Review of MyHeritage DNA: is it the number one DNA test for discovering your family history?

Rated 4.3/5 on Trustpilot with over 89,000 reviews, MyHeritage DNA is a leader in online genealogy. The platform offers an autosomal DNA test combined with advanced tools to trace your origins and find relatives. Here is our review of MyHeritage DNA, the best DNA test for uncovering your family history.

What You Need to Know About MyHeritage DNA

🔎 Features
🌐 Site web	➤ Visit the website
🎁 Partner Offer	5% off the purchase of the DNA kit
🧬 Types of DNA tests	Autosomal DNA test based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS 2x)
🗺️ Ethnic regions covered	2 114
💧 Sampling method	Buccal swab (cheek swab)
⏱️ Processing time	3 to 4 weeks
📊 DNA Results	Estimation of Ethnic Origins Genetic Groups DNA Matches
🗂️ Database	39 billion historical records 9.6 million DNA profiles
🌳 Genealogy tools	FamilyTree Builder SuperSearch Cousin Finder Scribe AI MyHeritage Wiki
💶 Price	DNA Kit: €89 Subscription: €89–€269 per year
🏆 Reliability and Certification	CLIA- and CAP-certified
📱 Mobile app	Yes, available on iOS and Android

Our review of MyHeritage DNA on video

MyHeritage DNA: Pros and Cons

Take a MyHeritage DNA test to discover your ancestral origins

There are three types of DNA tests that analyze the genome:

• The autosomal DNA test (the most common), which analyzes the DNA inherited from all your ancestors
• The mitochondrial DNA test, which traces the direct maternal lineage
• The Y-DNA test, which allows men to discover their direct paternal lineage

MyHeritage offers only a genealogical DNA test based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS 2x). This technology allows for the sequencing of nearly the entire human genome, or nearly 3 billion base pairs.

This is a significant improvement over older genotyping chips (Illumina OmniExpress-24), which read only about 700,000 genetic markers less than two years ago.

Its whole-genome sequencing (WGS 2x) technology differs from that of Sequencing and TellmeGen, which offer a 30 times greater depth of analysis. Despite this, MyHeritage manages to provide more accurate DNA matches and a more refined ethnicity analysis. And yes, we took the genealogical DNA test to verify the accuracy of the results obtained.

Easy to use, the DNA kit contains:

• 2 vials;
• 2 swabs;
• 1 plastic bag;
• 1 instruction manual;
• 1 return envelope;
• 1 activation card

Results obtained after DNA analysis

Our DNA analysis results were sent to us 4 weeks after the sample was received by the laboratory. We were able to access them directly from our account.

Estimated Ethnic Origins

MyHeritage presented us with an interactive map showing our ethnic origins as percentages across 2,114 regions of the world. The first thing the lab shows is a video of the Earth rotating, accompanied by background music.

We tried to download the video, but it isn’t possible, although you can watch it as many times as you like. In our case, we received a profile like this: 47% Scandinavian, 28% Western European, 15% Southern European, 10% North African. The interactive map allows you to explore each region and get additional details about your genetic heritage.

We already knew that MyHeritage does not offer Y-DNA or mtDNA (mitochondrial) testing and covers more regions than most competitors. However, we would have liked to see a breakdown of ancestry by subregion, similar to what Living DNA offers.

Identification of Founder Populations

Laboratory analysis revealed that we belong to four distinct genetic groups. This result differs from ethnic estimates in that a given group may consist of several ethnicities.

MyHeritage identified these groups based on “founder populations”. These are communities that have resided in the same geographic area for several centuries, primarily intermarrying or migrating together.

Unlike ethnic origins, these groups are not expressed as percentages: you either belong to them or you don’t. On the interactive map, they are recognizable by their display as polygons with a thin border. By clicking on the name of one of these groups, we accessed the following information:

• The group’s history
• The most common first and last names
• The predominant ethnic groups
• Related groups
• Ancestral migration routes over time

Each genetic group is assigned a confidence level (low, medium, and high) that can be adjusted with a slider. Lowering this level causes more groups to appear. Conversely, a high level shows only the genetic groups closest to yours.

Overview of DNA Matches

In addition to ethnic origin estimates, MyHeritage provided us with a list of DNA matches. These are individuals who share enough DNA segments to establish a kinship link. The following information is provided for each match:

• The estimated degree of kinship (e.g., first cousin, third cousin)
• The number of shared centimorgans
• A link to the person’s family tree

Several tools are then available to explore and delve deeper into these genetic connections :

• cM Explainer™: translates the number of shared centimorgans and explains possible kinship relationships
• Chromosome Browser: allows you to visualize on which specific chromosome you share DNA with a match
• The ethnicity map: overlays your origins and those of your matches to detect common ancestors in specific regions
• AutoClusters: automatically organizes our DNA matches into colored groups likely to descend from the same common ancestors

MyHeritage sends us email notifications every time a new DNA match is found in its database, even after we receive our results. This is proof that the database continues to grow and that discoveries evolve over time.

The price of the MyHeritage DNA test

The price of the MyHeritage DNA kit is €89. The purchase of the DNA kit does not include shipping costs, which amount to €11, nor the cost of the international postage stamp, valued at €2.

And if you’ve read this far, you can take advantage of our MyHeritage promo code. Simply click on one of the affiliate links on this page to get a 5% discount in addition to the other promotions already offered by MyHeritage.

Access to basic DNA results is permanent and free. However, a subscription is recommended to fully explore the historical archives and contact your DNA matches.

The DNA testing process

1. Order the kit from the official website to have it delivered to your home
2. Once received, activate and register it online
3. Swab the inside of each cheek for a few seconds using the two swabs provided in the kit
4. Place the samples in the storage vials
5. Place the samples in the plastic bag
6. Insert the plastic bag into the envelope included in the kit
7. Stamp the envelope and return it to the lab

In the past, MyHeritage allowed users to import their raw DNA data obtained from other labs to continue their analysis. It’s really a shame that this is no longer the case.

MyHeritage tools to help you advance your genealogy research

Create and expand your family tree with FamilyTree Builder

FamilyTree Builder is the family tree builder offered by MyHeritage, available for download on your computer. We got the hang of it quickly, even without any prior experience, and its features go far beyond a simple family tree.

You can import a GEDCOM file to restore an existing tree or create your own by gradually adding family members, photos, and documents. A built-in consistency checker helps you detect logical errors (impossible dates, relationship inconsistencies, etc.).

The software lets you view family migrations on a map. You can access a detailed timeline for each individual as well as a relationship report between the members of your tree.

A color-coding system by country or branch makes it easier to navigate your tree. A backup feature is available to help you recover your information after accidental deletion. And once your tree is complete, you can export it as a printable chart or turn it into a family book to keep or give as a gift.

Identify your close relatives with the Cousin Finder

This feature automatically identifies potential cousins without the need for a DNA test. Specifically, the software analyzes the data entered in your tree and cross-references it with the 59 million online family trees of its members.

The system flags a potential connection as soon as a name, date, or place matches those of another user. Each matching profile is enriched with information such as the size of their tree, their activity level, or shared ancestors to facilitate making contact.

The more detailed your tree is (dates, places, events), the more relevant the results will be. Cousin Finder is free to use, but requires a subscription to contact users. It’s an effective way to speed up your research and discover new family members, some of whom may be completely unknown to you.

Explore billions of records to trace your history with SuperSearch

MyHeritage gives you access to 39 billion historical records worldwide through its SuperSearch genealogy search engine. A search by last name is all it takes to access numerous documents:

• Civil records
• Parish registers
• Census records
• Passenger lists
• Old newspapers
• Photographs
• Directories and listings

Filters then allow you to sort results by date, location, or document type.

Contribute to the MyHeritage Wiki

Next, use MyHeritage Wiki, their genealogy encyclopedia (available via free subscription), to access community resources (articles, glossaries, practical guides) written by both amateurs and professionals. If possible, create an account to contribute and share your research so that other users can benefit from it.

Analyze your documents with Scribe AI

Old archives can be difficult to work with (handwriting, faded ink, ancient languages). Scribe AI was developed to address this challenge; it allows you to import your documents (in JPG, PNG, or PDF format) to translate them and make them easier to understand.

The tool can extract genealogical information, but it can also analyze old photos to estimate when and where they were taken. It can also decipher inscriptions such as symbols on gravestones or heraldic elements (coats of arms).

The result? A real time-saver! Especially when working with old documents written in Latin. Archives thus become much more accessible, even for beginners.

MyHeritage’s photo tools to bring your memories to life

Restore the vibrancy of your old photos with MyHeritage In Color

MyHeritage In Color colorizes your black-and-white photos and restores the faded colors of your images. The tool analyzes the shades, textures, and visual context of each image to apply colors that are almost true to life. Thanks to MyHeritage In Color, a photo of a team member’s great-grandmother from the 1950s was restored to its original appearance in just 10 seconds.

It looks as if it were just taken. Plus, the colorization doesn’t alter the original image, so you can always keep the original file. MyHeritage adds a visual indicator to distinguish colorized photos from those actually taken in color. The photos can then be downloaded and shared.

Enhance faces with Photo Enhancer

Photo Enhancer automatically improves the sharpness of faces in old photos. The tool restores details in blurry, pixelated, or faded photos. Resolution enhancement works equally well on black-and-white photos as well as on color images, both old and new.

However, Photo Enhancer is most effective on group photos, as it allows you to zoom in and enhance each face individually. In our case, we were able to identify each person in a group photo taken in 1950 where the faces were barely recognizable.

The enhanced version is overlaid on the original image and retains all its metadata (date, location, identified people). Additionally, Photo Enhancer can be combined with In Color for a better visual result.

Preserve and enhance your family photo albums with Reimagine

Reimagine is a mobile app dedicated to digitizing photo albums. You photograph each page of your album with your smartphone. The app then automatically detects, crops, and extracts the photos.

They are then stored in the MyHeritage cloud and can be enhanced with built-in tools, such as Photo Enhancer or In Color. You can enrich your photos with information (date, location, people) or even record an audio comment to tell the story behind each image. It’s also possible to add the images to profiles in your family tree.

Feel free to read our review of Reimagine to learn everything about this app.

Estimate the date of your photos with Photodater

Do you have family photos without a date written on the back? Photodater automatically analyzes the visual elements of each photo using artificial intelligence (clothing, hairstyles, historical context, quality) to estimate when they were taken, generally between 1860 and 1990.

The tool provides a time range along with an explanation of the visual clues used as the basis for the analysis. You can then confirm or adjust the suggested date. In many cases, it differs by a few years from the actual date, which we find quite impressive for this type of technology.

PhotoDater respects your privacy, and uploaded photos are not used to train the AI model. Used strategically, this feature is a powerful tool for reconstructing a photo’s context, cross-referencing clues, and refining your family research.

Bring your ancestors’ portraits to life with Deep Nostalgia

Deep Nostalgia enhances image quality and animates them with great realism in less than 20 seconds. You’ll see your ancestor smile, blink, or nod their head. The original image remains intact, and icons clearly identify the modified content, in line with responsible AI practices. This blend of realism and reconstruction makes the experience both impressive and, admittedly, slightly unsettling.

Create a video biography of your ancestors with DeepStory

MyHeritage’s DeepStory takes the immersive experience even further by transforming your family photos into short narrative videos. The tool uses data from your family tree (names, dates, places, photos), as well as your own stories and anecdotes, to generate a first-person narrated video clip in less than 15 minutes.

You can choose from 152 different voices available in 31 languages to give your character an authentic and moving voice. It’s a bit like having your ancestor personally recount the highlights of their life to you.

The algorithm ensures perfect lip-sync to make the animation realistic. You can preview and adjust every detail as many times as needed until you’re completely satisfied with the result.

Turn your old photos into video clips with LiveMemory

LiveMemory transforms both photos restored by In Color and recent snapshots into a short, immersive 6-second video. Unlike tools focused on faces, it animates the entire scene (people and background) as if it had been filmed.

This AI technology realistically recreates gestures and offers ten customizable animation options. For example, you can choose touching gestures like a smile, a hug, or a kiss, or opt for more playful effects such as zero gravity or an underwater setting.

The result is a family mini-movie that you can share on social media, at birthdays, family reunions, or keep on your device. All your LiveMemory videos are stored in your MyHeritage account.

MyHeritage Subscription Plan Pricing

To give you access to all these tools, MyHeritage offers 6 subscription plans:

• The Basic Plan: Free
• The Premium Plan: €84/year (€53 for the first year)
• The Premium Plus Plan: €135/year (€95 for the first year)
• The Data Plan: €135/year (€95 the first year)
• The Complete Plan: €199/year (€125 the first year)
• The Omni Plan: €269/year (€155 the first year)

Your family history in your pocket with the MyHeritage DNA app

With a rating of 4.5 on the Play Store and 4.9 on the App Store, the MyHeritage mobile app is one of the best genealogy apps available. It includes all the features of the online platform and lets you continue your research anytime.

Its interface is clean and easy to use, though in our opinion, certain features like FamilyTree Builder are more convenient to use on a computer. We appreciate the automatic synchronization with your online account. Anything you add on your mobile device appears immediately on your web portal, and vice versa.

Is MyHeritage reliable?

The reliability of the Israeli lab MyHeritage rests on several solid pillars. On the lab side, DNA analyses are conducted in facilities in Texas (United States) that are certified by CLIA and CAP, two leading standards in the field of biological testing.

The lab has been in business since 2003, and its analyses are performed and interpreted by experienced geneticists. Furthermore, the accuracy of results has improved significantly since the switch to whole-genome sequencing (WGS 2x) in October 2025.

For genealogical research, the platform draws on billions of reliable historical records. These come from both users and other specialized entities acquired by MyHeritage. This gives you access to reliable historical documents to explore.

Personal Data Security and MyHeritage’s Commitments

The laboratory has access only to an anonymized kit number, with no direct link to your identity. Your DNA data is protected by multiple layers of encryption and stored on secure servers. You are the only one who can access your raw data and your analysis results.

Your DNA is never sold to third parties (insurers, pharmaceutical companies, or any other business). The lab complies with the GDPR for its European users. You can download your raw data at any time, permanently delete it from the database, and control what you share with other members.

MyHeritage Customer Service

Their customer service can be contacted via the contact form. A team of dedicated advisors provides support in 16 languages.

When we emailed them to better understand our autosomal DNA kit results, we appreciated how quickly they responded. We sent an email in the morning and received a reply in the afternoon. Their online help center also contains hundreds of answers to your various questions.

Our genealogists’ conclusion on MyHeritage DNA

After analyzing MyHeritage DNA, we believe it is suitable for both beginners and genealogy enthusiasts. The platform is reliable for finding distant cousins, building a structured family tree, exploring global archives, and understanding family history.

However, it is not suitable if you wish to explore your direct paternal or maternal lineage in detail with a high degree of accuracy. Similarly, if your goal is to obtain information about your genetic health, you should consider choosing another genetic testing lab.

The platform to accelerate your genealogical research

MyHeritage has been a major asset in advancing our genealogical research. Thanks to its vast database of 9.6 million DNA profiles, we have significantly increased our chances of finding DNA matches up to the fifth generation. Access to historical records about our ancestors and their family connections has also been a real asset in finalizing our family tree.

Starting with a few scattered pieces of information gathered from our relatives and old photographs, we managed to build an almost complete genealogical record, including a detailed family tree.

What impressed us most was the option to hire an expert to speed up the research. We didn’t opt for this service because we wanted to savor the joy of discovering our ancestors. But for a novice with little information to start with, this option can be very useful, especially if you need to prove a claim to an inheritance.

The go-to tool for creating and sharing a structured family tree

With the ability to add up to 250 members for free, FamilyTree Builder is a comprehensive family tree creation tool. Its various features (adding photos, timelines, color-coding by country, etc.) make it easy to organize the information in your family tree.

Honestly, you’ll truly enjoy adding information about your family members and watching your family history gradually take shape. We appreciate the ability to transform the family tree into a printable chart or a family book to share with loved ones (ideal as a gift at a family reunion or wedding). You’re not just tracing the past, but also building a story to pass on to future generations.

A suite of photo tools to bring family history to life

We greatly appreciate the AI photo tools offered by MyHeritage. This combination of genealogy with modern technologies is virtually unmatched elsewhere. Beyond raw DNA results, they humanize genealogy.

The ability to restore old photos, animate photos, and create a video biography evokes a certain emotion. This is a major asset that enriches and makes genealogical research even more vivid.

A multilingual genealogy platform with a large community of enthusiasts and genealogists

With an interface available in 50 languages, MyHeritage is simply the most multilingual platform in the industry. This major advantage allows every user to conduct their genealogical research in their native language, without needing to rely on translation. This also makes it easy to share your own research with a family member who speaks a different language than you.

We’re also impressed by the platform’s community aspect. The ability to build on research already conducted by millions of active users is a real asset for advancing your research. The online conferences and webinars are also a valuable bonus for deepening your knowledge of genealogy.

MyHeritage vs FamilyTree DNA

FamilyTreeDNA offers three types of DNA tests (autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA) to explore direct lineages spanning hundreds of generations. MyHeritage is limited to autosomal testing but covers 2,114 ethnic regions compared to about a thousand for FamilyTreeDNA (with whole-genome sequencing).

MyHeritage also has a larger database of historical records and profiles, offering more DNA matches and exclusive archives. Another major advantage is its AI tools for restoring old photos, a feature not available from its competitor.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive autosomal DNA test with effective genealogy tools, MyHeritage has the edge. Choose FamilyTreeDNA if you want to discover your paternal and maternal lineages.

MyHeritage DNA vs AncestryDNA

AncestryDNA and MyHeritage both offer autosomal DNA testing. However, AncestryDNA stands out for its much larger DNA profile database (28 million compared to 9.6 million for MyHeritage), offering better chances of finding matches. Its historical archives are also very comprehensive for genealogical research. But it proves to be more comprehensive for discovering your American origins.

MyHeritage, on the other hand, excels thanks to its coverage of ethnic regions, its accuracy in identifying founding populations, its built-in family tree builder, and its AI tools. MyHeritage is the preferred choice for those with predominantly European origins and for those seeking a comprehensive genealogy ecosystem within a single platform.

MyHeritage vs 23andMe

Unlike MyHeritage, 23andMe offers genetic health tests alongside its comprehensive genealogy test (autosomal, mitochondrial DNA, Y-DNA). For those seeking both health information and insights into their maternal and paternal lineages, 23andMe is a strong option.

MyHeritage focuses exclusively on autosomal DNA testing, and in this area, it outperforms 23andMe in almost every aspect:

• More ethnic regions
• More historical records
• More powerful family tree tools
• More DNA matches
• Unique photo tools

The platform is also available in more languages. For pure genealogy, MyHeritage is the better choice of the two. Additionally, we encourage you to read our review of DNA tests before purchasing one.