Comparison Table
For the purpose of this comparison I have chosen to compare the Ancestry Premium subscription with the Findmypast Explorer.| Description | Ancestry | Findmypast |
|---|---|---|
| Full English Censuses | NO | YES |
| Complete BMD's | YES | YES* |
| Family Trees | YES | YES |
| Parish Records | YES | YES |
| Irish Records | YES | NO |
| Scottish Records | YES** | NO+ |
| Full WW1 Records | YES | NO |
| Other UK Military Records | NO | YES |
| Complete Eng. Emigration Records | NO | YES |
| Annual Cost UKPs++ | £107.40++ | £149.90*** |
Notes
Ancestry does not include the 1911 census
* Not directly searchable before 1984
** transcript only
+ Scotlands People is a sister site to Findmypast
++ Ancestry Essentials subscription at £84.40 excludes Parish and Irish Records
*** Findmypast Explorer costs £89.95 but excludes the 1911 census (available [you've guessed!] at £59.95/annum)
Both companies offer vouchers, but, as might be expected, comparison is not easy! Ancestry offer 12 record views for £6.95. valid 14 days, and Findmypast 60 credits also at £6.95 valid 90 days. It should be noted that to view a Findmypast image usually costs up to 10 credits, although the top rate is for the 1911 census - 10 credits to view the transcript, but a massive 30 credits to view the image!
I know that the above will not answer the question as to which is the most appropriate, and it is clear that the choice will depend on your particular circumstances. It seems that it would be best to take out a subscription with the company which has the majority of searches which you will need, and buy vouchers for the other - but note Ancestry's very short life-span.
The assessments which I have given are based on my own use of these sites, rather than on the owners' blurbs, and I have only included their major databases. Both sites have other data of more specialist interest.
© Ron Ferguson 2009
