23andMe vs. MyHeritage: Expert Review and Comparison

Have you taken a DNA test already? Here’s how you can download your raw DNA data files from 23andMe, Ancestry, and MyHeritage so that you can upload them to sites like Genomelink and get more value from the same DNA test.‍

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Comparing Two Leading Services for Genetic Insights and Family History

Are you choosing between 23andMe and MyHeritage for your DNA test? You’re not the only one. Both companies are popular worldwide. Each helps you explore your ethnic roots, connect with distant relatives, and build a detailed family tree.

• 23andMe stands out for its health reports, along with many ancestry features.
• MyHeritage is known for its global record collection, creative photo tools, and budget-friendly pricing.

In this post, you’ll see a side-by-side comparison of both services. We’ll also share findings from our “Landscape of DNA Test 2025” survey. It covers user satisfaction, top reasons for choosing each test, and overall recommendations. By the end, you’ll know which DNA service fits your goals—whether you want health details, deeper family roots, or both.

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1. Introduction: Why Get a DNA Test?

DNA testing is more popular than ever. It helps you learn about your ethnic background in detail and discover relatives you didn’t know you had. Many companies also include health features, such as insights into disease risks and inherited conditions.

• 23andMe merges ancestry with extensive health information.
• MyHeritage focuses on genealogy, aided by a huge global database and AI photo tools.

If you’re feeling unsure, keep reading. You’ll soon see which service matches your priorities.

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2. Quick Overview: 23andMe vs. MyHeritage

23andMe at a Glance

• Services: Health and ancestry testing.
• Ethnicity Detail: 3,500+ regions. Also shows Neanderthal DNA and your maternal/paternal haplogroups.
• Health Focus: Health risk reports, carrier conditions, and some FDA-approved tests.
• Prices: Multiple tiers—Ancestry, Health + Ancestry, and premium plans.
• Genealogy Extras: DNA Relative Finder, optional Family Tree, plus record access in top-tier memberships.

MyHeritage at a Glance

• Platform: DNA testing, family tree building, and 33.3 billion worldwide records.
• Ethnicity Detail: 2,114 global regions for detailed ancestral origins.
• Photo Enhancements: Restore, colorize, and even animate old photos.
• Subscription Plans: Premium, PremiumPlus, Data, Complete, Omni. Each offers different record access and tree features.
• DNA Kit: Often more affordable than other brands, especially during sales.

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3. Main Differences

Here’s a quick snapshot of how they compare:

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4. Prices and Overall Value

23andMe

1. Ancestry Service ($99, sometimes $79 on sale)
   
   • 80+ reports
   • 3,500+ global regions
   • DNA Relative Finder & basic Family Tree
   • Option to add health features later
2. Health + Ancestry ($199, sometimes $99)
   
   • Everything in Ancestry
   • 150+ reports
   • Includes health risks, carrier conditions, and wellness data
3. 23andMe+ Premium ($268, often $129 first year)
   
   • All Ancestry + Health features
   • Extra health risk reports & medication response info
   • Historical archives (premium)
4. 23andMe+ Total Health ($999, often $499 first year)
   
   • All premium features
   • Deeper gene sequencing
   • Twice-yearly blood tests
   • Biological age tracking

Membership renewals range from $69/year to $499/year based on the plan.

MyHeritage

• DNA Kit: Usually $89 but often on sale for $39.
• Subscription Plans:
  
  • Premium ($49 first year): Tree up to 2,500 people, extra genealogy features.
  • PremiumPlus ($89 first year): Unlimited tree size, more advanced records.
  • Data ($89 first year): Tree up to 250 people, full record access.
  • Complete ($119 first year): Unlimited tree size plus all records.
  • Omni ($149 first year): The most comprehensive plan with a higher renewal rate.

Shipping fees may apply if you buy only one kit. Subscriptions renew at a higher, normal price. If you’re on a tight budget, MyHeritage often has great sales.

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5. Ethnicity Details and Genealogy Tools

23andMe

• Ethnicity: Over 3,500 regions, sometimes down to 0.1%.
• Haplogroups: Everyone sees a maternal haplogroup; males get paternal too.
• Neanderthal DNA: Learn how much ancient DNA you have.
• Family Tree: Shows your genetic connections. Higher tiers add some record searches.

Genealogy Benefit

You can match with other 23andMe users who share parts of your DNA. This can help you form new family ties or learn about unknown branches of your tree. While 23andMe lacks a massive archive of historical documents, it still offers unique ancestry insights.

MyHeritage

• 2,114 Global Regions: Strong emphasis on European, Middle Eastern, and worldwide ancestry details.
• Historical Records: 33.3 billion records, such as censuses and birth/marriage/death certificates.
• Family Tree Building: Start a free tree, then upgrade if you need a bigger capacity or advanced records.
• Photo Tools: Colorize and animate old photos, or create “DeepStory” videos to bring ancestors to life.

Genealogy Benefit

MyHeritage is great for anyone with roots in multiple countries. You can also use the Consistency Checker to clean up tree errors and invite family members to help manage the tree.

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6. Health Reports

23andMe

• Health Risks: Diabetes, certain breast cancers (BRCA), Parkinson’s, and more.
• Carrier Conditions: Check for 45+ inherited conditions, like Cystic Fibrosis.
• Wellness: Muscle structure, weight tendencies, caffeine response, etc.
• Medication Response: Available in premium plans.
• FDA Approval: Several of these reports meet strict U.S. standards for safety.

MyHeritage

• Health+Ancestry: Covers about 27 conditions and some carrier details.
• Not FDA-Approved: Less extensive than 23andMe.
• Focus: MyHeritage primarily centers on ancestry, so it may not be best if you want deeper health data.

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7. Finding DNA Relatives

23andMe

• DNA Relatives: Opt in to see genetic cousins and contact them if you wish.
• Family Connections: Many users reconnect with lost or unknown relatives.
• Basic Family Tree Suggestions: 23andMe tries to form a rough tree based on shared segments.

MyHeritage

• DNA Matches: Alerts you to potential relatives who share DNA.
• International Base: Especially strong in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions outside the U.S.
• AutoClusters: Groups your matches into likely branches to speed up research.

23andMe has more total users, but MyHeritage’s worldwide focus is great if your family came from various countries.

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8. Survey Results: Satisfaction and Recommendations

Our “Landscape of DNA Test 2025” survey polled 1,123 participants:

• 387 had tried 23andMe.
• 345 had tried MyHeritage.

8.1 Overall Satisfaction

• 23andMe: 62% gave a 9 or 10 out of 10.
• MyHeritage: 62% gave a 9 or 10 out of 10.

Both tied at 62%.

8.2 Satisfaction by Purpose

• Genealogical Research: 23andMe at 61%, MyHeritage at 46%.
• Ethnicity & Origins: Both at 59%.
• Connecting with Relatives: 23andMe at 57%, MyHeritage at 58%.
• Health & Traits: Both at 61%.

8.3 Overall Recommendation

• 23andMe: 53.5% would recommend it.
• MyHeritage: 31.3% would recommend it.

They scored the same for overall satisfaction but differ in how many users recommend them to others.

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9. Why People Recommend 23andMe

A text analysis of 105 responses showed five main reasons:

1. Detail & Accuracy (28%)
   
   • Haplogroups, frequent updates, and precise data.
2. Health Insights (22%)
   
   • Disease risks, carrier conditions, and traits.
3. Ancestry Features (19%)
   
   • Ethnicity breakdowns, timelines, and mapping tools.
4. Family Connections (12%)
   
   • Found new or unknown relatives.
5. Ease of Use (11%)
   
   • Clear layout and navigation.

The biggest draw is the depth of information, with health reports as a close second.

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10. Why People Recommend MyHeritage

From 105 open-ended responses, the top five themes:

1. Accurate Ethnicity (31%)
   
   • Detailed and reliable region mapping.
2. Easy to Use (21%)
   
   • Simple, friendly platform.
3. Many Matches (20%)
   
   • Large global user base, especially in Europe.
4. Genealogy Tools (14%)
   
   • Strong record search, photo enhancements, and solid tree-building.
5. Low Cost (13%)
   
   • Affordable kits and frequent deals.

If you want a low-cost service with robust family-history tools, MyHeritage may be your best bet.

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11. Sample Collection and Turnaround Time

23andMe

• Sample: Saliva tube.
• Timeframe: About 3–5 weeks after your kit reaches the lab.
• Results: Delivered online once processing is done.

MyHeritage

• Sample: Cheek swab, which some find easier than saliva.
• Timeframe: Typically 3–4 weeks, sometimes 6–8 if you live far from the lab.
• Free Upload: If you tested with another service, you can upload your raw data for free.

Both aim to have results ready in about a month, but shipping can add extra time.

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12. Privacy and Data Protection

23andMe

• Consent: You can opt in or out of research use. Data is usually shared only in large, anonymous groups.
• Law Enforcement: Will not share data unless legally required.
• Security: Two-factor login and deletion options for your data.

MyHeritage

• GDPR Compliance: Based in Israel, which follows strong EU privacy rules.
• Past Incident (2018): Emails and passwords (hashed) were breached, but no DNA data. The company enforced password resets and now offers two-factor login.
• Policy: Will not share data with insurers or employers. Requires legal requests to give anything to law enforcement.

Both companies protect your data and let you delete or hide it as you wish.

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13. Deciding Which Is Best for You

Pick 23andMe if you:

• Want more health insights, including disease risks and carrier conditions.
• Like the idea of FDA-approved health reports.
• Enjoy extras like Neanderthal DNA and haplogroups.

Pick MyHeritage if you:

• Focus on family history and need global records or advanced photo tools.
• Want a cheaper DNA kit, often on sale for $39.
• Prefer user-friendly features for building a huge family tree.

Survey Note: Both earned 62% overall satisfaction, but 23andMe had a higher recommendation rate (53.5% vs. 31.3%).

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14. Conclusion and Next Steps

When comparing 23andMe and MyHeritage, think about what you value most.

• 23andMe integrates health and ancestry, with FDA-cleared reports and extra features (like Neanderthal DNA).
• MyHeritage offers a global genealogy experience, budget-friendly deals, and helpful photo tools.

Either choice helps you:

• See Ethnicity: Learn where your ancestors lived.
• Meet Relatives: Match with genetic cousins worldwide.
• Grow Your Tree: Use modern tools to expand your family history.
• Explore Your Story: Embrace your cultural background and, if you wish, learn about your health.