Genes Reunited, a renowned genealogy website, offers a unique platform for discovering family history. Launched in the UK in 2003, it has quickly established itself as a must-have resource for genealogy enthusiasts. As an expert in genealogy, I’m going to give you a detailed analysis of this site, its features, and its impact on the world of genealogical research.
- Extensive historical database
- Ease of use and user-friendly interface
- Networking and collaboration features
- Subscriptions tailored to individual needs
- Genealogical data mainly focused on the United Kingdom
- No DNA tests
- The “Pay as you go” option can be costly
- Support by email only
With over 13 million members and over 780 million names listed, Genes Reunited stands out as one of the largest UK-focused genealogy sites, offering a wealth of information for those seeking to discover their roots.
Although focused on the UK, the site also offers information on other regions, enabling wider genealogical exploration.
Genes Reunited does not offer DNA testing. If you’re interested in such services, we advise you to turn to laboratories such as Quick DNA, MyHeritage or AncestryDNA.
Introducing Genes Reunited
Originally known as Genes Connected, Genes Reunited was created as a sister site to Friends Reunited by Steve and Julie Pankhurst. This marked the beginning of a new era in online genealogical research, focusing on easy access to historical data.
After its acquisition by ITV in 2005, Genes Reunited continued to develop under different ownership, eventually being managed by DC Thomson, a major player in the information and entertainment industry.
Genes Reunited’s popularity can be attributed to its user-friendly interface and vast collection of historical data, making genealogical research accessible to everyone, whatever their age or level of technological competence.
The site doesn’t just search for ancestors; it also encourages networking and knowledge sharing, with community forums where members can exchange tips and family stories.
Genes Reunited services
Genes Reunited offers a complete range of genealogy services designed to meet the needs of its diverse user base. This section details these services, focusing on their usefulness and ease of use.
Building family trees
Genes Reunited users can easily build and manage their family tree online. The process is guided and intuitive, enabling even beginners to get started without difficulty.
The site allows the import of GEDCOM files, a standard in the genealogy field, thus making it possible to integrate data from other genealogy services.
Historical archives
Users have access to a vast collection of historical documents, including census, birth, marriage and death records. Although the focus is on the UK, the site also offers access to documents relating toother regions, which is crucial for transnational research.
Forums and advice sharing
Genes Reunited features forums where users can exchange ideas, get help on specific issues and share personal stories. These discussion forums strengthen the genealogy community, creating opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.
Sharing and collaboration
Members can upload and share photos and family documents, enriching the genealogical research experience. The site allows you to collaborate on family trees, facilitating the discovery of unexpected family links.
Genes Reunited features
Genes Reunited boasts several unique features that enrich the genealogical research experience for its users. This section explores these distinctive features, highlighting how they contribute to the platform’s uniqueness.
Focus on British heritage
One of Genes Reunited’s major assets is its focus on UK genealogical archives and data. This specialization offers unrivalled depth and precision for research in this region.
The site provides access to a variety of British historical documents, including census, birth, marriage and death records.
Importing and exporting files
Genes Reunited allows users to import GEDCOM files, a standard format in the genealogy world, facilitating data transfer to and from other platforms. This feature makes it easy to collaborate with other researchers and consolidate genealogical data from different sources.
Community forums
Genes Reunited’s forums offer a dynamic space for discussion, information sharing and mutual support between users. These exchange spaces reinforce the community dimension of genealogy, enabling users to learn from each other and share discoveries.
Prices at Genes Reunited
Genes Reunited ‘s pricing is designed to offer flexibility and meet the diverse needs and budgets of users. This section looks at the different pricing options available on the platform.
Subscriptions and paid options
- Pay-As-You-Go: This option allows users to purchase credits to access specific recordings. Users can buy 50 credits for £4.95 or 200 credits for £17.95, valid for 30 or 90 days respectively.
- Standard and Platinum subscriptions: Genes Reunited offers two levels of subscription.
The Standard subscription, from £4.95 per month, allows you to build a family tree, send messages to members and post on community forums.
The Platinum subscription, starting at £19.95 per month, offers unlimited access to most recordings.
Subscription comparison
- Standard: The Standard subscription is ideal for those who want to explore the site and start building their family tree, with an annual cost of £20.00.
- Platinum: For more in-depth genealogical research and full access to the archives, the Platinum subscription is recommended, with an annual cost of £80.00.
Data security
Data security is a crucial issue for users of online genealogy services. This section focuses on the data security measures implemented by Genes Reunited, highlighting their importance in protecting user privacy.
Data protection and confidentiality
Genes Reunited takes stringent measures to ensure the protection of its users’ personal data. This includes advanced security protocols to prevent unauthorized access. Users have total control over the visibility of their family tree, allowing them to manage who can see their information.
User management and control
Genes Reunited offers users the option of deleting their account and all associated data, guaranteeing their right to digital oblivion. Users can adjust their privacy settings to determine how much of their information is shared on the platform.
Transparency and regulatory compliance
Genes Reunited is committed to complying with current privacy and data protection standards, including the RGPD for European users. The site provides a detailed privacy policy, explaining how data is collected, used and protected.
Genes Reunited vs The Genealogist vs MyHeritage
The Genes Reunited platform focuses on the creation and sharing of family trees. It stands out for its easy-to-use interface and its focus on connecting with family members, including those far away. Users particularly appreciate its ability to access civil archives, such as birth, marriage and death certificates. The strength of Genes Reunited lies in its active community, which encourages the exchange of information between people who share common ancestors.
The Genealogist, on the other hand, is aimed at genealogical researchers seeking access to detailed historical information. We specialize in providing comprehensive historical documents, including parish and military registers, essential for in-depth genealogical research. This platform is renowned for its ability to provide accurate and specialized data, particularly useful for those seeking to unravel complex aspects of their family history.
MyHeritage offers an integrated approach to genealogy, combining family tree construction with DNA testing. This platform stands out for its comprehensive offering, which includes not only the construction of family trees, but also DNA analysis to determine ethnic origins and certain health-related characteristics. MyHeritage is particularly prized for its ability to provide a global perspective on family history, blending traditional genealogical data with genetic information.
