Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

RootsMagic VS webtrees

Compare RootsMagic VS webtrees and see what are their differences

RootsMagic logo RootsMagic

RootsMagic Family Tree Software - Smart Computing Magazine calls RootsMagic 'the best genealogy program we've seen'. Free trial version.

webtrees logo webtrees

webtrees - the web based Family History Software - is based on the popular PhpGedView ('PGV') application.
  • RootsMagic Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-06
  • webtrees Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-05

RootsMagic features and specs

  • Comprehensive Feature Set
    RootsMagic offers a wide range of features for genealogy research, including pedigree views, source documentation, and reporting tools, making it suitable for advanced users.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software is designed with an intuitive interface that is easy for both beginners and experienced genealogists to navigate.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    RootsMagic is available for both Windows and Mac users, ensuring that a wider audience can use the software regardless of their operating system.
  • Integration with Ancestry and FamilySearch
    The software allows users to connect with Ancestry.com and FamilySearch, enabling easy access to a vast amount of genealogical data.
  • Regular Updates
    RootsMagic provides frequent updates to improve software capabilities and fix issues, ensuring users have access to the latest features.

Possible disadvantages of RootsMagic

  • Steep Learning Curve
    While the software is powerful, new users might find the breadth of features overwhelming and may need time to understand all functionalities.
  • Cost
    RootsMagic is a paid software, which might not be ideal for users looking for free genealogy solutions.
  • Limited Collaborative Features
    The software focuses on individual research and might lack the collaborative tools that some genealogists require for group projects.
  • Support Limitations
    Some users report that support can be limited, with response times that may not meet all users' expectations.
  • Occasional Bugs
    As with many software programs, users have reported occasional bugs or glitches, particularly following new updates.

webtrees features and specs

  • Open Source
    webtrees is open-source software, which means it is free to use and can be modified by anyone to fit specific needs.
  • Customizable
    The platform offers a wide range of customization options, including themes, custom reports, and modules, allowing users to tailor it to their exact requirements.
  • Collaborative
    webtrees supports multi-user collaboration, making it easier for family members and genealogists to work together on family history projects.
  • GEDCOM Support
    It fully supports the GEDCOM file format, which is the standard for genealogical data, allowing easy import and export of family trees.
  • Web-Based
    Being web-based, it can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, providing convenience and flexibility.
  • Active Community
    webtrees has an active user community and forum, which can be a valuable resource for getting help and sharing ideas.

Possible disadvantages of webtrees

  • Requires Technical Knowledge
    Installation and maintenance of the software require some technical knowledge, especially in web hosting and database management.
  • Limited Support
    As a free, open-source project, it lacks dedicated customer support, so users may need to rely on community forums for help.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users may experience performance issues or slow load times, depending on the hosting environment and the size of the family tree.
  • Complex Interface
    The interface can be complex and overwhelming for beginners, making the learning curve steep for new users.
  • Updates and Security
    As with any open-source software, keeping it updated and secure requires ongoing attention, which can be a challenge for less experienced users.

RootsMagic videos

RootsMagic Review - 5 Things I Love

More videos:

  • Review - RootsMagic 8 Preview - People Page
  • Review - Download Ancestry Record Images with RootsMagic Essentials

webtrees videos

Getting started with webtrees

More videos:

  • Review - Getting started with webtrees
  • Tutorial - How to install webtrees from cPanel with Softaculous

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to RootsMagic and webtrees)
Family Tree
41 41%
59% 59
Family Social Media
37 37%
63% 63
Family Organizer
33 33%
67% 67
Online Services
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using RootsMagic and webtrees. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, RootsMagic seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

RootsMagic mentions (2)

  • Best Family Tree Program?
    I'm not joking. Many ages ago when I started researching there were lots of apps and some had appalling user interfaces. I found one, Family Origins, that finally made sense. Then buyouts and regrets and recovery turned it into Roots Magic. The user interface still made sense but, recently, I've struggled with the newer updates. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Software Recommendations?
    From all the free software, I like Legacy, then Ancestrial Quest Basic, then RootsMagic. Gramps I found okay. Source: over 3 years ago

webtrees mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of webtrees yet. Tracking of webtrees recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing RootsMagic and webtrees, you can also consider the following products

Ahnenblatt - Ahnenblatt is genealogy software for Windows. (Use Portable Version for Linux with Wine)

Gramps - Research, organize and share your family tree with Gramps genealogy software.

MyHeritage - MyHeritage is a family-oriented social network service and genealogy website.

Ancestry - Discover your family history and start your family tree.

FamilySearch.org - Free Family History, Family Tree, and Genealogy Records and Resources from Around the World

Family Echo - Draw your printable family tree online. Free and easy to use, no login required. Add photos and share with your family. Import/export GEDCOM files.