What is the Difference Between AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA?

AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA are two of the leading direct-to-consumer DNA testing services. The primary differences lie in their geographic focus, ethnicity estimations, database size and composition, user interface, and additional features. AncestryDNA excels in providing a comprehensive view of your ancestry primarily within the United States and Western Europe, leveraging a larger North American user base. MyHeritage DNA, on the other hand, shines with its strong European coverage, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe, and boasts a larger global user base for DNA matches.

Choosing between AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA can feel like a significant decision when embarking on your genetic genealogy journey. Both companies offer the exciting prospect of uncovering your ethnic origins and connecting with relatives you never knew you had. However, they approach this task with slightly different methodologies and strengths, catering to slightly different user needs and ancestral backgrounds. This article will delve into the core distinctions between these two popular DNA testing services to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding Direct-to-Consumer DNA Testing

Before we dive into the specifics of AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA, it's helpful to understand the general concept of direct-to-consumer (DTC) DNA testing. These services allow individuals to submit a saliva sample, which is then analyzed to reveal insights into their genetic makeup. This analysis typically breaks down into two main categories:

Autosomal DNA: This is the type of DNA tested by both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA. Autosomal DNA is inherited from both parents and all your ancestors. It's used to determine ethnicity estimates and find relatives across all branches of your family tree, going back approximately 5-7 generations.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-DNA: These types of DNA are passed down differently. mtDNA is inherited from your mother, and Y-DNA is passed from father to son. These tests are more focused on deep ancestral migrations and tracing specific paternal or maternal lines, but are not the primary focus of AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA's core offerings.

The results from these tests can offer a fascinating glimpse into your heritage, helping you understand where your ancestors came from and potentially connecting you with distant cousins. However, the accuracy and depth of these insights can vary significantly between different companies.

Key Differences Between AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA

While both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA offer similar core functionalities, their nuances can make one a better fit for certain individuals than the other. Let's break down the key areas of differentiation:

1. Geographic Focus and Ethnicity Estimates

This is arguably the most significant difference for many users. Each company's ethnicity algorithms are built on reference populations, which are essentially groups of people whose DNA is known to represent specific regions. The quality and breadth of these reference populations directly impact the accuracy and detail of your ethnicity report.

AncestryDNA's Geographic Strengths:

AncestryDNA has a particularly strong footing in North America. Due to its large user base in the United States, it has developed robust reference populations for various regions within the U.S., including detailed breakdowns for states and even specific historical migration patterns. If your ancestry is predominantly American, with roots in colonial settlements or later immigrant waves from Western Europe, AncestryDNA often provides highly granular and relevant results.

North American Focus: Excellent for tracing lineage within the United States.
Western European Strength: Strong coverage for countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and France.
Detailed Breakdowns: Often provides more specific regional breakdowns within larger countries.

MyHeritage DNA's Geographic Strengths:

MyHeritage DNA has a distinct advantage when it comes to European ancestry, especially in Northern and Eastern Europe. Its European user base is substantial, leading to more refined reference populations for regions like Scandinavia, Eastern Europe (including Poland, Russia, Ukraine), the Balkans, and Italy. If your family tree extends into these areas, MyHeritage DNA might offer more precise insights.

European Dominance: Particularly strong for Scandinavian, Eastern European, Balkan, and Italian heritage.
Global Reach: A larger overall global user base can sometimes lead to more diverse DNA matches.
Emerging Regions: Continuously expanding its reference populations to cover more areas.

Concise Answer: AncestryDNA is generally stronger for North American and Western European ancestry, while MyHeritage DNA excels in European ancestry, particularly from Northern and Eastern Europe.

2. Database Size and Composition

The size and diversity of a DNA testing company's database are crucial for two main reasons: finding ethnic origins and connecting with relatives (DNA matches).

AncestryDNA's Database:

AncestryDNA boasts the largest consumer DNA database in the world. This is a significant advantage for several reasons:

More DNA Matches: With more people tested, you are statistically more likely to find close and distant relatives who have also tested with AncestryDNA.
Historical Depth: The sheer volume of data allows for more refined comparisons and potentially deeper ancestral insights.
Integration with Ancestry.com: This is a key differentiator. If you are a subscriber to Ancestry.com (their genealogy platform), you can link your DNA results directly to your family tree. This allows for a powerful combination of genetic and historical research, where you can see which ancestors might have contributed to specific DNA matches and ethnic regions.

MyHeritage DNA's Database:

While not as large as AncestryDNA's globally, MyHeritage DNA has a very substantial and growing database, with a significant concentration in Europe. This is where its strengths lie in terms of potential connections.

Strong European Match Pool: Ideal for finding relatives with European roots.
Growing Global Presence: Continually expanding its user base worldwide.
User-Friendly Interface for Matches: MyHeritage often provides intuitive tools for organizing and analyzing DNA matches.

Concise Answer: AncestryDNA has the largest global database, leading to more potential DNA matches overall, especially if you are in North America. MyHeritage DNA has a very large European-centric database, which is excellent for finding European relatives.

3. User Interface and Experience

The way you interact with your DNA results, understand your ethnicity breakdown, and navigate through your DNA matches can greatly influence your overall experience.

AncestryDNA's Interface:

AncestryDNA's interface is generally clean and user-friendly, especially for those familiar with the Ancestry.com platform. Its ethnicity reports are presented visually, often with maps and charts. The integration with the Ancestry.com family tree platform is seamless, allowing for a unified research experience.

Intuitive Design: Easy to navigate for beginners.
Visual Ethnicity Reports: Clear and engaging presentation of results.
Seamless Ancestry.com Integration: A major advantage for those using the genealogy platform.

MyHeritage DNA's Interface:

MyHeritage DNA is also known for its intuitive and aesthetically pleasing interface. It places a strong emphasis on the DNA matching experience, with tools that help you organize and understand your connections. Their ethnicity reports are also well-presented, often with detailed explanations of each ethnic group.

Visually Appealing: Modern and engaging design.
Robust DNA Matching Tools: Excellent features for managing and analyzing relatives.
Detailed Ethnic Group Explanations: Provides good context for each reported ethnicity.

Concise Answer: Both offer user-friendly interfaces, but AncestryDNA's integration with its genealogy platform is a key advantage for research, while MyHeritage DNA's tools for managing DNA matches are particularly strong.

4. Additional Features and Services

Beyond the core DNA analysis, these companies offer various supplementary features that can enhance your research or provide additional value.

AncestryDNA's Additional Features:

AncestryDNA Traits: This feature analyzes specific genetic markers to provide insights into traits like cilantro aversion, eye color, and muscle composition.
AncestryDNA + Traits Service: Bundles the DNA test with the traits analysis.
Integration with Ancestry.com Subscriptions: As mentioned, the ability to link DNA to a vast collection of historical records and user-submitted family trees is a powerhouse for genealogical research.
New AncestryDNA Stories: Offers narratives based on your DNA results and historical data.

MyHeritage DNA's Additional Features:

MyHeritage DNA Health+Ancestry: This service combines ethnicity estimation with genetic health reports, identifying predispositions to certain health conditions (this is an additional cost).
Record Matching: MyHeritage can scan historical records for potential matches with your family tree.
Advanced DNA Tools: Features like "DNA Painter" and "Auto-Clusters" help visualize relationships and group matches.
"Deep Nostalgia" feature: An AI-powered tool that animates old photos, bringing ancestors to life.

Concise Answer: AncestryDNA offers trait analysis and unparalleled integration with historical records via its Ancestry.com platform. MyHeritage DNA offers a combined health and ancestry test, and innovative features like photo animation.

5. Data Privacy and Data Transfer

When submitting your DNA, privacy is a paramount concern. It's essential to understand how each company handles your genetic information.

AncestryDNA's Privacy Policy:

AncestryDNA's privacy policy generally states that they will not share your raw DNA data without your explicit consent, unless legally required. They state that they do not sell your DNA data. However, like most companies, they use anonymized and aggregated data for research and product development purposes. Users have the option to delete their data.

MyHeritage DNA's Privacy Policy:

MyHeritage DNA also has a privacy policy that aims to protect user data. They state that they do not sell DNA data to third parties. They also use anonymized data for research. Users can request data deletion. It's always recommended to read the latest privacy policy directly from the company's website for the most up-to-date information.

Data Transferability:

Both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA allow you to download your raw DNA data. This is a crucial feature because it enables you to upload your DNA data to other platforms and databases (like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA) to expand your potential for finding matches and further analyze your genetic information.

Concise Answer: Both companies have privacy policies that aim to protect your data and do not sell it without consent. Both allow you to download your raw DNA data for transfer to other services.

Which Service is Right for You?

The best choice between AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA depends on your specific genealogical goals and ancestral background.

Choose AncestryDNA if:

Your primary interest is exploring your North American or Western European heritage.
You are already a subscriber to Ancestry.com or are considering it for its extensive historical records and family tree building tools.
You want to maximize your chances of finding the largest number of DNA matches, especially within the U.S.
You are interested in learning about your genetic predispositions to certain traits.

Choose MyHeritage DNA if:

Your ancestry has significant roots in Northern or Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Balkans, or Italy.
You want to connect with a broader range of European relatives.
You are looking for robust tools to manage and analyze your DNA matches.
You are interested in a combined DNA health and ancestry test.
You appreciate innovative features like AI-powered photo animation.

Key Takeaway: For many individuals with mixed ancestries, especially those with strong ties to both North America and Europe, it can be highly beneficial to test with *both* AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA. This strategy maximizes your chances of finding relatives and obtaining the most comprehensive ethnicity estimates.

Testing with Both: A Strategic Approach

A common and often recommended strategy for serious genealogists is to test with both AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA. Here's why:

Expanded Match Pool: Your DNA matches on AncestryDNA are exclusive to AncestryDNA users, and your matches on MyHeritage DNA are exclusive to MyHeritage DNA users. By testing with both, you significantly increase the number of potential relatives you can connect with.
Refined Ethnicity Estimates: Each company uses different reference populations and algorithms. Comparing the ethnicity estimates from both services can provide a more nuanced and well-rounded picture of your heritage. Sometimes, one service might highlight an ethnicity that the other doesn't, or provide a more detailed breakdown.
Different Strengths: As discussed, their geographic strengths differ. If you have a complex ancestry with roots in various parts of the world, using both can help fill in the gaps.
Data Transfer Benefits: Even if you primarily use AncestryDNA, you can download your raw data and upload it to MyHeritage DNA (and vice versa, with some limitations). This allows you to compare matches across platforms, though direct matching is typically only within each company's ecosystem unless using third-party sites.

While this involves a greater financial investment, for many, the expanded insights and potential for meaningful connections are well worth it.

What About Other DNA Testing Companies?

It's worth noting that AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA are not the only players in the market. Other notable services include:

23andMe: Known for its comprehensive health reports and detailed ancestry breakdowns, with a strong focus on scientific research and genetic health predispositions.
FamilyTreeDNA: Offers a range of tests, including Y-DNA and mtDNA, making it a favorite for those interested in deep paternal and maternal lineage tracing. They also have a large database for autosomal DNA matching.
Living DNA: A UK-based company with a strong focus on British and Irish ancestry, offering very detailed regional breakdowns for these areas.

Each of these companies has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the decision of which to use can also depend on your specific ancestral interests.

Conclusion

In summary, the difference between AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA boils down to their core strengths and the populations they serve best. AncestryDNA is the reigning champion for North American ancestry and offers unparalleled integration with historical records through its Ancestry.com platform. MyHeritage DNA shines with its extensive European coverage, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe, and its robust tools for managing DNA matches.

To make the best choice:

Consider your known ancestry: Where do your ancestors come from?
Define your goals: Are you primarily interested in ethnicity estimates, finding relatives, or historical research?
Evaluate the databases: Which company is likely to have more of your relatives?
Think about additional features: Are traits, health reports, or historical record access important to you?

For many, the most comprehensive understanding of their heritage comes from embracing the strengths of multiple DNA testing services. By understanding the distinct advantages of AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA, you can embark on your genetic genealogy journey with a clear vision and a higher probability of uncovering the stories encoded within your DNA.