Is MyHeritage better than AncestryDNA? No, neither MyHeritage nor AncestryDNA is definitively "better" than the other across all aspects. The superior choice depends entirely on an individuals specific genealogical goals, budget, and ancestral background. AncestryDNA excels with its unparalleled DNA database size, particularly strong in North America, and its deep integration with extensive family tree building tools and historical records. MyHeritage, conversely, offers a strong alternative with a more affordable entry point, excellent global reach (especially within Europe), unique photo enhancement features, and currently provides health reports, which AncestryDNA no longer directly offers. Both platforms provide valuable insights, but their strengths cater to different user priorities.
Understanding Your DNA Journey: AncestryDNA vs. MyHeritage
Embarking on a journey to uncover your genetic heritage can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Consumer DNA testing services have revolutionized the field of genealogy, offering insights into our ethnicity, connecting us with previously unknown relatives, and even hinting at our predispositions for certain health traits. Among the myriad of companies vying for your saliva sample, AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA stand out as two of the most prominent and widely used platforms. Both services aim to help you understand your origins and build your family tree, but they approach these goals with different strengths, focuses, and methodologies.
AncestryDNA, a subsidiary of Ancestry.com, leverages its massive database of historical records and extensive user-built family trees to create a deeply integrated genealogical experience. Its primary focus has always been on combining genetic results with traditional paper trail research to build comprehensive family histories. MyHeritage DNA, on the other hand, is part of MyHeritage, a global family history service known for its international record collections, advanced matching technologies, and innovative photo tools. While also offering robust family tree capabilities, MyHeritage has a distinct global, particularly European, emphasis and an additional focus on genetic health insights.
Deciding which service is right for you can be challenging without a clear understanding of what each offers. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their core features, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and help you determine which platform aligns best with your personal quest for self-discovery and family history.
Direct Comparison: Key Features and Services
1. DNA Database Size and Global Reach
The size of a companys DNA database is perhaps the most critical factor influencing the utility of a DNA test, especially when it comes to finding genetic relatives. A larger database means a higher probability of finding closer matches and a broader spectrum of ethnicity regions.
- AncestryDNA: AncestryDNA boasts the largest consumer DNA database in the world, with over 23 million samples. This colossal size provides an unparalleled opportunity to find genetic relatives, particularly those with North American roots. The sheer volume of data allows AncestryDNAs algorithms to be highly refined, often providing very granular ethnicity estimates for regions within the Americas, Europe, and some other parts of the world. For individuals whose family history primarily traces back through the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia, AncestryDNAs massive user base can be a significant advantage in uncovering new relatives and confirming existing genealogical lines. The database continues to grow rapidly, further enhancing its matching capabilities.
- MyHeritage DNA: MyHeritage DNA holds the second-largest database, with over 6 million samples. While significantly smaller than AncestryDNAs, MyHeritages database has a pronounced international, and specifically European, representation. Many users outside North America, especially in continental Europe, have chosen MyHeritage, making it an excellent choice for those with strong European ancestry seeking detailed regional breakdowns or looking for relatives in European countries. Its growing global footprint, including significant populations in Israel, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe, means that if your family story originates from these areas, MyHeritage might provide more relevant matches and granular insights than its larger competitor.
Impact on Ethnicity Estimates and Relative Matches: The size and geographic distribution of a database directly impact the accuracy and detail of ethnicity estimates. A company with more samples from a specific region can define smaller, more precise genetic communities within that region. Similarly, the number of potential DNA matches is directly proportional to the database size. If youre looking for long-lost relatives, a larger database offers a greater chance of success. However, the diversity of a database can be as important as its size a smaller but more geographically diverse database might offer better insights for specific ancestral regions.
2. Ethnicity Estimates and Geographic Accuracy
Ethnicity estimates are often the most exciting part of a DNA test for many users, offering a fascinating glimpse into their ancestral origins. Both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA provide percentage breakdowns of your ethnic heritage, mapping your DNA to various global regions. However, the precision, granularity, and even the names of these regions can differ significantly between the two services.
- AncestryDNA: AncestryDNA is known for its detailed and frequently updated ethnicity estimates. Utilizing its vast reference panel, AncestryDNA can often pinpoint origins to specific sub-regions and genetic communities, especially within Europe and the Americas. For example, instead of just "Western Europe," you might see "Germanic Europe" or "Ireland." They frequently update their algorithms and reference populations, which means your results can change over time, often becoming more precise. Their "Genetic Communities" feature further refines these estimates by identifying groups of people who share DNA because they descend from a common population of ancestors, often tied to specific historical migration patterns or geographic isolation. This can provide powerful context to your ethnic percentages.
- MyHeritage DNA: MyHeritage DNA also provides ethnicity estimates that are particularly strong for European regions. Their reference populations are robust for many European countries, including Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and Jewish populations. While their initial estimates might sometimes appear broader than AncestryDNAs for certain regions, they have been consistently improving their algorithm and expanding their reference populations. MyHeritages "Ethnicities" feature also includes a "Genetic Groups" component, which functions similarly to Ancestrys Genetic Communities, identifying groups of people descended from the same founding population. These groups are often more focused on European, Middle Eastern, and North African origins. They also offer a unique "DNA Story" that visually represents your ancestral journey around the world.
Understanding Differences: Its crucial to understand that ethnicity estimates are exactly that—estimates. They are based on comparing your DNA to a reference panel of people whose ancestors are believed to have lived in specific regions for generations. Differences between companies arise from varying reference panels, statistical algorithms, and the methodologies used to define genetic regions. For instance, one company might categorize a population as "Germanic Europe," while another might split it into "France" and "Germany." Neither is necessarily "wrong" they are simply different interpretations based on their data. You might find that one service offers more detail in a region youre particularly interested in, while the other provides a broader overview.
3. DNA Matching and Relative Finder
Beyond ethnicity estimates, connecting with genetic relatives is a powerful aspect of DNA testing. Both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA provide tools to help you identify and connect with people who share DNA with you, indicating a common ancestor. These tools are invaluable for genealogists looking to extend their family trees or break through "brick walls."
- AncestryDNA: AncestryDNAs DNA matching system is robust, largely due to its massive database. It provides a list of potential relatives, estimating the relationship based on the amount of shared DNA (measured in centimorgans, cM). For each match, you can see their predicted relationship, the amount of shared DNA, and often a link to their public or private family tree (if theyve linked one).
- Key Features:
Shared Ancestor Hints: AncestryDNA automatically identifies potential common ancestors between you and your matches if both of you have public or linked family trees. This feature is a game-changer for confirming relationships.
ThruLines: This innovative tool visually suggests how you might be related to your DNA matches through common ancestors, even if that ancestor isnt directly in your tree yet. It uses your tree, your matches trees, and Ancestrys vast record collection to build hypothetical relationships, offering clues for further research.
Shared Matches: You can see which other matches you share with a particular relative, helping to cluster your matches into family groups.
Communication Tools: Ancestry provides a messaging system to contact your DNA matches directly.
- MyHeritage DNA: MyHeritage DNA also offers a comprehensive DNA matching system. It displays matches, predicted relationships, and the total amount of shared DNA. Critically, MyHeritage also provides information on shared DNA segments, including the specific chromosome locations, which can be invaluable for advanced genetic genealogists.
- Key Features:
Theory of Family Relativity: Similar to Ancestrys ThruLines, this feature combines DNA data with family trees and MyHeritages historical records to propose a theory explaining how you and your DNA matches are related. It often provides detailed paths through multiple family trees and records.
Shared DNA Segments: A significant advantage for MyHeritage is its display of shared DNA segments. This allows users to see exactly where on their chromosomes they share DNA with a match, which is critical for triangulation and more advanced genealogical research.
Chromosome Browser: MyHeritage offers a chromosome browser, a tool that allows you to visually compare shared DNA segments with up to seven DNA matches simultaneously. This is a powerful feature for identifying common ancestors and validating relationships.
Communication Tools: Like Ancestry, MyHeritage provides an internal messaging system to facilitate communication with matches.
Comparison of Tools: Both services offer excellent tools for finding relatives. AncestryDNAs ThruLines is incredibly intuitive for visualizing potential relationships within the context of a family tree, making it easy for beginners. MyHeritage DNAs Theory of Family Relativity is equally powerful and, for experienced genetic genealogists, the chromosome browser and shared segment data provide an unparalleled level of detail for verifying and exploring relationships.
4. Family Tree Building Tools and Records Access
DNA results are often just one piece of the genealogical puzzle. Integrating them with traditional family tree research and historical records is where both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage truly shine, albeit with different strengths in their record collections.
- AncestryDNA: As the leading platform for family history research globally, Ancestry.com provides an unparalleled suite of tools for building and managing your family tree. Its integration with AncestryDNA results is seamless.
Massive Record Collection: Ancestry.com boasts the largest online collection of historical records, with billions of records including census documents, birth/marriage/death certificates, immigration records, military records, and more, primarily focused on the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Intuitive Tree Builder: The family tree builder is user-friendly and highly functional. You can easily add individuals, attach records, and link DNA matches.
Smart Hints: As you build your tree, Ancestry automatically suggests potential records or other family trees that might contain information about your ancestors. These "hints" are a powerful aid in expanding your tree quickly.
DNA Integration: Your DNA matches are linked directly to your tree, and features like ThruLines use your tree as a foundation. This integration makes it easy to see how your DNA results connect to your documented family history.
Subscription Model: Access to Ancestrys full record collection typically requires a paid subscription, which comes in various tiers depending on the level of access you need (e.g., U.S. Discovery, World Explorer, All Access).
- MyHeritage DNA: MyHeritage also offers a robust and highly capable family tree building platform, with a strong emphasis on international records and connecting researchers worldwide.
Extensive International Record Collection: MyHeritage has a significant and growing collection of historical records, with a strong focus on Europe and other non-North American regions. They have particularly strong collections for Scandinavian countries, Jewish historical records, and many parts of continental Europe. They also have good U.S. collections, though not as extensive as Ancestrys for the U.S.
Feature-Rich Tree Builder: The MyHeritage tree builder is intuitive and offers many advanced features, including consistency checkers, privacy controls, and multimedia options.
Smart Matches and Record Matches: Similar to Ancestrys hints, MyHeritage provides "Smart Matches" when it finds matching people in other users family trees and "Record Matches" when it finds records related to individuals in your tree. These are powerful tools for collaboration and expansion.
DNA Integration: MyHeritage also seamlessly integrates DNA matches with your family tree, and its Theory of Family Relativity relies heavily on linked trees and records.
Subscription Model: Like Ancestry, full access to MyHeritages record collection requires a paid subscription, with different tiers available (e.g., Premium, PremiumPlus, Data, Complete).
Comparison: For those focused primarily on U.S. and Anglophone country records, Ancestry.coms record collection is unmatched. Its sheer volume and depth for these regions make it the go-to resource. However, if your family history extends significantly into continental Europe, MyHeritages international record collection often provides superior coverage and depth. Both platforms offer excellent tree-building tools and robust integration with DNA results, but their respective record strengths guide their primary utility for different researchers.
5. Health and Wellness Reports
The ability to gain insights into genetic health predispositions and carrier status has become a significant draw for many considering DNA testing. This is one area where AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA have diverged significantly.
- AncestryDNA: AncestryDNA no longer directly offers health reports to new customers. In 2021, AncestryDNA discontinued its "AncestryHealth" product, choosing to focus solely on its core ancestry and family history services. While existing AncestryHealth customers can still access their reports, new customers purchasing an AncestryDNA kit will only receive ethnicity estimates and DNA matches, without any health-related information. This decision streamlines Ancestrys offerings and reinforces its position as a dedicated genealogical platform.
- MyHeritage DNA: MyHeritage DNA, in contrast, offers an optional "MyHeritage DNA Health+Ancestry" kit (or an upgrade for existing ancestry-only kit owners). This health product provides reports on genetic risk factors for various conditions and carrier status for others.
Genetic Risk Reports: These reports assess your genetic predisposition for developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and more. Its important to remember these are predispositions, not diagnoses.
Carrier Status Reports: These reports identify if you are a carrier for certain recessive genetic conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease). Being a carrier means you dont typically have the condition yourself, but you could pass the gene to your children if your partner is also a carrier.
Wellness Reports: These reports provide insights into traits like caffeine metabolism, lactose intolerance, and other wellness-related characteristics.
Ethical Considerations and Limitations: It is crucial to approach consumer genetic health reports with caution. They are not diagnostic tools and should not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. Genetic risk factors are just one piece of the puzzle, and lifestyle, environment, and other genes also play significant roles. For carrier status reports, genetic counseling is highly recommended, especially when planning a family. MyHeritage provides disclaimers and recommendations for consulting with healthcare providers, emphasizing the recreational nature of these tests.
6. User Interface and Experience
The overall user experience, including the design, navigation, and clarity of information, can greatly influence how enjoyable and effective your genealogical research becomes.
- AncestryDNA: Ancestrys platform is highly functional and rich with data. The user interface is generally clean and professional, but the sheer volume of information and features can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for new users. Navigating between DNA results, family trees, and record searches is generally seamless due to deep integration. The layout is designed for serious genealogists who are accustomed to digging through extensive data.
- MyHeritage DNA: MyHeritage offers a more modern, visually appealing, and often more intuitive user interface. Many users find it slightly easier to navigate, especially for beginners. The design is clean, and information is presented clearly, with engaging visuals. MyHeritage also has a reputation for innovative features beyond just DNA and records, such as photo enhancement and animation tools, which contribute to a more dynamic user experience.
Overall: Both platforms have well-developed user interfaces. Ancestrys is geared towards comprehensive data exploration, while MyHeritage offers a more streamlined, visually engaging, and perhaps more beginner-friendly approach.
7. Data Privacy and Security
Entrusting your genetic information to a company raises significant privacy and security concerns. Both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA have robust policies and measures in place, but its important for users to understand them.
- Shared Security Practices: Both companies adhere to industry-standard security protocols, including encryption of data, secure servers, and strict access controls. They also require explicit user consent for their DNA data to be used in scientific research or for any purpose beyond generating personal reports and matches. Users generally have control over whether their profile is public or private, and whether they want to participate in research programs.
- AncestryDNAs Policies:
Law Enforcement: Ancestry has a publicly stated policy against voluntarily sharing customer DNA data with law enforcement unless mandated by a valid legal process (e.g., a court order or search warrant). They also have a history of fighting requests for access to user data.
Research: Ancestry requires separate, explicit consent for participation in scientific research. Users can opt in or out at any time.
Data Control: Users can download their raw DNA data, delete their data, or destroy their physical saliva sample.
- MyHeritage DNAs Policies:
Law Enforcement: MyHeritage also states that it will not share user data with law enforcement without a valid legal request and will endeavor to notify users before disclosure. Their policy prohibits law enforcement from using their service to investigate crimes without a court order.
Research: Similar to Ancestry, MyHeritage requires explicit, informed consent for any research use of DNA data.
Data Control: MyHeritage offers users the ability to download raw DNA data, delete their data, and request the destruction of their physical sample.
Key Differences and User Choice: While both companies have strong privacy commitments, its always recommended to read their full privacy policies before testing. The landscape of DNA privacy is constantly evolving, and understanding how your data might be used, even with consent, is paramount. Both services empower users with significant control over their data, which is a critical aspect of responsible consumer genomics.
8. Pricing and Value
Cost is often a significant factor in deciding which DNA test to purchase. Both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA offer competitive pricing, but their overall value proposition can differ based on what youre looking for.
- AncestryDNA:
DNA Kit: The AncestryDNA kit typically costs around $99, though it is frequently on sale for a lower price, especially around holidays. This price includes ethnicity estimates and DNA matches.
Family Tree/Records Subscription: To access Ancestry.coms full historical record collection and fully leverage the integration with your DNA results for genealogical research, a separate paid subscription is required. These subscriptions range from approximately $25 to $50 per month, depending on the tier (U.S., World, All Access), with discounts for annual plans.
Value: The value of AncestryDNA largely comes from its massive database and the unparalleled integration with its record collection. If youre serious about in-depth genealogical research, the combined cost of the DNA kit and a subscription can be substantial but often proves worthwhile for the resources it provides.
- MyHeritage DNA:
DNA Kit: The MyHeritage DNA kit is generally more affordable, usually priced around $79, with frequent sales bringing it down even further. The "Health+Ancestry" kit typically costs more, around $199, and also sees frequent discounts.
Family Tree/Records Subscription: Like Ancestry, full access to MyHeritages historical records and advanced tree-building features requires a paid subscription. Their plans range from about $12.99 to $29.99 per month for annual plans, with various tiers (Premium, PremiumPlus, Data, Complete).
DNA Upload Option: A significant value point for MyHeritage is the ability to upload raw DNA data from other services (like AncestryDNA or 23andMe) for free to receive DNA matches. A one-time unlock fee (often around $29-$49) is required to access advanced DNA tools like the chromosome browser, ethnicity estimates, and the Theory of Family Relativity for uploaded data. This makes MyHeritage an excellent second opinion or supplementary service for those who have already tested elsewhere.
Value: MyHeritage often provides a strong value proposition due to its lower initial kit cost, competitive subscription pricing, and the ability to upload DNA data from other services. For those interested in both ancestry and health insights, the "Health+Ancestry" kit offers a combined solution that Ancestry no longer provides.
Conclusion on Pricing: If budget is a primary concern and you want a solid ancestry experience, MyHeritage often presents a more affordable entry point. If you plan to delve deep into genealogical research with records, both platforms require a subscription, and the value depends on which record collections are most relevant to your family history.
Unique Strengths and Weaknesses Summarized
To summarize, here are the distinct advantages and disadvantages of each platform:
AncestryDNA Strengths:
- Largest DNA Database: With over 23 million samples, AncestryDNA offers the highest probability of finding DNA matches and provides extensive data for ethnicity estimates.
- Unparalleled North American Record Collection: Deep integration with Ancestry.coms massive historical record collection, especially for U.S., Canadian, and U.K. records, is unmatched.
- Powerful Family Tree Integration (ThruLines): Its unique ThruLines feature and shared ancestor hints are incredibly effective for visualizing and confirming relationships through family trees.
- Frequent Ethnicity Estimate Updates: Regular refinements to its algorithms and reference populations often lead to increasingly granular and accurate ethnicity reports.
- Strong Community Focus: A vast user community facilitates collaborative research.
AncestryDNA Weaknesses:
- Higher Overall Cost: The initial DNA kit is generally more expensive, and a separate, often costly, subscription is needed for full access to records and advanced genealogical features.
- Less Emphasis on Global Genetic Nuances: While good globally, its focus leans heavily towards North American and British Isle populations, potentially offering less detail for other regions compared to MyHeritage.
- No Direct Health Reports: AncestryDNA no longer offers health-related genetic reports to new customers, focusing solely on ancestry.
- No Raw Data Upload for Matches: You cannot upload raw DNA data from other services to get matches and ethnicity estimates on AncestryDNA. You must purchase their kit.
MyHeritage Strengths:
- Strong International Focus (Especially Europe): Its database and record collection are particularly strong for European, Scandinavian, and Jewish populations, offering more detailed insights and matches for these ancestries.
- More Affordable Pricing: The initial DNA kit is typically less expensive, and subscription plans are often more competitive.
- Unique Photo Features: Innovative tools like Photo Enhancer, Deep Nostalgia, and AI Time Machine add a dynamic and engaging dimension to family history.
- Offers Health Reports: The MyHeritage DNA Health+Ancestry kit provides valuable genetic risk and carrier status reports (with proper caveats).
- DNA Upload Option: Allows users to upload raw DNA data from other services for free to get matches, with an unlock fee for advanced tools and ethnicity estimates, offering great flexibility and value.
- Chromosome Browser: A powerful tool for advanced genetic genealogists to visualize shared DNA segments.
MyHeritage Weaknesses:
- Smaller DNA Database: With 6+ million samples, its significantly smaller than AncestryDNA, potentially resulting in fewer overall DNA matches.
- North American Record Collection Not as Extensive: While growing, its U.S. and Canadian record collections are not as comprehensive as Ancestrys.
- Ethnicity Estimates Can Be Broader: For some non-European regions, ethnicity estimates might be less granular than AncestryDNAs.
Who Should Choose Which Service?
The "better" service truly comes down to your personal priorities and ancestral background. Consider the following:
Choose AncestryDNA if:
- Your primary interest is finding North American relatives and exploring U.S. family history. Its massive database and record collection are unmatched for this region.
- You want the largest possible DNA matching pool. This maximizes your chances of finding distant and close relatives.
- You plan to build a comprehensive family tree heavily reliant on US/Canadian/UK records. The integration with Ancestry.coms records is seamless and powerful.
- You are interested in ThruLines and common ancestor hints. These features are excellent for visual genealogists and breaking down brick walls.
- You are not interested in health-related DNA insights.
Choose MyHeritage if:
- You have known European ancestry and want more detailed insights there. MyHeritage excels in connecting users with European roots and records.
- You are on a budget. MyHeritage often offers a more affordable entry point and subscription plans.
- Youre interested in health reports alongside ancestry. MyHeritage offers the "Health+Ancestry" kit, which AncestryDNA no longer does.
- You want to upload existing DNA data from another service. This is a cost-effective way to expand your match list and get a "second opinion" on ethnicity without re-testing.
- You appreciate innovative photo features. Tools like Deep Nostalgia add a unique, engaging element to your family history journey.
- You are an advanced genetic genealogist who values chromosome segment data and a chromosome browser.
Can I Use Both Services for Maximum Benefit?
Absolutely, and many experienced genealogists recommend using both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA, or at least strategically leveraging their strengths. The best strategy for a comprehensive genealogical and genetic picture is often to:
- Test with AncestryDNA: This gives you access to the largest database for DNA matches and their powerful family tree integration with extensive U.S./UK records.
- Download Your Raw DNA Data: Once your AncestryDNA results are processed, you can download your raw DNA file from their website.
- Upload to MyHeritage: Upload your raw AncestryDNA data to MyHeritage. You will typically receive DNA matches for free. For a one-time unlock fee (usually around $29-$49), you can gain access to MyHeritages ethnicity estimates, chromosome browser, and their "Theory of Family Relativity" tool.
This multi-platform approach allows you to cast the widest net for DNA matches, compare ethnicity estimates from different algorithms and reference populations, and utilize the unique features and record collections of both services, effectively getting the "best of both worlds" without having to buy two full test kits (unless you want MyHeritages health reports, which require their specific kit).
Understanding the Limitations and Ethical Considerations of Consumer DNA Testing
While consumer DNA tests are powerful tools, its essential to approach them with a clear understanding of their limitations and the ethical considerations involved:
- Not 100% Definitive: Ethnicity estimates are statistical predictions, not definitive proof. They are based on reference populations and algorithms that evolve over time.
- Privacy Concerns: Your DNA data is highly personal. While companies have strong privacy policies, no system is entirely impervious. Always read and understand the terms of service and privacy policy.
- Unexpected Results: DNA testing can sometimes reveal surprising information, such as previously unknown close relatives, non-paternity events, or unexpected health predispositions. Be prepared for potentially life-altering discoveries.
- Recreational vs. Medical: Consumer health DNA tests provide insights into predispositions, not diagnoses. Any health-related results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
- Data Sharing for Research: Many companies offer the option to contribute your anonymized data to scientific research. While beneficial for scientific advancement, understand what you are consenting to.
- Genealogical vs. Genetic Ancestry: Genetic ancestry (what DNA tests reveal) may not perfectly align with genealogical ancestry (what historical records show), especially far back in time due to genetic recombination and the random inheritance of DNA.
Always remember that DNA testing is a tool for self-discovery and genealogical research, and its interpretation should be done thoughtfully and, where health is concerned, with professional guidance.
Conclusion: The Verdict on "Better"
Ultimately, the question "Is MyHeritage better than AncestryDNA?" doesnt have a universal answer. Both platforms are industry leaders, each offering exceptional services tailored to different needs and interests. AncestryDNA stands as the titan for sheer database size and unparalleled North American record integration, making it ideal for those focused on U.S., Canadian, and U.K. genealogy and the highest probability of finding matches. MyHeritage DNA, with its strong international focus (especially Europe), more competitive pricing, unique photo features, and current offering of health reports, presents a compelling alternative or complementary service, particularly for those with diverse European ancestry or a tighter budget. The best approach for many will be to utilize the strengths of both, testing with AncestryDNA and then uploading the raw data to MyHeritage to gain the broadest possible insights and connect with the largest number of potential relatives. Your genealogical journey is unique, and the best DNA service is the one that best empowers you to uncover your own fascinating story.