Check out our latest communities fighting
AI scams on Reddit and Facebook

business logo of MyHeritage

MyHeritage

3.9

On SmartCustomer, businesses may not offer incentives or pay to remove reviews. Learn more about our Review Guidelines.

From the business

MyHeritage is the leading global platform for family history discovery. It enriches the lives of people worldwide by enabling them to uncover more about themselves and where they belong.

With a suite of intuitive features and innovative products, MyHeritage creates a meaningful discovery experience that is deeply rewarding. Users build family trees and discover new information and relatives through advanced matching technologies and billions of historical records from across the globe. MyHeritage also offers an affordable at-home DNA test revealing an ethnicity breakdown across 79 ethnicities and 2,114 geographic regions, and AI-powered features to repair, colorize, and animate old photos.

The MyHeritage platform is enjoyed by tens of millions of people around the world who treasure and celebrate their heritage. MyHeritage offers full privacy controls and is available in 42 languages.


myheritage.com
Founded in 2005
Lehi, UT, Israel
How would you rate MyHeritage?
grey stargrey stargrey stargrey stargrey star

MyHeritage Reviews Summary

MyHeritage is generally well-regarded for its user-friendly platform and extensive database, which many customers find invaluable for tracing their ancestry and connecting with relatives. Users appreciate the regular updates and the powerful search capabilities that facilitate discoveries. However, concerns arise regarding customer service, particularly related to billing issues and the difficulty of reaching support. Some users have reported feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information and have encountered challenges in verifying data. Overall, while the service is praised for its features, improvements in customer support and communication are necessary to enhance user satisfaction.

This summary is generated by AI, based on text from customer reviews

This company does not typically respond to reviews

We monitor reviews for authenticity

Canada
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Avonlea C.
Unfollow Avonlea C.
Share Review
Report Review

I had a very long wait, however Mya resolved my issue quickly without fuss. Im so pleased with how it worked out and really appreciated the ease of conversation!

Date of experience: November 26, 2017
Germany
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Norbert N.
Unfollow Norbert N.
Share Review
Report Review

Storno für DNA Kit
November 26, 2017

Guten Morgen, sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich habe mich sehr gefreut, dass ich einen telefonischen Kontakt bei Ihnen erreicht habe. Der Gesprächspartner war sehr freundlich und hat mir unkompliziert und schnell geholfen, danke sehr dafür. Auch dafür Dank, dass ich "Family Tree Builder" standard wieder nutzen kann.--Einen schoenen Sonntag und Gruesse aus Ulm, Norbert Nietsch

Date of experience: November 26, 2017
Texas
1 review
3 helpful votes
Follow james S.
Unfollow james S.
Share Review
Report Review

My wife, who is without any question, 25% Osage American Indian, received results that had her 88% northern Europe and the rest spread out over southern Europe and South America. They detected not one drop of the Osage DNA. I think they just toss any results in. Looks like a massive scam.

Date of experience: November 24, 2017
MyHeritage Support T. MyHeritage Rep
over a year old

Dear James,

I regret to find your low star review and will do all I can to help.

I understand your wife's results do not show any Osage American Indian although you know she is 25%.

Currently, the issue of Native American ancestry not being included in one's DNA is actually a fairly common one in the world of DNA research as a whole because of several different factors.

Each of us inherits about 50% DNA from our mother and 50% from our father. However, the percentages of DNA received from grandparents and further back are rarely divided evenly. Therefore, one may not necessarily inherit the DNA of a given ancestor throughout the generations that may have been of a specific ethnicity.

For example, because an ancestors’ DNA is not passed evenly to their descendants, one grandparent might have passed on 3% of his/her DNA to his great-grandchild, while another great-grandparent may have passed on 11%. This demonstrates how one may have a Native American great-grandmother, but have inherited such a small amount of her Native American DNA that it cannot be traced in a DNA test.

Therefore, If your Native American ethnicity does not appear in the Ethnicity Estimate, some researchers will recommend you consider testing one of your parents or grandparents as it is more likely that Native American DNA will be traced in the generations closer to the Native American ancestor.

In addition, though you might have Native American DNA, it might belong to a tribe that has not contributed to DNA sampling and references. There are more than 500 recognized tribes which are ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse. However, the majority of these tribes have not contributed their DNA for research purposes which would allow science to establish better ethnicity models.

We have proudly referenced 42 ethnic populations and this number will be growing even larger because of our own Founder Populations Project — one of the largest of its kind ever conducted. Our current amount of supported ethnicities is vigorous compared to other popular genealogy research companies and this can be verified online by all means. Not only are we researching more ethnicities, our DNA database is robust and is constantly growing as we give the option of FREE raw DNA upload from other popular autosomal DNA test providers.

The good news is we offer tools such as DNA matching and genealogical references to allow one to research this kind of thing further. Though determining one’s ethnicity based on DNA is a relatively new field of genetics, great advancements have been made in the past years, but there is much more to discover. I can assure you that MyHeritage is on top of this and we will continue to work on improving our Ethnicity Estimate along with developing better tools based on your feedback, new scientific research, and discoveries.

I'd personally be very happy to assist you with any questions you may have on your research. Please feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] from your registered MyHeritage e-mail address.

Kind Regards
Rafael
MyHeritage

Connecticut
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow penelope k.
Unfollow penelope k.
Share Review
Report Review

GREAT HELP
November 25, 2017

I HIT THE WRONG CHECK BOX AT TOP OF A FILE AND ITEMS I DID NOT WANT WERE SAVED TO MY SITE. WHEN I CONTACTED MY HERITAGE I WAS ABLE TO BE TALKED THROUGH THE REMOVAL OF THESE ITEMS AND IT WAS EXPLAINED IN VERY EASY LANGUAGE. THANKS TO THE AGENT I WAS ABLE TO CORRECT A MISTAKE AND KEEP MY SITE AS IT SHOULD BE.

Date of experience: November 24, 2017
GB
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Kelly K.
Unfollow Kelly K.
Share Review
Report Review

Wrong results
November 24, 2017

Not knowing my biological father I wanted to find out some information. I got my results and asked my mum to do a test I could work out what was paternal.

8 weeks later mums results are in. I can only summerise that that mixed up her kit.
We are not even matched as releated. Totally different blood lines.
Given this is a not a search for some interesting information it's a search to understand about myself, it's upsetting.

I have called the UK number twice. Last night at 6pm ish (voicemail to say no one to answer they are having a dinner break) again today at 11am. Voicemail to say they are at lunch.

I require my money back so I rerun these important results - cannot reach anyone.
Personally I would avoidl

Date of experience: November 24, 2017
MyHeritage Support T. MyHeritage Rep
over a year old

Dear Kelly,

I regret to find that you are dissatisfied with your raw DNA results and I sympathize with your efforts in contacting our support center.
It is very understandable to be curious why your mother's DNA is not matching with yours and I would like to investigate why this so.

In order to help you with all of this, I need to first locate your account. Please contact me directly at [email protected] so I may verify your account and assist you with this as soon as possible.

Kind Regards
Rafael
MyHeritage

Australia
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Kerry B.
Unfollow Kerry B.
Share Review
Report Review

Kudos to My Heritage
November 24, 2017

I did not experience any problem from initially purchasing a kit for testing, to the emailing of my DNA test results. The process is efficient and transparent and one can check progress on the website during the event.

I have also telephoned with an enquiry on two occasions during the process and both times received polite and helpful info that fully answered my questions. The latest contact was with Gerard O'Brien and he resolved my enquiry effectively.

No complaints of any kind here- only praise.

Date of experience: November 23, 2017
NL
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Said j.
Unfollow Said j.
Share Review
Report Review

Friendly
November 24, 2017

I have had a very good phone conversation. And the service was great. Very good information. I will recommend this to every person that wants to know about his family history.

Date of experience: November 23, 2017
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow John T.
Unfollow John T.
Share Review
Report Review

Excellent
November 24, 2017

Got the job done without the usual "support" hassle.
No appreciable wait time.
Understood my problem and solved it quickly.

Date of experience: November 23, 2017
Australia
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Julie L.
Unfollow Julie L.
Share Review
Report Review

Really helpful
November 22, 2017

Just a note to say thankyou for your help in directing me and answering my enquiry in a very professional manner!

Date of experience: November 22, 2017
Louisiana
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Fabien M.
Unfollow Fabien M.
Share Review
Report Review

Excellent
November 22, 2017

MyHeritage is very extensive in features and offers me all I need to create and maintain my tree.
Technical support is very responsive, friendly and skilled.
While recommended matches are not always a positive hit it is very valuable and allowed me extending my tree quite and bit.

Date of experience: November 21, 2017
Georgia
1 review
3 helpful votes
Follow Molly R.
Unfollow Molly R.
Share Review
Report Review

The results are basically useless. No one has trees built, and the research functions are convoluted and difficult to incorporate into your own tree. I paid extra to upgrade my membership because I was told there were so many more matches, but not visible until I upgraded, only to find that what I could see on the basic version was about all there was. I have spent money on three DNA tests (my kids and me) plus a year's full membership. And I've already gotten all the use out of the results that are possible. The excitement I felt has been completely replaced by complete disappointment and the sense that I have been ripped off on purpose.

Date of experience: November 20, 2017
MyHeritage Support T. MyHeritage Rep
over a year old

Dear Molly,

I regret to find that you feel as if you were ripped off. Your overall satisfaction is absolutely paramount to us and I will do all I can to help.

MyHeritage offers an assembly of free and paid subscriptions that will fit your research and budget. This includes a free basic membership and a free downloadable Family Tree Builder program. Testing your DNA with MyHeritage provides you with two types of results that do not require an additional membership. These research tools are:

An Ethnicity Estimate - a comprehensive breakdown of your unique DNA composition. You will discover where your heritage originated from and how much each ethnicity is part of your ancestral origins, and even view the main life events of your direct ancestors on the Ethnicity map.

DNA Matches - This technology compares data from autosomal DNA tests results and family trees to identify matches between users that share genetic sequences and indicate a family relationship.

That being said, some features require a paid membership to ensure the development and upkeep of our research tools. We have several additional memberships that vary in price to accommodate one's research needs and budget. Some of our members prefer to only pay for some features as they don't really use the entire array of tools we offer. This is why we offer separate subscriptions along with a full complete one and a free trial for our data subscription.

Nonetheless, if you are not satisfied with your membership, I'd be happy to look into what can be done to refund your unwanted purchase. Please feel free to contact me personally at rafael.vipsupport.com from your registered MyHeritage e-mail address.

Looking forward to helping you.

Rafael
MyHeritage

AE
1 review
4 helpful votes
Follow Hilde B.
Unfollow Hilde B.
Share Review
Report Review

Rethinking MyHeritage review
November 18, 2017
Updated review

I started to do some research in my actual family tree and was surprised that it actually supports the MyHeritage DNA test. I discovered a Scottish grandfather which I did not know exists, even the people which MyHeritage suggested as family checked out. Lesson: we must educate ourselves - how does autosomal DNA results work - before passing a judgement.

Date of experience: November 17, 2017

Fraud? I think so!
November 18, 2017
Previous review

I find it very interesting that almost everybody that had their DNA tested at MyHeritage has the same combination just in different percentages. We all have Scandinavian, British/Irish, Eskimo, Italian, Ashkenazii Jewish, etc dna. I think they are most certainly sucking their thumbs when doing the dna results and licking their ring fingers counting the money!

Date of experience: April 1, 2017
Virginia
1 review
3 helpful votes
Follow LAWRENCE W.
Unfollow LAWRENCE W.
Share Review
Report Review

THE RESULTS OF SHOWED NO GERMANS EVEN THOUGH I AM OF AMISH AND OTHER GERMAN EXTRACTION I HAVE NO ITALIANS IN MY 3000+ DATA IT HAD ME AS 29% ITALIAN

Date of experience: November 17, 2017
MyHeritage Support T. MyHeritage Rep
over a year old

Dear Lawrence,

I'm sorry to read your low star review and we value your overall satisfaction. I will do all I can to help.

As you know, the history of the Amish church began with a schism in Switzerland within a group of Swiss and Alsatian Anabaptists in 1693 led by Jakob Ammann. Those who followed Ammann became known as Amish.
The genetic composition of the Swiss population in the 17th century can very well be similar to that of Central Europe given the history of how German, French, and Italian is spoken in that country.

That said, an ethnicity estimate is based on comparable DNA and it is important to know that while we hold a very large amount of reference populations (42 and growing) they are attained on a higher regional level because DNA is found to be similar in neighboring countries, especially within Europe and where there isn't sufficient statistical difference.

In addition, many of the Amish have not been a part of the sampling used to build DNA reference populations in general. As you know, not all the Amish tend to fully accept the modern conveniences of state of the art technology that includes DNA research.

In any case, I'd be more than happy to go over your research and give you more insight by all means. Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].

Sincerely Yours
Rafael
MyHeritage

Canada
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Paula H.
Unfollow Paula H.
Share Review
Report Review

No UK history
November 17, 2017

I have my father's family tree going back 4 generations, showing UK on both my maternal and paternal, yet, MyHeritage shows absolutely None, Since my brothers and I all have the same blood type, I have no reason to believe I may have different father.
My second complaint is their pricing to find out any further information of your tree, you have to Pay a Lot more money for only 1 more year.

Date of experience: November 17, 2017
MyHeritage Support T. MyHeritage Rep
over a year old

Dear Paula,

I'm sorry to read your low star review and I will do all I can to help.

The autosomal DNA test gives you an estimate and does not measure your ancestor's migration patterns throughout history (further than 4 generations).

As you may know, an ethnicity estimate is based on comparable DNA. In regards to your ethnicity results, it is important to know that while we hold a very large amount of reference populations (42 and growing) they are attained on a higher regional level because DNA is found to be similar in neighboring countries, especially within Europe and where there isn't sufficient statistical difference.

It is true to consider that bio-geographical estimates are complicated. Different researchers analyzing the same DNA of a person can come up with different estimates based on a number of different factors, such as the reference populations used for comparison, the algorithm, the chemical processing and many more factors. Therefore these elements are consistently being improved in the DNA researching community as a whole and it is certainly our highest priority here at MyHeritage.

Moreover, while some companies provide many more regions to compare your DNA with, MyHeritage compares your DNA to a lot more ethnic populations. We find this most important as we are careful to provide all of our members with the most accurate results.

With regards to purchasing another membership, it is ultimately your choice. Many of our members benefit from other research tools we provide that is included and integrated with their DNA results such as DNA matching, ancestral surnames and comparing matching family trees to help understand their family story and migration patterns. MyHeritage offers an assembly of free and paid subscriptions that will fit your research and budget. This includes a free basic membership and a free downloadable Family Tree Builder program. Testing your DNA with MyHeritage provides you with two types of results that do not require an additional payment:

An Ethnicity Estimate - a comprehensive breakdown of your unique DNA composition. You will discover where your heritage originated from and how much each ethnicity is part of your ancestral origins, and even view the main life events of your direct ancestors on the Ethnicity map.

DNA Matches - This technology compares data from autosomal DNA tests results and family trees to identify matches between users that share genetic sequences and indicate a family relationship.

That being said, some features require a paid membership to ensure the development and upkeep of our research tools. We have several additional memberships that vary in price to accommodate one's research needs and budget. Some of our members prefer to only pay for some features as they don't really use the entire array of tools we offer. This is why we offer separate subscriptions along with a full complete one and a free trial for our data subscription.

I'd personally be very happy to assist you with choosing the best membership to fit your research needs and budget whether it be FREE or a paid membership. Please e-mail my inbox at [email protected] at your nearest convenience.

Always happy to help
Rafael
MyHeritage

GB
2 reviews
15 helpful votes
Follow Lulu U.
Unfollow Lulu U.
Share Review
Report Review

I hd ordered 4 kits on 5th Nov n pd £180 fr them all. Today I receive a postcard from the Post Office saying that I have to pay £8 for Customs. Really?

Date of experience: November 16, 2017
MyHeritage Support T. MyHeritage Rep
over a year old

Dear Lulu,

I'm sorry to read your low star review and I regret to find you were unaware of your country's policy on shipment and customs fees.

As you may know, MyHeritage has no control over the various local taxes involved when purchasing something online that is mailed from the United States.

If you have any questions on this or need any help, please feel free to e-mail me personally at [email protected].

Kind Regards
Rafael
MyHeritage

GB
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Maureen T.
Unfollow Maureen T.
Share Review
Report Review

Problem solved
November 16, 2017

I am in UK and needed to correct some account anomalies. These were sorted both professionally and quickly.

Date of experience: November 15, 2017
GB
1 review
5 helpful votes
Follow Kirsty S.
Unfollow Kirsty S.
Share Review
Report Review

Total rip off scammers
November 15, 2017

Paid for a DNA test, After 6 weeks got results only to find I cannot look at any of my matches unless I pay a YEARS SUBSCRIPTION in advance. They charge you for the test and then want £140 off you to subscribe when other sites have matches for free... Dont get me started on their "customer service"... contantly rings and then a message saying its closed... absolute con!

Date of experience: November 15, 2017
MyHeritage Support T. MyHeritage Rep
over a year old

Dear Kirsty,

I'm sorry to read your low star review and I regret to find you feel this way. Your overall satisfaction is very important to me and all of us here at MyHeritage.

MyHeritage offers an assembly of free and paid subscriptions that will fit your research and budget. This includes a free basic membership and a free downloadable Family Tree Builder program. Testing your DNA with MyHeritage provides you with two types of results that do not require an additional payment:

An Ethnicity Estimate - a comprehensive breakdown of your unique DNA composition. You will discover where your heritage originated from and how much each ethnicity is part of your ancestral origins, and even view the main life events of your direct ancestors on the Ethnicity map.

DNA Matches - This technology compares data from autosomal DNA tests results and family trees to identify matches between users that share genetic sequences and indicate a family relationship.

That being said, some features require a paid membership to ensure the development and upkeep of our research tools. We have several additional memberships that vary in price to accommodate one's research needs and budget. Some of our members prefer to only pay for some features as they don't really use the entire array of tools we offer. This is why we offer separate subscriptions along with a full complete one and a free trial for our data subscription.

I'd like to assist you with finding the best membership to fit your research needs whether it be a free or a paid membership. Please e-mail me at [email protected] at your nearest convenience.

Kind Regards
Rafael
MyHeritage

Florida
1 review
4 helpful votes
Follow Alberto Q.
Unfollow Alberto Q.
Share Review
Report Review

Horrible company
November 15, 2017

Taking more than two weeks already and not kit delivered. Called customer srrvice nobody amswers. They dont take cuatomers serously. Stay away frm this business. I can even request my money back. I will talk to my bank to reverse charges.

Date of experience: November 14, 2017
MyHeritage Support T. MyHeritage Rep
over a year old

Dear Alberto,

I'm sorry for the delay and I understand how frustrating it is to wait for your kit. I sympathize with your efforts and will do all I can to help.

Your overall satisfaction is extremely important to us and I would like to investigate why you have not yet received your kit.

If you would like, I can issue you a refund as well by all means.

Please email me directly at [email protected] so I may assist you with this as soon as possible.

Kind Regards
Rafael
MyHeritage

Ohio
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
Follow Joyce C.
Unfollow Joyce C.
Share Review
Report Review

I tried to order the DNA testing kit on the Internet in the amount of $59.00, but the total amount owed came up to $71.00. I called and asked for help. I spoke with Ronald and he was so helpful and easy to understand on the phone. He also assisted me with setting up a new account. I'm so happy that you have Ronald as an employee, he was able to help me on my first phone call. I'm totally impressed. Thank you. Joyce Chafin

Date of experience: November 14, 2017
Ireland
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Michael S.
Unfollow Michael S.
Share Review
Report Review

Tech problem
November 13, 2017

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Maor for his help today. He was very professional and most polite when dealing with my problem.

Many Thanks

Michael

Date of experience: November 13, 2017