MyHeritage DNA Review 2026
MyHeritage
- Price : $36 (normally $89) and shipping
- Results in: 3-4 weeks
- Collection method: Cheek swabs
Is MyHeritage DNA Worth It?
MyHeritage is a top choice for ancestry DNA testing, and for good reason. For just $59, you can explore your ethnic background across 2,114 regions and find relatives who share your DNA. The kit includes 30-day access to helpful family tree tools and a huge collection of historical records. It’s perfect if you don’t want a long-term research plan.
Overview
MyHeritage’s Available Kits
MyHeritage provides a DNA test that uncovers your ancestral roots across 2,114 global regions using a simple cheek swab. This service is perfect for those wanting detailed ethnicity estimates and to find genetic relatives. You’ll receive your results in about four weeks, including two key sections: Origins shows your ancestral breakdown by geographic region with percentage estimates, while Relatives displays your DNA matches – people who share genetic connections with you from MyHeritage’s database and partner services, complete with relationship estimates like “second cousin.” The test uses autosomal DNA, which traces both maternal and paternal lineages (unlike gender-specific mtDNA or YDNA tests), covering about 6-8 generations or 150-200 years. For additional cost, you can upgrade to MyHeritage DNA Health for disease risk reports. Every kit includes a 30-day free trial of their Complete subscription, featuring family tree tools and access to 19.6 billion historical records to enhance your genealogical research.
Family tree research and other features
When you sign up for a MyHeritage account—with or without purchasing a DNA kit—you’ll automatically get a free family tree site. You can either import an existing family tree from another service or build one manually by adding your family information. Right away, you’ll have access to several free features including:
The free version of your family tree automatically provides ‘Smart Matches’ when you enter basic details about your parents and grandparents. These matches show potential relatives found in other users’ family trees within MyHeritage’s database. The system will ask you to review each match, and you can choose to add confirmed relatives to your own family tree.
The free account also includes photo tools to restore, colorize, or animate old family photos. If you upgrade to a paid plan, you’ll unlock additional features: Premium allows collaboration with other tree managers, PremiumPlus adds access to MyHeritage’s database of family trees and historical records, while Complete provides advanced search tools to match and extract data from billions of linked records and family profiles.
How MyHeritage DNA Works
Ordering a MyHeritage DNA kit is simple. Just create an account with your email, birth year, and password. Your kit will arrive in a few days containing everything you need: step-by-step instructions, an activation card, two collection vials with cheek swabs, a plastic bag for samples, and a prepaid return envelope.
To get started, activate your kit online using the provided code. Then follow these simple steps to collect your DNA sample: First, take one swab and gently rub the inside of your cheek for 30-60 seconds. Open a vial, snap off the swab at the marked line, and seal the vial. Repeat this process with your other cheek using the second swab and vial. Finally, place both sealed vials in the plastic bag, put everything in the prepaid return envelope, and mail it back to the lab.
Getting The Results
After the lab receives your sample, you’ll get your DNA results within 3-4 weeks. MyHeritage will email you when they’re ready – simply log in to your account and go to DNA > Overview to view them. Your report will include:
Ethnicity Estimates – A breakdown of your ancestral origins by region, showing the percentage of DNA from each area. An interactive map highlights your genetic ties worldwide—click any region to explore its history or view ancestral birth/death locations from your family tree.
DNA Matches – A list of potential relatives, including their name, age range, location, and predicted relationship (e.g., 1st/2nd cousin). Each match displays shared DNA percentages and segments, with filters to refine results by location, relation, or ethnicity.
If you have upgraded to DNA Health, you will also receive:
Health Risk Report: Discover your genetic predisposition for 27 health conditions—such as heart disease and breast cancer—categorized by risk level (elevated, average, or reduced compared to the general population).
How to Protects your Privacy
Worried about how your genetic data might be used? MyHeritage has strict safeguards in place:
- Your DNA and personal information are never sold or licensed to third parties
- No sharing with insurance companies
- Law enforcement access to DNA data is strictly prohibited
- Full user control – you can permanently delete your data anytime
- Transparency – you’ll be alerted to any significant privacy policy changes
For complete details, review their full privacy policy on the MyHeritage website.
MyHeritage DNA Help and Support
MyHeritage offers multiple ways to get assistance:
- Help Center: Visit their website for detailed guides on accounts, subscriptions, DNA results, mobile apps, family trees, and more.
- Email Support: Reach their team anytime at [email protected].
- Phone Support: Call 1-844-994-1888 for 24/6 assistance (Monday–Saturday).
MyHeritage DNA Pricing
The MyHeritage DNA kit usually costs $89, but it’s now on sale for $39. If you buy just one kit, you’ll need to pay $5 for shipping. However, shipping is free if you buy two or more kits. Your kit also comes with a 30-day free trial of their full ancestry research service, which normally costs $299 per year.
If you want to upgrade to the MyHeritage DNA Health test, it will cost $120 per test. This test tells you about your genetic risk for certain medical conditions. If you want updates on your genetic health risks, you’ll need to pay an extra $99 per year.
The MyHeritage DNA test kit is on sale at a price similar to AncestryDNA, its main competitor for autosomal DNA testing. It’s cheaper than the kits from 23andMe and LivingDNA. However, those two kits also provide haplogroup information in their DNA reports, in addition to autosomal genetic data.
Bottom Line
MyHeritage is a very popular DNA testing company, and it’s easy to understand why. Their kits are cheap and easy to use, and the reports are detailed and easy to read. With the basic test, you can find out your genetic background and connect with relatives. If you pay for one of their family tree subscriptions, you can use their record library to fill in more details about your family history.
