Twigs vs. WikiTree: which fits your family?
WikiTree is a beloved free community where volunteer genealogists build one sourced, shared family tree. Twigs serves a different moment: not research into the past, but connection between the relatives in your life right now.
At a glance
Built for
WikiTree: A sourced, volunteer-built shared tree
Twigs: The living family you have today
Privacy
WikiTree: Public profiles for the deceased; living people restricted but on a shared platform
Twigs: Private by default: family password, your own address, no public profiles, no ads
Price
WikiTree: Free
Twigs: Free to start
Who keeps it current
WikiTree: Volunteer genealogists
Twigs: Everyone claims their own card and tends it
How it feels
WikiTree: A genealogy wiki community
Twigs: A fluid, zoomable canvas that is lovely on a phone
| WikiTree | Twigs | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | A sourced, volunteer-built shared tree | The living family you have today |
| Privacy | Public profiles for the deceased; living people restricted but on a shared platform | Private by default: family password, your own address, no public profiles, no ads |
| Price | Free | Free to start |
| Who keeps it current | Volunteer genealogists | Everyone claims their own card and tends it |
| How it feels | A genealogy wiki community | A fluid, zoomable canvas that is lovely on a phone |
Where WikiTree shines
- Completely free, run by a passionate volunteer community.
- Strong sourcing standards for serious genealogy.
- One connected tree with DNA confirmation features.
Where Twigs shines
- Private by design: no public profiles, no shared editing by strangers.
- Made for the living: birthdays, moments, photos, reactions, obituary links for remembrance.
- Modern, mobile-first canvas rather than wiki pages.
- Set up in five minutes; relatives join with a family password and claim their own card.
The honest verdict
WikiTree is wonderful for collaborative, sourced genealogy. Twigs is where your actual family gathers around its own private tree. Many families will happily use both.