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webtrees alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave webtrees: needs your own web server with PHP and MySQL, and no record hints from commercial genealogy sites. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces webtrees, 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 762.6
2Family Tree Maker logoFamily Tree MakerPaidNoWindows, macOS4 of 459.6
  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

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from webtrees

    Desktop program with record hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch, no server to run.

    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 ×0.387
    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 webtrees 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)
  2. Family Tree Maker logo

    2. Family Tree Maker

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

    PaidWindows, macOS

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from webtrees

    Desktop program whose tree syncs with Ancestry, which handles online sharing for you.

    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 ×0.377
    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 Family Tree Maker a good webtrees 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)

The best webtrees alternative for…

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

RootsMagic logo

Best webtrees alternative for most people

RootsMagic

Desktop program with record hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch, no server to run.

RootsMagic logo

Best webtrees alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

RootsMagic

Desktop program with record hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch, no server to run.

Family Tree Maker logo

Best webtrees alternative for Mac

Family Tree Maker

Desktop program whose tree syncs with Ancestry, which handles online sharing for you.

RootsMagic logo

Best webtrees alternative for Windows

RootsMagic

Desktop program with record hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch, no server to run.

webtrees alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to webtrees?

RootsMagic ranks first right now. Desktop program with record hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch, no server to run.

Is there a free alternative to webtrees?

Yes. RootsMagic (free plan + paid) has a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to webtrees?

None of the 2 alternatives in this list is open source.

Why do people switch from webtrees?

The complaints we hear most: needs your own web server with PHP and MySQL; no record hints from commercial genealogy sites; you are responsible for updates and backups.

How is this list ranked?

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