AncestryDNA 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.
Learn how these two DNA testing kits can help you explore your heritage, connect with relatives, and build a detailed family tree.
1. Introduction: Why Compare AncestryDNA vs MyHeritage?
If you want to explore your family’s past, locate distant relatives, or confirm a rumored ancestral connection, AncestryDNA and MyHeritage are two of the most popular DNA testing options. Both services provide user-friendly tools and a variety of resources to help you dig deeper into your family’s story.
These companies focus on autosomal DNA, which can reveal your ethnic mix and connect you with individuals who share parts of your genetic makeup. They also offer important extras:
- AncestryDNA: Ties into a vast record collection—especially helpful for people interested in United States history.
- MyHeritage: Has an especially strong international audience and competitive pricing.
By comparing these two leading tests, you’ll learn where each one shines and how they fit into your 2025 research goals.
2. Overview of Key Features
Below is a quick look at the main offerings from both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage.
AncestryDNA
- Tests your autosomal DNA across ~1,500 regions.
- Integrates with a large number of U.S. historical documents (e.g., Freedmen’s Bureau records, the 1950 U.S. Census).
- Strong network of existing users, providing many DNA match possibilities.
- Offers add-ons like “Traits,” which can give basic insights into physical features (such as hair texture).
MyHeritage
- Uses a simple cheek swab for autosomal DNA testing.
- Analyzes your ancestry in 2,114 global regions.
- Provides advanced photo tools, including color enhancement and picture animation features.
- Often more cost-effective than other services—especially during sale periods.
3. Pricing and Membership Plans
Below is a summary of how each service charges for its DNA kit and membership options.
AncestryDNA
Note: An active subscription is often needed to see extended historical documents or advanced insights. Prices listed may vary based on promos or bundle deals.
MyHeritage
Note: Shipping fees may apply for single DNA kits. Subscriptions renew annually unless canceled, and renewal rates often differ from first-year promotional pricing.
4. Ethnicity Estimates and Reference Panels
Both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage match your DNA to different population groups around the world:
- AncestryDNA: Covers about 1,500 regions. Known for frequent updates that refine your ethnic breakdown, especially for North America and Europe.
- MyHeritage: Boasts 2,114 regions, with a strong focus on European and Middle Eastern populations. Many users find its European breakdowns especially detailed.
As reference panels expand, you might see new details about your background or changes to your existing estimates. In both cases, these updates are free and happen automatically.
5. Family History Advantages
AncestryDNA
- U.S. Historical Records: Integrates with a wide range of American records, including Freedmen’s Bureau archives and census returns from 1790 to 1950.
- Hint System: Offers “shaky leaf” hints that link your DNA matches or listed ancestors to official documents and other member trees.
- Collaborative Trees: Let you work with family members to expand your shared lineage.
MyHeritage
- Worldwide Focus: Especially helpful if you have ancestors from various parts of Europe or the Middle East.
- Photo Tools: Enhance and animate old photographs, adding a creative way to preserve and share your family’s story.
- Free Data Uploads: If you’ve already tested with another service, you can upload your raw DNA data at no charge. This feature can broaden your chance of finding new relatives.
6. Recent Updates and Enhancements
- AncestryDNA recently added more specialized breakdowns for certain regions in Africa, Europe, and North America. They also launched features like “DNA by Parent,” which divides your ethnicity results by maternal and paternal lines (if you’ve opted in).
- MyHeritage continues to refine its photo enhancement tools, adding advanced facial animation and an updated “DeepStory” feature. These extras allow you to create short narrative videos about ancestors, complete with still images and short scripts.
By offering these updates, both services keep your DNA results relevant and interesting over time.
7. Survey Insights: Which Is the Best DNA Test?
Between January and February 2025, our “Landscape of DNA Tests” survey polled over 1,100 participants. It covered AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, and 23andMe. Below, we focus on AncestryDNA and MyHeritage.
Overall Recommendation
- AncestryDNA: 68.2%
- MyHeritage: 31.3%
Although MyHeritage has a lower overall recommendation percentage, many users appreciate its lower cost and robust international matching. Meanwhile, AncestryDNA leads in overall satisfaction for family history, partly due to its large user base and broad U.S. records.
8. Why Users Recommend AncestryDNA
From open-ended survey responses, here are key reasons people love AncestryDNA:
- Large Database & DNA Matches (45%)
- A huge community means a better chance of finding relatives.
- Ease of Use (35%)
- Users praise its simple instructions and clear website.
- Detailed Ethnicity & Accuracy (25%)
- Frequent updates refine your ethnic estimate.
- Integration with Family History Research (23%)
- Easy to connect matches with historical documents and official hints.
9. Why Users Recommend MyHeritage
Similarly, MyHeritage gets high marks for:
- Accurate Ethnicity (31%)
- Especially strong details for European regions.
- Easy Interface (21%)
- Quick cheek swab, smooth dashboard.
- Big Global Network (20%)
- Helpful for users seeking relatives in other countries.
- Family History Tools (14%)
- Includes AI-based features like photo animations and easy data uploads.
- Lower Cost (13%)
- Many sale offers drop the price of the kit to $39 or below.
10. Privacy and Security
Both companies stress the importance of safeguarding your information and DNA sample.
AncestryDNA
- Data Sharing: Only shares DNA data when required by a valid legal process.
- Data Control: Lets you download and delete your raw data if you wish.
- Security Track Record: No major data breaches have been reported so far.
MyHeritage
- Previous Incident (2018): Hackers accessed hashed passwords, but no DNA files were compromised.
- Regulations: Based in Israel, so it follows many European Union–style privacy guidelines.
- User Control: You can remove your data or request destruction of your physical sample at any time.
No matter which service you choose, you can decide how much personal info to share with potential DNA matches. You can also opt out of matching altogether if you want complete privacy.
11. Side-by-Side Comparison Tables
11.1 Feature Overview
11.2 Satisfaction (By Purpose)
12. Which One Should You Choose?
It largely depends on your priorities:
- Looking for U.S. History Resources: AncestryDNA offers an extensive collection of American records and has a huge user database.
- Budget-Friendly & International Focus: MyHeritage often runs great sales and has a strong presence in Europe and the Middle East, which can boost your chances of finding relatives abroad.
- Seeking the Largest User Network: AncestryDNA generally has more total users, which could lead to more DNA matches.
- Creative Photo Features: MyHeritage stands out with its AI-based photo enhancements, animations, and “DeepStory” videos.
Some family researchers even test with one service and upload their raw data to the other. This approach offers the best of both worlds: a larger pool of potential matches and specialized features from each platform.
13. Call to Action
Ready to get started on your family history journey? Here are two easy ways to begin:
- Order AncestryDNA:
- Ideal if you want a massive American record library and a big user community.
- Explore Freedmen’s Bureau documents, the 1950 U.S. Census, and more.
- Straightforward kit process with frequent sales and subscription bundles.
- Order MyHeritage:
- A great option if you need a lower-cost kit and more European or Middle Eastern matches.
- Enjoy fun photo-enhancement tools to bring old family pictures to life.
- Quick cheek swab makes the test collection process simple.
No matter which one you pick, you’ll gain insights into your family’s origins and have a chance to connect with distant relatives. Order your DNA testing kit today, follow the clear instructions, and unlock a fascinating new perspective on your heritage. You never know what surprises might be waiting in your genetic story!
Additional Tips
- Consider adding reference images or screenshots to illustrate how ethnicity breakdowns look. Visual aids can make your content more engaging.
- Add direct links to AncestryDNA and MyHeritage to help readers jump straight to purchase options or read more about each service.
- If you want to keep your data in one place but still enjoy extra matches, think about uploading your raw data file from one service to the other (if allowed).
By choosing one—or both—of these kits, you’ll take a big step toward discovering the story of your ancestors, exploring your cultural background, and building a stronger family tree for generations to come. Happy researching!
