Findmypast Review

  Last updated October 10, 2024

Advertising Disclosure | How We Rate

"With both DNA and non-DNA options, Findmypast covers 90% of North America from the early 1700s onward"
  Extensive UK, US, and Ireland data
  Import data and DNA results from other platforms
  UK headquarters means great privacy features
  Connect with people who have common ancestors

Our Rating


Price 9.6 / 10
Database Size 9.0 / 10
Software 9.1 / 10
Ease of Use 8.6 / 10
Features 8.9 / 10
Customer Service 9.5 / 10

Overview


Findmypast.com is a tool that helps its users discover their family’s past. With over 18 million registered users, Findmypast has a rich history and a large following. The company started in 1965 when a small group of genealogy professionals gathered in London to work together, putting much of their documents into microfiche machines. They called themselves "Title Research."

In 2019, Findmypast launched a new rebrand, allowing the company to reflect on its mission of connecting its members and the community with their family’s stories.

At a Glance


Price Range $14.95 - 19.95 per month (with discounted annual plans)
Ideal For Beginners, or those who have not previously built their family tree
# of Historical Records Unknown
# of Profiles/Users Unknown
DNA Test Option Yes (through a partner testing program)

Features


    Can import family trees from other websites

    Allows free search of ancestry records

    Content and guidance from experts

    Ability to message those with common ancestors

    Newspapers, military records, will and probate records included in Ultimate package

    Can download and share family tree in a range of formats

How it Works


Findmypast is simple to use! Start by putting in your name, place of birth and date of birth, and Findmypast will help you uncover the rest. From there, a free family tree can be made with or without a membership.

When it comes to pricing, Findmypast has a few options. They offer both monthly and yearly memberships with two different levels: The Essential British & Irish package at $14.95 monthly or $129 yearly; and The Ultimate British & Irish package at $19.95 monthly or $179 yearly.

The Ultimate package allows access to more records and educational materials compared to the Essential package. Findmypast also has a 14-day free trial where you can test out their services before committing to a monthly or yearly plan.

Searching without a subscription is easy, but not all records are available under this feature. Family trees are kept private or can be made public by the user. Unlike other genealogy websites, Findmypast has developed a separate global family tree project where users can choose to connect their tree with others and collaborate with the data.

Findmypast’s website is user-friendly as well as mobile-friendly. While they do not offer a mobile app like some of their competitors, their website is adapted for mobile use. The site offers hints for their users to add to your tree, helping you expand your family tree with a simple click.

The website does not offer DNA testing themselves; instead, they outsource it to LivingDNA for their users. LivingDNA offers focused results for those with ancestors from the United Kingdom and includes a maternal grouping of ancestors, also known as an mtDNA haplogroup.

Unfortunately, the DNA results you receive cannot be integrated with your Findmypast family tree and research at this time. The DNA testing is less detailed and comprehensive compared to other websites. 

Review Highlights


Many customers appreciate that Findmypast specializes in the genealogy of families from the United Kingdom and Ireland. It makes it easy for people with a history in those two countries to find out more about their ancestors with a wide variety of sources. Customers also comment that Findmypast has a plethora of information and flexible options regarding subscriptions and their affordability. There are a few bugs that consumers feel Findmypast has to fix regarding customer service and free subscription options, but overall, the reviews are more positive than negative. 

Pricing & Subscription Options


The Essential British & Irish package is priced at $14.95 monthly or $129 yearly, and The Ultimate British & Irish package is priced at $19.95 monthly or $179 yearly.

Why Choose Findmypast?


Those who are interested in their family history should consider Findmypast because of the sheer volume of unique information available from the UK and Ireland areas. New records are added every week, and the company has a long history of excellence.

Final Thoughts


With a wealth of information, exceptional research tools, and stellar customer support, Findmypast.com offers individuals the necessary tools to research their family tree. Whether you select from the advanced packages or simply enjoy the free family tree maker, Findmypast.com provides easy access to extensive information on families in the United Kingdom and Ireland — and beyond.

Pros & Cons


Pros
  Findmypast has a long-standing history of collecting genealogical records dating back to the 1200s

  They now have over 8 billion records available, with more records being discovered and added every week.

  Many newspapers and periodicals are included with the service, as well as access to the original 1939 register.

  The family tree builder is simple to use, with easy access to the team for live tech support.

Cons
  Your family tree can be backed up easily as a GEDCOM file, but not as a downloadable family tree itself compared to other websites.

  With DNA testing not directly available, it can be frustrating to curate your family tree.

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