DNAtestMyHeritage vs AncestryDNA: Which DNA Test Is Better for You?
MyHeritage and AncestryDNA are both built for family history, which makes them harder to choose between than most tests. The short version: AncestryDNA finds the most relatives, especially in the US. MyHeritage is stronger for families from Europe and overseas, and usually costs less.
Quick verdict
- Choose AncestryDNA if your family has been in the US for generations, or you want the most relative matches possible.
- Choose MyHeritage if your recent roots are in continental Europe or elsewhere outside the US, or you want the lowest price.
- Want both? Test with AncestryDNA, then upload your raw data to MyHeritage. That's the cheapest way to get both databases.
Side-by-side comparison
| AncestryDNA | MyHeritage DNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical list price | About $99 (often on sale) | About $89 (frequent deep discounts) |
| Relative-matching database | The largest of any company | Large, with strong coverage in Europe |
| Best coverage | The US | Europe and international |
| Historical records | The biggest collection (subscription) | Large collection (subscription) |
| Raw data download | Yes, free | Yes, free |
| Accepts uploads from other tests | No | Yes |
Prices change often and both companies run frequent sales. See the comparison chart for the full lineup.
Finding relatives: AncestryDNA wins in the US
The more people in a database, the more relatives you'll match. AncestryDNA has the largest database of any testing company, and most of its testers are in the US. If your family has been American for several generations, AncestryDNA will almost always find more cousins.
MyHeritage's users are much more international. If your parents or grandparents came from Germany, Scandinavia, Israel, Eastern Europe or elsewhere overseas, MyHeritage may connect you with relatives who never tested with Ancestry.
Ethnicity estimates: both are detailed
Both give a detailed ethnicity breakdown. AncestryDNA adds "communities," which trace groups your ancestors likely belonged to over the last few hundred years, mostly in the US. MyHeritage provides a similar breakdown with extra detail for many European regions. Neither is more "accurate"; they use different reference populations, so the percentages will differ somewhat.
Family trees and records: AncestryDNA leads, both cost extra
Ancestry has the biggest collection of historical records, especially US censuses, military records and immigration documents. MyHeritage has a large collection too, with more European records. Both companies charge a subscription for full access, so budget for that if you plan to do serious research.
Uploads: MyHeritage wins
MyHeritage accepts raw DNA files from other companies, so you can join its database without buying a second kit. AncestryDNA doesn't accept uploads. This is why the smart order is usually Ancestry first, then upload to MyHeritage. The reverse isn't possible.
Here's how to download your raw DNA file from Ancestry or any other company.
Price: MyHeritage usually wins
MyHeritage's list price is a little lower, and it runs deep sales often. AncestryDNA also discounts heavily around holidays. For either one, Black Friday, Mother's Day and Father's Day are the best times to buy.
Check AncestryDNA price on Amazon Check MyHeritage price on Amazon
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Privacy
Both companies let you download and delete your data. Before you buy, read each privacy policy and check the settings for research use and relative matching. Whichever you choose, download your raw data once your results arrive so you always have your own copy.
Already have results from either one? Explore your raw data privately. It never leaves your device.
Try the free analyzerFrequently asked questions
Is MyHeritage as good as AncestryDNA?
For people with recent roots outside the US, often yes, and sometimes better. For US family history and the largest number of matches, AncestryDNA is ahead.
Can I transfer my AncestryDNA results to MyHeritage?
Yes. Download your raw data from Ancestry and upload it to MyHeritage. Some of MyHeritage's advanced matching tools need a small fee or subscription.
Can I transfer MyHeritage results to AncestryDNA?
No. AncestryDNA only includes people who tested with its own kit.
How does 23andMe compare?
23andMe is the pick if you want health reports. See our AncestryDNA vs 23andMe comparison or our best DNA test picks.