Reunion is a native, offline genealogy app for Mac and iPhone/iPad, made by Leister Productions and renowned for its charts, sold as a one-time purchase. AncestorOS is a browser-based platform that runs on any Mac — and any Windows PC, Chromebook, or phone — with nothing to install, adds Evidence Explained citation templates, and includes tools for running a genealogy practice. Choose Reunion for polished native Apple performance, offline use, and beautiful charts; choose AncestorOS to work across every device in a browser and to manage clients, projects, and billing.
Side by Side
Feature Comparison
Last updated: July 2026. Competitor prices and versions are as of 2026 and may change — check each vendor's site for current details.
Feature
AncestorOS
Reunion
Platform & Access
Platform
Web app — any browser
Native Mac + iOS (Apple only)
Nothing to installInstallable PWA, no download
✓
Download & install
Works offline
Needs internet
Fully offline
Cross-OS & devicesAny OS, in the browser
Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, mobile
Apple devices only
Records & DNA
Record hints / sync
No records or hints
None (offline, no sync)
DNA tools
Manual match log + shared-cM (no CSV import)
Minimal
Research & Citations
Source-citation system
14 Evidence Explained templates (Pro)
Custom source fields
Charts & reports
Ahnentafel fan chart (2x PNG)
Renowned charts & graphics
Ancestor map & migration lines
✓
Basic mapping
Research logs (Proof Standard)
✓
Notes & to-do
Photos & face tagging
✓
Multimedia
Duplicate detection
Soundex + Levenshtein
Merge tools
Professional / Practice Tools
Client management (CRM)
✓ (Pro)
✕
Invoicing & billing
✓ (Pro)
✕
Time tracking & expenses
✓ (Pro)
✕
Data & Pricing
GEDCOM import / export
Import + export (no source/media import)
GEDCOM 7.0 import/export
Data ownership
Export GEDCOM anytime
Local file you own
Price model
$15–$40 / mo subscription
One-time ~$99 (+$9.99 iOS), as of 2026
Free tier / trial
✕ — No free tier
Paid, one-time
Decision Guide
Which is right for you?
Choose AncestorOS if…
You want genealogy software that runs on any Mac — and any other device — in a browser, with nothing to install
You need your tree on Windows, Chromebooks, or Android too, not just Apple devices
You want built-in Evidence Explained citation templates (Pro)
You run a practice and need client management, invoicing, and time tracking
Choose Reunion if…
You're all-Apple and want a fast, native Mac and iOS app
Offline access to your family file is important to you
You want its celebrated, highly customizable charts and wall-chart output
You prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription
Questions
Frequently Asked
Reunion is a native genealogy app for Mac and iPhone/iPad, made by Leister Productions, that runs offline and is renowned for its charts, sold as a one-time purchase (approximately $99 as of 2026). AncestorOS is a browser-based platform that runs on any Mac — and any Windows PC, Chromebook, or phone — with nothing to install, and adds Evidence Explained citation templates and tools for running a genealogy practice. Reunion is Apple-only and offline; AncestorOS works anywhere there is a browser but needs an internet connection.
Yes. AncestorOS runs in Safari or any browser on any Mac with nothing to download, so it works on macOS the same way it does on Windows, Chromebooks, and phones. If you want a native Mac app that runs offline and is famous for its charts, Reunion is the classic choice. If you want your tree available on any device without installing anything, AncestorOS is a good Mac option.
It can be. AncestorOS is a strong alternative if you want cross-device access from any browser, built-in Evidence Explained citation templates, and business tools like invoicing and time tracking. It does not match Reunion's native Apple performance, offline use, or celebrated chart output. The comparison above lays out where each one wins.
Partly. Reunion can export a GEDCOM file, and AncestorOS imports GEDCOM 5.5.1 — exporting in the 5.5.1 format gives the most reliable import. People, relationships, names, and dates transfer. However, AncestorOS does not import sources or media embedded in a GEDCOM, so citations and photos attached in Reunion won't carry over automatically; you would re-add media in AncestorOS.
No. Reunion stores your family file locally and works fully offline on your Mac and iOS devices. AncestorOS runs in the browser and needs an internet connection; it is an installable PWA that can live on your home screen, but it is not a native offline app. If offline access is essential, Reunion has the advantage.
Reunion is renowned for its charts, and for large, highly customized wall charts it remains outstanding. AncestorOS offers an Ahnentafel fan chart with high-resolution (2x) PNG export, plus an ancestor map with birth-to-death migration lines. If elaborate chart design is your main goal, Reunion is stronger; if you want solid charts alongside citation and practice tools in the browser, AncestorOS is a good fit.
They use different models. Reunion is a one-time purchase of approximately $99 (as of 2026), with the ReunionTouch iOS companion around $9.99. AncestorOS is a subscription: $15/month or $150/year for Hobbyist, and $40/month or $400/year for Pro, with no free tier. Reunion can cost less over time; AncestorOS trades that for always-current, any-device access and, on Pro, business tools Reunion doesn't include.