MyHeritage vs FamilyTreeDNA: Two Upload-Friendly Databases Compared
MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA both accept free raw-data uploads. MyHeritage is stronger across Europe; FTDNA is the only consumer brand with Y-DNA and mtDNA.
These two tests are the natural homes for anyone who already tested at Ancestry or 23andMe and wants additional databases without paying for more kits. Both accept free raw-data uploads. They differ on regional reference strength, tooling, and whether Y-DNA and mtDNA matter to you.
At a glance
| Feature | MyHeritage DNA | FamilyTreeDNA |
|---|---|---|
| Database size | approx 5 to 8 million | approx 2 to 3 million autosomal |
| Base autosomal price | $89 (sales near $39) | $79 (sales near $59) |
| Turnaround | 3 to 4 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Accepts free uploads | Yes | Yes |
| Chromosome browser | Yes | Yes |
| AutoClusters | Yes | Yes (via Matrix and Family Matching) |
| Y-DNA / mtDNA | No | Yes (Y-37 through Big Y-700, mtFull Sequence) |
| Regional strength | Continental Europe, Israel, Russia | Strong for US and surname projects |
The short answer
For continental European matches and AutoClusters in a slick interface, pick MyHeritage. For Y-DNA, mtDNA, or surname-project research, pick FamilyTreeDNA. Many researchers upload free to both.
Database and matching
MyHeritage has the larger autosomal pool at approximately 5 to 8 million, with that figure including uploaded kits from other services. The user base skews more European than the US-heavy databases. Free uploads from AncestryDNA and 23andMe are accepted.
FamilyTreeDNA’s autosomal Family Finder database is smaller at approximately 2 to 3 million as of early 2026, but FTDNA’s Y-DNA and mtDNA databases are the largest in the consumer market and run as separate matching pools. Free uploads from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage are accepted, with some advanced features behind a small unlock fee.
If you need matches in continental Europe specifically, MyHeritage usually wins. If you need US-side matches with surname-project depth, FTDNA can pull ahead.
Price and value
MyHeritage lists at $89 and discounts to about $39. Several features (Theory of Family Relativity, full ethnicity detail) sit behind a Complete or Omni subscription.
FamilyTreeDNA Family Finder lists at about $79 and discounts to around $59. Y-DNA tests run from Y-37 up to Big Y-700 at approximately $449 (often on sale), and full mitochondrial sequence is priced separately.
For autosomal-only buyers, both kits land within a few dollars of each other at sale prices. For anyone considering Y-DNA or mtDNA, FTDNA is in a different price category because it sells a different product.
Reports and features
MyHeritage delivers ethnicity estimates, a chromosome browser, AutoClusters, Theory of Family Relativity, robust tree-building tools, and a clean interface. The Smart Matches feature surfaces tree-to-tree connections that can short-circuit traditional research. Some platform features sit behind a subscription.
FamilyTreeDNA delivers Family Finder ethnicity (myOrigins), a chromosome browser, the Matrix tool for visualizing relationships between matches, Family Matching for parent-side assignment, and the entire Y-DNA and mtDNA ecosystem. The interface is dated compared with MyHeritage’s, but the depth on the paternal and maternal sides is unmatched among consumer brands.
Regional reference strengths
MyHeritage’s reference panels are notably granular for continental Europe, Israel, and Eastern Europe. Surnames and tree connections show MyHeritage’s biggest user concentrations are in Europe and Israel.
FamilyTreeDNA’s user base skews US, with particular strength in surname-project communities tied to specific paternal lines. For someone researching a German-American line through deep paternal ancestry, FTDNA’s surname projects can offer context MyHeritage cannot.
Privacy and corporate stability
Both are stable as of early 2026. MyHeritage is based in Israel and operates internationally. FamilyTreeDNA is owned by Gene by Gene and has historical law-enforcement matching policies that buyers should understand; see our privacy pillar for context.
Who should pick MyHeritage
Pick MyHeritage if your tree leads to continental Europe, you want AutoClusters and Smart Matches in a modern interface, or you want a second database for free uploads with strong European representation.
Who should pick FamilyTreeDNA
Pick FamilyTreeDNA if you want Y-DNA or mtDNA testing, want to join a surname project, or need a third autosomal database for free uploads on top of Ancestry and MyHeritage.
Verdict
The honest answer is upload free to both. Neither is a primary first-kit recommendation for most US buyers (Ancestry usually is) but both are essential secondary databases. If you must buy a kit from one, let your tree decide: European-heavy goes MyHeritage, surname-and-paternal goes FamilyTreeDNA. See the dna-test-comparisons pillar, the MyHeritage review, and the FamilyTreeDNA review for more.