The vast world of DNA testing can reveal a variety of things about life.
Did you know that there are many choices to pick from? If you’re looking to learn more about your lineage and ethnicity there’s a good chance to learn everything about it. MyHeritage keeps you on top of these things. But they’re certainly far from being the sole ones operating in this line of business.
Each one of us has our own reasons why they go for other alternatives. This includes privacy, authenticity of information as well as the possibility of meeting potential relatives or family. In reality, this could be the last thing on their list of priorities before they are at peace. Some families even have no problem with having relatives that do not have blood ties. Why? They are family too.
This article will discuss MyHeritage’s rivals and how they help people from all walks of life discover their roots. Let’s go!
Before you go on, you may want to watch this video by Family History Fanatics on YouTube that gives a quick overview. Afterward, you’ll want to read the rest of our article for a more comprehensive review of MyHeritage.
MyHeritage vs. AncestryDNA
Our first opponent is Ancestry DNA.
Both companies offer autosomal tests and tests kits, which is essential for DNA testing. These tests provide you with an ethnicity estimate along with the breakdown of different lineages across the globe. The main difference between this and MyHeritage is that the database of AncestryDNA contains 14 million records. However, their reports take longer to produce than MyHeritage. It includes a monthly fee of $99, which provides for benefits from their reports.
Another problem is that you cannot upload your own DNA data. Additionally it is not possible to keep your personal information private isn’t possible also. This could be a warning that you prefer their privacy over everything else. Fortunately, MyHeritage lets you set the DNA to be remain private, so that it will not be divulged to undesirable third parties.
Like many other companies, they show an option to subscribe. AncestryDNA offers three plans for customers to choose from:
- U.S. Discovery – $24.99/month
- World Explorer – $39.99/month
- All Access – $49.99/month
Certain of them are easily explained, such as for instance, the U.S Discovery tier. The records are provided by families in all fifty states within the U.S. If you do not live there, you may go with the World Explorer tier as it contains records from all countries across the globe. The third tier is more of premium plans in which you get extra content like access to Newspaper.com Basic and Fold3.com.
While the number of records may seem remarkable, AncestryDNA may not cover specific countries, specifically those located in Asia. MyHeritage’s smaller database is an advantage because it’s divided into 42 regions. These regions can be further searched to identify particular communities that aren’t mentioned frequently. Think of any tribe and there’s a chance that a DNA test result might be related to one of the tribes.
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MyHeritage Vs. Family Tree DNA
The next platform that we’ll talk about will be Family Tree DNA.
From the get-go, Family Tree DNA has mtDNA and Y-DNA tests that are which are not available through MyHeritage. These tests can help you identify potential relatives that are on either the father’s or mother’s side exclusively. They do have the general autosomal test called the “Family Finder” for any lineage.
Both platforms have active communities and they place a high value on your personal privacy. Therefore, it is up to you if you want the information you provide to be used by families who are looking for lost relatives. However, Family Tree DNA does not have as many regions which are covered as MyHeritage. They have 24 areas that are listed on their web site. Nonetheless, this can be an option if they are unable to satisfy your needs.
For their offerings, Family Tree DNA has three kits that are available. They include:
- Family Ancestry: $59
- Maternal test Test for pregnancy: $159
- Test for paternity: $119
After you’ve gotten the results, you cannot simply record them in an online family tree despite their name. This may be frustrating to certain people who want to know how far their lineage runs. It is also impossible to locate details about your health status regarding your ethnicity. MyHeritage can help with this, because you can also examine common illnesses in the 18 carrier status reports. If you’re seeking specific information about your family’s genealogy, look to MyHeritage.
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MyHeritage vs 23andMe
The third option on our list is 23andMe.
This platform is the first company to receive approval from the FDA as a risk screener for diseases. In addition to it, you can use it either through their mobile or website. It contains information about your health and ancestry is accessible. It is possible to build an ancestral tree of your family and explore subjects like genetic risks, the science of genealogy, and genetics as a whole.
23andMe has a wide range of privacy and consent choices that you can choose from. Based on your personal preferences, you can retract or withdraw your agreement to 23andMe if you change your mind. The samples are taken via saliva and the results are available within 3 to 4 weeks.
What 23andMe is focused on are paternal and maternal Neanderthal, and autosomal tests. The biggest benefit of this test is that it covers more than 1500 areas across the world. This factor may not please all, but if you are looking to trace your roots to lesser-known groups, they can accomplish the task. More precise results are more beneficial than an overall view.
When availing of their services, there are three types of tests you can choose from. Each test comes with the customer service and a personalized 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
Although you may receive improved DNA results through 23andMe, it may not be enough for everyone. For MyHeritage customers, there is the choice of availing of the tests through kits or subscriptions. The cost of a subscription is $79 per year and is the same cost for the basic tests. As for the kits, at the slightly higher cost of $90, you will get the same services with a better efficiency. Do note that DNA tests aren’t low-cost; they undergo many processes to get that result and find potential relatives.
MyHeritage Vs. FamilySearch
This genealogy service offers a different method of accessing information.
The first and most important thing is that FamilySearch offers its services at free of charge. This is due to the company being a non-profit entity. They have a strong partnership with platforms such as MyHeritage or AncestryDNA. Their online records include more than 300,000 books in digital format, even if they’re not correctly indexed.
FamilySearch’s database contains family trees available for private and public use. If you have family trees that are shared, users are able to view potential relatives as well as loved ones , and the way they’re connected. Private trees won’t be seen through a simple search because of privacy concerns.
They do have physical records such as genealogical records, vital records and census records. Except, when creating the tree of your families, you are unable to download it. Additionally, setting up the tree is a tedious procedure too. Another problem is that they do not offer any kind of DNA tests. If you don’t have the funds or the time to determine your family’s lineage it is possible to start here and find out the direction it takes.
If you’re planning to take a genetic test for your DNA, then you can always visit MyHeritage.
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MyHeritage vs. Xcode Life
The final platform in our review will be Xcode Life, a platform that is based in India.
Xcode Life has various reports that users can access. Most of them are health-related that include fitness, nutrition, and of course, health. These reports are general and provide results 24 hours a day and in the format of PDF. But they don’t offer any kind of ancestry report. But don’t fret, they have more services than they do not have.
They are able to accept raw DNA information that’s already been given from their partners. This includes:
- 23andMe
- Family Tree DNA (FTNDA)
- Ancestry DNA
- MyHeritage
These DNA files can be used in their vast health reports. It is up to the individual on the kind of report they want to obtain. The company has its own privacy policy however, you must remove the DNA information manually. For any personal information that is deleted, users have to send an email to Xcode Life.
Pricing for Xcode Life also have bundles to choose from. This is what they have:
- Best Seller Pack – $49: nutrition, fitness, health, allergy, skin reports
- Super Pack $89: nutrition, health, fitness, allergy and skin care precision medicine, as well as methylation reports
- Mega Pack – $99: Includes all 9 individual report packages
The biggest downside to this platform is that it is not possible to trace your family tree. While you can utilize your existing DNA for other applications, it’s for your own personal benefit. You are still able to visit if you want to learn more about your personal DNA, but at a minimum.
The Final Verdict
Long story short, MyHeritage is the most suitable choice for any DNA-related requirements.
You can find out which family ethnic lineage you have and trace it back to the family tree. The DNA test is also autosomal that is the most commonly used test for any genealogical research. Once you get the results, you have the option to contact those who are in line with the test you took. This is particularly important for those who want to see their loved ones an end-of-life visit.
The kits are easy to use, and people of all ages can benefit from them. Results will come 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 third-party companies. This is to protect the DNA samples that are provided to the company since they also upload them into their database. They will release the DNA samples if they are expressly requested by their owner of the DNA.
Although there is no information on health-related issues that are included in the DNA results, you need to charge for any additional information. All in all, it’s the go-to place to find everything related to genealogy.