MyHeritage vs FamilySearch: Free Records or Paid Features?
Compare free FamilySearch research with MyHeritage’s paid record, matching, DNA, tree, and photo tools to decide when either is worth using.
Use FamilySearch first when you want free records, a shared family tree, and archive-centre access. Pay for MyHeritage when its specific record collections, Record Matches, international family-tree matches, DNA tools, or photo features answer a defined need. They are not interchangeable: compare exact collections, tree models, privacy, and export limits.
This comparison reflects official help checked in August 2026. MyHeritage plans and FamilySearch features can change; verify the current site before uploading a tree or purchasing.
The basic cost difference
FamilySearch says its accounts and core family-history services are free and that it has no subscription packages. Record-owner agreements can restrict some images to centres, affiliates, or eligible users, and external partner links may be paid.
MyHeritage offers several paid products. Its family-site plans cover tree capacity and matching features; its Data subscription covers historical-record searching and Record Matches; combined plans add both, with current higher tiers and photo products adding more services. Some searches and limited actions can be free, but unrestricted records and advanced tools depend on the relevant plan.
Historical records
Compare the exact catalogue for your places and dates. FamilySearch may host free indexes and images through archive partnerships. MyHeritage may have differently indexed versions, exclusive collections, or convenient Record Matches. The same source can appear on both with different image access.
Read collection coverage, record custodian, image availability, and update date. A platform’s total record count does not tell you whether it has the parish, district, or year you need.
Tree model
FamilySearch’s main Family Tree is collaborative for deceased people. Contributors work on shared profiles, while living-person records are private to the creating user. This supports pooled research but requires citations and reason statements when others edit the same ancestor.
MyHeritage uses managed family sites and trees with owners and invited members. That is often easier for a private family project, though public or matched trees can still duplicate and spread errors.
FamilySearch announced a newer GEDCOM upload experience in 2026 offering uploader-controlled editable online trees with invited collaborators and visibility choices. Read the current instructions to distinguish it from the shared Family Tree.
Matching and discovery
FamilySearch provides record hints and connections within its tools at no subscription cost. MyHeritage separates Smart Matches between trees and Record Matches to historical sources according to current plan entitlements.
Both can surface valuable leads. Neither proves identity automatically. Open images, compare relatives and events, and reject suggestions that only share a name.
DNA
MyHeritage operates consumer DNA matching and advanced tools, some requiring qualifying subscriptions or kit access arrangements. FamilySearch is not an equivalent consumer DNA database.
If DNA is your reason to pay, compare match population, shared matches, chromosome tools, tree integration, subscription after testing, managed-kit permissions, raw download, and deletion policy. Expect possible unexpected parentage and protect living people.
Photographs and memories
FamilySearch Memories allows contributors to attach photographs, documents, stories, and audio to people under its current rules. MyHeritage combines tree media with paid photo scanning, enhancement, colourisation, repair, and animation tools in current plans.
For preservation, neither replaces an independent archive. Keep original files, provenance, permissions, captions, and backups. Label AI-altered versions clearly; colourisation or reconstructed detail is not evidence of original colour or appearance.
Collaboration and control
Choose FamilySearch when contributing to a common ancestor profile and benefiting from other researchers matters more than exclusive edit control. Use watches, history, sources, and discussion to manage changes.
Choose MyHeritage when one family-site manager should control invitations, tree structure, and a defined collaborative project. Still create contribution and privacy rules.
GEDCOM and backups
GEDCOM transfers core genealogy but not every platform feature. FamilySearch warns about reason statements and unique Family Tree information; MyHeritage warns that photograph files do not travel inside a GEDCOM. Export, copy media separately, and audit a test import.
Do not regard either online account as the only backup for source images, stories, or research notes.
When MyHeritage may be worth paying for
- A named exclusive or better-indexed collection directly addresses your question.
- Record Matches save time on a documented tree.
- International Smart Matches connect you to relevant relatives.
- Its DNA match tools suit your test and population.
- Photo scanning or repair tools are a real project need.
- A private owner-managed family site fits collaboration better.
Set an objective and time-box the subscription. Review renewal cost before purchasing.
When FamilySearch is enough
- Its catalogue covers the records you need.
- You can use a centre for restricted images.
- You are comfortable contributing to a shared tree.
- You need a free research starting point and guidance.
- You maintain a separate private workspace for control and backup.
A fair side-by-side test
Choose three ancestors from different places. On both sites, inspect the catalogue, run the same searches, open original images, assess two hints or matches, review living-person privacy, and find the export guidance. Note which platform produced new, relevant evidence and what it would cost to access.
The best choice is rarely “free versus paid” in the abstract. It is whether the records and tools produce enough reliable progress for your current question while keeping your tree portable and your family’s information appropriately private.