Ready to level up your family history game? This handpicked list of genealogy tools will transform your research.
From DNA tests that unlock genetic mysteries to software that organizes generations of data, these resources are the bedrock of serious family historians.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to break through stubborn brick walls, you’ll find exactly what you need here. Dive in and watch your family tree flourish.
The Tools You Need to Take Your Genealogy to the Next Level
Buckle up, genealogy warrior – this isn’t just a list, it’s your battle plan to obliterate brick walls, unearth hidden ancestors, and build an unshakeable family legacy
DNA Testing
Unlock your genetic vault with these 5 DNA powerhouses and watch your family connections explode.
Genealogy Research
These genealogy research titans are your all-access pass to ancestral gold mines – ignore them at your peril.
General
Newspapers
Military
Family Tree Software
Transform your tangled web of relatives into a lean, mean family machine with these 5 software juggernauts.
- RootsMagic
- Legacy
- FamilyTree Builder (MyHeritage)
- Family Tree Maker
- Evidentia
Education
Forge your genealogy skills into razor-sharp weapons with this arsenal of knowledge – from on-demand webinars that fit your schedule to battle-tested books and conferences that’ll skyrocket your expertise.
Online
Books
- Evidence Explained
- Mastering Genealogical Proof
- Genealogy Standards
- The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy
- Family Tree Problem Solver
Magazines
Conferences
- Rootstech
- National Genealogical Society Family History Conference
- Federation of Genealogical Societies
Disclaimer: some of the links on this page are affiliates links – which means I will get a small commission if you decide to purchase which helps support this website. This does not affect the price you pay.
Please don’t overlook https://www.wikitree.com/ as a source. It is free! They have many records from members who have uploaded them from other sources. If your family is not there, please upload a gedcom or enter your deceased family members, and you will probably be able to connect to the tree, as it is a world tree.
You did not list Family Search or Wikitree as search sites, both of which are free and I find very accurate.
I’ve been doing genealogy for over 40 years off and on. My sticking points always seem to be men with the same names and approximate ages, and not really being able to determine which is mine. I’m also back in the 1840’s and before, so it makes it tougher. But I keep at it
Agreed!
Thanks for the lists! I’m sure they’ll be helpful to me!
I am brand new to genealogy and most of the sites with info exactly like this cost money I don’t really have right now. I just want to thank you for taking the time to share this information. Please know it is greatly appreciated.
Cindy,
I highly suggest going to a Family Search Center, especially if you have a lot of free time/are retired. They host lots of those paid sites all for free (ancestry, family search, MyHeritage, FindMyPast). Additionally, at those Centers, you can see images of records, not just the index. That’s especially important in genealogy!!
Find your nearest Center here: https://locations.familysearch.org/en