Review of Genealogy.com
Genealogy.com is considered another premier ancestry look-up websites. Since they are owned by the same company as Ancestry.com - The Generation Network - the sites are very, very similar in most ways. For instance,they share the same databases, have identical membership pricing plans, and offer many of the same tools and services.
What is the Difference Between Genealogy.com and Ancestry.com?
Because Ancestry.com and Genealogy.com are owned and operated by the same company (although they're clearly run by different divisions) people often ask us to list the specific differences between the them, so they'll know which one tochoose. Because they are so close in many ways, this is a tough one! So, we decided to do our best to get to the bottom of this and decided to conduct a very unscientific research study... that is, we interviewed about 25 of our staff, colleagues, friends, and family members. Here's a summary of what we heard most often from them...
1. Suprisingly, most of the more serious researchers subscribed to both services because they preferred some things on one and vice versa. For instance, several told us that they use Ancestry.com most often but keep Genealogy.com as a backup because their Census images are often clearer than Ancestry's (this was new to us, by the way). However, they were quick to point out that Ancestry's grey scale images were "zoomable" and Genealogy's were not (point goes to Ancestry :>)
2. Most agreed that they preferred Ancestry's search function over Genealogy's and frankly, this was the biggest overall criticism our staff had with Genealogy. They expressed frustrations over search accuracies and limitations, lack of wild card options, and the like. So, once again, Ancestry.com was the clear winner in this area.
3. The only other significant difference, according to our interviewees, is that although both of their general databases are robust, Ancestry's specialized databases are clearly better and more up-to-date (a few said that most of the data on Genealogy.com is still taken from the much older Broderbund CDs they used to sell).
Databases, Tools, and Extras
- US and UK Census Data - - Birth, Marriage & Death Records
- US Military Records
- US Immigration Records
- Family Tree Maker
- Passenger Manifest Lists
- Learning Center
- Special Collections like Jewish, African American Family Records
- Community Forum and Blog
- Ability to upload and share photos and other documents
- Membership fees include unlimited access to all databases
- Y Chromosome (DNA) testing (additional cost)
- and more...
Membership Options and Costs
- US Membership:
Annual: $12.95/month (pay all in advance)
Three month: $16.95/month
Monthly: $19.95
- World Membership:
Annual: $24.95/month
Three month: $27.95/month
Monthly: $29.95
14-Day Free Trial – Like Ancestry.com, the free trial does not include access to the really cool stuff – just the family tree making tool and photo and document uploading features, so you won’t get a true picture of how the site operates.
Suggestion: If you’re a beginner try the monthly or three month membership until you’re sure they have the information you’re seeking and you enjoy your new hobby. It’s a little bit more, but not enough to make it too onerous.
Here's What We Like About Genealogy.com
1. Like Ancestry.com, it has the largest database of any of the genealogical sites, hands down (their 3,000+ databases contain over 2 billion names) so it's a safe bet you'll find enough information to make the cost more than worth it. In other words, it's a great value - extremely affordable for almost everyone. And, they have some exclusive databases - ones you won't find elsewhere. Better yet, they're still growing (so that means they're adding more data every day); they offer 24/7 access so you can work when - and where - it's conventient for you!
2. In addition to their extensive "regular" information (e.g. birth, marriage, and death certificates; ship manifests; immigration records, etc.) they also have excellent specialized databases, such as:
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Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books |
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American Genealogical Biographical Index |
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AIS Census Index
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U.S. Federal Census Images (1790-1920)
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3. They also have lots of great extras and tools. For instance, you can:
- Use their tools to create your family tree
- Learn how to extract records and use the information to enhance your search
- Connect with others who need help, can offer you advice, and/or chat about your mutual hobby
- Find answers to your tough research questions
- Write a book about your family history
