The Genealogist review
Our genealogists’ opinion on The Genealogist
The Genealogist transforms your family research into real discoveries. The platform provides access to millions of British archives and offers powerful genealogical research tools. Each piece of information found is integrated into your interactive family tree, which you can enrich, personalize, and share.
In collaboration with FamilyTreeDNA, you can take advantage of reliable DNA tests to trace your origins and your maternal and paternal lineages. The platform is a great starting point for targeted research, but to broaden your investigations and take advantage of more advanced genealogy tools, MyHeritage is the better option.
Specializing in British archives, The Genealogist is a well-known genealogy platform in the United Kingdom. It offers a collection of millions of documents, powerful search tools, and a partnership with FamilyTreeDNA for DNA testing. But is this service effective for tracing your English ancestry? We tested it and here is our full review.
The essentials you need to know about The Genealogist
| Features |  |
|---|---|
| 📅 Year of creation | 2006 |
| 🏢 Headquarters | Jersey, United Kingdom |
| 📍Specialization | British genealogy |
| 🎁 Services offered | Archive search Tree creation FTDNA DNA tests Advanced search tools |
| 📄 Available documents | Censuses (1841-1911) BMD records Parish records Military documentsWills |
| 🤝 DNA Partnership | FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) |
| 🗣️ Customer service | Email contact form |
Advantages and disadvantages of The Genealogist
- Specialization in British archives
- Over 8 million historical documents
- Advanced genealogical search features
- Collaboration with FamilyTreeDNA
- Integrated DNA testing (autosomal, mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosomal DNA)
- Advanced map explorer to visualize family history
- Compatible with GEDCOM files
- Flexible pricing based on needs
- Exclusive focus on British and Irish origins
- No mobile app available
- Less extensive database than giants such as Ancestry or MyHeritage DNA
- Website available in English only
Features offered by The Genealogist
Millions of British historical records to browse
To help you with your genealogical research, The Genealogist gives you access to more than 20 types of genealogical records:
- Complete censuses from 1841 to 1911 for England and Wales
- Parish records and nonconformist records covering several centuries
- Military records from both world wars and earlier conflicts
- Wills and probate records dating back to the 16th century
- Business directories and local directories
- Exclusive collections of tithe maps and the Lloyd George Domesday Survey from 1910
- Immigration and naturalization records
- Birth, marriage, and death (BMD) indexes from 1837 to 2005
- Newspapers and magazines
- Polls and electoral rolls
An archive of old images
The Image Archive is a collection of historical images (including immersive 3D photos). It can be accessed via a search by title or keyword, with a choice of image quality before downloading. You can refine your search using categories and subcategories, with each image tagged to facilitate discovery.
A cutting-edge tool for searching historical archives
Smart Search is The Genealogist’s search tool. It allows you to find an ancestor using an address, a keyword (their occupation), or their first and last name. You can also locate ancestors using georeferenced historical maps.
To access historical documents, you can search by region: United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, or other areas of the world. A cross-search with other sources is launched automatically when you find a document.
We were able to quickly find traces of an ancestor using their occupation and county, which saved us time in our research.
Software for creating interactive family trees
In addition to searching the archives, you can create your family tree directly online with TreeView. Although FamilyTreeDNA offers one, The Genealogist’s is better suited for finding British ancestors.
It allows you to customize the display, add photos, documents, and notes with real-time synchronization. You can also import GEDCOM files from other platforms such as MyHeritage, Ancestry, FamilyTree DNA, and more.
Family trees can be shared with other family members via secure private links.
Advanced map explorer
The Map Explorer is one of the most distinctive features of The Genealogist. It superimposes historical maps (1890-1960) onto modern maps (with satellite view). This allows you to visualize your ancestors’ environment: their home, workplace, or church.
Georeferencing pins are linked to the archives. You can click on them to discover the ancestors who lived in that location.
Saving and printing genealogical data
You can save and print the documents you find during your research. This allows you to build a physical or digital research journal.
- Access to millions of British records, with over 20 different types of historical collections
- Access to advanced search filters (by region, occupation, address, or surname)
- Creation of interactive and customizable family trees
- Rich image archive with immersive 3D photos
- Automatic connection to related documents from a single search
- Genealogical research by overlaying modern and ancient maps
- Easy import and export of GEDCOM files
- Save and print options to keep a digital or paper research log
DNA testing: an additional service offered by The Genealogist
The Genealogist does not have its own laboratory, but relies on FamilyTreeDNA, renowned for the reliability of its genetic analyses. Three types of tests are available:
- Autosomal DNA test (Family Finder): to explore your paternal and maternal lineages over five generations and find matches with cousins.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) test: this DNA test is designed to trace your direct maternal lineage.
DNA kits can be ordered directly from the FamilyTreeDNA website. The kit, sent by mail, includes a simple buccal swab using a cotton swab to be returned to the laboratory for analysis. Reports are available in 7 to 10 weeks on your FTDNA account and include interactive maps, ethnic estimates, and genealogical links.
You can then use these results to enrich your tree on The Genealogist. You can read our full review of FamilyTree DNA to learn more about DNA testing and its cost.
The Genealogist Rates
Subscriptions | Monthly price | Annual award | Features included |
Starter | £5 (approximately €6)/month | £59.95 (approximately €69) |
|
Diamond | £11.66 (€14)/month | £139.95 (approximately €162) |
|
Standard | $15.00 (approximately €13)/month | £129.95 (approximately €150) |
|
For us, the Diamond package is the most comprehensive offer for accessing all premium documents and features. Its level of access is similar to the Complete subscription from MyHeritage (€189/year), but with a stronger focus on British archives. Subscriptions can be paid for by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Maestro).
The Genealogist’s Data Privacy and Security
Your DNA data remains the exclusive property of FamilyTreeDNA, a certified partner that complies with US security protocols. Each DNA test kit is assigned a unique identifier to ensure anonymity, and your information is not shared with third parties.
The platform complies with the European GDPR. You have the right to erasure and portability of your data. You control the visibility of your profile and can delete your account and data upon request.
The user experience on The Genealogist
The Genealogist’s interface focuses on clarity and simplicity. The well-structured menus make it easy to navigate between the different tools: search engine, historical archives, map explorer, and family tree management via TreeView.
Creating an account is quick, requiring only your first and last name, email address, and password. Access to documents is smooth, with effective filters to refine each search. However, we regret the lack of a mobile app, which limits the ability to consult genealogical data on the go.
Customer service and user support
The Genealogist provides a variety of support tools: tutorial videos, detailed FAQs, educational resources, and dynamic communities ready to answer everyday questions.
However, for more specific or complex requests, customer service is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via the following channels:
- 📄Contact form
- 📞 Telephone: UNITED KINGDOM: 01722 717006 or 01722 716121 International: +44 1722 717006 or +44 1722 716121
- 📨 Postal address: Genealogy Supplies (Jersey) Ltd, PO Box 530, Jersey, JE4 8XX
Customer support is responsive: email replies arrive within 48 hours, and telephone support is almost immediate. This responsiveness is reassuring and makes it easy to resolve any issues quickly.
Our verdict on The Genealogist
Collaboration with FamilyTreeDNA, an asset for reliable DNA results
The partnership with FamilyTreeDNA is a guarantee of trust. This laboratory is renowned for the reliability of its genetic analyses, which are carried out according to strict scientific protocols. The automatic integration of genetic results with historical archives allows unique connections to be made, such as DNA matches and migration routes.
A reliable source for tracing your British origins
With over 8 million records, The Genealogist is a reliable source. You will have access to unique documents (non-conformist records, non-parochial archives, etc.). The map explorer is an exclusive tool that provides real added value that cannot be found elsewhere.
The collection is smaller than MyHeritage DNA or Ancestry DNA, but its specialization in the United Kingdom allows you to find your British ancestors more quickly. For us, MyHeritage is a more suitable alternative for accessing more advanced features and a larger database.
Affordable prices tailored to every need
We expected The Genealogist to be expensive, but the reality is quite different. Its pricing policy, in line with the market, is accessible and balanced. We especially like the way each plan corresponds to a specific level of genealogical research. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, you can find a subscription that suits your needs and the depth of your genealogical research, and progress at your own pace.
The Genealogist vs MyHeritage DNA
MyHeritage has a global database of 32 billion historical records, compared to The Genealogist’s 8 million specialized archives. However, this mass of data can drown out relevant information, whereas The Genealogist prioritizes quality and accuracy over volume.
In terms of functionality, MyHeritage offers more advanced DNA matching tools and a modern multilingual interface, including French. The Genealogist compensates for this with its exclusive, non-conformist British archives, which cannot be found anywhere else.
The Genealogist vs Genes Reunited
Genes Reunited and The Genealogist are both platforms specializing in British origins. Genes Reunited focuses on the social community with 13 million members exchanging family information and photos, while The Genealogist prioritizes professional document access.
Unlike Genes Reunited, The Genealogist offers DNA testing and more advanced research tools such as Map Explorer. However, Genes Reunited is less expensive.
The Genealogist vs Heredis
Heredis works as desktop genealogy software with advanced offline features, while The Genealogist is an online platform. In terms of databases, Heredis integrates French, European, and global sources through partnerships, but without the depth of British documentation offered by The Genealogist.
It excels in the presentation of family trees with sophisticated graphic options and professional editing reports. The Genealogist focuses on documentary research with its exploration and automatic matching tools.
Heredis is better suited to French genealogists who want to manage their data locally, while The Genealogist is better suited to researchers of British origin who prefer access to exclusive archives.
The Genealogist vs Ancestry DNA
Ancestry has 27 billion historical records covering all continents, compared to The Genealogist’s 8 million highly targeted British archives. Ancestry DNA also does not offer DNA tests to discover maternal and paternal lineage.
Choose The Genealogist for targeted research into English genealogy and Ancestry if you want to expand your genealogical research to other continents.
Our answers to your questions about The Genealogist
Launched in 2006, the platform is reliable and its official archives come directly from British institutions. You can trace the source of the information and verify the transcripts against the original images.
No. The Genealogist is not completely free. You can take advantage of a 14-day free trial to test the features and access certain archives. However, a paid subscription is required to fully access the database and advanced features.
You must contact The Genealogist in writing, either by email, via the contact form, or by calling directly. However, you must request cancellation at least two weeks before the renewal date.