The vast world of DNA testing could provide you with a wealth of things about life.
Did you know that there are numerous options to choose from? If you’re looking to learn more about your family’s history and ethnicity you’ll be able to find everything you need to know about it. MyHeritage helps you keep track of these aspects. But they’re certainly not the only ones operating in this line of business.
Every one of us has our own intentions to choose different alternatives. Namely: privacy, authentic information and the possibility of meeting potential family members or relatives. In reality, this could be the last thing on their list of priorities before they are at peace. Certain families are okay with having relatives that are not blood-related. Why? They’re family too.
This article will discuss MyHeritage’s rivals and how they help people from all walks of life find their roots. Let’s go!
Before you go on, you may want to check out this video by Family History Fanatics on YouTube that gives a quick review. Afterward, you will want to read the rest of the article for a more comprehensive review.
MyHeritage and. AncestryDNA
Our first competition is Ancestry DNA.
Both companies offer autosomal tests and test kits, which is essential for DNA testing. The tests give you an estimate of ethnicity, as well as a breakdown of various lineages around the world. A difference in comparison to MyHeritage is that the database of AncestryDNA contains 14 million records. Their results take longer than MyHeritage. They charge a monthly fee of $99 that allows advantages from their reports.
Another catch is that you can’t upload your personal DNA data. In addition, the option to make your personal information private isn’t possible also. This can be a red flag, especially for people who are concerned about their privacy above anything else. Luckily, MyHeritage lets you set the DNA to be confidential so that it won’t be given away to unwanted third parties.
Like many other businesses, they also offer a subscription plan. 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 self-explanatory, like those of the U.S Discovery tier. There are records of families from any of the fifty states within the U.S. If you do not live there, you can go with the World Explorer tier as it includes records from every country all over the world. The final tier is more of premium plans in which you will get exclusive content such as accessibility to Newspaper.com Basic and Fold3.com.
While the number of records might seem impressive, AncestryDNA may not cover specific countries, specifically those around Asia. MyHeritage’s smaller database has an advantage as it is divided into 42 regions. These regions can be further searched to identify specific communities not heard of frequently. Think of any tribe; there’s a possibility that the DNA test results might be related to one of them.
> > Click Here to Try MyHeritage for Free < <
MyHeritage Vs. Family Tree DNA
The next platform that we’ll discuss is Family Tree DNA.
From the get-go, Family Tree DNA has the Y-DNA and mtDNA tests not provided by MyHeritage. These specific tests find potential relatives from either the mother’s or father’s side only. They do have the standard autosomal test, known as the “Family Finder” for any lineage.
Both platforms are active in their communities, and they prioritize your own privacy. Therefore, it is up to you to decide if you would like the information you provide to be matched by prospective families while searching for lost relatives. But, Family Tree DNA does not have as many areas covered compared to MyHeritage. There are 24 regions available on their site. Nonetheless, this can be an option when either cannot meet your requirements.
For their offerings, Family Tree DNA has three kits to choose from. They are:
- Family Ancestry: $59
- Maternal test Cost: $159
- Test for paternity The cost is $119.
When you have the results, you cannot simply record them in a family tree digitally despite the name. This can be bothersome to those who wish to find out how long their family tree goes. Also, it is not possible to find any health information regarding your ethnicity. MyHeritage helps with this since you can view common disorders in 18 carrier status reports. If you’re seeking specific information about your family’s genealogy, look to MyHeritage.
> > Click Here to Try MyHeritage for Free < <
MyHeritage vs 23andMe
The third option on our list is 23andMe.
The platform was the first company to be granted approval by the FDA as a risk screener for diseases. To complement it the platform, you can access the platform via their website or mobile application. It contains information about your health and ancestry are available. You can create your family tree and study topics such as genetic risks and the science behind genetics, and genealogy in general.
23andMe has a wide range of privacy and consent options to select from. Based on your preferences you are able to revoke or withdraw your agreement to 23andMe if you are unsure. The samples are taken via saliva and results are reported within 3 to four weeks.
What 23andMe concentrates on is paternal and maternal Neanderthal tests, and autosomal tests. The biggest benefit of this test is that it covers more than 1500 regions around the world. This might not be appealing to everyone, but if you want to trace back to less well-known groups, they could accomplish the task. More precise results are more beneficial than an overall view.
When availing of their services There are three kinds of tests to choose from. All tests include customer service and a customized report of your DNA test results. You have the option of choosing:
- Basic Ancestry and Traits – $79
- DNA Health Test – $129
- VIP Health and Ancestry – $429
If you are able to get added DNA results from 23andMe’s pricing, it might not be affordable for everyone. For MyHeritage customers, there is the choice of availing of the tests through kit or through subscriptions. The annual subscription costs $79, the same price for their base tests. As for the kits, at an additional $90, you will get the same services at a more efficient approach. It is important to note that DNA tests aren’t low-cost; they undergo many processes to get the results and identify potential relatives.
MyHeritage Vs. FamilySearch
This genealogy service has another approach to access to information.
First of all, FamilySearch provides its services at absolutely no cost. The reason for this is the company being a non-profit organization. They have a strong partnership with platforms such as MyHeritage or AncestryDNA. Their online databases include more than 300,000 digital books even if they are not correctly indexed.
FamilySearch’s database includes family trees that are available for public and private use. If you have the shared tree, one are able to view potential relatives as well as family members and the way they’re connected. Private trees will not be visible through a simple search due to privacy reasons.
There are physical reports such as genealogical records, vital census records and records. However, when you are creating your family tree you are unable to download it. Additionally, setting up the tree is a tedious process as well. Another catch is that they do not offer any kind of DNA testing. But if you do not have the money or resources to trace your lineage, you can start from here and see the direction it takes.
If you are planning to get a proper genetic test for your DNA, then you can always visit MyHeritage.
> > Click Here to Try MyHeritage for Free < <
MyHeritage vs. Xcode Life
The last platform on our evaluation includes Xcode Life, a platform based in India.
Xcode Life has various reports that you can use. Many of them relate to health, including nutrition, fitness and, of course, health. These reports are general and provide results within 24 hours in PDF format. However they do not provide any genealogy reporting services. However, they have more than what they don’t have.
They will accept DNA data in raw form that’s already been given from their partners. This includes:
- 23andMe
- Family Tree DNA (FTNDA)
- Ancestry DNA
- MyHeritage
These DNA files are then utilized in their extensive health reports. The user is the sole judge to decide what type of report they wish to receive. The company has its own privacy policies however, you must delete the DNA data manually. If any personal data will be deleted, users must contact Xcode Life.
Pricing for 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 and skin care, precision medicine, and methylation reports
- Mega Pack – $99: Includes each of the 9 individual report packs
The main drawback of this platform is the fact you are not able to trace your ethnicity. While you can utilize your existing DNA for different purposes, it’s only for the individual you are. You can still go here to find out more about your personal DNA, but at a minimum.
The Final Verdict
Short story, MyHeritage is the best option for all DNA requirements.
You can learn where your family comes from and trace it back to one family tree. This test for DNA is autosomal, which is the industry most commonly used test for any genealogical research. When you have the results, you will have the option of contacting those who match your trial. This is especially important to those who wish to visit their loved ones for one last time.
The kits are easy to use and anyone of any age can use them. The results will be available in 3-4 weeks, after which an email is sent to you with the results.
In the context of privacy, MyHeritage never sells personal information to any third party. This is to safeguard the DNA samples provided to the company as it is also uploaded in their database. They will supply them if it is specifically requested by its owner.
While there are no data regarding health-related issues found in the DNA results, you’ll need to charge for supplemental information. Overall, it’s the go-to place for everything genealogical.
