FamilySearch vs Ancestry: Which Is Best for Beginners?

FamilySearch vs Ancestry: Which Is Best for Beginners?

FamilySearch vs Ancestry: Which Is Best for Beginners?

If you’re starting your family history journey, two names come up again and again: FamilySearch and Ancestry. They’re both powerful tools, but they serve slightly different purposes — and understanding those differences can save you time, money, and frustration.

This guide compares them side by side and shows you how to get the best of both.

What Is FamilySearch?

  • Nonprofit, free-to-use genealogy site run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  • Strengths:

    • Completely free access to billions of records.

    • Collaborative global family tree (anyone can add or edit).

    • Strong international coverage.

  • Weaknesses:

    • Less polished interface.

    • Shared global tree can lead to incorrect merges if not carefully checked.

What Is Ancestry?

  • For-profit subscription site with tiered plans.

  • Strengths:

    • Largest online collection of historical records.

    • DNA testing service that links relatives.

    • Private family tree options.

  • Weaknesses:

    • Subscription fees (monthly/annual).

    • Some key records are behind paywalls.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature FamilySearch (Free) Ancestry (Paid)
Cost Free forever Subscription tiers ($$)
Records Billions (many global) Billions (strong US/UK)
Family Tree Shared, collaborative tree Private, individual trees
DNA Testing No Yes, with relative matches
Interface Simple, less polished Sleek, user-friendly

Which Should You Use First?

  • If you’re brand new: Start with FamilySearch. It’s free, simple, and gives you instant access to records without financial commitment.

  • If you’re serious about depth: Subscribe to Ancestry for access to exclusive records and DNA tools.

  • Best strategy: Use both together. Start a free global tree on FamilySearch, then use Ancestry for advanced research and DNA insights.

The Missing Piece: Preserving Stories

Both FamilySearch and Ancestry are amazing at tracing names and dates. But here’s the truth: they don’t capture the voices, laughter, and wisdom behind those names.

Your great-grandfather isn’t just a line in a census record. He had a voice, a story, a perspective. Without capturing that, you’re left with facts, but not the human meaning.

That’s where tools like Chaptr come in.

  • Pair genealogical records with oral histories and family stories.

  • Make clips searchable: type “What did Grandma say about the war?” and find it instantly.

  • Create an archive that isn’t just about lineage, but about legacy.

Final Thought

FamilySearch and Ancestry will help you trace your roots. But your family deserves more than a tree of names. They deserve the stories that bring those names to life.

Become a Founder Member today and help us build Chaptr — the missing link between genealogy research and family storytelling.

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