AncestryDNA vs MyHeritage DNA
Both tests pair an autosomal DNA test with family tree tools. Choose AncestryDNA for its strong US-focused records and matching. Choose MyHeritage DNA if your family has roots outside the US. MyHeritage no longer accepts DNA uploads from other companies, so you need its own kit. Both tie many features to optional subscriptions.
AncestryDNA
Best overall
MyHeritage DNA
Best for family tree buildersAncestryDNA vs MyHeritage DNA at a glance
| AncestryDNA | MyHeritage DNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Test types | Autosomal (ancestry-focused) | Autosomal; health option in some markets |
| Relative matching | Yes; visibility set in privacy settings | Yes; can be adjusted in settings |
| Family tree tools | Yes, with historical records | Yes, with record search |
| Raw data uploads | Not a main feature | No longer accepted |
| Ongoing costs | Optional subscription for many record features | Optional subscriptions for many tree and DNA features |
| Our editorial score | 9.3 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
Which should you choose?
Pick AncestryDNA if you want strong matching and family tree tools with a US focus.
Pick MyHeritage DNA if your roots are international and you want DNA matches next to a family tree builder.
Two family history platforms
AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA are the two tests most closely tied to family tree building. Each gives you an ethnicity estimate and a list of DNA matches, and each lets you link your results to a tree and search historical records. The differences are in emphasis and reach.
Records and matches
Ancestry is strongest for US-focused family history research, and its matching tools are well developed for working through shared matches. MyHeritage has a strong international focus, which can make it more useful if your family came from outside the US. You only match people in the same company's database, so some genealogists test with both.
Uploading data you already have
MyHeritage's help center says DNA uploads from other companies are no longer supported, so you cannot reach its matching pool with a file from another test. If you have already tested with AncestryDNA, you would need a MyHeritage kit to see matches there.
Subscriptions
On both platforms the kit gives you your core DNA results, but many record and advanced tools are part of optional subscriptions. Before checkout, check what is included, whether a trial converts to a paid plan and how to turn off auto-renewal.
Privacy settings
Both companies let you control whether you appear in DNA matches and what matches can see about you. Review those settings when you activate your kit, choose your research consent preference deliberately, and check how to download or delete your data. If you download your raw data file from either service, store it securely and read the privacy policy of any site you share it with.
Ease of use
Both are approachable for beginners. Each walks you through activating a kit, viewing your estimate and starting a tree, and both have mobile apps for checking matches.
The bottom line
For most US family history research, AncestryDNA is the stronger starting point. MyHeritage DNA is a good choice for international roots and for people who want to reuse existing DNA data.
AncestryDNA vs MyHeritage DNA FAQ
Is AncestryDNA or MyHeritage better for family trees?
Both have strong family tree tools. AncestryDNA is stronger for US-focused research in our review, while MyHeritage is a good fit for families with roots outside the US.
Can I upload AncestryDNA results to MyHeritage?
No. MyHeritage's help center says DNA uploads from other companies are no longer supported, so you would need a MyHeritage DNA kit to get matches there.