Ancestry is the world's largest genealogy and family history platform, operating at ancestry.com since 1997. It provides subscribers with access to an ever-growing collection of historical records, family tree building tools, and AncestryDNA testing services. With over two decades of operation and a BBB A+ accredited rating, Ancestry is widely regarded as the premier destination for anyone looking to explore their family heritage.
The platform offers three main product tiers: Family History memberships starting at $69 for 6 months (regularly $119), AncestryDNA kits starting at $99 (excluding shipping), and a combined Family History + DNA bundle from $100. Family History memberships grant access to U.S. and international historical records, tree-building tools, and guided discovery features. DNA kits analyze saliva samples to identify ethnic origins across 3,600+ geographic regions worldwide.
- Family History: Access to U.S. records, family tree builder, discovery tools
- AncestryDNA: Ethnic breakdown, ancestral journey tracing, DNA match connections
- Family History + DNA Bundle: All U.S. and international records, advanced DNA features, trait analysis for 75+ traits
- AncestryPreserve: Professional digitization of home videos, audio tapes, photos, and documents
Ancestry also offers a 14-day free trial for new members, allowing users to explore records and begin building their family tree before committing to a paid plan. Seasonal sales such as Memorial Day and Family & Friends promotions regularly offer savings of up to 40–50% on memberships, making it an opportune time to subscribe at reduced cost.
Beyond records and DNA, Ancestry's newer AncestryPreserve service allows families to professionally digitize physical keepsakes—home videos, audio recordings, photographs, and documents—and store them in a personal digital gallery for easy sharing with loved ones. This positions Ancestry as a comprehensive family memory platform, not just a records database. Support resources include a Support Center, Ancestry Academy, community forums, and the option to hire a professional genealogist through ProGenealogists.