The vast world of DNA testing can provide you with a wealth of information about the world.
And did you know that there are many possibilities to select from? If you’re interested in finding out more about your family’s history and ethnicity, there’s sure to discover everything you need to know about it. MyHeritage keeps you in check of these aspects. But they’re certainly far from being the sole ones working in this line of business.
Each person has their own intentions to choose different options. This includes privacy, authenticity of information and the possibility of meeting prospective relatives or friends. Believe it or not this may be the final item on their bucket lists before they’re at peace. Some families are even okay with having relatives that do not have blood ties. Why? They are family too.
This article will look at MyHeritage’s rivals and how they assist people from all walks of life find their roots. Let’s go!
Before you continue, you may want to watch this video by Family History Fanatics on YouTube that gives a quick review. After, you will want to read the rest of the article for a more comprehensive review of MyHeritage.
MyHeritage and. AncestryDNA
Our first competition is Ancestry DNA.
Both companies offer autosomal tests as well as test kits, which is a must in DNA testing. Tests give an ethnicity estimate along with an analysis of the various lines of descent around the globe. One difference here compared to MyHeritage is that the database of AncestryDNA has fourteen million entries. Their reports take longer to produce than MyHeritage. They charge a monthly fee of $99 that allows the benefits of their reports.
Another problem is that you cannot upload your personal DNA data. In addition you cannot make your own information private is not possible as well. This can be a sign that you prefer their privacy over everything other things. Luckily, MyHeritage lets you set the DNA given to remain private, so that it will not be given away to unwanted third-party.
Like other companies, they show an option to subscribe. AncestryDNA offers three plans for customers that you can choose from:
- U.S. Discovery – $24.99/month
- World Explorer – $39.99/month
- All Access – $49.99/month
Certain of them are self-explanatory, like those of the U.S Discovery tier. You get records from families in all fifty states of the U.S. If you do not live there, you can opt for the World Explorer tier as it includes data from every country all over the world. The last option is a premium plan in which you can access additional content, such as the access of Newspaper.com Basic and Fold3.com.
Although the amount of data might appear impressive, AncestryDNA may not cover specific countries, especially those located in Asia. MyHeritage’s database is smaller, which is an advantage because it’s split into 42 distinct regions. The regions can then be searched to identify particular communities that aren’t mentioned all the time. Think of any tribal society; there’s a possibility that a DNA test result could be related to the tribes.
> > Click Here to Try MyHeritage for Free < <
MyHeritage and. Family Tree DNA
The next platform that we’ll discuss is Family Tree DNA.
From the beginning, Family Tree DNA has Y-DNA and mtDNA tests, which are not available through MyHeritage. These tests are specifically designed to identify possible relatives that are on either the mother’s or father’s side only. There is also the autosomal general test known as the “Family Finder” for any lineage.
Both platforms have active communities and they prioritize your own privacy. So it’s up to you if you want your DNA to be used by prospective families while searching for missing relatives. However, Family Tree DNA does not have the same number of regions that are covered as MyHeritage. They offer 24 areas that are listed on their web site. This is an option if they are unable to satisfy your needs.
In terms of their offerings, Family Tree DNA has three kits available. They include:
- Family Ancestry: $59
- Maternal test: $159
- Paternal test Test for paternity: $119
Once you get the results, you can’t simply record them in a family tree digitally despite their name. This may be frustrating to certain people who want to see how far their lineage runs. It is also not possible to find any health information regarding your ethnicity. MyHeritage helps with this as you can even look up common diseases in the 18-carrier status reports. If you’re looking for precise details about the family’s history, search to MyHeritage.
> > Click Here to Try MyHeritage for Free < <
MyHeritage vs 23andMe
Our third one on the list is 23andMe.
The platform was the first company to be granted approval from the FDA as a risk-screener for diseases. In addition, you can access it via their website or mobile app. There, you will find information on your health and ancestry are accessible. It is possible to build a family tree and learn things like genetic risk and the science behind genetics, and genealogy as a whole.
23andMe has a wide range in privacy options and options to choose from. Based on your preferences you are able to revoke or withdraw your agreement to 23andMe at any time you are unsure. Samples are collected through saliva, and results come within 3 to 4 weeks.
What 23andMe is focused on are maternal and paternal, Neanderthal tests, and autosomal tests. The biggest benefit here is they cover more than 1500 regions around the world. This may not be a favorite for all people, but if would like to trace back smaller groups, they will do the trick. More precise results are more beneficial than a general view.
In order to avail their services There are three kinds of tests to choose from. Each test comes with customer service and a customized walkthrough of your DNA results. You can select:
- Basic Ancestry and Traits – $79
- DNA Health Test – $129
- VIP Health and Ancestry – $429
Even if you can receive improved DNA results through 23andMe’s pricing, it might not be sufficient for all. For MyHeritage, you have the option of availing the tests through kit or through subscriptions. The subscription starts at $79/year, the same price for their basic tests. As for the kits, at an additional $90, you basically get the same assistance but with more capability. Be aware that DNA tests are not cheap; they go through several steps to arrive at the result and also identify possible relatives.
MyHeritage vs. FamilySearch
This genealogy service takes a distinct approach when it comes to information access.
First of all, FamilySearch offers its services at free of charge. The reason for this is the company being a non-profit institution. They have a strong partnership with platforms such as MyHeritage and AncestryDNA. Their online databases include more than 300,000 books in digital format, even if they’re not indexed correctly.
FamilySearch’s database contains family trees that are available for private and public use. For the shared tree, one can view potential relatives as well as loved ones and how they are related. Private trees will not be visible through a simple search because of privacy concerns.
They do have physical documents like genealogical documents, including vital census records and records. The only difference is that when creating the tree of your families, you are unable to download it. Additionally, setting up the tree is a tedious process too. Another problem is that they won’t offer any DNA testing. However, if you don’t have the money or resources to track your family tree, you can start from here and see what happens.
And if you plan to conduct a thorough DNA test, you could always go to MyHeritage.
> > Click Here to Try MyHeritage for Free < <
MyHeritage vs. Xcode Life
The final platform in our evaluation is Xcode Life, a platform based in India.
Xcode Life has various reports that you can use. Many of them relate to health such as fitness, nutrition and, of course health. These reports are general and provide results within 24 hours and in the format of PDF. But, they do not offer any ancestry reporting services. However, they have more than what they do not have.
They are able to accept raw DNA information that’s already been given from their partners. They can also accept:
- 23andMe
- Family Tree DNA (FTNDA)
- Ancestry DNA
- MyHeritage
These DNA files are then used in their vast health reports. It’s up to the user to decide what type of report they would like to get. The company has its own privacy policies however, you must remove the DNA information manually. For any personal information that is deleted, users need to contact Xcode Life.
Prices in Xcode Life also have bundles that you can pick 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 the individual report packages for all nine
The main drawback of this platform is the fact it is not possible to trace your family tree. Although you are able to use your existing DNA for other uses, it only benefits the individual you are. It is still possible to go here for information if you’re interested in learning more about your DNA, or at the very least.
The Final Verdict
Short story, MyHeritage is the most suitable choice for all your DNA needs.
You can learn which family ethnic lineage you have and trace it back to one family tree. It is autosomal that is the standard for every genealogical test. Once you get the results, you will have the option of contacting those who match your test. This is particularly important for those who want to see their loved ones for an end-of-life visit.
The kits are easy to use and anyone of all ages can benefit from the kits. Results will come within 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 any third party. This is to protect the DNA samples that are provided to the company as it is uploaded to their database. The company will only supply them if it is specifically requested by its owner.
Although there is no information about any health-related issues in the DNA results, you need to charge a fee for any additional information. Overall it’s the place to go for everything genealogical.
