I need a genealogy software that syncs with online DNA databases.

If by “syncs with online DNA databases” you mean a genealogy program that can connect your family tree with DNA results/matches, there are a few strong choices.

My top picks

1. RootsMagic — best overall for serious genealogy

• Desktop genealogy software with strong research and source-management tools.
• Syncs with Ancestry and FamilySearch trees, and can work with data from MyHeritage and other services.
• RootsMagic 11 includes tools specifically for recording and analyzing DNA matches, including a Leeds Method report.
• Good choice if you want your master family tree on your own computer rather than being locked into one DNA company.

2. MyHeritage Family Tree Builder — best if MyHeritage DNA is important

• Free desktop genealogy software that syncs your tree with your MyHeritage online tree.
• MyHeritage DNA Matching can use DNA data from MyHeritage, 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, and AncestryDNA uploads to find genetic matches.
• Particularly attractive if you want your DNA matches and family-tree research tightly integrated.
• Caveat: Family Tree Builder syncing is currently problematic on macOS Sequoia; MyHeritage recommends using the online family site instead.

3. Ancestry — best if you use AncestryDNA

• The simplest option if most of your DNA testing is through AncestryDNA.
• Your tree and DNA matches are integrated directly, including features such as ThruLines for exploring potential shared ancestors.
• Less attractive if your goal is to combine DNA results from multiple companies in one place.

What I'd choose

If you have DNA tests at multiple companies—for example AncestryDNA + 23andMe + FamilyTreeDNA—I would lean toward MyHeritage + RootsMagic:

RootsMagic → your detailed master genealogy database MyHeritage → online tree + DNA matching across uploaded DNA datasets Ancestry → AncestryDNA matches and its enormous historical-record collection

One important distinction: very few genealogy programs actually “sync” directly with multiple DNA databases. Often you upload/download DNA data separately, while the genealogy software manages your tree and lets you record or analyze the resulting matches.

If you tell me which DNA companies you have tests with (Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, GEDmatch, etc.) and whether you're on Windows or Mac, I can narrow this down to the best 1–2 options for you.

Finding a desktop or standalone genealogy program that directly “syncs” and pulls in raw DNA match lists from commercial databases (like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or MyHeritage) is tricky. Due to strict user privacy laws, security protocols, and proprietary algorithms, major DNA testing companies do not offer a direct live API sync for third-party desktop software to download your match lists automatically.

However, depending on what you mean by "sync," a few software packages and companion tools come close by offering direct tree-syncing with online platforms or specialized DNA data importing.

1. The Best Direct Tree Sync (Ancestry Ecosystem)

• Family Tree Maker (FTM): This is the gold standard for desktop software that links directly to an online database.
  • How it works with DNA: FTM syncs bi-directionally with an online Ancestry.com family tree. While it doesn't download your raw DNA match list into a database grid on your desktop due to Ancestry's security limits, it connects your compiled tree directly to Ancestry's ecosystem so you can easily view, analyze, and attach hints from your AncestryDNA Matches to individuals in your workspace.
  • Platform: Windows and Mac.

2. The Best Hybrid / Record-Syncing Platform

• MyHeritage (Online & Family Tree Builder): MyHeritage is both an online database and offers downloadable software (Family Tree Builder).
  • How it works with DNA: If you test with MyHeritage DNA (or upload raw DNA data there from other sites), the web platform automatically cross-references your DNA matches with your family tree via Smart Matching and Record Matching . It suggests ancestors and relationships directly based on shared centimorgans (cM) and family lines.

3. Desktop Software with DNA Data Integration

• RootsMagic: RootsMagic is widely praised for its deep integration with online repositories like FamilySearch and Ancestry.
  • How it works with DNA: RootsMagic allows you to manually record DNA test results, link DNA markers/sources to specific people in your tree, and track hypotheses. While it lacks an automated live sync for match lists (again, due to external API blocks), it handles traditional data side-by-side with your genetic genealogy findings cleanly.

4. Advanced Open-Source Option

• Gramps: A powerful, free, open-source genealogy program available for Linux, Windows, and Mac.
  • How it works with DNA: Gramps supports specialized add-ons and is popular among advanced genetic genealogists who use external helper files. It has features to map out DNA segment data and works well with exported segment analysis data.

The Secret Weapon: Third-Party Companion Tools

Because standalone desktop software can't log into 23andMe or Ancestry to grab your matches, serious genetic genealogists use dedicated companion scraper/analyzer tools alongside their software:

• DNAGedcom: A utility tool that logs into sites like FamilyTreeDNA, GEDmatch, MyHeritage, and 23andMe to pull your DNA matches and chromosome segment data into structured spreadsheets (like the Autosomal DNA Segment Analyzer). You can then analyze the data or map clusters before updating your master genealogy software.
• GEDmatch: A cross-database platform where you can upload raw DNA data from any major company to find matches who tested on completely different platforms.

To help narrow down the best setup for you, let me know:

• Which DNA database(s) did you use to test (Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FTDNA)?
• Are you looking strictly for a desktop program or an online platform?

Yes. The key distinction is whether you want genealogy software that connects to DNA databases, or a genealogy platform that actually hosts your DNA matches.

My top choices

• MyHeritage — best overall for DNA + genealogy integration. MyHeritage combines your family tree with DNA matching, and it currently accepts DNA uploads from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and FamilyTreeDNA (as well as its own tests). Its DNA matching is designed to compare your results with other users and connect matches to family trees.
• RootsMagic — best dedicated desktop genealogy program. RootsMagic 11 runs on Windows and Mac, keeps your master tree on your computer, and connects with Ancestry and FamilySearch, while WebHints searches Ancestry, FamilySearch, Findmypast, and MyHeritage. It also has tools for keeping DNA matches alongside your research. RootsMagic RootsMagic Importantly, RootsMagic's Ancestry integration lets you transfer people, events, sources, notes, and media between your local tree and your Ancestry tree.
• Ancestry — best if your DNA test is AncestryDNA. Its tree, historical-record database, and DNA Matches are tightly integrated. Ancestry says you can combine DNA information with its enormous collection of family trees and records.

What I'd choose

If your goal is something like "I have DNA results from several companies and want one place to build my tree and investigate DNA matches," I'd start with MyHeritage.

If your goal is "I want serious genealogy software where I control my master family tree, but I also want connections to Ancestry/MyHeritage/FamilySearch," I'd choose RootsMagic 11.

One important caveat: there isn't really a single genealogy program that can fully synchronize the DNA-match databases of AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and FamilyTreeDNA into one master match list. The DNA companies generally keep their matching systems separate. MyHeritage is particularly useful because it can accept raw DNA uploads from several of those services.

If you tell me which DNA databases you already have results from (e.g., AncestryDNA + 23andMe + FamilyTreeDNA), I can recommend the best setup and explain exactly what will and won't sync between them.

When looking for software that integrates with online DNA databases, it is important to note a technical limitation across the industry: no offline desktop software directly syncs via API with commercial DNA testing databases (like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or MyHeritage DNA) due to strict privacy regulations and security encryption enforced by those companies.

However, you have two great pathways depending on whether you want a desktop application that manually tracks/imports DNA data or an online platform that directly connects your tree to your DNA results.

Option 1: Desktop Software with DNA Match Tracking

If you prefer a program installed on your computer where you can store family history offline and manually log or map DNA matches from various testing sites:

• RootsMagic : One of the most robust desktop options available. Recent versions include a dedicated DNA feature set . You can record DNA test providers, input shared centimorgans (cM) or percentages, map out matches to specific profile individuals, calculate predicted relationships, and use tools like the Leeds Method for clustering your matches. It also syncs nicely with online historical databases like FamilySearch and Ancestry.
• Gramps : A powerful, free open-source genealogy program for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It features community-created add-ons (like the DNA Segment Map) that allow you to record and visualize autosomal DNA segment data downloaded from sites like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA.

Option 2: Online Platforms with Direct DNA/Tree Integration

If you want a system where your family tree and your actual DNA match database live in the same ecosystem and talk to each other automatically:

• Ancestry : If your DNA is tested through AncestryDNA , the platform automatically links your DNA results to your online family tree . It uses "ThruLines" and common ancestor algorithms to suggest how you are related to your DNA matches based on the data in your tree. (Note: You can use desktop software like Family Tree Maker to seamlessly two-way sync your working tree with your online Ancestry account).
• MyHeritage : Allows you to upload raw DNA data from other major testing companies or test directly with them. If your matches have public or shared family trees, MyHeritage's Smart Matching and AutoClusters tools will visually cross-reference your tree with theirs to find the genealogical paths connecting you.
• GEDmatch : Not a traditional tree-building software, but an essential supplementary online database. You upload your raw DNA data here from any major testing company to cross-compare your DNA against a massive multi-company database and use their chromosome browsers and GEDCOM-matching tools.

To help narrow this down, let me know:

• Which DNA testing company did you use (Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, etc.)?
• Do you prefer a desktop program that runs locally on your computer or an online cloud service?

If by “syncs with online DNA databases” you mean you want your genealogy program to work alongside DNA-match databases, there’s an important distinction: most desktop genealogy programs don’t directly download/manage your DNA matches. Instead, they sync your family tree with services where the DNA matches live.

My top recommendation: RootsMagic

rootsmagic.com is probably the best fit if you want a central genealogy database plus connections to multiple online services.

• Ancestry: Two-way TreeShare synchronization—people, events, notes, sources, photos, etc.
• FamilySearch: Two-way integration and synchronization.
• DNA: RootsMagic 11 can record/manage DNA matches, predict relationships, and use the Leeds Method for clustering.
• Online records: It searches for hints from Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast.
• Windows and Mac: Current version is RootsMagic 11, with a one-time purchase rather than a subscription.

If DNA is the main priority

myheritage.com is worth considering as your online genealogy/DNA platform. Its DNA Matching system compares DNA with other users and incorporates their family trees to help identify relationships. It also accepts DNA data that was previously tested through AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and FamilyTreeDNA.

ancestry.com is another strong choice if most of your DNA testing and research is already there. AncestryDNA and its family-history membership are integrated, including DNA matches and connections to ancestors.

What I'd choose

One caveat: RootsMagic does not automatically synchronize your DNA matches from Ancestry/MyHeritage as though they were part of the tree. Its DNA tools are for recording and analyzing matches; the actual matching databases remain on the DNA websites. Also, MyHeritage does not currently provide RootsMagic with the kind of API needed for automatic tree synchronization.

If you tell me which DNA tests you have (AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, GEDmatch, etc.), I can recommend the best setup for getting the most out of all of them.

When looking for genealogy software that "syncs" or integrates with online DNA databases, it is important to know how the industry currently works: No standalone desktop software (like RootsMagic or Family Tree Maker) directly streams, downloads, or auto-syncs raw DNA match lists from testing databases (like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage DNA) due to privacy restrictions, API limitations, and security walls erected by the testing companies.

However, you have two great pathways: All-in-one web platforms that natively host both your tree and DNA, or desktop software paired with specialized third-party DNA clustering tools.

Top All-in-One Web Platforms (Native DNA + Tree Syncing)

If you want your family tree and your DNA matches living in the exact same ecosystem where updates happen automatically in the cloud, these online platforms are your best bet:

• 1. MyHeritage : Widely considered the best platform for integrated genetic genealogy. If you test with them—or upload raw DNA data from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or FamilyTreeDNA—MyHeritage automatically cross-references your DNA matches with the family trees built by other users on their site . It provides chromosome browsers, shared match clustering (via integrated Genetic Affairs technology), and smart tree hints. You can explore this on the MyHeritage platform.
• 1. Ancestry : The industry giant for traditional paper/document trails. While its desktop companion software doesn’t pull in raw DNA match metrics, the Ancestry online ecosystem links your AncestryDNA results directly to your online family tree, giving you ThruLines—which automatically propose common ancestors based on your DNA matches and crowdsourced trees.

Best Desktop Software + Companion DNA Tools

If you prefer keeping your master family tree private and safe on your local computer via a desktop app, you can bridge the gap using companion utilities that process data downloaded from DNA sites:

• 1. RootsMagic : A phenomenal, feature-rich, one-time-purchase desktop program. While it doesn't ingest raw DNA match files directly into the software core, it allows you to record DNA test facts/notes for individuals and offers direct two-way syncing with massive online repositories like FamilySearch and Ancestry . You can check out the software details on RootsMagic.
• 1. Family Tree Maker (FTM) : The official partner software for Ancestry . It gives you the tightest desktop-to-cloud synchronization available for an Ancestry tree (pulling text, media, and source hints seamlessly), and lets you view/tag connected Ancestry DNA data pointers. More details are available via Family Tree Maker.
• 1. DNAGedcom / GDAT (Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool) : If you want true power, use a desktop database manager like Gramps or DNAGedcom Client . The DNAGedcom Client downloads your raw match data, segment data, and "In-Common-With" (ICW) lists from testing sites (like FTDNA and 23andMe) and allows specialized software like GDAT or GWorks to cluster, map chromosomes, and triangulate your DNA matches against your family tree files.

To help me point you to the exact right tool , could you tell me:

• Which company did you use to take your DNA test (Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, etc.)?
• Do you prefer an online cloud tree or a private desktop application running locally on your computer?

If you want genealogy software that syncs with online DNA databases, the best choice depends on which DNA service(s) you use. Here are the strongest options:

My top picks by situation

• You tested with AncestryDNA:
  Use Ancestry + Family Tree Maker. Family Tree Maker can synchronize a tree with Ancestry so changes can flow between the desktop tree and online tree.

• You tested with MyHeritage DNA or have European ancestry:
  Use MyHeritage + Family Tree Builder. It offers tree syncing, Smart Matches, and DNA match features.

• You have DNA tests from multiple companies:
  Consider RootsMagic or Legacy Family Tree as your master genealogy database, then upload/export GEDCOM files to different DNA services. GEDCOM is the common exchange format between genealogy programs.

• You want the most advanced genetic genealogy:
  A common setup is:

  1. Maintain your main tree in RootsMagic or Legacy
  2. Keep a synchronized copy on Ancestry or MyHeritage
  3. Use DNA match tools on AncestryDNA, MyHeritage DNA, and FamilyTreeDNA

A few questions would help narrow it down:

1. Which DNA database do you already use (AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA, FamilyTreeDNA, or several)?
2. Do you want desktop software (your files on your computer) or a cloud website?
3. Are you mainly researching U.S. ancestors, or international lines?

When looking for genealogy software that "syncs with online DNA databases," it helps to understand how the industry actually works: no standalone desktop software (like a program installed directly on your PC or Mac) can directly access, download, or sync raw DNA matching data from commercial labs like 23andMe or AncestryDNA.

Privacy regulations, proprietary algorithms, and massive server requirements mean DNA matching stays strictly within online platforms. However, you can get seamless syncing depending on whether you want a desktop application that syncs with online family trees (which are then linked to DNA results) or an all-in-one web platform that houses your tree and DNA together.

Top options and how they handle the bridge between family trees and DNA databases include:

• Family Tree Maker (FTM) : The premier desktop software choice if your primary DNA database is AncestryDNA . While it doesn’t process raw DNA files directly, it features a robust, official two-way sync with Ancestry.com. You build your tree offline or online, and it synchronizes names, facts, media, and source citations seamlessly with your online Ancestry tree (where your AncestryDNA results are linked).
• RootsMagic : Another top-tier desktop application (for Windows and Mac) that offers direct, two-way syncing with Ancestry and FamilySearch . It uses "WebHints" to pull matching records and hints from major platforms into your offline database, allowing you to manage your master tree locally while leveraging online connections.
• MyHeritage (Web & Family Tree Builder) : If you want an ecosystem where DNA and family history live under one roof, MyHeritage is a powerful option. You can build your tree on their platform or upload a GEDCOM file. More importantly, MyHeritage allows you to upload raw DNA data files downloaded from AncestryDNA or 23andMe directly into their database to find genetic matches there, combining your tree with their global matching tech.
• Gramps : A free, open-source offline desktop software that accommodates genetic genealogy through add-ons. It features a DNA Segment Map add-on where you can manually log segment data and chromosome browser results exported from databases like GEDmatch, FamilyTreeDNA, or MyHeritage.

To help narrow down the best fit, could you tell me:

• Which DNA database(s) you tested with (Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, etc.)?
• Do you prefer a desktop app installed on your computer or an online-based platform?

If by “syncs with online DNA databases” you mean you want your genealogy tree software to work alongside DNA-match databases, there are a few good choices—but they differ a lot in what “sync” means.

My top picks

MyHeritage is probably the closest match to what you're asking for. Its DNA Matching system can use DNA data from MyHeritage as well as uploaded results from 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, and AncestryDNA, and it connects those matches with family-tree information.

If you want a traditional genealogy program on your computer, I'd choose RootsMagic 11. It can synchronize your genealogy data with Ancestry and FamilySearch and can use online record hints from Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast. However, it doesn't directly synchronize your DNA matches with those services.

One important distinction

If you're looking for something that can pull DNA matches from multiple companies into one genealogy program, that's a much narrower requirement. Most major DNA companies deliberately keep their matching databases separate. MyHeritage, for example, allows DNA uploads from several providers, but that doesn't mean it imports the other company's entire live matching database.

If you tell me which DNA tests/databases you already use (e.g. AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA), I can recommend the best setup for combining them.

When looking for genealogy software that integrates with DNA, it is helpful to know that true direct syncing of raw DNA data (like chromosome data and match lists) into offline desktop software is rare due to privacy restrictions, file sizes, and proprietary company algorithms.

Instead, software generally handles DNA integration in one of three ways: syncing with an online tree that hosts your DNA matches (like Ancestry or MyHeritage), importing raw DNA match/segment data via third-party tools, or manually tracking genetic links.

The top software options with the closest ties to online DNA ecosystems include:

• Family Tree Maker (FTM) : Available through Software MacKiev , this is the premier desktop application for Ancestry users. It features a robust two-way sync with your online Ancestry tree. While it doesn't process raw DNA files locally, it seamlessly pulls in data, hints, and tags associated with your AncestryDNA matches once they are mapped to your online tree.
• MyHeritage Family Tree Builder / Online Platform: MyHeritage offers both downloadable desktop software and a robust online platform. If you test with MyHeritage DNA (or upload raw DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or FTDNA), the platform automatically cross-references your DNA matches with your family tree, utilizing a built-in chromosome browser and Smart Matching technology.
• RootsMagic : Available on the RootsMagic Official Website , this popular desktop software connects directly with Ancestry (via TreeShare) and FamilySearch . While it functions primarily as an offline database manager, its tight web-syncing capabilities allow you to coordinate your tree data with online profiles that have linked DNA results.
• Gramps : Available on the Gramps Project Website , this free, open-source desktop software supports autosomal DNA data management via community-created add-ons (like the DNA Segment Map). You can manually input or import segment data and match notes exported from matching utilities like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA.

To help narrow down the best choice, could you tell me:

• Which DNA testing company you used (AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, etc.)?
• Do you prefer a desktop program that runs locally on your computer or an online/cloud-based platform?