MyTrueAncestry review – Can it reveal your ancient roots?

MyTrueAncestry Review Summary

MyTrueAncestry is a DNA site that reveals links to historical figures and ancient civilizations. Learn more in our MyTrueAncestry review!

Nebula Genomics

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Results
Price
Ease of use

Summary

MyTrueAncestry reveals genetic links to historical figure and civilizations at a competitive price and includes a social component.

4.7

7 Facts from our MyTrueAncestry Review

  1. Location: Bäch, Switzerland
  2. Products: DNA data upload service
  3. Reports: Matches uploaded DNA with ancient populations such as ancient Greeks and Vikings
  4. Result delivery: Through the MyTrueAncestry website
  5. Privacy: Possible to delete data any time
  6. Cost: $0 – $596
  7. Complementary products: Nebula Genomics offers Whole Genome Sequencing and provides deep ancestry analysis based on full mtDNA and Y chromosome sequencing

This review is written with the intent to be as unbiased as possible. However, it represents the opinion of an individual reviewer and is therefore subjective. Furthermore, at Nebula Genomics we seek to educate the public about the benefits of Whole Genome Sequencing. Information about our Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test is therefore incorporated into the review.

July 1, 2022

Edited by Christina Swords, Ph.D.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • DNA interpretation site appears to value user privacy very much
  • The strong focus on history and archaeology makes it fun to learn more about human civilization
  • Check your ancestry for free
  • It offers a promo code for other sites, including for Nebula Genomics (code MYTRUEANCESTRY10)

Cons

  • Anecdotal MyTrueAncestry reviews question the significance of ancestral links

MyTrueAncestry Introduction

MyTrueAncestry (My True Ancestry) is a DNA analysis service that reveals genetic links to historical figures and ancient civilizations. The company is based in Switzerland. MyTrueAncestry began after one of the company’s founders received “oversimplistic ancestral results” from a major provider. That disappointment inspired the history buff and technologist to build a DNA matching algorithm connecting people to history.

The site does not share the founder’s name, team members, or the number of users. MyTrueAncestry.com places a strong emphasis on privacy and never asks for your personal information to create a free account. It states that one of the founders is an MIT educated veteran of “Data Privacy and Anonymous Data Security and Encryption.”

Are you interested in getting complete raw DNA data for upload sites like MyTrueAncestry? At Nebula Genomics we offer Whole Genome Sequencing! It decodes 100% of your DNA and enables accurate ancestry reporting. Click here to learn more!

Review of MyTrueAncestry Products

MyTrueAncestry offers eight levels of service ranging from $0 to $596, each of which includes different analyses and features.

Each one is named according to themes of ancient history, and each builds on one another. The company does not offer DNA test kits. Instead, it allows you to upload various raw DNA data file types (e.g. 23andMe, Nebula, AncestryDNA, etc.). 

The primary focus of MyTrueAncestry is uncovering users’ ancestral links to historical populations. The site has a deep FAQ section. It claims that its algorithms take the user’s DNA and compares it to “a wide variety of Ancient DNA samples.” 

These samples are found in academic databases worldwide, many dating back to historical archaeological dig sites. The MyTrueAncestry DNA ancestry test uses those reference populations to connect modern-day humans to ancient civilizations.

This method of analysis leads to questions concerning MyTrueHeritage accuracy. Sites like 23andMe and Ancestry use real “reference populations” to determine ancestry. Unfortunately, the archaeological historical record may only come from a single individual, lowering the changes of receiving an accurate match. With only a single reference point, it is hard to know whether a genetic variant is related to the specific population or if the gene was present before that.

MyTrueAncestry provides 250 ethnic categories rather than the 20 or so found with competing genomic sequencing companies. But is it the best website page for uploading raw DNA files? Here is what we know about what family history service can cost.

Review of MyTrueAncestry costs ($100 and under)

  1. Commoner (Free basic analysis): This free DNA analysis, which expires after 48 hours, comes with information on 10 of your 20 closest ancient samples. It supports that information with basic maps and timelines. It also displays charts to help visualize how close the connections are between ancient populations and a user’s family tree.
  2. Footman ($37): For the smallest upgrade, users get ten extra (20 total) ancient sample matches and results that don’t expire. The relationship charts also get a boost from 2D to 3D for more complex but powerful visualization.
  3. Knight ($55): This upgrade gives access to 40 ancient samples:  “Premium Maps,” which suggest migration paths, and “Partial Deep Dive” results. These “match analyses at the level of chromosomes”. Users can also upload an additional genome file to take advantage of MyTrueAncestry’s comparison feature.
  4. King ($100): Users can upload up to 5 genome files with the King package. Users can compare each file and access analyses from 60 ancient DNA samples. Deep Dive Maps and Analyses are complete at this tier. Users can also access more regional maps that span large time periods.

Review of MyTrueAncestry costs (over $100)

  1. Caesar ($149): This tier unlocks 60 close-matched ancient samples and also allows comparisons for 10 genome files. MyTrueAncestry.com also provides Haplogroups (a group of people sharing a common ancestor) and more information about the DNA sample sources. It even reveal dig-sites.
  2. Zeus ($248): At this level, the service allows users to make their own maps in real-time. 
  3. Olympus ($397): This tier is the “Playground of the Gods,” according to the service. Here, users interested in serious genealogical research can customize genomic kits using data from ancient DNA samples.
  4. Odyssey ($596): This is the most expensive tier. It includes all the features of the previous kits, plus an additional 100 ancient samples, 30 additional outlier samples, and the ability to upload ten more DNA kits.

Review of How to use MyTrueAncestry

Signing up is very easy and takes just a few seconds. Simply enter a valid email address, password, and pick a plan.

Because MyTrueAncestry.com does not collect DNA samples from users, it allows you to upload various raw DAN file types (e.g. 23andMe, AncestryDNA, build37, etc.). 

You can upload your full DNA sequencing results (whole genome sequencing) from DNA testing companies like Nebula Genomics. You can also upload any other autosomal DNA data from testing companies that provide ethnicity estimates like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA, family tree DNA).

Ancient ancestry breakdown view in MyTrueAncestry reporting
Ancient ancestry breakdown view in MyTrueAncestry reporting

Review of MyTrueAncestry Reports

Using a combination of the latest archaeogenetic techniques and data science algorithms, MyTrueAncestry.com generates a personalized deep analysis of ancient ancestry. 

The MyTrueAncestry results indicate strong ties to civilizations in ancient Europe dating as far back as 550 AD. And the strongest link for this DNA is tied to “Viking Norwegian” ancestors. Each mention of ancient people and modern civilizations features a clickable blurb to learn more about their history. The details also indicate the source of ancient DNA used to make the correlation. 

Sample of details on ancient ancestors: Viking Norse Iceland and Viking Sweden in a MyTrueAncestry report
MyTrueAncestry can differentiate between different types of Viking ancestries

For example, the “Nordic Lombard” sample supposedly originates from a male teenager’s “elaborate grave” dating back 15 centuries.

MyTrueAncestry.com uses your DNA data to provide many different analyses based on region and time period, including:

  • Closest ancient populations (e.g., Byzantine, Franks, Greek)
  • Modern populations (e.g., Norwegian, Ashkenazi Jewish)
  • Indigenous American matches for Native American ancestry
  • A breakdown of ancient ancestral matches by era (e.g., Bronze age and Dark ages)
  • MyTrueAncestry haplogroup analytics
  • And “Outliers,” indicating which populations a user matches with most uniquely
Map of Europe with locations of some ancient civilizations
Sample results for MyTrueAncestry on a geographical map

Review of MyTrueAncestry Privacy

MyTrueAncestry states that it takes privacy very seriously, citing the founder’s academic background in data security. 

Is MyTrueAncestry.com safe? The company deletes uploads after processing. It is also rather simple to use the service without disclosing your identity. 

The site never asks for personal information. MyTrueAncestry says, “you can even create a fake email address, and we will activate your account for you.”

The company does not offer testing services. The DNA analysis functions solely on uploaded raw data, which is promptly deleted from the site’s servers. Genetic analysis results are stored on the site (except for the basic version, which automatically deletes after two days).

Other My True Ancestry Reviews

  • MyTrueAncestry reviews on Facebook: 4.5 out of 5 stars with reviews by over 150 people
  • Trustpilot has only five reviews that place the company in the “Average” position of 3.4

The descriptive reviews of MyTrueAncestry are generally positive, although the most common complaint is that the results could be too general. Reddit users discuss how anyone with a particular ancestry (i.e., European ancestry) would probably have similar ancient ancestry results.

Pie chart of a user's ancestry and another depicting a woman's majority of Celtic ancestry
Individual ancient ancestry composition

Nebula Genomics

Nebula Genomics and MyTrueAncestry are complementary services. At Nebula Genomics, we prioritize privacy and use the most advanced testing technology and comprehensive reporting. 

Your privacy is central

At Nebula Genomics, we understand that your genomic data is sensitive, personal, and irreplaceable. We know there are privacy risks to sharing this data, and we take those risks very seriously. 

We have built and are continuing to improve the first privacy-focused personal genomics service. We do away with all of the middlemen between you and the third-party customers interested in your data. Without those middlemen, you have control over sharing your data and being compensated. Nebula Genomics’ users trust our commitment to privacy

These verified accounts stand out in comparison to other services, like MyTrueAncestry, that do not have testimonials praising privacy. You can read more about the importance of DNA privacy here.

Nebula Expand

Do you have DNA test results from other testing sites like 23andMe or Ancestry? You can upload that data to Nebula and learn even more about your genome with the free Nebula Genomics expanded report that provides the most comprehensive DNA health or traits insights.

This expanded report uses statistical models to fill in the blanks left behind by typical microarray-based DNA genotyping tests. Compared to MyTrueAncestry, we focus on various traits rather than ancestry. 

In such a rapidly growing genomic revolution, Nebula believes you should stay up to date on the latest cutting-edge research. Nebula Expand gives you access to the newest research curated to your genomic data through the Nebula Research Library. We provide all of the information you need to understand what this research means to you and your DNA.

Nebula Genomics 30x Whole-Genome Sequencing

Our mission is to empower our customers to learn more about themselves and their bodies. We go beyond standard genetic testing found on sites like 23andMe and Ancestry and offer a detailed Expanded Report. 

With our 30x Whole-Genome Sequencing service, we determine 100% of your DNA and report our analysis directly to you. In other words, you receive high-resolution DNA testing (not available on MyTrueAncestry.com). And you get 1,000 times more data than with other services, which only read 0.1% of your genome! 

Here is how Nebula compares to other testing and reporting services.


23andMeAncestryMyTrueAncestryNebula Genomics
DNA testing methodMicroarray-based genotyping Microarray-based genotypingUsers upload results from other testing servicesWhole-Genome Sequencing (30x coverage)
Produced data~ 600,000 positions in the genome~ 700,000 positions in the genomeUsers upload results from other testing services~ 3,000,000,000 positions in the genome
Regular updates based on the latest discoveriesNoNoNoYes (learn more)
Tools to explore dataLimitedLimitedLimited tools for the free version. More tools with paid upgradesYes (learn more)
Ancestry reportingBased on relatively few genetic variantsYes (requires sharing data with other Ancestry customers)Primarily for ancient ancestral analysisDeep ancestry reporting with full Y chromosome and mtDNA sequencing
Data accessYes (23andMe format file)Yes (Ancestry format file)No raw DNA data is produced. Uploaded data expires after two days in the free tierYes (FASTQ, BAM and VCF files)
Privacy-focusedNoNoMyTrueAncestry has a stringent privacy policyYes (learn more)
Cost$99 or $199$99 or $119$0 – $596$0, $99, $299 
 

Are you looking for a DNA testing service to get genetic data for analysis with MyTrueAncestry? In addition to Nebula Genomics, also take a look at 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, and tests specific for African ancestry.

Other companies

To learn more about other DNA upload sites, you make like:

Ancestry:

  • Ancient DNA Origins (DNA upload for comparison against ancient civilizations)
  • DNA Land (free DNA upload for trait and ancestry analysis)
  • DNA Painter (for genealogy – the first one is free and subscriptions are available for others)
  • GedMatch Genesis (free DNA upload and paid advanced options)
  • Living DNA (free upload for ancestry)
  • MyHeritage (free upload for genealogy)
  • WeGene (a focus on Asian populations, cost of reports)

Health:

  • BioStatus Health (upload apps for personalized fitness and nutrition)
  • Dash Genomics (personalized Alzheimer’s disease risk)
  • GeneFood (data upload and a personalized nutrition test)
  • Gene Heritage (inherited allele reports)
  • Genetic Genie (free for health reporting)
  • Genomapp (DNA analysis app and individual reports)
  • LifeDNA (upload and health reports, DNA kit and updates available at an additional cost)
  • LiveWello (variance reports and community sharing)
  • NutraHacker (DNA upload for reports on certain health conditions)
  • Silverberry Genomix (free upload and options to purchase additional reports)
  • StrateGene (detailed reports based on biological pathways)
  • TrueReport (personalized functional medicine)
  • yourDNAportal (free expanded reports on health and ancestry)

If you have whole genome sequencing data, also take a look at YFull for Y-DNA and mtDNA analysis.

Did you like our MyTrueAncestry review? Explore more reviews and check out our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests.

Interested in learning about your pet’s ancestry? Embark, Wisdom Panel, DNA My Dog, and Paw Print Genetics are DNA tests for dogs while Basepaws is genetic testing for your cat.

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