Online Obituary Platforms: Side-by-Side Comparison and Key Differences

The landscape of how we remember our loved ones has undergone a seismic shift. Gone are the days when a short, expensive paragraph in a local newspaper was the only way to announce a passing. Today, online obituary platforms have transformed the traditional death notice into a dynamic, interactive legacy. As an end-of-life consultant, I have seen firsthand how a well-crafted digital obituary can bridge the gap between grief and community support, providing a central hub for memories that live on indefinitely.

Whether you are planning for the future or navigating a recent loss, the nuances of these digital tools is important to understand. Modern obituary websites offer everything from AI-assisted drafting to scannable QR codes for headstones, ensuring that a person’s story is never limited by the number of lines on a printed page.

The Evolution of the Digital Obituary

As of 2025, digital postings account for the vast majority of death notices. This transition is driven by more than just convenience; it is driven by engagement. Data shows that obituary pages typically draw five times more traffic than any other page on a funeral home’s website. Furthermore, detailed "long-form" tributes—those exceeding 500 words—generate double the engagement of short, factual listings.

In my work as a Death Doula, I often tell families that a digital memorial is a "living" document. Unlike print, which is static and final, an online obituary can be edited, expanded, and enriched with photos and videos as more people join the circle of mourning.

Side-by-Side Platform Comparison

With so many options available, choosing the right home for a loved one's legacy can feel overwhelming. Below is a comparison of the top online obituary platforms and memorial websites currently leading the industry.

1. Legacy.com: The Industry Giant

Legacy.com remains the most recognized name in the space, primarily due to its massive network of newspaper partners. If you want the obituary to appear in a local paper and automatically sync online, this is likely where it will land. Their new AI "ObitWriter" tool is particularly helpful for families who are struggling to find the right words during the initial shock of loss.

2. Memories.net: For the Visual Chronicler

If the deceased was a photographer, a traveler, or someone with a vast library of images, Memories.net is a top choice. Their "Living Timeline" allows you to organize memories chronologically, creating a narrative that spans a lifetime rather than just focusing on the end.

3. Keeper (MyKeeper): Bridging Physical and Digital

Keeper excels at connecting the physical gravesite to the digital world. By using QR Code Memorials, visitors at a cemetery can scan a code on a headstone and instantly see a gallery of the person’s life. It also offers mobile navigation to help family members find specific plots in large cemeteries.

4. GatheringUs: The Coordination Hub

In the post-2020 era, virtual or hybrid services have become a staple. GatheringUs is designed for coordination. It includes RSVP tracking for services and integrated crowdfunding tools to help families manage unexpected funeral costs.

5. Ever Loved: The Free Powerhouse

Ever Loved has quickly become one of the most popular free obituary platforms. Unlike many competitors that restrict key features behind a paywall, Ever Loved offers free obituary creation, memorial pages, event coordination, and integrated fundraising. The platform also connects directly with funeral homes, allowing families to receive and compare quotes from local providers. For families on a tight budget, Ever Loved is often the strongest starting point.

6. Tributes.com: The Newspaper Bridge

Tributes.com operates as an aggregation platform, pulling in obituaries from thousands of newspapers and funeral homes across North America. Its strength lies in searchability—if you are trying to find the obituary of a distant relative or former colleague, Tributes.com is often the fastest way to locate it. The platform also provides links to send flowers or make charitable donations directly from the obituary page.

7. Echovita: The Directory Approach

Echovita functions as a large-scale obituary directory that partners with funeral homes to publish death notices for free. The platform is particularly useful for families who want to ensure maximum visibility without paying newspaper listing fees. Echovita also provides a searchable database of funeral homes by location, which can help families in the early stages of planning.

8. Murial: The Modern Memorial

Murial takes a design-forward approach to digital memorials, offering polished memorial websites that include shareable QR codes and the option to create printed photobooks from uploaded content. This blend of digital and physical keepsakes makes Murial an appealing choice for families who want both an online presence and a tangible item to hold onto.

Funeral Home Integration Features

Many of the platforms above now offer direct funeral home integration, a feature worth considering if you want a seamless experience. Legacy.com and Tributes.com both sync directly with funeral home management software, meaning the obituary your funeral director helps you draft can appear online within minutes. Ever Loved takes a different approach by allowing families to request quotes from local funeral homes through their platform, effectively turning the obituary process into a one-stop coordination hub. If you are working with a funeral director, ask which platforms they support before committing to one.

Best Free Online Obituary Platforms

If cost is a concern, several platforms offer robust free tiers that may be all you need. Here is a closer look at the best options that will not require you to spend a penny.

Ever Loved stands out as the strongest free option in 2026. You can create a full obituary page with unlimited photos, organize memorial events, set up a fundraiser for funeral expenses, and share the page with a custom link—all for free. The premium tier adds features like ad removal and a custom domain, but most families will find the free version more than sufficient.

Echovita allows families and funeral homes to post obituaries at no cost, making it a valuable option if your primary goal is getting the notice in front of as many eyes as possible. The platform earns revenue through floral delivery partnerships rather than charging for listings.

GatheringUs offers free memorial page creation and RSVP coordination. While some advanced features carry platform fees, the basic toolset for creating and sharing an obituary is entirely free. This is a solid choice if you are also planning a virtual or hybrid service.

Keeper (MyKeeper) provides a free basic tier that includes a memorial page and gravesite mapping. Upgrading to the paid tier unlocks QR code integration and enhanced photo galleries, but the free version works well for a simple, dignified online tribute.

Forever Missed offers a limited free memorial that includes a basic tribute page. While many of the customization templates require a paid subscription, the free tier is a reasonable starting point for families testing the waters.

For those who need to crowdfund funeral expenses, Ever Loved and GatheringUs both integrate fundraising tools directly into the obituary page, removing the need to set up a separate campaign on a platform like GoFundMe.

How to Choose the Right Obituary Platform

With so many platforms available, narrowing down the right one can feel overwhelming. Use the following criteria to guide your decision:

• Budget: Determine whether you need a free platform or are willing to invest in premium features. For most families, a free platform like Ever Loved will cover the essentials.
• Reach: If the deceased had a wide social circle or you need the obituary to appear in a specific newspaper, prioritize platforms with newspaper partnerships like Legacy.com or Tributes.com.
• Media Needs: For photo-heavy tributes or video integration, Memories.net and Murial offer the most polished visual experience.
• Physical Integration: If you plan to use QR codes on a headstone, Keeper is the clear leader in connecting physical memorials with digital content.
• Coordination Features: If you are organizing a service and need RSVP tracking, fundraising, or virtual attendance links, GatheringUs and Ever Loved provide the most comprehensive event tools.
• Longevity: Consider how long you want the memorial to remain online. Platforms offering "lifetime" hosting for a one-time fee provide the best long-term value. Ask whether "lifetime" refers to the lifetime of the subscriber or the lifetime of the company.
• Privacy Controls: If you prefer a private memorial shared only with close family, check that the platform offers password protection or invite-only access.
• Mobile Experience: With over 75% of visitors accessing obituaries from a phone, ensure the platform you choose renders well on mobile. Platforms with dedicated mobile apps (Memories.net and Keeper) offer the smoothest experience.
• Funeral Home Compatibility: If your funeral home already partners with a specific platform, using that platform can streamline the process and avoid duplication of effort.

Recent Trends in Digital Memorialization (2025-2026)

The world of online obituaries is moving toward high-tech, interactive experiences. We are no longer just reading about someone; we are interacting with their legacy.

AI-Assisted Drafting

The rise of Generative AI has made it easier for grieving families to move past "blank page syndrome." In 2025, roughly 52% of users specifically requested a "heartfelt" tone from AI writing assistants. These tools can take basic facts (birthplace, career, hobbies) and weave them into a narrative that sounds personal and polished.

AI Moderation and Security

One of the biggest fears families have is "trolling" or spam in guestbooks. Top-tier platforms now utilize AI moderation to screen every comment before it goes live. This ensures the digital space remains a sanctuary for grief rather than a target for internet bots.

Media Integration

New partnerships are now allowing digital obituaries to be broadcast on local television station websites and apps. This expands the reach of the notice to people who may have moved away from the local area but still follow local news.

Best Practices for Creating a Digital Legacy

As a Death Doula, I recommend focusing on the essence of the person rather than just their resume. Here is how to make an online obituary truly impactful:

• Write for Life, Not Death: Instead of a dry list of achievements, include "quirks and passions." Did they have a secret recipe for chili? Did they always wear mismatched socks? These details are what people remember and cherish.
• Optimize for Search: If you are a funeral director or a family member hosting the obituary on a private site, ensure the full name and city are in the title. This helps distant friends find the page via Google.
• Encourage Collaboration: Don’t be the sole author. Platforms like Kudoboard allow dozens of people to upload their own photos and stories, creating a "multi-faceted portrait" that a single writer could never achieve alone.
• Maintain Timeline Security: It is often best to wait 24 to 48 hours after a death before publishing the obituary online. This gives you time to notify immediate family privately and prevents them from finding out via social media.

Bottom line: Obituaries that include a "call to action"—such as sharing a specific memory or donating to a favorite charity—see 40% higher return visitor rates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In the rush to get information out, many families make critical errors that can lead to long-term issues.

1. The "Safety" Oversight

The Mistake: Including the deceased’s exact home address or their mother’s maiden name. The Risk: Criminals monitor online obituary platforms to identify "funeral burglaries" (robbing a house while the family is at the service). Additionally, details like a mother’s maiden name are common security questions for bank accounts, making the deceased a prime target for identity theft.

2. The "Cliché" Trap

Phrases like "gone but not forgotten" or "after a courageous battle" are well-meaning but often feel like fillers. Try to replace these with specific anecdotes. Instead of "he loved nature," try "he spent every Saturday morning at the local trailhead, even when it was raining."

3. Ignoring the Mobile Experience

Over 75% of traffic to online obituaries comes from mobile devices. If you simply upload a PDF of a printed newspaper clipping, it will be nearly impossible to read on a smartphone. Always use a platform that offers a mobile-responsive web page.

4. Thinking it’s "Only for the Young"

A common misconception is that digital memorials are for Gen Z or Millennials. In reality, the 50+ age group is the largest consumer of this content. They use these platforms to coordinate travel, share memories, and process their grief within their social circles.

Security and Longevity: Is it Permanent?

One of the most frequent questions I receive is whether these sites will stay up forever.

• Lifetime Hosting: Platforms like Memories and Keeper offer "lifetime" hosting for a one-time fee. This is generally the safest bet for long-term preservation.
• Newspaper Archives: Sites like Legacy.com are often tied to newspaper subscriptions. While the obituary may remain searchable, some features (like guestbooks) may require a renewal fee after the first year.
• Privacy Controls: If you are concerned about privacy, most modern platforms allow you to set the memorial to "Private" or "Invite-Only." This is a great way to manage Managing Deceased Social Media accounts alongside a private memorial site.

Conclusion

Choosing between various online obituary platforms is a personal decision that should reflect the personality of the person you are honoring. Whether you choose the massive reach of Legacy.com or the interactive, physical-digital hybrid of MyKeeper, the goal remains the same: to create a space where a legacy can flourish.

By avoiding common security pitfalls and leaning into the collaborative nature of digital tools, you can transform a moment of loss into a lasting tribute. Remember, a digital memorial isn't just about recording a death—it's about celebrating a life that continues to influence the world through the stories we share.

If you are looking for more ways to manage a digital legacy, you may want to explore Apple Legacy Contact or learn about Digital Death Certificate Services to streamline the administrative side of loss.

What matters: Creating a digital memorial provides a central location for global family members to grieve together, ensuring that no one has to mourn in isolation.