Every genealogy platform looks good on the sign-up page. The differences that matter show up later — at renewal time, when you want your data back, or when a relative tries to help. Here's a checklist to judge any service by, written by people who care more about your ownership than your subscription.
1. Can you get your data out — freely?
The most important question. Look for one-click, free GEDCOM export. If export is buried, restricted, or strips your media, treat that as a warning. Your research should never be a hostage.
2. What happens if you stop paying?
On some platforms, lapsing turns large trees read-only — you can look but not edit until you pay again. Ask this before you commit. A service that locks your own family history is telling you who it works for.
3. Is the price honest?
Watch for the intro-then-renewal pattern, where a friendly first-year price jumps two or three times higher. Flat, predictable pricing respects you more than a discount that expires.
4. Records and DNA — do you actually need them?
Big platforms justify big prices with vast record archives and DNA matching. These are genuinely valuable if you're actively researching. But many people mostly want a home for the tree they've already built. Don't pay for a research engine you won't use.
5. Can your family take part?
A tree grows fastest when relatives can view and contribute. Check for sharing, invites, and a public page you control — ideally with living people kept private automatically.
6. Does it respect your attention?
Constant upsell banners and match-count nags wear thin. A calm interface that puts your family first is worth more than one designed to keep you clicking.
7. Is it pleasant to look at?
You'll spend hours here. A beautiful, fast tree you enjoy returning to beats a powerful one you dread opening.
The honest summary
If you need a deep historical record archive and DNA matching at scale, the large incumbents earn their fee. If you want a beautiful, honest, permanent home for your family tree — with free export, no tree ransom, flat pricing, and a calm interface — that's exactly what Dynasty House is for. Free for your first hundred people; $4 a month for unlimited, locked for life.