Should I Use Ancestry or MyHeritage? A Deep Dive for American Genealogists

Choosing between Ancestry and MyHeritage for your genealogy journey? The answer hinges on your specific needs and goals. Ancestry is generally considered the more comprehensive option for Americans due to its vast U.S. record collections and larger user base, offering a statistically higher chance of connecting with relatives. MyHeritage, while also robust, excels with European records and often provides more user-friendly tools for managing and displaying family trees, particularly for those with strong European roots. Both platforms offer DNA testing and extensive historical record databases, but their strengths and weaknesses can significantly impact your research experience.

Understanding Your Genealogy Goals

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of Ancestry vs. MyHeritage, it's crucial to define what you hope to achieve with your genealogical research. Are you primarily focused on:

Tracing your lineage back as far as possible?
Connecting with living relatives and sharing your discoveries?
Discovering the stories and lives of your ancestors?
Exploring specific ethnic backgrounds or regions?
Understanding your genetic heritage through DNA testing?

Your answers will guide you toward the platform that best aligns with your aspirations. For instance, if your primary goal is to connect with distant cousins and unearth as many U.S.-based ancestors as possible, Ancestry might have a slight edge. If your research leans heavily into European heritage or you appreciate intuitive visual tools, MyHeritage could be a strong contender.

Ancestry.com: The American Giant

Ancestry.com has long been the dominant player in the American genealogy market, and for good reason. Its extensive databases and user-friendly interface have made it a go-to for millions seeking to explore their family history.

Record Collections: Breadth and Depth

Ancestry boasts an unparalleled collection of U.S. historical records. This includes:

U.S. Federal Census Records: From the earliest records to recent releases, Ancestry provides access to the backbone of American genealogical research.
Vital Records: Birth, marriage, and death records are crucial for building family trees, and Ancestry has a vast collection, though coverage can vary by state and time period.
Immigration and Passenger Lists: Essential for understanding when and how your ancestors arrived in the United States.
Military Records: Including Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, and World War II records, providing insights into your ancestors' service.
U.S. City Directories: Offering glimpses into the lives of urban dwellers, including occupations and addresses.
Probate and Land Records: Providing clues about wealth, family relationships, and property ownership.
Newspapers and Publications: A treasure trove of information, from obituaries to local news that can bring your ancestors to life.

Key Strengths of Ancestry's Records:

Largest U.S. Collection: Statistically, you're more likely to find records for your American ancestors on Ancestry.
Constantly Growing: Ancestry consistently adds new record sets and updates existing ones.
Partnerships: They have exclusive partnerships with many record repositories, meaning some collections are only available through Ancestry.

Potential Limitations:

European Coverage: While improving, their European record collections are not as extensive as MyHeritage's in some areas.
Record Availability by State: As with any genealogy platform, the completeness of records can vary significantly by U.S. state and historical period.

Family Tree Builder and Collaboration

Ancestry's family tree builder is intuitive and allows for easy entry of information. You can add photos, stories, and documents to enrich your tree. One of its most significant advantages is its massive user base. This means:

Hints and Matches: Ancestry's "Hints" feature is highly effective at suggesting potential records or family tree connections based on the information in your tree.
Connecting with Relatives: With millions of trees built by other users, the chances of finding living relatives or discovering shared ancestors are high.
User-Submitted Trees: While these can be a great source of information, they also require careful verification, as errors can be propagated.

DNA Testing: AncestryDNA

AncestryDNA is one of the leading DNA testing services. It offers:

Ethnicity Estimates: Detailed breakdowns of your genetic origins across various regions globally.
DNA Matches: Connects you with other AncestryDNA users who share a common ancestor. These matches can be invaluable for breaking down brick walls in your research.
Integration with Family Trees: DNA matches can be linked to family trees on Ancestry, making it easier to identify your shared ancestors.
The "Common Ancestors" Feature: This can help pinpoint potential shared ancestors with your DNA matches.

AncestryDNA Strengths:

Large U.S. Database: A significant portion of AncestryDNA users are in the United States, increasing the likelihood of finding U.S.-based DNA matches.
Robust Matching Algorithm: Known for its accuracy in identifying close and distant relatives.
Seamless Integration: The synergy between AncestryDNA and the Ancestry.com website is a major selling point.

Pricing and Subscriptions

Ancestry offers various subscription tiers, typically ranging from:

U.S. Discovery: Access to U.S. records.
World Explorer: Includes U.S. records plus records from other countries.
All Access: The most comprehensive package, including all U.S. and international records, plus access to partner sites like Newspapers.com.

Subscription costs can add up, and it's important to choose a tier that aligns with your research focus. DNA kits are purchased separately.

MyHeritage: The European Specialist with Global Reach

MyHeritage, while originally European-focused, has significantly expanded its reach and databases, becoming a formidable competitor to Ancestry, especially for those with European ancestry.

Record Collections: European Strength

MyHeritage excels in its European record collections, which are often more comprehensive than Ancestry's in certain regions. Key areas of strength include:

European Vital Records: Particularly strong in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe.
European Census Records: Extensive collections from various European countries.
European Directories and Emigration Records: Valuable for tracing ancestors who emigrated from Europe to the U.S. or elsewhere.
Jewish Records: MyHeritage has invested heavily in digitizing and indexing Jewish genealogical records, making it a leading platform for those with Jewish heritage.

Key Strengths of MyHeritage's Records:

Deep European Coverage: If your family tree has strong roots in Europe, MyHeritage is often the better choice for record access.
Smart Matching™ and Record Matching: MyHeritage's algorithms are very effective at finding records and other family trees that match your own.
Focus on Specific Communities: Their dedication to expanding Jewish record collections is a prime example.

Potential Limitations:

U.S. Record Depth: While growing, their U.S. record collections may not be as extensive as Ancestry's in every category.
Partnerships: Some exclusive U.S. record collections found on Ancestry are not available on MyHeritage.

Family Tree Builder and User Experience

MyHeritage offers a user-friendly family tree builder with visually appealing tools. It's often praised for:

Intuitive Interface: Many users find MyHeritage's interface cleaner and more modern.
Smart Matches™: This feature automatically searches for other MyHeritage family trees that contain individuals matching yours. This can lead to exciting discoveries and collaborations.
Record Matching: Similar to Ancestry's hints, MyHeritage automatically searches for records that match individuals in your tree.
Photo Tools: MyHeritage offers impressive tools for enhancing, coloring, and animating old photos, which can be a unique way to connect with your ancestors' visual past.

MyHeritageDNA: Global Connections

MyHeritageDNA has rapidly gained popularity and offers a compelling DNA testing service:

Ethnicity Estimates: Provides insights into your genetic makeup across various regions.
DNA Matches: Connects you with other MyHeritage users who share genetic similarities.
Advanced Tools: Features like the "Chromosome Browser" offer more in-depth analysis for experienced genealogists.
International Reach: MyHeritageDNA has a strong international presence, which can be particularly beneficial if you have ancestors from outside the U.S.

MyHeritageDNA Strengths:

Strong European and International Database: This is a significant advantage for those with non-U.S. ancestry.
Good for Finding Cousins Abroad: If your ancestors emigrated from Europe, you might find more matches on MyHeritageDNA.
Competitive Pricing: Often offers competitive pricing for its DNA kits and subsequent subscriptions.

Pricing and Subscriptions

MyHeritage offers several subscription plans, typically categorized as:

Basic: Limited features, often for viewing.
Premium: Expands tree size and record access.
PremiumPlus: Offers the largest tree size and full access to all record collections.
Complete: The most comprehensive plan.

As with Ancestry, DNA kits are a separate purchase. MyHeritage often runs promotions on both subscriptions and DNA kits.

Direct Comparison: Key Differences and Similarities

To help you decide, let's break down the core differences and similarities:

Record Databases

Ancestry: Strongest in U.S. records, vast overall.
MyHeritage: Strongest in European records, growing U.S. presence.

Family Tree Features

Ancestry: Millions of user trees for comparison, strong hint system.
MyHeritage: Visually appealing interface, excellent Smart Matches™ and Photo Tools.

DNA Testing

AncestryDNA: Dominant U.S. database, seamless integration with Ancestry.com.
MyHeritageDNA: Strong international database, good for finding cousins abroad.

User Interface and Experience

Ancestry: Functional, comprehensive, can feel a bit dated to some.
MyHeritage: Modern, intuitive, visually engaging.

Pricing

Both offer tiered subscriptions and separate DNA kits. Pricing can be competitive, especially during sales.
Ancestry subscriptions can be more expensive for the most comprehensive plans.
MyHeritage often has attractive introductory offers for subscriptions and DNA kits.

Customer Support

Both companies offer customer support through various channels, including FAQs, email, and sometimes phone support. User experiences can vary, but both generally provide adequate assistance.

When to Choose Ancestry for Your Genealogy Research

You should consider Ancestry if:

Your primary focus is on tracing your American ancestors.
You want access to the largest collection of U.S. vital records, census data, and immigration records.
You want the highest probability of connecting with living relatives and finding DNA matches within the United States.
You appreciate a well-established platform with a massive user base.
You are interested in exclusive record collections only available through Ancestry.

Why Ancestry might be better for Americans:

For Americans, Ancestry's sheer volume of U.S.-specific records is its biggest advantage. The platform is built around the typical American genealogical journey, starting with immigration and moving through the familiar U.S. census and vital record systems. The massive U.S.-based user pool for AncestryDNA also means a higher likelihood of finding relevant genetic connections within the country.

When to Choose MyHeritage for Your Genealogy Research

You should consider MyHeritage if:

Your family tree has strong roots in Europe (e.g., UK, Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Jewish heritage).
You are looking for more comprehensive European record collections.
You appreciate a more modern, visually appealing, and intuitive interface.
You are particularly interested in MyHeritage's advanced photo enhancement and animation tools.
You want to connect with international DNA matches, especially those from Europe.
You are drawn to their specific offerings for Jewish genealogy.

Why MyHeritage might be better for those with European roots:

MyHeritage's historical strength in European records gives it a distinct advantage for individuals whose ancestors came from across the pond. Their commitment to digitizing and indexing a wide array of European documents, coupled with their strong international DNA database, makes them an excellent choice for uncovering those transatlantic connections.

Can You Use Both? The Hybrid Approach

It's not an either/or situation for many genealogists! Many individuals find value in subscribing to both Ancestry and MyHeritage, especially if their research spans multiple regions or if they want to leverage the unique strengths of each platform.

Benefits of using both:

Maximized Record Access: You gain access to the best of both worlds – extensive U.S. records from Ancestry and deep European records from MyHeritage.
Broader DNA Match Pool: By testing with both AncestryDNA and MyHeritageDNA, you increase your chances of finding more DNA matches across a wider range of users.
Cross-Referencing Information: You can cross-reference information found on each platform, helping to verify or discover new details.
Leveraging Specific Tools: Use Ancestry for its vast U.S. record hints and MyHeritage for its Smart Matches™ and photo tools.

Considerations for a hybrid approach:

Cost: Subscribing to both services will be more expensive.
Tree Management: You'll need a strategy for managing your family tree across platforms, or a method for merging data from both. Many genealogists maintain their primary tree on one platform and use the other for research and comparison.

Making the Final Decision: A Checklist

To help you finalize your choice, consider this checklist:

For Ancestry:

Do most of your known ancestors live in the United States?
Are you primarily interested in U.S. census, vital, and immigration records?
Do you want the highest chance of finding U.S.-based DNA matches?
Are you comfortable with a vast, sometimes overwhelming, amount of U.S. historical data?

For MyHeritage:

Do many of your ancestors come from Europe (or other regions where MyHeritage is strong)?
Are you looking for detailed European vital records, parish records, or emigration lists?
Do you appreciate a modern, user-friendly interface and visually appealing tools?
Are you interested in connecting with international DNA matches?
Do you have specific interest in Jewish genealogy records?

For Both:

Is budget less of a concern than maximizing your research potential?
Are you willing to manage your tree across multiple platforms or use a robust genealogical software to consolidate data?
Do you want the broadest possible range of record access and DNA matches?

Conclusion: Which Platform is Right for You?

Ultimately, the "better" platform is subjective and depends entirely on your individual genealogical needs and the story you're trying to uncover. For the average American genealogist looking to trace their family tree within the United States, Ancestry.com often provides the most comprehensive and accessible resources.

However, if your research ventures into European shores, or if you prefer a more modern user interface and advanced photo tools, MyHeritage presents a compelling alternative and a powerful set of resources. Many seasoned genealogists find that subscribing to both offers the most robust path to discovery, allowing them to harness the unique strengths of each platform.

Consider starting with a free trial if available for either platform, or if your budget allows, begin with one and explore the other later. Your genealogical journey is unique, and the platform that best supports it is the one that helps you connect with your past most effectively.