23andMe vs AncestryDNA vs MyHeritage for Indians: Complete Comparison
If you're an Indian considering DNA ancestry testing, you've likely heard of 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage. All three are popular globally, but how do they stack up specifically for South Asian ancestry? Which should you choose?
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll analyze these three major DNA testing companies side-by-side, helping you make an informed decision based on price, accuracy for Indian ancestry, features, and more.
Bottom Line: For Indians seeking affordable testing with decent ancestry breakdown, all three work. However, each has different strengths: 23andMe offers the most trait reports, AncestryDNA has the largest relative database, and MyHeritage provides the best value for price. For deep South Asian ancestry analysis, Helixline provides unmatched regional detail.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | 23andMe | AncestryDNA | MyHeritage | Helixline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in India | ₹18,000-22,000 | ₹15,000-20,000 | ₹12,000-15,000 | ₹9,999 |
| Shipping to India | Extra cost | Extra cost | Extra cost | Free |
| Processing Time | 6-8 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| South Asian Regions | 5-7 | 8-10 | 6-8 | 75+ |
| Reference Database Size | ~1.5M samples | ~27M samples | ~4M samples | 50,000+ South Asian |
| Indian Reference Samples | ~1,500 | ~2,000 | ~1,000 | 50,000+ |
| Ancestry Accuracy for Indians | Moderate | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Haplogroup Analysis | Good | Basic | Basic | Detailed + South Asian specific |
| Trait Reports | 30+ traits | Ancestry only | 10+ traits | Ancestry + wellness traits |
| Genetic Relative Matching | Yes (Good database) | Yes (Largest database) | Yes (Medium database) | Yes (Growing Indian focus) |
| Data Privacy (Storage) | USA | USA | Israel | India |
| Raw DNA Download | Yes (24-48 hrs) | Yes (within 24 hrs) | Yes (instant) | Yes |
| Health Risk Reports* | Yes (limited in India) | No | No | Wellness traits only |
| Customer Support in Hindi | No | No | Limited | Yes |
*Health reports availability varies by country due to regulations.
Detailed Analysis: Each Company
23andMe
Strengths
- Excellent trait and health reports (30+ traits)
- Strong Y-DNA haplogroup analysis
- Good user interface and app
- Decent relative matching database
- Regular result updates
Weaknesses
- Limited South Asian region breakdown (5-7)
- Small Indian reference database (~1,500)
- Expensive in India (₹18,000-22,000)
- Extra shipping charges to India
- Generic ancestry results for Indians
Best For: Indians interested in trait reports and health predispositions, and those who want to connect with relatives globally.
AncestryDNA
Strengths
- Largest relative database (27M users worldwide)
- Better South Asian region breakdown (8-10)
- Integrates with 130M+ family trees
- More Indian samples than 23andMe (~2,000)
- Good regional accuracy for some areas
Weaknesses
- Still limited South Asian regions (8-10)
- No health risk reports
- Weak haplogroup analysis (basic)
- Higher price point in India
- International shipping delays
Best For: Indians focused on genealogy, family tree building, and finding relatives. Most useful if you have ancestors from regions with good database coverage.
MyHeritage
Strengths
- Most affordable option (₹12,000-15,000)
- Fast processing (4-6 weeks)
- Instant raw DNA download
- Good family tree features
- Reasonable relative matching
Weaknesses
- Limited South Asian regions (6-8)
- Smallest Indian reference database (~1,000)
- Weak haplogroup analysis
- Fewer trait reports than 23andMe
- Smaller user base than competitors
Best For: Budget-conscious Indians who want a quick, affordable DNA test with basic ancestry information and family tree tools.
Helixline
Strengths
- 75+ South Asian regional breakdowns
- 50,000+ Indian reference samples
- Deep haplogroup analysis with South Asian context
- Free shipping across India
- Lowest price (₹9,999)
- Data stored in India (privacy advantage)
- Hindi/local language support
Weaknesses
- Smaller global relative matching database
- Less international ancestry info
- Newer company (building database)
- No additional trait/health reports
Best For: Indians primarily interested in detailed South Asian ancestry, haplogroup analysis, and regional heritage. Best value for money.
Key Decision Factors
1. Budget
- Tightest Budget: Helixline (₹9,999)
- Mid-range: MyHeritage (₹12,000-15,000)
- Premium: AncestryDNA (₹15,000-20,000), 23andMe (₹18,000-22,000)
2. What You Want to Learn
- South Asian Ancestry Detail: Helixline
- Global Ancestors: AncestryDNA
- Genetic Traits & Health: 23andMe
- Family Tree Building: AncestryDNA
- Best Overall Value: Helixline
3. Reference Database Quality
For Indians, database quality is crucial. Here's the ranking for South Asian accuracy:
- Helixline: 50,000+ Indian samples (specialized)
- AncestryDNA: ~2,000 Indian samples
- 23andMe: ~1,500 Indian samples
- MyHeritage: ~1,000 Indian samples
4. Regional Breakdown
For identifying your specific region in India:
- Helixline: 75+ regions (specific state/district level)
- AncestryDNA: 8-10 regions (broad South Asia)
- 23andMe: 5-7 regions (very broad)
- MyHeritage: 6-8 regions (broad)
Special Considerations for Indians
Data Privacy
Where is your genetic data stored?
- Helixline: India (GDPR compliant, locally secure)
- 23andMe, AncestryDNA: USA (may be accessible to authorities)
- MyHeritage: Israel (GDPR compliant)
For Indians concerned about genetic data privacy, Helixline offers the assurance that your DNA never leaves India.
Shipping & Processing
- Helixline: Free Indian shipping, 4-6 weeks
- MyHeritage: Fast international, 4-6 weeks, extra shipping costs
- AncestryDNA: Slower, 6-8 weeks, extra shipping costs
- 23andMe: Slowest, 6-8 weeks, extra shipping costs
Can You Use Multiple Tests?
Yes! Many ancestry enthusiasts test with multiple companies. Here's why:
- Different Reference Databases: Each company has different ancestry percentages
- Find More Relatives: Different user bases mean different DNA matches
- Advanced Analysis: Upload raw DNA from one company to another
- Comprehensive Picture: Combine results for fuller understanding
For example, many Indians test with Helixline for South Asian detail, then upload raw data to GEDmatch or DNA Painter for advanced genealogical analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Test Your Ancestry?
Start your DNA journey with Helixline — India's most detailed South Asian ancestry test with 75+ regional breakdowns, starting at just ₹9,999.
Order Your Helixline KitFinal Verdict
| Best For... | Winner |
|---|---|
| Indian Ancestry Detail | Helixline |
| Best Value | Helixline |
| Finding Relatives Globally | AncestryDNA |
| Trait & Health Reports | 23andMe |
| Budget Option | MyHeritage |
| Data Privacy (India) | Helixline |
Our Recommendation: For Indians seeking to understand their South Asian heritage with maximum detail at the best price, Helixline is the clear winner. If you want global relative matching, combine Helixline with AncestryDNA. For health-conscious users, consider 23andMe as a complementary test.