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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

23andMe vs FamilySearch Tree

23andMe 4.8★ · Free to download 60
Winner FamilySearch Tree
FamilySearch Tree 4.8★ · Free to download 75

FamilySearch Tree is the better choice for in-depth, collaborative genealogy research due to its free access and extensive record database, while 23andMe offers interesting but often criticized genetic insights for a fee.

Full reviews: 23andMe · FamilySearch Tree

FamilySearch Tree excels as a free, collaborative platform for building and researching family trees, despite recent technical glitches. 23andMe provides genetic ancestry and health reports, but many users feel it's overpriced for the information given and criticize its aggressive upselling and app functionality issues.

Head to head

Features & Information Depth edge: FamilySearch TreeR1R2R3R4
23andMe 23andMe provides genetic breakdowns, health insights, and connects users with relatives, which many find fascinating and useful R2. However, a significant number of users feel the genetic testing is too basic, generalized, or even inaccurate, especially regarding specific regional ancestry R1R3. Many also complain about having to pay extra or subscribe for more detailed information that was once included R4R28.
FamilySearch Tree FamilySearch Tree allows users to trace ancestors, view legal documents, and connect with family members, offering a rich and extensive database . Users appreciate the ability to upload memories and photos to preserve ancestry . However, some users find the information depth lacking in certain areas, such as specific maiden names or geographical locations .
Ease of Use & App Functionality tieR9R15R16R18
23andMe Users report frequent issues with 23andMe's app functionality, including login problems R16R18, slow loading R15R18, and general unresponsiveness after updates R18. Some find the system complicated and difficult to navigate, especially for finding specific family connections R9. Security features like two-step verification are seen as bothersome by some .
FamilySearch Tree FamilySearch Tree is praised for being easy to use for research and sharing R92, with many finding the app helpful for specific tasks like uploading memories . However, recent updates have introduced significant bugs and usability issues, including freezing, crashing, lagging, and broken links . Users also report difficulty navigating , signing in , and making corrections to the tree R69R103.
Price & Value edge: FamilySearch TreeR1R4R7R10
23andMe Many 23andMe users feel it is a "money grab" and "total scam," stating they paid a significant amount (e.g., $200) but received little useful information, often just surveys and ads R1R4R7R10. There's widespread dissatisfaction over features that were once included now requiring premium subscriptions or additional payments R28R43. Some users, however, find the information worth the cost R41.
FamilySearch Tree FamilySearch Tree is consistently praised for being completely free and offering a vast amount of information and resources without charge R81R92R110. This free access is a major draw and a significant part of its value proposition.
Reliability & Accuracy tieR14R23R36R37
23andMe While some users find 23andMe's results plausible and interesting R41, others strongly dispute the accuracy of their ancestry findings, citing family tree history that discredits the results or inconsistencies with other DNA tests R23R37R42. Concerns about data privacy are also mentioned R14R36.
FamilySearch Tree FamilySearch Tree's collaborative nature means that while it can be very comprehensive, users frequently encounter incorrect information added by others R69. This necessitates constant correction and verification, which can be frustrating R69R103.
Support & Account Management tieR17R25R28R43
23andMe 23andMe users report difficulties with customer service, stating it runs them in circles and doesn't resolve issues R43. There are also instances of accounts being banned without clear reason R25 or users being locked out R17. Some users mention being unable to access their paid information due to login issues or changes in terms R28R43.
FamilySearch Tree FamilySearch Tree users experience issues with account access, including being locked out after password resets or updates . The chat function is also reported to shut down the app . Users find it difficult to get permission to edit incorrect information R69.
Pick 23andMe if

you are primarily interested in genetic health insights and a general overview of your ancestry and are willing to pay for the service, understanding that some features may require additional subscriptions .

Pick FamilySearch Tree if

you are passionate about building and researching your family tree in a collaborative environment, want access to extensive historical records for free, and are prepared to deal with occasional app glitches and the need to verify user-contributed data R92.

Evidence note: Both apps have a high lifetime rating, but recent reviews for both show significant frustration with app functionality and changes in service. 23andMe's negative reviews heavily focus on perceived poor value for money and aggressive upselling, while FamilySearch Tree's recent issues are primarily technical bugs and data accuracy concerns due to its collaborative nature.

Frequently asked

Is 23andMe worth the cost?
Many users feel 23andMe is not worth the cost, describing it as a "money grab" where they paid a significant amount (e.g., $200) but received basic information, surveys, and ads, with previously included features now requiring additional premium subscriptions R1R4R7R10.
Is FamilySearch Tree truly free?
Yes, FamilySearch Tree is consistently praised by users for being completely free, offering extensive information and resources without any payment required R81R92R110.
Are the ancestry results accurate for 23andMe?
User opinions on 23andMe's ancestry results are mixed; some find them plausible and interesting R41, but many others report that the results are too broad, generalized, or even directly contradict their known family history or other DNA tests R23R37R42.
Why is it hard to edit information on FamilySearch Tree?
Users report difficulty editing information on FamilySearch Tree, often encountering errors or needing special permission to make corrections, which they cannot easily find how to obtain R69R103.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] 23andMe 1/5 · US Not what I expected: I’d say, all of the Medical report given is just the stupid surveys the app gives to you answer. It’s honestly not ground breaking in my opinion, because you can actually get the same information elsewhere online for free and your primary care doctor. The genetic testing is very basic and generalized. I’d save your money on this test honestly and go with Ancestry instead. Ance
  2. [R2] 23andMe 5/5 · US Fun and interesting: Love seeing updates like new relatives. Break downs of your heritage. I have yet to pay for more info.
  3. [R3] 23andMe 3/5 · US American Descendants of Slavery: Admixture due to the Atlantic Slave created an unique lineage that is not part of the modern African diaspora.
  4. [R4] 23andMe 1/5 · US Results: Paid $200 and all I got back is info for surveys and ads for more tests.
  5. [R9] 23andMe 3/5 · US Suggestion Box: It’s ok, this does not connect me with any of my siblings or their children. Don’t know why. Strictly for that reason, I’m not impressed with 23 and Me I do enjoy the little blurbs about possible biological reasons for different things in my life But simply because it hasn’t connected me with immediate relatives, I take this about as seriously as a Magic 8 Ball
  6. [R15] 23andMe 3/5 · US Slow on the test: This step takes 1-2 weeks usually going on week 3…. Staff accordingly with your Amazon supper sales
  7. [R16] 23andMe 1/5 · US Not working: Login with appleid is not working
  8. [R18] 23andMe 3/5 · US Used to be great, not so much now.: I pay $100/yr to stay updated with heritage and distant family members, but you can’t even manage your app?? I’m lucky to get past the main loading screen, yet now I can’t even see my updated ancestry because it’s stuck “loading”. Did AI take over?? Currently been waiting 10 mins. I’ll probably be cancelling my membership if I can ever log in. Hope I get paid
  9. [R7] 23andMe 1/5 · US Total scam: Go to a doctor for dna testing save like $100.
  10. [R10] 23andMe 1/5 · US Do not use 23 and me: They take your money and give nothing!
  11. [R14] 23andMe 5/5 · US enlightened: i sure like this 23 and me except how much information they get off my spit is weird and now so interested in their alternative motives.
  12. [R23] 23andMe 5/5 · US Why French: It’s just not true. I cannot believe it
  13. [R36] 23andMe 3/5 · GB Probs gonna sell my data on the dark web lol: Rip me in 30 years ig idk
  14. [R37] 23andMe 1/5 · US Seemingly random results: Not accurate at all, i have family tree history that directly discredits these findings.
  15. [R17] 23andMe 5/5 · US Great app: Fascinating and if u get locked out of ur account for whatever reason, it’s easy peasy getting it back with their verification process.
  16. [R25] 23andMe 1/5 · US They Banned Me for Absolutely no Reason.: They Banned me for resetting my Password.
  17. [R28] 23andMe 1/5 · US They’re not honoring the original agreement: When I first bought the package, it was a one time fee for lifetime access to all features, including health and ancestry. But now a new company bought them - and the new company is not honoring the original agreement. The new company requires more money and a subscription to be able to access what I - and thousands of other people- was promised for a
  18. [R43] 23andMe 1/5 · US You have to provide payment to view your results, even though you have a membership: Customer service just runs you in circles, would not resolve.
  19. [R81] FamilySearch Tree 3/5 · GB Lack of information: So I find this app quite difficult any information it actually gives you, you have to pay to get it , the app does not grip you at all, maybe if you pay the higher amount🤔
  20. [R92] FamilySearch Tree 5/5 · US Fun, Fulfilling, Free, Family!: FamilySearch is so easy to use for both doing research and sharing.
  21. [R110] FamilySearch Tree 5/5 · US The BEST Genealogy Platform AND ITS FREE: It’s completely free and has so much information. Literally changed my life and helped me realize my biggest passion in life is doing tree research. I’m genuinely addicted to this platform
  22. [R41] 23andMe 5/5 · US Very fast and interesting: I’m a geography lover who is mixed, but knows enough about inheritance and family history to know that everything that 23 and me said was totally plausible! It came in less than fifteen days for me from when arriving at the lab, and I got my kit for only thirty bucks on Facebook marketplace! I don’t have the subscription but I still like it.
  23. [R42] 23andMe 3/5 · GB Hi there: I have done DNA test with another famous company and was much more accurate that your recent updated one I believe that the first result was much accurate than the up dating For example my results from the other company showed 0 South Asia whic I believe was correct comparison to your latest up date one. However, I appreciate your efforts and hopefully in the near future I will get much
  24. [R69] FamilySearch Tree 3/5 · US How can I change incorrect information?: I recently checked my mother’s information. He found several errors. it said I need special permission to edit, but I can’t find out how! My name is wrong, my sex is wrong, and my cousin is showing up as my brother! I suppose it’s garbage and garbage out.
  25. [R103] FamilySearch Tree 2/5 · US Can’t make corrections: The app doesn’t want to take information at times. For example, I add my maternal grandmother full name, approximate DOB, locations etc, save and it says unknown grandmother. I constantly get error messages too. Very frustrating!

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store