MyHeritage vs Ancestry [2025]: Which DNA Test Reveals More About Your Family?
Your choice between My Heritage site and Ancestry DNA tests can make a big difference in what you learn about your family history. These services help you understand your genetic makeup, but they work differently. AncestryDNA leads the industry with over 22 million DNA samples, while MyHeritage has 9 million. The size of these databases matters because more samples mean better chances of finding relatives.
Results come faster with MyHeritage - you'll get them in 4 weeks. AncestryDNA takes longer at 6 to 8 weeks. The tests also differ in their ethnic region coverage. AncestryDNA analyzes over 2,600 regions and MyHeritage covers 2,114. Budget-conscious users might prefer MyHeritage's DNA kits, which often sell for as low as $39 during sales. MyHeritage has a larger subscriber base with 104 million users compared to AncestryDNA's 3 million. The satisfaction rates tell a different story though - 68.2% of users are happy with AncestryDNA, while MyHeritage scores 31.3%. This detailed comparison will help you pick the DNA test that best uncovers your family's story.
DNA Test Types and Sample Collection
My Heritage site and Ancestry have key differences in how they collect your DNA. Their unique approaches affect everything from how you give your sample to how long you wait for results.
Sample Method: Cheek Swab vs Saliva Tube
MyHeritage uses a cheek swab method. You rub a cotton swab against your inner cheek to collect cells with your DNA. The cotton swab picks up these cells easily and gives enough genetic material without any invasive steps.
Ancestry takes a different approach. You get a tube that you fill with saliva up to a marked line. The tube's cap has a special liquid that keeps your DNA safe while it travels to their lab.
Both methods work well to collect DNA samples. The main difference lies in how you experience the collection process.
Ease of Use: Swabbing vs Spitting
The cheek swab from MyHeritage takes about a minute. You rotate the swab against your inner cheek and break it at a marked line before placing it in a vial with preservative liquid. Most people find this quick and simple.
Ancestry's method asks you to fill their tube with saliva. This can be tricky for some people:
Older adults might struggle to produce enough saliva
Kids often can't spit when asked
People with dry mouth face extra challenges
A reviewer points out: "While this may seem straightforward at first glance, users experiencing dry mouth and similar conditions may find it difficult to produce sufficient saliva".
Both tests ask you to skip eating, drinking, chewing gum, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before collecting your sample. This keeps your genetic material pure and makes the test more accurate.
MyHeritage makes you pay for return postage, unlike Ancestry which covers shipping costs. This adds extra cost and hassle to MyHeritage's process.
Turnaround Time: 3–4 Weeks vs 6–8 Weeks
Each service takes different time to give you results:
MyHeritage says you'll get results within 3-4 weeks after they receive your sample
Ancestry tells you to wait 6-8 weeks
Real customers tell different stories. One MyHeritage user shared: "I sent in 5 kits in the last 15 months. The lab took between 2 weeks for the fastest and 7 weeks for the slowest. On top of that, it took 3-4 weeks to get results".
Both companies often deliver faster than they promise. A reviewer got results from both in about two weeks. These official timeframes seem to be maximum estimates rather than typical wait times.
MyHeritage usually gives faster results, but busy seasons can slow down both services.
Ethnicity Estimates and Regional Accuracy
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DNA testing reveals your ancestors' geographic origins through ethnicity estimates. MyHeritage and Ancestry both provide these results, but their approaches, accuracy, and detail levels differ.
Number of Regions: 2,114 vs 2,600+
Raw numbers show Ancestry has an edge over MyHeritage in regional specificity. MyHeritage maps your heritage across 2,114 geographic regions, while Ancestry now covers over 2,600 regions. This difference matters a lot to people who want detailed insights into their ancestry.
Your DNA results from Ancestry might show more specific regional connections, especially with North American roots. MyHeritage tests your DNA against 42 ethnicities across its regions, and Ancestry examines 88 distinct populations. People seeking the most detailed geographical breakdown available will find Ancestry's regional analysis slightly more comprehensive.
A user explained it well: "The more regions a company analyzes, the more specific your ethnicity results can be—though this depends greatly on your specific ancestry and the company's reference panel strengths."
Reference Panels: European vs North American Strengths
Reference panels form the foundation of ethnicity estimates. These panels contain DNA samples from people with deep regional roots. Each company takes a different approach and shows distinct strengths.
MyHeritage built its reference panel through the Founder Population Project, which selected more than 5,000 people from millions of users. Their panel shows excellent results with European and Middle Eastern populations. The latest update lets MyHeritage identify 15 different Jewish ethnicities—five times more than most competitors.
MyHeritage can identify unique ethnicities such as:
Armenian (unique to MyHeritage)
Persian
Punjabi
Detailed Scandinavian breakdown (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish)
Ancestry uses its massive database of 25 million DNA records, while MyHeritage has 8 million. This larger sample size helps Ancestry excel at North American population analysis.
An expert puts it this way: "The accuracy and detail of an ethnicity estimate are limited by the quality and quantity of the training samples. The more people of a given origin have taken a DNA test, the more information we have on the genetic markers that characterize that population".
Update Frequency and Algorithm Improvements
These companies keep refining their ethnicity estimates. MyHeritage made big changes recently. Their Ethnicity Estimate v2.5 launched in early 2025 after two years of research, and nearly doubled the identified ethnicities from 42 to 79.
European origins analysis got stronger with this update, as 24 of the percentage-based ethnicities are European. Broad categories now show more precise results:
"Scandinavian" breaks down into specific Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish percentages
"North and Western European" separates into French, Germanic, and Dutch
Ancestry keeps updating its estimates too. They've fixed previous issues like overestimated Scandinavian ancestry and refined their regions. Your results improve automatically when new algorithms roll out, at no extra cost.
Remember that ethnicity estimates remain exactly that—estimates. Results will keep getting better as reference populations grow and algorithms improve, but perfect precision might always be out of reach.
DNA Matching and Database Size
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DNA testing excels at connecting genetic relatives. The size of a testing company's database plays a crucial role in your chances to find family connections. Ancestry and MyHeritage show a notable difference in user numbers that affects your potential matches.
User Base: 25 Million vs 8 Million
The gap between these DNA testing giants tells an interesting story. Ancestry has about 25 million DNA samples while MyHeritage holds around 8 million. Users of Ancestry can access three times more potential relatives.
Raw numbers don't tell the whole story - geographic distribution matters too. Ancestry leads the American market, which makes it the best choice for families with U.S. roots. MyHeritage has gained more popularity across Europe. One expert puts it this way: "MyHeritage is the prevalent service in regions such as Europe, so it may be a better option for some users despite the smaller database."
Your ancestors' origins should guide your choice between these services. People with European ancestry might find better connections on MyHeritage, even with its smaller database.
Match Accuracy and Relationship Predictions
These platforms use centiMorgans (cMs) to predict relationships. A higher shared cM count indicates a closer relationship. Each service displays matches uniquely:
Ancestry: Lists matches from closest to most distant, shows relationship predictions, shared cM amount, and shared segments
MyHeritage: Provides all these details plus largest segment information and chromosome browser access that shows exact DNA match locations
The accuracy of matches depends on available reference data. Ancestry's larger database produces more accurate relationship predictions for North American testers. MyHeritage's chromosome browser gives detailed segment information that lets advanced users verify relationships on their own.
Shared Matches and ThruLines vs AutoClusters
The shared match features help users organize their DNA matches effectively:
Ancestry's Shared Matches:
No subscription needed
Shows matches that share 20+ cM with you and your match
Doesn't display DNA amounts between shared matches
Works alongside ThruLines to connect matches through family trees
MyHeritage's Shared DNA Matches:
Needs subscription or $29 one-time fee for uploaded results
Displays all shared matches regardless of shared amount
Shows exact DNA amounts between shared matches
Works with AutoClusters to group matches into genetic clusters
MyHeritage's AutoClusters creates color-coded graphics that group genetically related people. This tool groups your genetic relatives who likely connect through the same family line, which helps identify different branches.
Ancestry's ThruLines looks at DNA matches and family trees to suggest possible ancestors. This shows both your matches and potential relationships through specific family lines.
Both platforms connect DNA results to family trees. This creates a complete research experience that blends genetic and traditional genealogy.
Family Tree and Genealogy Tools
Image Source: Individual Software
Family trees are the life-blood of genealogical research, right alongside DNA testing. MyHeritage and Ancestry both provide reliable tree-building platforms, each with its own strengths in features and record access.
Tree Building: Manual vs Smart Matches
Ancestry's database holds an impressive 130 million family trees with over 13 billion names. MyHeritage comes in with 52 million trees containing about 6.1 billion names.
Users can create individual trees on both platforms that stay protected from unauthorized changes. The trees can be set as public or private based on preference. The real difference shows up in how these platforms handle matches:
MyHeritage's "Smart Matching" system finds possible connections between your tree and their database automatically. The system reaches beyond MyHeritage by pulling profiles from:
FamilySearch (1 billion names)
Geni (340 million names)
Filae (277 million names)
WikiTree (20 million names)
MyHeritage's free version lets you build trees with up to 250 profiles. Larger trees need a subscription.
Ancestry takes a different path. Users search through separate collections of public and private trees. If you spot a match in a private tree, you can reach out to the owner directly.
Historical Records Access: 60B vs 20B+
The numbers tell the story - Ancestry leads with about 60 billion historical records, while MyHeritage holds 20+ billion. This gap can make a significant difference in breaking research deadlocks.
Ancestry shines with North American records. MyHeritage's strength lies in European documentation. Their platform speaks 42 languages, which helps tremendously when researching relatives who never left their homeland.
Photo Tools and Story Features
Both services let you boost family photos and create stories, but MyHeritage's photo tools stand out as especially complete.
MyHeritage's special photo features include:
Colorizing black-and-white photographs
AI-powered photo enhancement that sharpens blurry images
Animated photos that bring still images to life
"Deep Story" technology that makes your ancestor's photo seem to tell their life story
Ancestry also provides photo enhancement tools and slideshow-style storytelling, though with fewer advanced animation options.
FamilySearch offers a free alternative worth thinking over. Their Memories app helps capture photos and record audio files that link directly to family tree profiles—a great option alongside paid services.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Let's get into what you'll pay when comparing MyHeritage vs Ancestry DNA testing services.
DNA Kit Cost: $99 vs $89 (with frequent discounts)
The standard pricing shows a small difference in base kit costs:
MyHeritage prices their comparable test at $89
Both companies run sales throughout the year, especially during holidays. These promotions usually bring prices down to $69 or lower. MyHeritage tends to offer bigger discounts, and prices can drop to $39 during special sales.
Shipping costs about $10 for both services. The main difference is that Ancestry covers return shipping while you'll need to pay for it with MyHeritage.
Subscription Tiers: All Access vs Complete Plan
These platforms use a "freemium" model. You'll get basic features without a subscription, but you'll need to pay for advanced tools:
Ancestry Subscription Options:
U.S. Discovery: Access to U.S. records
World Explorer: Expanded international records
All Access ($199): Complete records access plus Fold3 military records, Newspapers.com archives, and up to 4 accounts
MyHeritage Subscription Options:
Premium ($49): Family tree up to 2,500 people and basic tools
PremiumPlus ($89): Unlimited tree size and advanced features
Data ($89): Access to all historical records
Complete ($119): Combines unlimited tree size with full record access
Omni ($149): Most comprehensive tier with all available features
MyHeritage gives genealogy enthusiasts more flexible tier options and lower prices across all subscription levels. In fact, with discounts, MyHeritage tiers cost about one-third of what you'd pay for Ancestry.
Free Trials and Hidden Costs
You'll get a 14-day free trial with Ancestry's subscription services. This gives you time to explore their record collections before you commit.
MyHeritage offers a longer trial period - 30 days with DNA kit purchase. This extra time helps you test their platform thoroughly.
Renewal costs can surprise you. Both services usually raise their rates after promotional periods end. You'll also need an active Ancestry subscription to use many advanced features and access historical records.
MyHeritage has a unique advantage: you can transfer your AncestryDNA results to their platform for free, including basic DNA relative matching. Full feature access after transfer costs about $30.
[START YOUR FREE TRIAL] with either service and see which platform fits your needs before making a long-term commitment.
Privacy, Raw Data, and Compatibility
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Privacy and data ownership guide how people choose their DNA testing service. MyHeritage and Ancestry each handle your genetic information differently.
Data Download and Upload Options
These platforms handle data sharing in different ways. Both let you download your raw DNA data. MyHeritage stands out because it accepts DNA uploads from other testing companies. You can take an AncestryDNA test and upload those results to MyHeritage without buying another kit.
MyHeritage makes uploading easy:
Download your raw DNA from your original testing service
Visit MyHeritage's upload page
Follow the onscreen instructions to accept terms
Select your DNA file from your computer
After you finish, MyHeritage gives you free access to DNA matches. Premium features like ethnicity estimates cost about $29.
MyHeritage works with DNA files from many services including Ancestry, 23andMe, and Family Tree DNA. Ancestry takes a different approach - you must buy their testing kit directly because they don't accept uploads from other companies.
Two-Factor Authentication and GDPR Compliance
MyHeritage keeps your data safer with two-factor authentication. Both companies follow privacy rules, including GDPR in Europe.
MyHeritage makes a promise that sets them apart - they "pledge never to sell users' data to any third party". This includes insurance companies, employers, and government agencies.
Law Enforcement Access and User Control
These companies handle law enforcement requests differently:
MyHeritage won't let law enforcement use their DNA services without a court order. They actively "resist law enforcement inquiries to protect the privacy of customers".
Ancestry needs valid legal process before sharing information. They tell users before releasing data unless legally stopped from doing so.
Both services let you control your genetic information completely. You can delete your data permanently if you want to. In spite of that, both companies faced data breaches in 2017. MyHeritage's breach affected 92 million login credentials, while Ancestry had 297,000 compromised emails.
We analyzed all aspects of MyHeritage and Ancestry. Your choice between them depends on your family history goals and background. Each service stands out in different ways.
Which DNA test should you choose?
You need to match your priorities with what each platform does best:
Choose MyHeritage if you:
Have European roots
Want quick results (typically 3-4 weeks versus 6-8 weeks)
Like the simple cheek swab method
Need advanced photo enhancement and animation tools
Want budget-friendly subscription options
Did tests with another company (free uploads accepted)
Care about strong privacy protections
Select Ancestry if you:
Have family ties in North America
Want the biggest DNA database (25 million vs 8 million)
Need detailed ethnicity breakdowns (2,600+ regions vs 2,114)
Search extensive historical records (60 billion vs 20+ billion)
Love their ThruLines feature that connects matches through trees
Want prepaid return shipping for your sample
Both services are a great way to get insights into your family's past. Ancestry shines with its vast records and matches, perfect for people with American roots who want the biggest pool of DNA relatives. MyHeritage gives you better value, stronger European connections, and flexible data policies.
Many dedicated genealogists sign up for both services to realize their research potential. The best approach is to start with the platform that fits your current needs. You can add the other service as your family history research grows.
The quickest way to save money is to watch for seasonal sales. Both companies often give big discounts on DNA kits and subscription plans.
Comparison Table
MyHeritage vs Ancestry DNA Comparison Table
| Feature | MyHeritage | Ancestry |
|---|---|---|
| Database Size & Coverage | ||
| DNA Database Size | 9 million samples | 22+ million samples |
| Subscriber Base | 104 million | 3 million |
| Historical Records | 20+ billion | 60 billion |
| Family Trees | 52 million (6.1B names) | 130 million (13B names) |
| Testing Features | ||
| Collection Method | Cheek swab | Saliva sample |
| Processing Time | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
| Return Shipping | User pays | Prepaid |
| Customer Satisfaction | 31.3% | 68.2% |
| Ethnicity Analysis | ||
| Regions Covered | 2,114 regions | 2,600+ regions |
| Ethnic Groups | 42 ethnicities | 88 populations |
| Specialization | European & Middle Eastern | North American |
| Jewish Ethnicities | 15 distinct groups | Limited breakdown |
| Family Tree Features | ||
| Free Tree Limit | 250 profiles | Not mentioned |
| Smart Matching | Yes | No |
| Photo Enhancement | Advanced (colorization, animation) | Simple enhancement |
| Languages Supported | 42 languages | Not mentioned |
| Pricing | ||
| Standard Kit Price | $89 | $99 |
| Lowest Sale Price | $39 | $69 |
| Complete Plan | $119/year | $199/year |
| DNA Transfer | Free (simple), $29 (full access) | Not available |
| Privacy & Data | ||
| Raw Data Download | Yes | Yes |
| External Uploads | Yes | No |
| Two-Factor Auth | Yes | Not mentioned |
| Law Enforcement | Court order required | Court order required |
Data and features shown reflect 2025 information.
FAQs
Q1. Which DNA test is more accurate: AncestryDNA or MyHeritage? Both tests offer accurate results, but AncestryDNA has a higher overall satisfaction rate for family history research. This is partly due to its larger user base and extensive U.S. records. MyHeritage, however, is appreciated for its lower cost and robust international matching capabilities.
Q2. What are the main differences in database size between MyHeritage and Ancestry? Ancestry has a significantly larger DNA database with over 22 million samples, compared to MyHeritage's 9 million. Ancestry also has more historical records (60 billion vs. 20+ billion) and family trees (130 million vs. 52 million). This larger database can provide more potential matches and historical information.
Q3. How do the ethnicity estimates differ between MyHeritage and Ancestry? Ancestry analyzes over 2,600 regions, while MyHeritage covers 2,114 regions. Ancestry excels in North American ancestry, while MyHeritage has strengths in European and Middle Eastern populations. MyHeritage also offers more detailed Jewish ethnicity breakdowns, distinguishing 15 Jewish ethnicities.
Q4. What are the key differences in DNA sample collection between the two services? MyHeritage uses a cheek swab method, which many find easier and quicker. Ancestry requires a saliva sample, which can be challenging for some users. MyHeritage delivers results faster (3-4 weeks) than Ancestry (6-8 weeks). However, Ancestry pre-pays return shipping, while MyHeritage requires users to cover this cost.
Q5. How do MyHeritage and Ancestry differ in terms of privacy and data handling? Both companies allow users to download raw DNA data and require court orders for law enforcement access. However, MyHeritage accepts DNA uploads from other testing companies and offers two-factor authentication. MyHeritage has also pledged never to sell user data to third parties, including insurance companies and employers.
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