry; no Linux version.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Family Tree Maker, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.