DNA testing kits have turn into increasingly popular for his or her ability to supply insight into ancestry and health. Persons are discovering long-lost relatives or unexpected links to famous people, in addition to surprising facts about their very own heritage.
They’re also learning whether or not they may carry genes related to specific health conditions. If any such issues are identified, similar to a predilection for Parkinson’s Disease, cancer or heart disease, preventive measures and therapies could be pursued with healthcare providers.
With a side-by-side comparison of the preferred DNA testing kits, the data below covers what each is best for, its price, customer satisfaction, and more.
Our Top Picks for Best DNA Testing
AncestryDNA — Best for Most DNA Matches
FamilyTreeDNA — Best for Deep Heritage Evaluation
MyHeritage — Best for Finding Relatives Worldwide
Nebula Genomics — Best for Complete Genome Sequencing
23andMe — Best Family Tree Builder
Best DNA Testing Reviews
Why we selected it: AncestryDNA has one of the crucial extensive databases of all DNA test kit providers, with 56,280 profiles worldwide.
- Large consumer DNA network
- Ancestry and ethnicity estimates for over 77 regions and groups
- Testing facilities certified by third-party regulators
- Reliable security for DNA test samples and results
- Proprietary testing method
- Doesn’t offer Y-chromosome DNA or mtDNA testing
- Won’t accept data from other services
AncestryDNA testing functions individually but is a subsidiary of Ancestry.com, a well-established online genealogical resource. AncestryDNA’s testing provides users with information on the likely geographic origins of their ancestors broken down in percentages. While AncestryDNA keeps its exact testing methodology unknown, claiming proprietary techniques and equipment, they do not offer exclusive Y-chromosome or mtDNA results.
Pricing is barely above average, with three different kits that provide various access levels to Ancestry’s DNA testing and genealogical services. The essential test offers only DNA test results, but the upper tiers also provide access to historical and biographical databases. You possibly can expect leads to about eight weeks, putting them toward the back of the pack as to check result turnaround speed.
Along with keeping results encrypted, AncestryDNA tests all samples in secure laboratory facilities, and all samples are labeled with a novel code kept separate from any identifying information. Customer reviews on major online retailers are consistently high, within the range of 4.6 to 4.8 out of 5 stars, with many purchasers making repeat purchases for friends and members of the family.
Though negative reviews were unusual, a drawback some customers mentioned was AncestryDNA’s refusal to simply accept data from other DNA testing services.
Why we selected it: FamilyTreeDNA has probably the most comprehensive option for testing each the maternal and paternal sides of your loved ones tree.
- Ships test kits to most countries
- Stores DNA samples for 25 years so additional tests could be run at a later date
- Tests the DNA of each moms (mtDNA) and fathers (Y chromosome)
- Much smaller database than competitors
- Customer privacy concerns
- Doesn’t all the time require a warrant for searches of their records by law enforcement agencies
FamilyTreeDNA is considered one of the few DNA testing services available on the market to supply comprehensive DNA testing, including autosomal testing, which focuses on non-sex, numbered chromosomes, mtDNA, and Y chromosome DNA testing for insight into each your maternal and paternal lineage. The three kinds of evaluation offer a whole picture of your history across time and geography.
Though it’s affordable and has a dedicated customer base in parts of Europe and the Middle East, it isn’t without its detractors. The corporate modified its Terms of Service to permit law enforcement agencies unrestricted access to their records (except in some cases), including customer data but didn’t notify its customers of this modification.
For this reason, and since FamilyTreeDNA’s parent company, Gene-by-Gene, performs lab services for the FBI, some people prefer to avoid the corporate amidst claims of privacy violations. That said, the corporate maintains adequate security with encrypted identity keys, which prevent unauthorized access within the event of an information breach, and a mean test turnaround time of two to 4 weeks.
Why we selected it: MyHeritage emphasizes discovering and uniting distant members of the family. It also offers anonymous connections to relatives who could be identified through their system.
- Basic, free access to family tree tools
- Accepts data transfers from other DNA testing firms
- More records from diverse ethnic groups than another testing firms
- Extensive European user base
- Online platform could be slow
- Online messaging through the platform is not guaranteed privacy
- Unclear pricing and have structure
- Allows law enforcement access without requiring a court order
MyHeritage offers a free tier of service with some impressive perks. It includes access to functional, albeit somewhat rudimentary, family-tree-builder software and limited access to a database of historical documents, similar to census and immigration records.
Their DNA testing services include an evaluation of your genetic makeup across a wide selection of ethnic groups, including Semitic and African ethnicities that other DNA testing firms underserve. Unlike many other DNA testing firms, MyHeritage will make DNA testing kits available to people in most countries, with just just a few authoritarian nations barred from participation over fears of how DNA data could be misused.
Although MyHeritage provides greater insight and substantially different evaluation services, they outsource their testing to FamilyTreeDNA. In consequence, MyHeritage has the same turnaround time — two to 4 weeks — and allows law enforcement to access data. It also needs to be noted that messaging on the platform mustn’t be considered private, as MyHeritage reserves the precise to screen messages for prohibited content.
Why we selected it: Nebula Genomics is the one DNA service that we reviewed that gives whole-genome sequencing.
- Whole-genome sequencing maps out 100% of a customer’s DNA
- Stringent guaranteed privacy and security policies
- Customer access to “big data”
- Updates reports as recent scientific data come to light
- Most costly offering on this list
- Findings could be bewilderingly thorough
- No genetic counseling within the event of antagonistic DNA test findings
Nebula Genomics offers probably the most thorough and complete DNA testing of any company reviewed here with whole-genomic sequencing. That thoroughness comes at a price, and Nebula is the costliest offering we reviewed. This company is all about science, and that’s each a plus and a minus. Nebula guarantees complete sequencing and reports with minute detail and deliver on each points.
The corporate provides stunningly complete data, including the newest health and disease findings and the way they could relate to your genetic makeup. Your report will even provide access to raw data formats similar to VCF files for download and independent evaluation. Nevertheless, Nebula doesn’t offer any of the “soft” features others on our list do, similar to family tree builders or access to a database of potential relatives.
Test results will take 12 to 14 weeks. Security could be very high, with encrypted and “identity agnostic” record storage, which is something of an ordinary for the industry. The corporate can even forward reports as recent medical research identifies genetic traits that will impact the test subject’s health profile.
Nebula Genomics customers provide consistently positive reviews via various third-party platforms and special interest forums, with good rankings on consumer advocacy web sites. Despite these positive rankings, many purchasers say that though accurate, the reports are so complete they could be overwhelming and obscure.
Why we selected it: 23andMe’s ethnicity evaluation is taken into account among the best within the business, making it a superb selection for those searching for to know their lineage fully.
- Most accurate ethnicity results of leading DNA testing firms
- Ancestry composition maps come complete with chromosome maps for added insight
- Provides each medical and trait reports
- Medical trait reports cost greater than the essential DNA testing offering
- DNA data sharing is opt-in only
- Doesn’t accept raw data transfers from other testing agencies
23andMe provides each comprehensive medical genetic evaluation and heritage and ethnicity data. Nevertheless, medical data is just available as a better tier of service. Similarly to Nebula Genomics, 23andMe favors a science-forward approach that emphasizes hard data and medical science over split-percentage ethnicity tracing. Though it won’t accept data transfers from competitors, the corporate does allow customers to link data documenting family connections or other genealogical records.
This has made the platform a standout for anyone trying to correlate existing information from other platforms. Customers fascinated about constructing accurate family trees with all available data can use 23andMe to make the method easier and convenient.
The accuracy of the corporate’s haplogroup testing, which focuses on determining links to different ethnicities or individuals inside ethnic groups, is agreed on by independent third-party reviewers to be among the best within the business. It needs to be noted that 23andMe offers two tiers of testing, with medical trait reports only available through the costlier option.
Health, family history, and character traits are the three key areas that 23andMe breaks down its findings into. You possibly can study your ancestry, including your Neanderthal heritage, maternal and paternal lineages, and more, using information from the direct ancestry and features test. You’ll find people who find themselves a DNA match through the use of the corporate’s match database, which comprises over 10 million profiles. DNA comparisons are only available amongst records whose owners have opted-in, potentially limiting search results.
The corporate assures confidentiality and privacy, as with most DNA testing firms. Test results take 4 to 6 weeks, making it considered one of the faster DNA testing firms by way of turnaround. Customer reviews are mostly positive, with some negative reviews citing DNA testing results that contradicted word-of-mouth family histories. But bear in mind that genealogists know such histories to be often inaccurate or embellished through the years.
Other DNA testing firms we considered
While evaluating DNA testing firms for closer review, we kept an inventory of firms with competitive offerings which failed to differentiate themselves otherwise. These firms could also be suitable for some consumers but may lack among the features of the more distinguished names reviewed above.
SelfDecode
SelfDecode is exclusive in that it doesn’t offer DNA testing services directly. As a substitute, it accepts any DNA data from a verifiable source. Once your data is uploaded, you’ll be able to run various health-related tests against your genetic record and immediately receive results. Comprehensive reports include actionable items related to possible health or disease risks, but these are only available through a subscription.
- Detailed and customised reports
- Many varied medical screening tests
- Accepts data from any competitor service
- No in-house DNA testing service
- Higher cost than many competitors
- Requires a subscription plan
LivingDNA
LivingDNA offers industry-unique insights into African, European, and British Isles genetic groups. Where among the other services can have a slight North American bias, LivingDNA can provide more diverse groups of ethnicities with worthwhile insight into their paternal and maternal heritage because of a database of genetic records fastidiously curated to incorporate records another firms may overlook. Ultimately, it did not make the list because of upper costs and more limited features.
- Provides “500-year” ancestry results
- Offers pinpoint geographic accuracy of family origins
- Offers health and wellness screening
- Barely higher cost than some competitors
- Smaller overall database of records
- More limited customer support options
Embark
That is admittedly a little bit of a novelty on this list, because it’s the one DNA testing service intended for a clientele made up exclusively of dogs, or somewhat, their owners. Still, the mere existence of Embark is a sworn statement to how far the sphere of direct-to-consumer DNA testing has come. Embark provides comprehensive DNA testing, including screening for over 200 known diseases, exclusively for dogs. Given the shortage of doggy historians, verifying results will also be difficult. It’s included here because many persons are captivated with discovering the breed mixture of, for instance, their rescue pet.
- Leads to as little as three weeks
- Screens over 350 dog breeds to discover a pet’s breed mix
- Provides probably the most comprehensive veterinary DNA health screening available
- Some users report seemingly inaccurate test results
- Data could be complicated and obscure
DNA Testing Guide
What’s DNA testing?
DNA testing is a process that uses a person’s genetic material to discover characteristics similar to ancestry and health risks. It involves taking a sample of an individual’s DNA, typically through a saliva or blood sample, after which analyzing it against a database of genetic information.
The typical person can use DNA testing to learn more about their ancestry and family history by providing data about their ethnic or racial background. DNA testing may discover potential health risks and help people make informed decisions about their lifestyle and eating regimen. Moreover, DNA testing could be used to discover likely relatives and even reunite long-lost members of the family.
How does DNA testing work?
DNA testing looks at small sections of your genetic code, which comprises tons of of 1000’s of components called nucleotides. Though DNA comprises many nucleotides, the nucleotides themselves are made up of only 4 chemicals.
The 4 chemicals that make up nucleotides in DNA are adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine, represented as A, G, T and C. It’s these 4 chemicals that form each strand of intertwined human DNA. The differences within the sequence of A, G, T and C and where they fall in relation to one another determine our specific genetic code.
Every person’s DNA is exclusive, containing details about all the pieces from physical appearance to health risks. Researchers can work out your ancestry and discover potential genetic health issues by comparing how the nucleotides in your DNA match up with other people’s DNA of their database.
What DNA testing can show
DNA testing could be used for various purposes, including confirming an individual’s identity, determining paternity or maternity, determining an individual’s risk for certain diseases, and helping to diagnose certain medical conditions. It’s also utilized in forensic science, similar to in criminal investigations.
Ethnicity estimate
DNA testing is a protected and straightforward way for anyone to find more about their ethnic roots. The method is noninvasive, (generally just swabbing the within your mouth for a sample of saliva) and results are generally available inside just a few weeks. It might probably be an incredible way for people to explore their heritage and higher understand who they’re.
All people have a novel genetic code from their parents that comprises details about their ethnic background. DNA testing looks at this code and compares it to a database of references from all over the world. This enables the test to find out which specific ethnicities an individual is most closely related to.
Genetic matches
DNA testing is powerful for locating genetic donor matches through unique sequences. By comparing this sequence with those of potential donors, it’s possible to find out if a donor is a detailed enough match for use for a specific medical procedure.
For instance, if a patient needs a bone marrow transplant, DNA testing could be used to search out a donor with a genetic sequence that closely matches the patient’s DNA. This process, called HLA or human leukocyte antigen matching, can significantly increase the probabilities of a successful transplant.
Family lineage
DNA testing offers the chance to trace your loved ones lineage. By the DNA all of us inherit from our parents, scientists can determine where your ancestors can have come from, including their country of origin and even who your distant relatives could be.
The laboratory examines provided DNA samples to search for DNA segments shared amongst members of the family. By comparing the test results to large genetic information databases, scientists can trace back an individual’s family lineage with various degrees of accuracy depending on how conclusive test results are and the way comprehensive the correlating database of other genetic records could also be.
Migration history
DNA testing has turn into a well-liked approach to uncover a person’s ancestry and migration history. Any such testing has the potential to supply an enchanting insight into how our ancestors moved all over the world.
For instance, DNA testing can reveal which areas of the world your ancestors likely got here from and once they moved. This could provide worthwhile insight into how your ancestors adapted to different climates and environments. It might probably also tell you which of them languages they may have spoken and which cultural practices they could have adopted.
DNA testing may provide a deeper understanding of the relationships between different populations and the way they’ve evolved. By comparing DNA samples, scientists can understand how people interact through intermarriage, war, and migration.
Family documents
DNA testing is a robust method for verifying family documents. It might probably help confirm or refute relationships between members of the family and confirm family documents similar to birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers.
For instance, if a birth certificate claims two persons are siblings, a DNA test will help confirm this. The DNA test may show clear relationships between other relatives similar to great-aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-great-grandparents.
Genetic health risks
DNA testing can assist you understand your genetic health risks. Scientists can discover markers related to various diseases and health conditions through your unique genetic makeup. With this information, you’ll be able to higher understand your risk for certain diseases and sometimes take preventive measures.
Once sequenced, scientists will compare your DNA with a database of known genetic markers related to certain diseases. For instance, suppose the test reveals a genetic marker related to a better risk of developing a selected condition.
Armed with these results, those that carry genes related to diseases like cancer or heart disease could make lifestyle changes to potentially guard against future illnesses. For instance, people predisposed to certain kinds of cancer can use DNA testing to discover their risk and work with their doctor to make lifestyle changes or take medication to cut back their risk. This might include changing your eating regimen, exercising, or other preventive measures. It might also be possible to detect diseases that will not be yet showing symptoms, allowing for early detection and treatment.
If possible we recommend getting pre-test counseling to raised understand the outcomes chances are you’ll get and learn how to interpret them, as chances are you’ll get back results you’re not prepared for or don’t know learn how to interpret. As an example, chances are you’ll get back a positive result for a BRCA mutation, which supplies an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. But your test can have only checked for a small variety of the 1000’s of possible mutation variants, of which around 100 are related to cancer. And, taken singly, the danger could be very small.
DNA Testing FAQ
How much does DNA testing cost?
DNA testing costs vary depending on the complexity of the test and the way complete the outcomes are. DNA testing providers might also run sales or offer discounts. On average, you’ll be able to expect to pay from $80 to around $120 for many DNA tests.
When did DNA testing start?
DNA testing is a recent innovation. Before the invention of polymerase chain response, or PCR methods, comprehensive DNA testing wasn’t possible. Kary Mullins invented PCR testing within the U.K. in 1986. It was made available to the general public that very same yr. The primary widely available DNA test online was an offshoot of National Geographic’s 2005 Genographic Project.
How accurate is at-home DNA testing?
DNA test results linked to medical genetic data are considered more accurate than tests used to find out ethnicity, as ethnicity evaluation relies on datasets open to various degrees of interpretation and accuracy.
Can law enforcement gain access to my DNA?
Usually, law enforcement must obtain a subpoena before accessing someone’s DNA from a DNA testing company. A subpoena is a court order approved by a judge that requires the corporate handy over the requested information to the court or law enforcement agency. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your chosen service before providing a sample.
How We Selected the Best DNA Testing
Comparing such diverse offerings and price points involved significant research into how the assorted DNA testing labs operate and the differences of their policies and procedures. Amongst other metrics, we considered the next:
- Price for basic and expanded testing
- Types and completeness of genetic testing offered
- Access to support for understanding results and health-related counseling
- How long it took test results to be returned
- A radical review of all stated security procedures and policies
- Review and comparison of consumer reviews and rankings by third-party consumer advocacy organizations
Summary of Money’s Best DNA Testing
AncestryDNA — Best for Most DNA Matches
FamilyTreeDNA — Best for Deep Heritage Evaluation
MyHeritage — Best for Finding Relatives Worldwide
Nebula Genomics — Best for Complete Genome Sequencing
23andMe — Best Family Tree Builder