The vast universe of DNA testing can lead you to a lot of things about life.
And did you know that there are many choices to pick from? Whether you want to know about your lineage and ethnicity, there’s sure to discover everything about it. MyHeritage keeps you on top of these things. However, they’re far from being the sole ones operating in this business.
Each one of us has our own reasons why they go for other choices. For instance, privacy, genuine information as well as the possibility of meeting prospective relatives or friends. Believe it or not this may be the last thing on their bucket list before they’re at peace. Some families are even okay with having relatives who are not blood-related. Why? They are family too.
This article will look at MyHeritage’s peers and the ways they assist people from all walks of life find their roots. Let’s go!
Before you continue, you may want to check out this video by Family History Fanatics on YouTube that gives a quick review. Afterward, you’ll want to read the rest of our article for a more comprehensive review of MyHeritage.
MyHeritage Vs. AncestryDNA
Our first competition is Ancestry DNA.
Both companies provide autosomal tests as well as test kits, which are a must in DNA testing. Tests give an estimate of your ethnicity as well as a breakdown of various lines of descent around the globe. The main difference between this and MyHeritage is that the database of AncestryDNA includes 14 million records. The drawback is their reports take longer to produce than MyHeritage. The monthly cost is of $99 which allows advantages from their reports.
Another catch is that you can’t upload your own DNA data. In addition, the option to make your own information confidential is not available as well. This can be a red flag particularly for those who prefer their privacy over everything other considerations. Luckily, MyHeritage lets you set the DNA to be remain private, so that it will not be divulged to undesirable third parties.
As with many companies, they show subscription plans. AncestryDNA offers three plans to choose from:
- U.S. Discovery – $24.99/month
- World Explorer – $39.99/month
- All Access – $49.99/month
Some of them are easily explained, such as those of the U.S Discovery tier. You get records from families from one of fifty states of the U.S. If you don’t live in the United States, you can go with the World Explorer tier as it includes records from every country around the globe. The third level is a premium plan in which you can access additional content, such as the access of Newspaper.com Standard and Fold3.com.
While the number of records could seem impressive, AncestryDNA may not cover specific countries, especially those around Asia. MyHeritage’s database is smaller, which is an advantage because it’s broken down into 42 areas. These regions can be further researched to locate particular communities that aren’t mentioned frequently. Consider any tribe and there’s a chance that the DNA test results could be related to them.
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MyHeritage Vs. Family Tree DNA
The next platform we will discuss is Family Tree DNA.
From the beginning, Family Tree DNA has Y-DNA and mtDNA tests, not provided by MyHeritage. These tests can help you identify potential relatives from either the father’s or mother’s side only. There is also the autosomal general test known as”FamilyFinder” “Family Finder” for any lineage.
Both platforms are active in their communities, and they are committed to your privacy. Therefore, it is up to you to decide if you would like the information you provide to be used by prospective families while searching for missing relatives. However, Family Tree DNA does not have as many regions that are covered as MyHeritage. They offer 24 areas available on their site. Nonetheless, this can be an option if they are unable to satisfy your needs.
For their offerings, Family Tree DNA has three kits to choose from. They include:
- Family Ancestry: $59
- Maternal test Test for pregnancy: $159
- Test for paternity Test for paternity: $119
After you’ve gotten the results, you cannot simply record them in an online family tree despite the name. This may be frustrating to some people as they want to know how far their lineage goes. Also, it is not possible to find health-related information about your ethnicity. MyHeritage helps with this because you can also look up common diseases in the 18 carrier status reports. If you’re seeking precise details about your family’s genealogy, look to MyHeritage.
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MyHeritage vs 23andMe
Our third one on the list is 23andMe.
The platform was the first company to be granted approval by the FDA as a risk screening tool for diseases. To complement it, you can access the platform via their website or mobile app. There, you will find information on your health and your ancestry is available. It is possible to build a family tree and learn subjects like genetic risks as well as the science of genetics, and genealogy in general.
23andMe offers a variety of privacy and consent preferences to choose from. Depending on your needs, you can retract any consent you have given to the business when you are unsure. Samples are collected through saliva and the results are available within 3 to four weeks.
What 23andMe is focused on are maternal and paternal, Neanderthal, and autosomal tests. The biggest benefit of this test is that it covers more than 1500 areas across the globe. This factor may not please everyone, but if you would like to trace back less well-known groups, they could accomplish the task. More precise results are more beneficial than an overall view.
In order to avail their services, there are three types of tests available. All tests include customer support and a custom walkthrough of your DNA results. You can choose:
- Basic Ancestry and Traits – $79
- DNA Health Test – $129
- VIP Health and Ancestry – $429
If you are able to obtain enhanced DNA results using 23andMe, it may not be sufficient for all. For MyHeritage, you have the choice of availing of the tests via kit or through subscriptions. The subscription starts at $79/year, the same price for the basic tests. In terms of the kits, for the slightly higher cost of $90, you basically get the same services at a more efficient approach. Be aware that DNA tests aren’t low-cost; they undergo numerous procedures to obtain the results and identify potential relatives.
MyHeritage and. FamilySearch
This genealogy service takes a distinct approach to information access.
First of all, FamilySearch provides its services at free of charge. It is because the fact that it’s being a non-profit entity. They are partnered with powerful platforms like MyHeritage and AncestryDNA. Their online databases include more than 300,000 books in digital format, even if they’re not properly indexed.
FamilySearch’s database has family trees available for the public as well as for private use. For shared trees, you can view potential relatives as well as family members and the way they’re connected. Private trees will not be visible on a simple search due to privacy reasons.
They do have physical documents like genealogical documents, including vital documents and census records. Except, when making the family tree, you are unable to download it. In addition, setting up the tree is a long procedure too. Another catch is that they don’t provide any type of DNA testing. If you don’t have the money or resources to track your family tree, you can start from here and then discover what happens.
If you’re planning to take a testing for DNA you could always go to MyHeritage.
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MyHeritage vs. Xcode Life
The last platform on our review includes Xcode Life, a platform located in India.
Xcode Life has various reports to avail of. Most of them are health-related that include fitness, nutrition, and of course health. These general reports give results 24 hours a day in PDF format. However they don’t offer any ancestry reporting services. But don’t fret, they have more services than they lack.
They accept raw DNA information that has already been provided by their partners. This includes:
- 23andMe
- Family Tree DNA (FTNDA)
- Ancestry DNA
- MyHeritage
The DNA files are used to create their huge health reports. It’s up to the user on the kind of report they want to obtain. This company’s own privacy policies, but you have to delete the DNA data manually. If any personal data is to be removed, customers need to contact Xcode Life.
The prices are available in Xcode Life also have bundles to select from. What they offer is:
- Best Seller Pack – $49: nutrition, fitness, health, allergy, skin reports
- Super Pack – $89: nutrition, health, fitness, allergy skin Precision Medicine, and methylation reports
- Mega Pack – $99: Includes each of the 9 individual report packs
The biggest downside to this platform is that it is not possible to trace your family tree. Although you are able to use your DNA from the past for other uses, it only benefits you personally. You are still able to visit if you want to learn more about your personal DNA, at least.
The Final Verdict
Long story short, MyHeritage is the most suitable choice for all your DNA needs.
You can find out which family ethnic lineage you have and trace it back to one family tree. This test for DNA is autosomal that is the standard for every genealogical test. After you’ve received the results, you have the option to contact the ones who match your trial. This is crucial for people who want to meet their loved ones for one last time.
They are also simple to use, and people of any age can use these kits. The results will be available in 3-4 weeks, and an email will be sent to you containing the results.
In the context of privacy, MyHeritage never sells personal information to third parties. This is to protect the DNA samples given to the company as it is uploaded to their database. The company will only provide the DNA samples if they are specifically requested by the owner of the DNA.
There isn’t any information regarding health-related issues found in the DNA results, you’ll need to charge a bit for supplemental information. All in all this is the best place for all things genealogical.