MyHeritage Vs 23andme: Comparison By Experts

Paternity tests or DNA test is not limited to determine the parental lineage, but it also helps identify health history. With technology evolving in the health industry, conducting paternity tests is quite easy today. They are the best solution to resolve any doubts related to paternity and also aids individuals to claim Government or insurance benefits in some instances.

So, if you are up for a paternity test, then you must be in a dilemma to choose the right DNA testing company to run this test. Well, there are plenty of viable options available today, and it is challenging to select the best. Over the years, two names are emerging as two of the most popular options when it comes to testing paternity. They are MyHeritage and 23andMe.

It is tough for many people to determine the best. That’s the reason today we will help you find the best among the two by comparing both these DNA testing companies against one another.

MyHeritage vs 23andMe 

Before we begin the comparison, let’s try to know a bit about each of these companies.

The Ancestry DNA Testing company, MyHeritage dates back to 2003 when it began offering its services in Bnei Atarot, Israel. With the growing demands of paternity tests, the company covers a more extensive geographical range with offices in California and Utah.

On the other hand, 23andMe is a much younger firm compared to MyHeritage. Founded in 2006, 23andMe got registered as private biotechnology and personal genomics firm with its base in California. Launched under the supervision of the founders’ Paul Cusenza, Anne Wojcicki, and Linda Avey, the firm was bestowed the “Invention of the Year” title in 2008 by Times Magazine.

Feature Comparison – MyHeritage vs 23andMe

Despite being the pioneers in the DNA testing environment, both the companies have slightly different working models. To make it a fair comparison, we pitted both these companies against one another to see which one of these fares better based on the features list below:

1) Test Methods

DNA testing methods usually are conventional, but the process of getting the sample differs from company to company. MyHeritage uses the traditional cheek swab method, whereas 23andMe requests saliva of the individual tested.

2) Genetic Markers

Genetic markers are the real factors to determine parental lineage. MyHeritage checks over 690,000 genetic markers during an individual test compared to 23andMe’s 570,000 genetic markers. With a difference of over 100,000 genetic markets, MyHeritage takes the lead here.

3) Geographic Coverage

Regarding geographical range, MyHeritage covers an ethnicity breakdown of over 42 regions whereas 23andMe is limited to 31 regions only. After many centuries of evolution, invasions, and migration; there is no pure lineage or ancestry. A DNA ancestry test will help you break down your descent into different ethnicities. Again, MyHeritage wins this battle by a considerable margin.  

While MyHeritage covers a good lot of 42 different regions, it helps in tracking down both paternal lineage and maternal lineage. Also, it provides specific data regarding Neanderthal percentage, Native American DNA, or Jewish DNA coverage. 23andMe also helps with all these factors, but it is limited to 31 ethnicities.

Besides the paternal or maternal lineage, you can also trace the Neanderthal percentage as well as the traces of Native American and Jewish DNA in an individual. Cousin matching is also offered in both tests. It will help you track down any long distant relative if any.

4) Database Size

23andMe broke the 2 million mark regarding profiles tested by the company. Although MyHeritage hasn’t released any figures publicly, it is estimated that the company has more than 2.6 million profiles covering 8 billion historical records comprising of 40 million family trees. Covering more than 91 million users worldwide, MyHeritage is undoubtedly the best as per the DNA coverage data.

5) Result Time

While the DNA breakup and genetic markers are crucial, so is the time taken to deliver those results. The average result time offered at MyHeritage is pretty much quicker than 23andMe. The results are provided within 3-4 weeks by MyHeritage compared to the 6-8 weeks by 23andMe.

6) Technology

Technology is the key to determine the authenticity of any service. Both MyHeritage and 23andMe uses the OmniExpress chip by Illumina, a pioneer in delivering sequencing and array-based solutions in Genetic research.

7) The Price Factor

Yes, we listed the most critical deciding factor at the end of the comparison table to ensure that the affordability doesn’t manipulate your judgment. The paternity test at MyHeritage costs $69.00, whereas the same test at 23andMe will charge $99.00.

However, don’t make any assumptions yet. The paternity test at 23andMe will also include a health report which is not offered by MyHeritage.

Verdict

Well, after analyzing the detailed comparison, there’s no doubt that MyHeritage comes out as the real winner in this MyHeritage DNA vs 23andMe battle. However, before we crown the company as the champion, let’s understand a few things first.

If you are up for a paternity test to trace down your lineage and ethnicity breakdowns, then MyHeritage is the best choice at an affordable price. On the contrary, if you are taking this test for health concerns or tracking down health history within the ancestry, then we would highly recommend 23andMe.

That’s our verdict on 23andMe vs MyHeritage! The rest is up to you.