Your genes may not define your future, but understanding your predispositions to conditions and diseases can guide your decisions and lead to better health outcomes. That’s why genetic analysis plays an increasingly important role in medicine, with Natera and Myriad Genetics being among the most recognized providers of such services.
Natera and Myriad offer a wide range of genetic tests, including carrier screening, prenatal screening, and hereditary cancer risk assessments. They also provide expert genetic counseling to help patients interpret their results. While similar, these services differ in their analysis scope and technology, which can influence what option you go for.
This Natera vs. Myriad comparison will examine both providers to help you understand what to expect and offer insights from user reviews for an unbiased assessment. You’ll learn about key aspects of their services, such as test offerings, the ordering process, and accuracy.
Natera vs. Myriad: Quick overview
Get familiar with Natera and Myriad before we evaluate them more thoroughly:
How Natera works
Natera is a U.S.-based company specializing in DNA testing, with services available in many countries. It offers screening for:
Cancer patients looking for insights into their condition and treatment options
Pregnant individuals assessing potential risks during pregnancy and their baby’s health
Prospective parents who want to understand their chances of passing on genetic conditions
Organ transplant recipients who need to monitor their new organ’s health
Natera’s tests rely on cell-free DNA (cfDNA), the genetic material that enters the bloodstream when cells break down. Using your blood sample, Natera's tests measure cfDNA levels to detect patterns linked to various conditions, including cancer.
Most tests will require you to consult with a healthcare professional first. After reviewing your case and confirming your eligibility, your provider will order the appropriate test. Then, you’ll schedule a blood draw and, if necessary, provide a saliva sample. Once your results are ready, your provider will inform you of the findings.
Natera offers pre- and post-test information sessions, so you can connect with a genetics expert and get their input on your results and the next steps.
Bonus read: Get an in-depth comparison of Natera’s most popular tests — Panorama and Horizon, and discover how the service stacks up against Invitae and MaterniT.
How Myriad works
Myriad Genetics is a global testing service similar to Natera, offering clinical-grade testing to help healthcare providers detect, guide treatment for, and support the prevention of diseases and conditions like cancer. You can order a Myriad test through your healthcare provider. Once you provide the necessary samples and the analysis is complete, your provider will inform you of the findings.
For some tests, such as the MyRisk cancer screening test, you can request an online consultation with a Myriad geneticist. After assessing your eligibility, the geneticist will order the test, and you’ll receive a saliva test kit at home. Afterward, a follow-up consultation will take place to review your results.
While Myriad analyzes cfDNA for prenatal screening, many of its other tests work with standard, cell-based DNA, allowing for a broader range of analyses. Myriad’s tests target more types of cancer and even provide insights into how you may respond to certain medications.
Source: Myriad
Myriad vs. Natera: Comparison across 4 key criteria
In the next sections, we’ll evaluate Natera and Myriad closely and consider user reviews to paint a realistic picture of these services. You’ll discover how they measure up in four important areas:
Depth of testing
Technology and accuracy
Pricing and insurance
User reviews
1. Depth of testing
Natera and Myriad have a similar test selection, though the comprehensiveness and technology of these analyses may differ. Compare what type of insights they may offer below:
The most popular tests from these companies are prenatal tests, which analyze fetal DNA from the placenta to assess the child’s risk for a genetic condition. Still, Natera has the upper edge over Myriad in this area. Its prenatal test, called Panorama, screens for triploidy and can determine the zygosity of twins.
In addition to Panorama, Natera also offers analyses such as:
Vistara: A prenatal test to detect more common, single-gene conditions that benefit from early intervention
Spectrum: A preimplantation test that can increase the chance of a successful in vitro fertilization
Anora: A test that determines the cause of a miscarriage
Natera’s carrier screening test, Horizon, is also more comprehensive than Myriad’s Foresight. It can test for 500+ hereditary diseases and conditions, whereas Myriad’s current upper limit is 267 conditions.
Bonus read: Discover the test offerings of other diagnostic companies:
2. Technology and accuracy
Both companies conduct their analyses in labs that hold CLIA and CAP certifications, which ensure a high level of processing quality and scientific integrity. They both use next-generation sequencing technology — an advanced analysis method that offers more reliable insights than genotyping tests like 23andMe.
Natera relies exclusively on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for its tests. For some, such as Panorama, it specifically analyzes — specific genetic variations that occur at a single point in the DNA sequence.
Source: Natera
When it comes to prenatal testing, Myriad’s approach may be more effective for women with a higher body mass index (BMI). Its proprietary Amplify technology increases fetal fraction — the percentage of fetal cfDNA in the mother’s bloodstream — allowing for more accurate results. As a result, Myriad’s test has been successful for some individuals who previously received inconclusive results with Natera. Read one review below:
That said, both companies occasionally report false positives. Based on user reviews, most complaints about both seem to stem from prenatal testing, especially Natera's. Many users who’ve received false positives report that it induced anxiety and led them to undergo unnecessary invasive procedures.
Experts caution that prenatal tests tend to have varying accuracy and that their results should be interpreted carefully. The FDA has even issued a warning against these tests in 2022, noting that some haven’t been reviewed and claim accuracy that isn’t backed by sound scientific evidence.
Tip 💡
Natera and Myriad offer various tests, but even their most advanced ones don’t provide a complete assessment of your genes and their potential impact on your health. While next-generation sequencing is a tried-and-true method, you can get a more thorough analysis with whole-genome sequencing (WGS).
Nucleus offers an all-in-one DNA test that, besides analyzing almost 100% of your DNA, screens for over 900 diseases and conditions and even considers your lifestyle factors. This comprehensive approach allows it to provide a 99.9% accurate estimate of your health risks, including those your children may inherit. Order your test kit today!
3. Pricing and insurance
The pricing of Natera’s and Myriad’s tests is not available on the website, though the companies offer various payment options to make testing more accessible. They are in-network with the majority of insurance plans and claim that most users have no out-of-pocket costs. Besides that, they offer an affordable self-pay option and financial assistance for those in need.
Despite that, many users report experiencing billing issues with Myriad and Natera. Some say they have received unexpectedly high bills even after prior confirmation that their insurance would cover the testing.
The exact cause of these billing discrepancies is unclear, but they often seem to stem from misleading cost estimates and insurance miscommunications. Many users were able to negotiate their bills down significantly upon contacting Myriad, Natera, or their insurance provider.
Learn about one Natera user’s experience:
This issue seems to be more common with Natera. The company has faced legal consequences in the past and is currently involved in a class action lawsuit regarding its billing practices.
If you plan on testing with Natera or Myriad, make sure to discuss the costs with your doctor and insurance provider thoroughly before taking the test.
Bonus read: Find out how other testing services have priced their analyses:
4. User reviews
While both companies have received an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, Myriad is actually BBB-accredited. That said, both have low user ratings on this platform (as of March 2025):
While some users report a smooth testing process and helpful customer service, others have had an overall unsatisfactory experience. Besides billing problems and result inaccuracies, complaints typically involve delays in turnaround time, inconclusive results, and the need to retake the test due to shipping and processing issues.
Check out one Myriad user’s review:
Concluding the Natera vs. Myriad comparison
Natera and Myriad are well-established testing companies with decades of experience, and they regularly partner with many healthcare providers. Still, they are far from flawless, with many users reporting problems with billing, results accuracy, and turnaround time.
While they have similar test offerings, both companies have their standout features — but also some significant drawbacks. For example, Natera’s prenatal screening is more extensive, but Myriad’s Amplify technology makes the test available to a wider population and reduces the likelihood of sample failure. It’s important to discuss the testing options with your doctor to select the most appropriate option for your case.
If you want a thorough understanding of your genetic predispositions, opt for a whole-genome analysis from Nucleus. With only a single at-home test, you can uncover hundreds of life-changing health insights. Nucleus’ comprehensive analysis and actionable results allow you to make confident decisions about your lifestyle, medical care, and family planning.
Nucleus: One simple test, 900+ health insights
To access your all-in-one Nucleus insights, you only need to mail in a cheek swab to the lab. Nucleus will use cutting-edge whole-genome sequencing technology to decode your DNA with 99.9% accuracy, identifying even new and rare genetic variants. Next, it will assess your predisposition to over 900 diseases and conditions, including:
Cancer
Heart disease
Hereditary carriers
Neurological conditions
Mental health conditions
Your results will highlight the impact of your genes on both your health and potential health risks for your children. They’ll also include absolute risk scores, which reveal how lifestyle factors like alcohol intake and cholesterol levels may affect the expression of your genes.
Nucleus presents your results in plain language that’s easy to understand. If you want to take action on your health, Nucleus offers personalized recommendations powered by Nucleus AI. Plus, if you need expert guidance, you can connect with a genetic counselor through Nucleus’ partner, SteadyMD.
Besides your health risks, Nucleus offers insights into genetic traits like intelligence, muscle mass, and longevity — helping you better understand how your genetics shape your abilities, physical traits, and long-term health.
Learn your DNA’s full story with Nucleus
Unlike Myriad and Natera, Nucleus has a straightforward pricing model. The whole-genome test, which includes all health and trait reports, costs only $399 and includes two-way shipping. While Nucleus doesn’t accept insurance, it is HSA/FSA eligible.
Here’s how you can get started:
Provide your personal information
Order your kit
Once your kit arrives, you’ll swab your cheeks — this process is painless and takes only minutes. Your results will be available online within six to eight weeks of the lab receiving your sample.
Nucleus is HIPAA-compliant, which means your data is protected according to the strictest industry measures. Nucleus destroys your sample within 60 days of reception. Also, Nucleus’ labs are CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified, abiding by the highest standards for processing quality and timeliness.
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