DNA Kit comparison: AncestryDNA vs. 23andMe vs. MyHeritage

MyHeritage vs 23andme vs AncestryDNA vs Living DNA comparison will help you find out the best choice for your needs

23andme vs myheritage
DNA Tests comparison. Photo credit: smarterhobby.com

The commercial DNA test kit market is growing so the products and services offered varies. Two of the biggest players are Ancestry and 23andMe.

These services enable you to find DNA matching relatives, explore your ancestry and even discover how much Neanderthal DNA is kicking around inside you. Your DNA also gets analyzed to let you know of health risk factors and other key health issues. However, they are quite different in terms of the information and services they provide. So which is best for you?


AncestryDNA

Best choice if you focus on finding people who share some of the same DNA markers as you and you do not mind shelling out for a subscription to access all the genealogy features

23andMe

Best choice if you are more interested in your health markers and whether you are genetically predisposed to perfect pitch

MyHeritage

The test explores your autosomal and gender genes for a full overview of your ethnic percentages. If you subscribe to the company’s services, you can complement your final results with billions of genealogical records in its database.

LivingDNA

The final report provides you with a thorough breakdown of your maternal and paternal ancestry, your haplogroup/subclade, and the migration map of your ancestors.

MyHeritage vs 23andMe

MyHeritage and 23andMe are both companies that offer DNA testing and ancestry services. Both companies use saliva samples to analyze customers’ DNA and provide information about their ancestry and genetic health risks.

Some key differences between the two companies include:

  • Testing process: 23andMe requires a saliva sample, which is mailed back to the company for analysis. MyHeritage requires a saliva sample or a cheek swab, which can be collected using a kit provided by the company.
  • Ancestry information: Both companies provide detailed information about customers’ ancestry, including their ethnicities and the countries their ancestors lived in. 23andMe also offers a feature called “Ancestry Composition,” which breaks down customers’ ancestry into specific percentages of different ethnicities. MyHeritage offers a feature called “Ethnicity Estimate,” which provides a breakdown of customers’ ethnicities and allows them to connect with relatives who have also tested with the company.
  • Genetic health risks: 23andMe tests for more than 10 times as many genetic health risks as MyHeritage. 23andMe provides information about a wide range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and certain cancers. MyHeritage only tests for a handful of genetic health risks, including Bloom syndrome and Gaucher disease.
  • Pricing: 23andMe charges $99 for its ancestry and health testing kit, while MyHeritage charges $79 for its ancestry testing kit and $199 for its health testing kit.

MyHeritage vs 23andMe vs AncestryDna vs Living DNA conclusion

Both 23andMe and MyHeritage are reputable companies that use state-of-the-art technology to analyze DNA samples. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific interests and needs.