SmallBizGenius Analysis
Ancestry receives mixed reviews, with many users praising its ability to uncover family history and connect with relatives, while others express frustration with subscription costs, website navigation, and customer service. Some long-time users report a decline in the quality of the service after recent updates.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 280 recent reviews
Subscription Costs & Value
4.5/10Many reviewers complain about the high cost of Ancestry's subscriptions and the feeling that they are constantly being asked to pay more to access additional records or features. Several users mention feeling "teased" with information that is blurred or locked until they upgrade their membership.
30 reviews mention thisDNA Results Accuracy & Usefulness
6.0/10Some reviewers are thrilled with the detailed DNA results and the connections they've made with relatives, while others are disappointed with the lack of specific information or the fact that the results only confirmed what they already knew. One reviewer stated, "My Ancestry DNA report (for a hundred dollars) told me I’m from somewhere in Europe, maybe."
25 reviews mention thisWebsite Navigation & User Interface
5.0/10Several reviewers find Ancestry's website difficult to navigate and not intuitive, particularly after recent updates. Some users struggle to transfer information from other trees to their own or edit mistakes, with one reviewer stating, "Absolutely the worst . No directions for navigating the site."
15 reviews mention thisCustomer Service
3.5/10A significant number of reviewers report poor customer service experiences, including difficulty contacting support, unhelpful responses, and unresolved issues with DNA results or subscriptions. One reviewer said, "They won’t respond if you have a question or problem."
12 reviews mention thisDiscovering Family History
8.5/10Many reviewers express excitement and gratitude for the ability to uncover their family history, connect with relatives, and learn about their ancestral origins using Ancestry's resources. They appreciate the vast database of records and the ability to build family trees. One reviewer stated, "I was on the fence about using this service, and I’m grateful I did! I learned SO MUCH about my history."
35 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Ancestry is a great tool for figuring out your heritage. I like the features of building trees, shared matches, being able to communicate with your matches and etc."
"Ancestry gave me a more detailed result than the other company. Its fun to see how back you can go. And find lost relatives."
"I love how it guides you through creating an optimal profile that is complete. The census and draft records are really nice to see which otherwise would not have found on my own."
"It has especially been gratifying to have my Aunts validate some of the findings."
"Ancestry has significantly improved over the years by upgrading and adding new features. One of the latest is Pro Tools, and it has really helped me to clean up my tree."
Common Complaints
"It’s not intuitive. I don’t like how I am teased with information only to have it blurred or locked. The information is valuable but honestly the prices you charge are rather high."
"Absolutely the worst . No directions for navigating the site. No way to edit. Found out by trial and error and cannot edit mistakes. Total waste of experience and money."
"They won’t respond if you have a question or problem. I tried and tried to contact them about my stepfather and real father’s names but nothing!"
"I paid a lot of money and sent my DNA in and finally got an email from Ancestry saying my results are in… when I log into my DNA results there is nothing!"
"I got a subscription and still to see leaves most require another subscription or an upgrade. I question was it worth the dna test."
Common Questions About Ancestry
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Ancestry legit and trustworthy?
Ancestry is a legitimate company that provides DNA testing and genealogical research services. However, many reviewers express concerns about the value proposition given the high subscription costs and the need to constantly upgrade to access more information. Some users have also reported issues with delayed or missing DNA results and poor customer service, which can impact the overall trustworthiness of the service. While many users have had positive experiences discovering their family history, potential customers should weigh the potential benefits against the reported drawbacks.
Based on 20 reviewsDoes Ancestry have good customer service?
Customer service is a significant pain point for many Ancestry users. A number of reviewers report difficulty contacting customer support, receiving unhelpful responses, and experiencing unresolved issues with their accounts or DNA results. Some users feel that Ancestry does not adequately address their concerns or provide timely assistance. While some reviewers may have had positive interactions with customer service representatives, the overall sentiment suggests that Ancestry's customer service is inconsistent and often falls short of expectations.
Based on 12 reviewsIs Ancestry worth it for small business?
For most small businesses, Ancestry is unlikely to be a worthwhile investment. While it could be useful for researching the history of a family-owned business or for personal genealogy projects of the owners, the high subscription costs and potential customer service issues make it a less attractive option. There are likely more cost-effective and relevant tools available for small business owners to focus on their core business operations.
Based on 5 reviewsWhat is Ancestry's DNA testing like?
Ancestry's DNA testing receives mixed reviews. Some users are thrilled with the detailed ethnicity reports and the connections they've made with living relatives. They appreciate the ability to trace their ancestry back many generations and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage. However, other users are disappointed with the lack of specific information, the delayed results, or the fact that the results only confirmed what they already knew. Some also report difficulty linking their DNA results to their family tree without upgrading their subscription.
Based on 25 reviewsWhy are Ancestry's subscription costs so high?
Ancestry's subscription costs are a frequent complaint among reviewers. Users feel that the base subscription provides limited access to records and features, and they are constantly prompted to upgrade to access more information. This can lead to a feeling of being "nickel and dimed" and that the overall value proposition is not justified by the high cost. The extensive database of records and ongoing maintenance costs likely contribute to the high subscription fees, but many users feel that the pricing structure is not transparent or fair.
Based on 15 reviewsLooking for Something Different?
Compare Ancestry against 37 similar lifestyle & perks options.
View Alternatives