A New Era in Ancestry Testing as MyHeritage Launches Low-Pass Whole Genome Sequencing
At Watershed DNA, I’m often asked what’s new in the world of consumer DNA testing and how these changes might matter for people who’ve already tested or are thinking about it.
This week, there’s big news. The latest development from MyHeritage is one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in years: the introduction of a low-pass whole genome sequencing test for ancestry purposes. It’s a new kind of DNA analysis that reaches further across the genome than ever before, but there are some important limitations to understand before diving in.
What’s New About This Test
MyHeritage has become the first major ancestry company to move beyond the genotyping technology used by its peers. Instead of sampling only specific SNPs or “spots” on your DNA — typically about 600,000–700,000 in total — this new method reads across the entire genome. The goal: to provide more comprehensive data for genealogical purposes and potentially sharper insights into how you connect with others in the MyHeritage database.
What “Low-Pass” Really Means
Unlike medical-grade whole genome sequencing, which reads every section of DNA dozens of times to ensure accuracy (30x for high coverage), MyHeritage has shared that its low-pass sequencing will capture each position only twice. That coverage is enough to fill in some of the missing pieces left by older genotyping methods, but not enough for medical or health interpretation.
In other words, this test gives a broader picture of your DNA, but not a more reliable one for clinical use. The improvement in this application of WGS lies in better genealogical detail — not in medical discovery.
Benefits for Genealogy and Family Research
For those who hope to trace family lines or discover genetic relatives, one expectation we can set with low-pass WGS is the promise of greater granularity. With more of your genome sequenced, it would make sense that MyHeritage will be able to provide more precise information about where and how you share DNA with others. This could lead to improved estimates of your genetic ancestry (i.e. ethnicity), more accurate relationship predictions, and a clearer view of ancestral origins.
While MyHeritage hasn’t explicitly promised improvements to DNA matching, it’s hard to imagine the company would invest in a new testing technology without expecting it to strengthen genealogical results.
Points to Consider Before You Test
Before deciding whether to purchase this new test, a few practical considerations are worth noting:
Repeat testing needed for existing customers: If you’ve already tested with MyHeritage, this would be a repeat test — your previous genotyping results can’t be upgraded to this new format. The exception is for those who paid to store their DNA sample when they first tested at MyHeritage, which is not most people.
No external uploads: MyHeritage is not accepting uploaded DNA data from other companies (such as AncestryDNA or 23andMe) for use with the new platform. Testing must be done directly through MyHeritage.
Not for health insights: This bears repeating! Because of the low coverage, this test should not be used for medical or health-related information. Its accuracy threshold simply isn’t designed for that purpose.
The Main Takeaway
This move by MyHeritage represents a major step forward in the consumer DNA landscape and a preview of where the industry is heading. While it won’t replace medical-grade sequencing or provide health insights, WGS for ancestry purposes expands the possibilities for genealogy and family searches and more detailed connections among DNA matches.
A Note on Personal Choice
As with all forms of DNA testing, the decision around whether or when to have a test is a personal one. Each person’s goals and comfort level are unique. What feels valuable and exciting for one individual might not feel the same for another.
Before taking the next step, it can help to pause and consider what you hope to learn, how you want your data to be used, and whether this particular test aligns with your purpose.
Brianne’s Personal Experience
I ordered a kit for myself and found the process seamless. The package showed up in my mailbox five days after the online order. Having taken approximately 10 different at-home tests to date (including MyHeritage’s original genotyping array), some differences stood out compared to my past experiences.
Cheek swab made providing the DNA sample easier than filling a vial with saliva
Online activation was easy
The consent process was succinct and clear
The shipping kit was smaller with less plastic packaging (eco-friendly)
Downside? The tester must pay return shipping. An envelope is included but not pre-paid.
What Should You Do?
At Watershed DNA, we believe that every person’s story unfolds in their own time — and that thoughtful choices, made with awareness and a focus on emotions and healthy communication, are the foundation of meaningful discoveries.
Not sure whether to test (or retest) at MyHeritage or another testing company? Schedule a session—we can help!
Post was updated on October 21, 2025 with link to MyHeritage’s webpage about their WGS test and Brianne’s DNA kit ordering experience.
