Best Reviewed
Genealogy Software
- Best genealogy software RootsMagic 3 *Est. $30
- Best genealogy software (tie with RootsMagic) Legacy Family Tree 7.0 Deluxe *Est. $35
- Free family tree software Personal Ancestral File 5.2 *Est. $0
- Best genealogy software for Mac Reunion 9 *Est. $100
- Best genealogy software for professionals The Master Genealogist v7 Gold *Est. $60
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Best genealogy software for Mac
- Better than version 8
- Can transfer information to Apple iPod
- Easy to learn and use
- Expensive
- Search function could be better
- You'll need basic HTML skills to use it with a website
We found the reviews at Family Tree Magazine to be the most helpful, with a detailed description of the program's strengths and weaknesses. The individual reviews at Macworld and About.com are written by genealogical professionals. We found helpful user reviews at Amazon.com.
Reviews say Reunion 9 is the best genealogy software created for Macs (OS 10.3.9 or newer), as opposed to Windows programs retrofitted for Macs. Professional reviews sometimes note the expense as a drawback, but owner reviews at Amazon.com indicate they believe it's worth the price. Reunion 9 includes more than 100 upgrades over Reunion 8, including the ability to transfer files to an Apple iPod. A review at Mac World says it's "beautifully designed, easy to use, and a pleasure to work with." But a review at Family Tree Magazine says the search function is "clumsy" and notes that if you want to create a web page, you're going to need to know some basic HTML. If you're a PC user, reviews suggest RootsMagic 3 (*est. $30) or Legacy Family Tree 7.0 (*est. $35).
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Our Sources
Family Tree's full review of Reunion 9 is posted on their message board. Among the plusses noted is drag-and-drop between windows with a warning that helps you avoid mistakes. The chief negative is a "clumsy" search function. The only other drawback noted is price.
Review: Reunion 9 For Mac Software Review, Grace Dobish, Oct. 12, 2007
This single-product review is based on hands-on use. Reunion 9 has "more than 100 updates to an already excellent program," reviewer Jeffery Battersby writes. He says it's "beautifully designed, easy to use, and a pleasure to work with."
Review: Reunion 9.04, Jeffery Battersby, May 18, 2007
3. Amazon.com
A handful of user reviews give Reunion 9 a high overall score. Most reviewers say that the program is user friendly and has a nice interface. Complaints are minimal and inconsistent.
Review: Reunion 9, Genealogy and Family Tree Software For MacIntosh, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. About.com
Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist. She ranks the software based on "personal choice." She isn't a Mac user, so Reunion 9 is described rather than rated. (Note that ConsumerSearch and About.com are owned by the same company but are not editorially affiliated.)
Review: Genealogy Software Roundup 2007, Kimberley and Albrecht Powell, Oct. 2007
