Ancestry vs MyHeritage vs FindMyPast

[Craclyn]

If you are finding AncestryDNA not very useful then you may need to spend more time figuring out how it works. Learn how to group matches with colour coding and how to leverage the Common Ancestors functionality. It is the easiest of all of the DNA sites to when it comes to identifying how your matches fit into your tree.

[emjsw]

If you are finding AncestryDNA not very useful then you may need to spend more time figuring out how it works. Learn how to group matches with colour coding and how to leverage the Common Ancestors functionality. It is the easiest of all of the DNA sites to when it comes to identifying how your matches fit into your tree.

Thanks for getting back to me. I think it is more that most people I share DNA with don't have common surnames in their tree and we can't find out how we match, also I have alot of illegitimate births in my tree and the father could be anyone

[Craclyn]

When you are aware of an illegitimate birth then you need to start grouping matches that could lie in that part of your tree and then analyse their trees to look for their common ancestors. This can give you clues as to the ancestral lines for the father of the illegitimate child.

[emjsw]

When you are aware of an illegitimate birth then you need to start grouping matches that could lie in that part of your tree and then analyse their trees to look for their common ancestors. This can give you clues as to the ancestral lines for the father of the illegitimate child.

Thank you very much for the tip 😊

[JaneyH_104]

Hi Emma,

If you’re looking at which site to subscribe to in order to access records (separate from questions about DNA research) then some of the key points for me are as follows:

- Ancestry is great because it syncs with Family Tree Maker, which I use like Chas, who posted earlier.
- FindMyPast has a better search facility, and also benefits from including the British Newspaper Archive.

Then, it comes down to coverage of different counties for parish records. Ancestry has comprehensive coverage of West Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and London. FindMyPast is essential if you’re researching for ancestors in Devon or Cheshire.

I started out with just Ancestry but for the last few years I’ve subscribed to both as my tree has grown.

[coombs]

I have not tried MyHeritage yet, as I thought many records there are American but I stand corrected. I always use Ancestry or FindMyPast. So glad Ancestry have released Essex records.

[emjsw]

When you are aware of an illegitimate birth then you need to start grouping matches that could lie in that part of your tree and then analyse their trees to look for their common ancestors. This can give you clues as to the ancestral lines for the father of the illegitimate child.

Ah thank you, that is really helpful. I have started doing that and am finding some interesting links. Sadly many of my matches don't have trees and don't reply to messages but as more people get their DNA done in time perhaps these blanks might be filled. Thanks for your help

[emjsw]

Hi Emma,

If you’re looking at which site to subscribe to in order to access records (separate from questions about DNA research) then some of the key points for me are as follows:

- Ancestry is great because it syncs with Family Tree Maker, which I use like Chas, who posted earlier.
- FindMyPast has a better search facility, and also benefits from including the British Newspaper Archive.

Then, it comes down to coverage of different counties for parish records. Ancestry has comprehensive coverage of West Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and London. FindMyPast is essential if you’re researching for ancestors in Devon or Cheshire.

I started out with just Ancestry but for the last few years I’ve subscribed to both as my tree has grown.

Hi,
Thank you very much for getting back to me. I have just got family tree maker on the recommendations from this post and because I have loads of missing Devon and Chester records I have subscribed to FindMyPast. My Mum and Dad renewed my Ancestry account top so I am all set  for the next year.
Thank you very much for your helpful advice

[emjsw]

I have not tried MyHeritage yet, as I thought many records there are American but I stand corrected. I always use Ancestry or FindMyPast. So glad Ancestry have released Essex records.

Thank you very much for getting back to me. I have subscribed to FindMyPast and Ancestry now for the next year. Best of luck with researching the Essex records, I hope that you find what you are looking for