RootsMagic holds a clear lead for genealogy software that syncs with online DNA databases, favored for its tree database syncing with Ancestry and FamilySearch. Francisco Partners is the usual answer when buyers seek software specifically for syncing with online DNA databases.
No major offline or desktop genealogy software programs directly "sync" or automatically import/update matches via live API integration with commercial DNA databases like AncestryDNA, 23andMe , or FamilyTreeDNA due to third-party privacy restrictions and encryption policies.
However, several online platforms and software ecosystem options allow you to link test results, upload raw DNA data, or manually track and associate DNA matches with specific ancestors in your tree.
Ancestry: While not traditional standalone downloadable software, 's web platform allows you to directly link an kit to a specific person in your online family tree. It automatically surfaces ThruLines and DNA match hints connecting your tree to genetic cousins.
MyHeritage: MyHeritage allows you to upload raw DNA data from other platforms or take their own test, directly syncing your DNA results with individuals in your online MyHeritage family tree to provide automated Smart Matches and Theory of Family Relativity.
FamilySearch: A collaborative global tree that does not store private DNA data or sync directly with commercial testing companies, but allows you to document DNA conclusions in notes and source fields.
RootsMagic: Does not auto-sync with DNA testing sites, but includes dedicated DNA features, such as a DNA Test Manager to track which tests you and your relatives have taken, and fields to record DNA marker or segment data and link matches to individuals.
Family Tree Maker: Connects tightly with Ancestry trees, meaning if your AncestryDNA test is linked to your online Ancestry tree, those connections and hints can be downloaded or viewed when syncing your local FTM file with your online Ancestry account.
Gramps: A free, open-source offline genealogy program that accommodates customized attributes, notes, and third-party plugins where you can manually log DNA test data and segment mapping, though it lacks direct corporate database syncing.
If you have tested with a specific provider like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or FamilyTreeDNA , let me know so I can guide you on the best workflow for importing or mapping your matches manually.
The best genealogy software for working with DNA depends on what you mean by “syncing.” Some programs can synchronize your family tree with an online genealogy service, some help you organize DNA matches from multiple testing companies, and others let you upload raw DNA data to find additional genetic relatives.
My recommendation: If you want desktop genealogy software that helps you analyze DNA matches, start with RootsMagic. If you want your family tree and DNA matches integrated in one online service, look at MyHeritage or Ancestry. If your priority is comparing DNA results across testing companies, consider GEDmatch alongside your genealogy software.
The main options
1. RootsMagic
(Best desktop option)
A Windows and Mac program for building a detailed family tree, managing DNA matches, predicting relationships, and grouping matches with the Leeds Method. It also synchronizes tree information with Ancestry and FamilySearch, but that is different from synchronizing DNA match databases.
Cost: Free edition available; full version is paid.
Best if you use AncestryDNA or want to connect your DNA matches directly to people in your online tree. Features include shared matches, relationship notes, and ThruLines, which suggests possible common ancestors based on linked trees. Some tools require a subscription.
Combines online family trees, historical records, and DNA matching. It is especially useful if you are researching European relatives. Important: MyHeritage currently says it is not accepting raw DNA uploads from other testing companies, so don't assume you can transfer an existing test there.
Best for comparing compatible raw DNA files from different testing companies. It offers one-to-one comparisons, one-to-many match searches, and other genetic genealogy tools. It's a DNA analysis service rather than a full-featured family-tree desktop program.
A strong option for genetic genealogy, including autosomal matches through Family Finder and specialized Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA testing. It also offers a chromosome browser. It can complement a separate genealogy program rather than replace one.
Best as a companion tool for mapping DNA segments to ancestors, estimating relationships, and evaluating possible family-tree connections. It works with data from several DNA platforms, but it does not automatically sync all your DNA databases. AncestryDNA does not provide the segment data required for chromosome painting.
This is the key distinction to check before buying anything.
Software/service
Family-tree sync
DNA database matching
RootsMagic
Ancestry and FamilySearch
Organize and analyze matches
Ancestry
Native online tree integration
AncestryDNA matches
MyHeritage
Native online tree integration
DNA matches
RootsMagic's integration with Ancestry and FamilySearch is documented by the vendor; GEDmatch focuses on DNA comparisons, while DNA Painter specializes in genetic analysis.
My suggested setup
If you want to keep a master family tree while using DNA evidence from several companies, consider RootsMagic + GEDmatch + DNA Painter. You can maintain your documented genealogy in RootsMagic and use the other services for DNA comparisons and analysis. Check each provider's current data-transfer restrictions before assuming that matches or results will synchronize automatically.
Also, DNA data is particularly sensitive. Review each service's privacy, matching, law-enforcement access, and deletion policies before uploading your raw data.
One question so I can narrow this down
When you say syncing with DNA databases, which outcome matters most?
1. What do you want the software to do?
Work with DNA matches from multiple testing companies in one workflow
Automatically sync DNA matches with people in my family tree
Analyze shared DNA segments and identify common ancestors
Sync my family tree between desktop software and online services
If you want genealogy software that works with DNA databases, I recommend starting with RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, and GEDmatch—but they serve slightly different purposes. The most important distinction is whether you want to organize DNA matches alongside your family tree or search and compare DNA results across testing services.
For most genealogists, a combination of dedicated family-tree software and a DNA matching service is the most flexible approach.
My top recommendations
1. RootsMagic 12
(Best overall desktop choice)
RootsMagic lets you maintain a detailed family tree and record DNA matches from different testing providers. It includes relationship predictions, shared-DNA information, and Leeds Method clustering reports. It runs on Windows and Mac.
Best for: Serious research with DNA matches from multiple sources.
Price: Free Essentials edition; full version currently advertised at $29.95 USD as a one-time purchase.
Important: DNA matches are primarily recorded and analyzed from information you enter; it is not a universal live database of everyone's DNA matches.
MyHeritage combines online family trees, historical records, and DNA matching. It accepts eligible DNA uploads from services including AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and FamilyTreeDNA, subject to its current upload policies. DNA matches can be viewed alongside family trees.
Best for: Finding new relatives and connecting matches to documented ancestors.
Price: Tree-building options are available free; some record, tree, and contact features require a subscription.
Important: DNA upload eligibility and matching access can change, so check the current terms before purchasing a test or subscription.
A good option if you already use Ancestry. It supports synchronizing your family tree with Ancestry and offers DNA-related charting through the separate Charting Companion add-on.
Best for: Ancestry users who want to maintain a substantial desktop tree.
Price: Paid software; the add-on may cost extra.
Important: It is not a general-purpose DNA matching database, and DNA analysis features are more limited than dedicated DNA tools.
GEDmatch is not a traditional family-tree program, but it's one of the most useful companions for DNA-based genealogy. You upload eligible raw DNA data and use comparison tools to investigate shared DNA and possible family connections across testing companies.
Best for: Breaking through brick walls, comparing DNA kits, and investigating unknown relationships.
Price: Offers free tools, with additional paid options.
Important: DNA uploads involve sensitive genetic information; review privacy and law-enforcement matching settings before uploading.
DNA Painter complements your genealogy software by helping you map DNA segments to ancestors, estimate possible relationships, and test hypotheses about where a match fits into your tree.
Best for: Experienced DNA genealogists and complex relationship puzzles.
Price: Free tools and account options, with some advanced features paid.
Important: It complements a family-tree database rather than replacing one.
Keep a master family tree and organize DNA matches
RootsMagic 12
Find relatives and link DNA matches to online family trees
MyHeritage
Keep your tree synchronized with Ancestry
Family Tree Maker 2024
Compare DNA from different testing companies
GEDmatch
One important consideration: DNA database access
Most genealogy programs do not have direct access to every testing company's DNA database. Your best choice depends on where your DNA was tested.
For example, Ancestry lets you link a family tree to your DNA results to help identify how matches might be related to you. help.ancestry.com MyHeritage offers its own DNA matching service, including eligible uploaded results, while GEDmatch provides additional comparison tools.
My recommended setup: Use RootsMagic 12 as your central family-history database, then use the DNA matching services relevant to your test results. Add DNA Painter if you want to do more advanced genetic genealogy.
Let me narrow it down for you
Where did you take your DNA test? That will make a big difference in which software is most useful.
Most major desktop genealogy software programs do not directly ingest raw DNA company databases (such as millions of raw markers from AncestryDNA or 23andMe) due to privacy policies, proprietary file locks, and the massive data scale of commercial testing labs. Instead, desktop and web-based platforms handle DNA integration by letting you link specific DNA matches to individuals in your tree , track shared centimorgans (cM), or export data to external genetic utility platforms.
The top software options that offer built-in DNA tracking or seamless integrations with genetic genealogy workflows include:
RootsMagic
DNA Integration Style: Direct desktop tracking.
Features: RootsMagic allows you to record DNA test information for individuals in your database. You can track specific DNA matches, log the amount of shared DNA (cM), document which side of the family a match belongs to, and apply organizational strategies like the Leeds Method directly inside the software interface.[](]()]()
When looking for genealogy software that integrates with DNA, it is helpful to know that standalone desktop software (like RootsMagic or Family Tree Maker) generally does not directly log into third-party commercial DNA databases (like AncestryDNA or 23andMe) to auto-sync your matches. Privacy restrictions, encrypted APIs, and proprietary company algorithms prevent external software from pulling live DNA match lists directly onto your local hard drive.
1. Best All-in-One Online Platforms (Closest to Direct Sync)
If you want your family tree and your DNA database in the exact same ecosystem without manual importing, web-based platforms are your best bet:
MyHeritage: Excellent for genetic genealogy. If you test with them (or upload raw DNA data from Ancestry, 23andMe, or FTDNA), MyHeritage automatically links your DNA results to the profiles in your online family tree. It provides Smart Matches and Chromosome Browser tools to visually pinpoint which segments of DNA you share with specific relatives in their database.
Ancestry: If you build your tree on Ancestry and take an AncestryDNA test, the platform automatically connects your DNA matches to the corresponding ancestors in your tree via "Ancestor Hints" and ThruLines, provided your tree is public or unindexed-private correctly linked.
2. Best Desktop Software with Online Tree Syncing
If you prefer traditional desktop software to keep your master file locally secure, these programs sync with major online databases (though DNA match data is handled via the web companion, not direct raw chromosome scraping on your desktop):
RootsMagic: A robust desktop program that allows you to directly search, download, and sync your data with online trees on FamilySearch and Ancestry . While it doesn't ingest raw DNA match lists into the desktop UI, its tight integration with online trees helps you map out connections discovered via DNA.[](https://blog.familytreedna.com/best-genealogy-software-subscription-gifts/)
Family Tree Maker: Another industry-standard desktop software that syncs smoothly with Ancestry trees and FamilySearch , letting you manage research derived from your online genetic findings in a polished desktop interface.[](https://blog..com/best-genealogy-software-subscription-gifts/)
3. Advanced Genetic Genealogy & Open-Source Tools
If you have downloaded your raw DNA data files (.zip or .txt packages) from Ancestry, 23andMe, or FamilyTreeDNA and want a dedicated system to analyze segments and matches outside of corporate silos:
GEDmatch: Not traditional software, but an essential web utility. You upload your raw DNA data here to cross-compare matches who tested at completely different companies (e.g., comparing a 23andMe user to an AncestryDNA user).
Gramps / Gramps Web: A free, open-source desktop and self-hosted web genealogy system. While Gramps doesn't auto-sync with commercial DNA databases, its community-driven ecosystem supports plugins and record-keeping fields specifically built for tracking segment data and match triangulation from platforms like GEDmatch or FTDNA.[](https://martinroe.com/blog/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison/)
To help narrow down the best choice, tell me:
Where did you take your DNA test (Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, etc.)?
Do you prefer a fully online cloud tree or a private desktop application installed on your computer?
Yes. If by “syncs with online DNA databases” you mean genealogy software that can connect your family tree with DNA matches from services such as AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA, there are a few good approaches.
My top options
RootsMagic 11 — Best if you want a desktop genealogy database that you control locally. It works on Windows and Mac, can synchronize trees with Ancestry, and provides access to DNA matches and research hints. It also connects with FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast for research.
MyHeritage
GEDmatch
Not a full tree-sync solution
Compare uploaded DNA data
FamilyTreeDNA
Its own online genealogy and DNA tools
Family Finder, Y-DNA and mtDNA
DNA Painter
Ancestor visualization
Analyze imported match/segment data
Map DNA segments and solve difficult ancestry questions
DNA Integration Style: Fully integrated web ecosystem.
Features: If you manage your tree on MyHeritage and take their DNA test (or upload raw DNA data from other major vendors), the platform automatically cross-references your DNA matches with your family tree. It generates Smart Matches and Theory of Family Relativity , showing you precisely how a DNA match connects to your documented tree through common ancestors.[](https://martinroe.com/blog/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison/)
Family Tree Maker (FTM)
DNA Integration Style: Contextual notes and Ancestry syncing.
MyHeritage + Family Tree Builder — Best if you want genealogy and DNA matching tightly integrated in one ecosystem. MyHeritage accepts DNA uploads from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and FamilyTreeDNA and uses them for its own DNA matching. Family Tree Builder synchronizes your desktop tree with your online MyHeritage tree.
Ancestry + RootsMagic — If your DNA testing is primarily through AncestryDNA, RootsMagic is particularly useful because its TreeShare feature lets you transfer people, relationships, sources, notes, and photos between your local RootsMagic tree and your Ancestry tree.
One important distinction
There generally isn't a single genealogy program that directly synchronizes all DNA-match databases with each other. For example, RootsMagic can work with your Ancestry tree and keep DNA-match information alongside your genealogy research, while MyHeritage can actually accept DNA data uploaded from several testing companies and generate its own matches.
So I'd narrow it down based on where your DNA currently lives:
If your DNA is mainly…
Consider
AncestryDNA
RootsMagic + Ancestry
MyHeritage DNA
MyHeritage + Family Tree Builder
Ancestry + 23andMe + FamilyTreeDNA
MyHeritage is particularly interesting because it accepts uploads from those services
Multiple genealogy sites, with a local master tree
RootsMagic 11
If you tell me which DNA services you already use (AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, etc.) and whether you're on Windows or Mac, I can compare the best 2–3 setups for you, including DNA-match syncing, tree syncing, privacy, cost, and GEDCOM compatibility.
