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RootsMagic alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave RootsMagic: major new versions are paid upgrades, and no Linux version. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces RootsMagic, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Family Tree Maker currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Family Tree Maker logoFamily Tree MakerPaidNoWindows, macOS4 of 466.5
2webtrees logowebtreesOpen sourceYesWeb, Self-hosted4 of 459.6
  1. Family Tree Maker logo

    1. Family Tree MakerTop pick

    Best for: Ancestry subscribers who want a desktop tree that stays synced with their online Ancestry tree

    PaidWindows, macOS

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from RootsMagic

    Paid desktop program with full two-way sync to an Ancestry online tree.

    Pros

    • Two-way sync with an Ancestry online tree
    • Hints from both Ancestry and FamilySearch
    • Runs on both Mac and Windows

    Cons

    • No free edition
    • Most useful only if you also use Ancestry
    • No Linux version
    Visit Family Tree Maker 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 Family Tree Maker a good RootsMagic alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Platforms
    Mac, Windows
    Checked Oct 30, 2026mackiev.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Ancestry sync
    Yes
    Checked Oct 30, 2026mackiev.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Record hints
    Ancestry, FamilySearch
    Checked Oct 30, 2026mackiev.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Windows requirement
    Windows 10 (64-bit) or later
    Checked Oct 30, 2026mackiev.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. webtrees logo

    2. webtrees

    Best for: Families and societies who want a shared online tree on their own web hosting

    Open sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Self-hosted

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from RootsMagic

    Free self-hosted web app, better for building a tree together with relatives online.

    Pros

    • Free and open source
    • Several people can edit one tree from a browser
    • Uses standard GEDCOM, so data moves to and from desktop apps

    Cons

    • Needs your own web server with PHP and MySQL
    • No record hints from commercial genealogy sites
    • You are responsible for updates and backups
    Visit webtrees Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    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 webtrees a good RootsMagic alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 1, 2026webtrees.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Requirements
    PHP and MySQL
    Checked Nov 1, 2026webtrees.net(opens source in a new tab)
    File format
    GEDCOM
    Checked Nov 1, 2026webtrees.net(opens source in a new tab)
    License
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Nov 1, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best RootsMagic alternative for…

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

Family Tree Maker logo

Best RootsMagic alternative for most people

Family Tree Maker

Paid desktop program with full two-way sync to an Ancestry online tree.

webtrees logo

Best RootsMagic alternative for a free option

webtrees

Free self-hosted web app, better for building a tree together with relatives online.

webtrees logo

Best RootsMagic alternative for open source

webtrees

Free self-hosted web app, better for building a tree together with relatives online.

webtrees logo

Best RootsMagic alternative for self-hosting

webtrees

Free self-hosted web app, better for building a tree together with relatives online.

Family Tree Maker logo

Best RootsMagic alternative for Mac

Family Tree Maker

Paid desktop program with full two-way sync to an Ancestry online tree.

Family Tree Maker logo

Best RootsMagic alternative for Windows

Family Tree Maker

Paid desktop program with full two-way sync to an Ancestry online tree.

webtrees logo

Best RootsMagic alternative for working in the browser

webtrees

Free self-hosted web app, better for building a tree together with relatives online.

RootsMagic alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to RootsMagic?

Family Tree Maker ranks first right now. Paid desktop program with full two-way sync to an Ancestry online tree.

Is there a free alternative to RootsMagic?

Yes. webtrees (open source) has a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to RootsMagic?

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

Why do people switch from RootsMagic?

The complaints we hear most: major new versions are paid upgrades; no Linux version; closed source, so your workflow depends on one vendor.

How is this list ranked?

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