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MyHeritage DNA kit's offer ancestry reporting at a more affordable price than other competitors. They also have a larger international presence, so if you're seeing abroad matches, this kit may be fore you.
Table of Contents
Overview
MyHeritage DNA is a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company that offers an at-home testing kit to help users explore their genetic heritage. Their base kit is available for sale online, with the option to upgrade your account to a subscription that provides greater access to historical records and photo editing tools. They only offer insight into your genealogy, so if you are looking for health related DNA reporting, then you'll have to look elsewhere.
Products and Pricing
There is one option on Amazon for purchase, which is the MyHeritage kit without a subscription.
Sample Collection
MyHeritage DNA kits require users to collect a small saliva sample using a cheek swab, which is then sealed and sent back to the company for analysis. I find this process to be a little easier and less gross than many other kits saliva sample method.
Genealogy Reporting
What stands out about MyHeritage is that they provide an experience with your family tree reporting. While their actual reporting is on par with AncestryDNA and others, they are the only kit provider who offers the ability to print and order charts or books for home decor. Additionally, MyHeritage DNA offers a unique method of estimating your ethnicity, through their Founders Project, which has yet to be done by competitors.
Ethnicity Estimate
MyHeritage DNA's Ethnicity Estimate is a feature that provides users with a breakdown of their ethnic origins based on their DNA results. The estimate includes information on the percentage of one's DNA that is associated with different geographic regions, such as Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
They also claim to have the most accurate ethnicity reporting, with their Founder Populations Project. This unique project involved 5,000 participants from MyHeritage's 91 million members that are part of Founder Populations.
Founder Populations are people whose ancestors lived in the same region of the world for generations, so that their DNA is highly characteristic of the region. By testing the DNA of the participants in the project, MyHeritage established profiles for each region that reflect its unique DNA sequences.
DNA Matching
MyHeritage DNA's DNA Matches feature allows users to identify and connect with individuals who share significant portions of their DNA, potentially indicating a familial relationship.
Image taken from MyheritageDNA's website
The feature compares the user's DNA with that of other individuals in MyHeritage DNA's database, providing a list of potential matches ranked by estimated genetic relationship. Users can then view their shared DNA segments, compare family trees, and communicate with their matches to collaborate on genealogy research and learn more about their family history.
Charts & Books
MyHeritage DNA's Charts and Books feature allows users to create customized visualizations of their family tree data and turn them into beautiful, printable books. With this feature, users can choose from a variety of chart types, including pedigree charts and descendant charts, and customize them with personal details and photos. The resulting book can be a treasured keepsake and a valuable resource for preserving and sharing one's family history.
image taken from myheritagedna's website
Conclusion
Overall, I think MyHeritage does a better job than others in providing you with experiences for your family tree. With the ability to create books or charts, it could make for pretty cool home decor. They are also one of the more budget friendly offerings when it comes to DNA testing kits.
I will say, I think there are other kits out there that offer better genealogy reporting. However, if using your tree for a coffee table book or as something to hang up around the house seems appealing, then this kit might be your best bet. If reporting and DNA matches are a higher priority, then there are probably some better options out there.
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