Best free family tree makers in 2026, compared
Short answer
For most families, Family Linkage. Press one button and you are making your tree, with no sign-up. Relatives open it from one link, with no account and no app. For free old records, add FamilySearch. For research software on your own computer, use Gramps.
We make Family Linkage, so we put it first. Facts about the other tools come from their own help pages, checked October 17, 2026.
Our pick: Family Linkage
- One button to start. Tap Start my family tree and add your first person. No sign-up.
- The tree draws itself. Add parents, children and partners. The layout is done for you.
- Relatives need no account. Send one link. They open it on any phone.
- Private, with no ads. Only people with your link see it. Search engines do not list it.
- Nothing to install. It works in the browser on a phone, tablet or computer.
You send a link. Relatives open it on their phone, with no account.
How do they compare?
| Tool | Free plan | What relatives need | Old records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Linkage | Free to start. No sign-up to try | A browser and the link. No account | No. Use FamilySearch next to it |
| FamilySearch | Free account. One shared tree for everyone | A free FamilySearch account | Yes, free |
| FamilyEcho | Free, with ads. No hard limit on people | A share link | None listed |
| MyHeritage Basic | Up to 250 people | Not stated | Search is free. Viewing may need a paid plan |
| Ancestry | Free account for trees | An Ancestry account (free is enough) | Free databases only |
| Gramps | Free program for your computer | Not stated | None. It holds your own research |
Sources: FamilySearch, FamilyEcho FAQ, MyHeritage Basic and is it free, Ancestry free accounts and sharing, Gramps on GitHub.
Which one should you pick?
- Make a tree and share it with the family: Family Linkage
- Old records: FamilySearch
- A big free tree, and ads are fine: FamilyEcho
- Your tree is already there: Ancestry
- Software on your own computer: Gramps
Family Linkage does not search records, offer DNA tests or import GEDCOM files. If you need those, use FamilySearch or Ancestry next to it.
Questions people ask
What is the best free family tree maker?
To make a tree and share it with your family, Family Linkage: free to start, no sign-up, and relatives need no account. For free old records, FamilySearch. For research on your own computer, Gramps.
Is Family Tree Maker free?
No. Family Tree Maker is the name of one paid desktop program from The Software MacKiev Company. Many other family tree makers are free.
Can I use more than one?
Yes. Many people search records on a site such as FamilySearch, and keep the tree they share with the family on Family Linkage.
First published . Last updated . Written by the Family Linkage team. Facts about other websites were checked on the date shown next to them.
