The Best DNA Test Kit of 2024

If you're looking to buy a DNA kit for yourself or a family member, you need to know what you're looking for. In this article, we'll discuss the best DNA test kits for you and explain what you should be looking for in a good DNA test.

The popularity of DNA test kits is both undeniable and understandable. Finding out more about the areas your ancestors hailed  from and the ability to locate living relatives are two of the most common reasons for testing, but they're certainly not the only ones, and learning the ins and outs of the most popular tests can help you figure out which one is right for your purpose. Check it out!

Top Picks

AncestryDNA is Our Top Recommendation

After reviewing all of the top DNA products on the market, nothing comes close to AncestryDNA to help you discover your whole family story!

They give you so much more than any other family tree DNA kit, and let you connect to the places you're from in the world where your family story started, and even help you to discover living relatives you never knew you had!

For the most accurate family history research based on your DNA, sign up for AncestryDNA now!

Get AncestryDNA →

Ancestry DNA

One of the two most well-known tests on the market, Ancestry offers a competitively-sized database of genetic matches, ethnicity results that measure DNA against over 1,000 world regions, and the ability to contact matches and build family trees without a subscription; subscribers can also enjoy access to one of the largest genealogical records databases online, allowing them to discover family history and easily compile concise family trees

23andMe

The other top name in DNA tests, 23andMe has been in the direct-to-client market since 2007, when it was the first company to offer autosomal home tests; both their matching database and the number of ethnic regions they measure rival competitor Ancestry for the top slot, but the inclusion of bundled maternal and paternal haplogroup data makes it better for those looking to trace their line back more than five generations

FamilyTreeDNA

For those with a bit of experience who'd like to gain some in-depth insight into the far past of their family history, FamilyTreeDNA offers not only basic autosomal testing but also a fairly broad range of mtDNA and Y-DNA tests with the option to bundle the tests in an affordable way

Comparison Table

AncestryDNA

  • Website: Ancestry
  • Best For: Genealogical records, finding and contacting living relatives
  • Price: See latest price
  • Wait Time: 6 - 8 weeks
  • Collection Method: Saliva sample
  • Tests Offered: Autosomal
  • Ethnicity Testing & Number of Regions: Yes, 1,000+
  • Autosomal SNPs: 650,410
  • Health Screening: Yes
  • Can Import Raw Data: No
  • See our complete AncestryDNA review.

23andMe

  • Website: 23andMe.com
  • Best For: Ethnicity results, bundled maternal and paternal haplogroup info
  • Price: See latest price
  • Wait Time: 6 - 8 weeks
  • Collection Method: Saliva sample
  • Tests Offered: Autosomal with bundled maternal and paternal haplogroup info
  • Ethnicity Testing & Number of Regions: Yes, 1,000+
  • Autosomal SNPs: 638,463
  • Health Screening: Yes
  • Can Import Raw Data: No
  • See our complete 23andMe review.

FamilyTreeDNA

  • Website: FamilyTreeDNA.com
  • Best For: Advanced testing options
  • Price: See latest price
  • Wait Time: 6 - 8 weeks
  • Collection Method: Cheek swab
  • Tests Offered: Autosomal, mtDNA full sequence, Y-37, Y-111, Big Y-700
  • Ethnicity Testing & Number of Regions: Yes, 24
  • Autosomal SNPs: 720,350
  • Health Screening: No
  • Can Import Raw Data: Yes
  • See our complete FamilyTreeDNA review.

MyHeritage DNA

LivingDNA

  • Website: LivingDNA.com
  • Best For: In-depth UK ethnicity results
  • Price: See latest price
  • Wait Time: 10 - 12 weeks
  • Collection Method: Cheek swab
  • Tests Offered: Autosomal with options for bundled maternal and paternal haplogroup info
  • Ethnicity Testing & Number of Regions: Yes, 80
  • Autosomal SNPs: 618,640
  • Health Screening: Yes
  • Can Import Raw Data: Yes
  • See our complete LivingDNA review.

Best Overall Kit: AncestryDNA

Key Features

  • Measures your DNA against over 1,000 regions for detailed ethnicity results
  • Has a matching database of over 16 million users, which makes finding living relatives easier, and allows you to contact your matches without a subscription
  • Subscribers can utilize a massive genealogical records database to build detailed, interesting family trees

Who This Kit Is For

If you're looking for a well-rounded test from a company you can trust with standard results that are easy to interpret, AncestryDNA is an ideal choice for you. Taking the test is easy, and the results are simple to parse and include a level of detail that feels satisfactory for the cost of the test.

It's a great pick for you if your primary reason for testing is locating living family members, because the test's large user base means that most test-takers who aren't new to the U.S. will find a decent amount of matches (though they'll likely be rather distant relations). AncestryDNA also tests your specimen against data from over 1,000 world regions to offer detailed ethnicity results, so it's good for finding out about your ethnic background within about five generations.

Who it might not be for: Those looking for maternal and paternal haplogroup information or full mt-DNA/Y-DNA tests, which the company doesn't offer; recent immigrants to the U.S. or U.K looking for family matches, as the test is only available in these countries, which may limit your match results

Price: See latest price

Tests Offered

  • AncestryDNA. An autosomal DNA test with DNA results indicating your ethnicity and genetic relatives within approximately five generations
  • AncestryHealth. The base AncestryDNA test and results as well as health and wellness insights

Family Matching

AncestryDNA may be the best DNA test for those looking to connect with genetic matches, offering a user database of over 16 million people. This means that if your family has been in the United States or United Kingdom for a few generations, it's pretty likely that your list of DNA matches will be long -- though, most of them will be distant relatives like fourth and fifth cousins, as those are the relatives that autosomal tests are mathematically most likely to reveal.

Pros

  • Tests against 1,000+ global regions for detailed ethnicity results
  • High likelihood of matches thanks to large user database
  • Subscribers can access massive database of genealogical records

Cons

  • No mtDNA/Y-DNA tests or data are on offer
  • Sometimes tough for recent immigrants from non US/UK nations to find matches despite large database
  • Seeing family trees created by matches requires a subscription

The Bottom Line

AncestryDNA does a great job of offering both detailed ethnicity results and genetic matches in a format that's easy to understand and process. The service allows you to connect with your matches without paying for a subscription, a feature several others in the top five DNA testing services don't have. Ancestry only offers autosomal DNA tests right now, so users can't obtain more detailed maternal and paternal line results, but the results their test provides are the ones that a large majority of testers are looking for.

Best Kit For Health and Wellness Reports: 23andMe

Key Features

  • Has a matching database of over 10 million users
  • Measures your DNA against over 1,000 regions for detailed ethnicity results, including bundled maternal and paternal haplogroup information
  • Was the first direct-to-client DNA testing kit to measure health risks and offer wellness recommendations

Who This Kit Is For

If you're interested in finding out more information about both your recent and ancient DNA ancestry but are nervous about paying the high prices often asked for mt-DNA and Y-DNA tests, 23andMe is a great choice. Their basic autosomal test also includes maternal and paternal haplogroup data, which isn't typically included in autosomal test results.

It's also a great pick if you're looking for detailed health and wellness results like carrier status reports that you can share with your doctor. As the first test to provide health results via home DNA testing, 23andMe has been refining their offerings for years and is one of the more trusted DNA services in terms of wellness data.

Who this kit might not be for: Those looking to build family trees and do genealogical research, as those features aren't offered

Price: See latest price

Tests Offered

  • Ancestry + Traits. An autosomal DNA test with bundled maternal and paternal(where applicable) haplogroup results and a report on genetic traits, including those linked to Neanderthal DNA
  • Health + Ancestry. The base 23andMe test plus extensive health and wellness reports including actionable insights, carrier statuses, and others
  • VIP Health + Ancestry. All of the above as well as expedited processing, dedicated customer support, and a one-on-one review of your results with a 23andMe expert

Family Matching

A genetic matching database is one of the services offered by 23andMe, and with over 10 million users, finding matches is likely. However, the database is opt-in only, which means that you may miss out on finding some family members who'd rather keep their data private. There's also no family tree building tool, so it can be hard to determine where in your family tree a distant relation might fall unless they -- and you -- have built one off-site and linked it to your profile.

Another note: although maternal and paternal haplogroup information is available, maternal line and paternal line-specific match lists are not.

Pros

  • Offers maternal and paternal haplogroup information bundled into the base test price
  • Has a user base of over 10 million and tests DNA samples against over 1,000 global regions
  • Health + Ancestry offers the most detailed health and wellness results available from a home DNA test kit

Cons

  • There's no family tree creation tool or option to do genealogical research
  • The kits are a bit more costly than counterparts from other services
  • Although they've long been resolved, the FDA has taken issue with claims made by the company in the past

The Bottom Line

If your primary focus in taking a test is obtaining detailed health and wellness reports, then 23andMe is undoubtedly the right pick for you. Although their Health+Ancestry test is one of the pricier autosomal tests on the market, it also offers the most diverse range of health results, including carrier status reports, genetic traits, and lifestyle tips for overall improvement.

The base kit also has a lot to offer, with ethnicity and genetic match results rivaling close competitor Ancestry. It offers a concise and attractive presentation, but basically the same info as Ancestry's base kit for a few more dollars.

Best Kit For Testing Options: FamilyTreeDNA

Key Features

  • Offers the broadest range of test types out of the top five most popular DNA testing companies
  • Has a base kit that's slightly cheaper than competitors
  • Has a user base of over 2 million users, and is the world's most popular service for mtDNA and Y-DNA testing

Who This Kit Is For

While autosomal DNA tests can reveal a fair bit of information about your ethnicity and recent genetic matches, mt-DNA and Y-DNA tests reveal detailed motherline and fatherline information such as haplogroup, ancient ancestry, migratory paths, and line-specific matches. FamilyTreeDNA is one of the only services to offer these tests direct-to-client, and is the world's most popular service for doing so.

If you've already done a fair bit of genealogical research through autosomal testing and are ready to test the waters with a more in-depth test, FamilyTreeDNA offers a range of Y-DNA tests as well as a full spectrum mtDNA test. Male clients also have the option to purchase a bundle encompassing all three -- as you must have a Y chromosome to take a Y-DNA test, this isn't available to female clients.

Price: See latest price

Tests Offered

  • Family Finder. Autosomal DNA test with ethnicity results and genetic matching
  • mtDNA Full Spectrum. Motherline DNA test including maternal heritage, a database of motherline relatives, migratory paths, and a personalized video
  • Y-37. Basic fatherline DNA test which examines 37 STRs on the Y chromosome, ideal for a first time fatherline test (available to males only)
  • Y-111. More advanced fatherline DNA test examining 111 STRs on the Y chromosome, ideal for participation in genome projects
  • Big Y-700. Most advanced fatherline DNA test examining 700 STRs on the Y chromosome, only likely to be useful to advanced users

Family Matching

Of course, not everyone looks to genetic testing for advanced details -- if you'd simply like to connect with living relatives, it's certainly possible through FTDNA's Family Finder autosomal test, which will connect you with their database of over two million users. It's not as big as some competitors, but it may be the best choice if you're European, as FamilyTreeDNA is Europe's most popular DNA test. This means more matches for you, since top competitor AncestryDNA only sells tests in the U.S. and U.K.

Pros

  • More test options than any other top 5 DNA company
  • World's most popular provider of mtDNA and Y-DNA tests
  • Great matching for Europeans, as it's Europe's #1 test

Cons

  • Has a smaller match database than competitors like Ancestry and 23andMe
  • Some results lack explanation and may be difficult for amateurs to parse
  • Only offers 24 ethnic regions in ethnicity results

The Bottom Line

FamilyTreeDNA has made taking a deep dive into your maternal or paternal heritage much easier than ever before, and they're the only top five company to offer such a broad range of tests. However, they're not cheap, so be prepared to pay extra for the in-depth information.

Their ethnicity features are somewhat limited, offering only 24 regions in results, and while the Family Finder test is quite popular in Europe, more American users can be found in Ancestry and 23andMe's databases. Despite this, the test offers a decent range of insights and can be a nice addition to one of the bundles the site sells.

Best Kit For Price and Speed: MyHeritage DNA

Key Features

  • Has a database of over 92 million people, tests ethnic data against 42 global regions
  • Allows users to both import and export raw data
  • Offers a base test that's a bit cheaper than competitors

Who This Kit Is For

If a cheap test with quick results is the name of your game, then MyHeritage is the perfect choice. They offer a 4-6 week turn around, which is around two weeks faster than that of close competitors. Their base test kit is also about $20 cheaper than competitors, though this may fluctuate depending on seasonal sales.

For your cost, you'll still receive ethnicity results measured against 42 regions as well as a list of genetic matches. In order to contact your matches through the service, however, a costly subscription is required.

Who it might not be for: Users who want to talk to matches without subscribing, those looking for mt-DNA/Y-DNA data or results

Price: See latest price

Tests Offered

  • MyHeritage DNA. Autosomal test with ethnicity results and family matching

Family Matching

MyHeritage is a relatively popular test that's been around for a long time, and the fact that they allow users to upload RAW data contributes to their huge database size of over 92 million. This means it's easy to find matches with the service, but in order to actually contact them, you'll need a pricey subscription.

Pros

  • You'll get your results quickly, in 4-6 weeks compared to the 6-8 projected by other companies
  • The price is a bit lower than that of close competitors
  • The company allows users to import and/or export raw data sourced from other sites

Cons

  • No mtDNA or Y-DNA testing is available
  • You won't be able to contact matches without a subscription, which is expensive
  • A lot of the test's cooler features seem free but end up at a paywall

The Bottom Line

Although MyHeritage shaves money off the price of your initial DNA test, it's likely you'll run into features down the road you'd like to access -- messaging matches and viewing their trees, for example -- that are behind a paywall. The subscription isn't cheap, but access to a matching database of over 92 million people that allows raw data import and export is surely worth it to some users. It's also impossible to argue with their quick processing time; at 4-6 weeks, they're the best for speed in the top five.

Best Kit For UK Ethnicity: LivingDNA

Key Features

  • Excellent kit for in-depth analysis of U.K. ancestry
  • Offers maternal and paternal haplogroup tests bundled into autosomal kit
  • Offers a small amount of insight into ancient ancestry and a report on well being

Who This Kit Is For

For users in the United Kingdom, finding a direct-to-client DNA test that offered regionally-specific ethnicity results wasn't possible before LivingDNA. The test offers the widest number of specific U.K. regions of any of its competitors, making it a perfect pick for families who've been on the isles for many generation.

Who it might not be for: Users who need results quickly, as processing takes 10 - 12 weeks; users who want to match with family members, as the relatively new database isn't likely to turn up a long list of matches

Price: See latest price

Tests Offered

  • Starter. Autosomal DNA test featuring family matching, genetic DNA breakdown for eight regions
  • Full Ancestry. Autosomal DNA test featuring family matching, genetic DNA breakdown for 80 global regions, 500 years of global family ancestry, haplogroup data, migration map
  • Wellbeing. Autosomal DNA test featuring family matching and wellness insights
  • Wellbeing & Ancestry. Combines features of all other tests

Family Matching

Unlike its top competitors, LivingDNA has only been on the market for about three years. This means it hasn't had time to amass a very large database. While "Family Networks", their matching service, is part of all of their tests, it's currently rather underpopulated. This means that while you may run across the odd few distant relatives, you're likely better off using other services if you want to find matches.

Pros

  • Best test for UK ethnicity results
  • Offers some motherline and fatherline results bundled into an autosomal test
  • Results are clearly explained and defined

Cons

  • Although a matching database exists, it's relatively new and underpopulated
  • The starter kit only measures data against 8 ethnic regions
  • No in-depth mtDNA and Y-DNA tests are available through the service

The Bottom Line

Though it's a relatively new service, LivingDNA is undeniably successful in its offer of highly detailed U.K. regional ethnicity results not available from other services. Though their Starter kit is somewhat lacking, even for its low price, the Full Ancestry and Ancestry and Wellness kits both match for DNA ethnicity against 80 regions, which is not terrible for a test from a smaller company. It's not a great pick if you want to match with family, as the new-ish database is still populating, but it's likely to be a great spot to find matches within a few years.

Honorable Mentions

Although these categories didn't have enough detail to warrant a full heading, they're still important features that may be strong selling points for some users.

  • Best for African Ancestry: 23andMe. which offers more specific regional breakdowns of African DNA than any other test -- DNA is tested against 16 total African regions.
  • Best for Full Genome Testing: FamilyTreeDNA, which offers autosomal, mt-DNA, and Y-DNA tests both separately or as a bundle, beating out all top competitors in this area.

Everything You Need To Know About DNA testing

What DNA Tests Can And Can't Tell You

DNA tests certainly can reveal a great deal about us as people, including connections to those with similar genetics, ethnicity estimates, and even information about our maternal and paternal ancestry. However, there are some things that DNA tests aren't able to reveal, and it's important to temper your expectations

Can a DNA test tell me if I'm Native American?

Short answer: Not legally.

Long answer: While a DNA test can place your ancestry and migratory path in the United States, it can't officially declare you Native American, and it especially cannot offer any insight into tribes your ancestors may have been a part of. While results placing your history in the U.S. or Canada can confirm your understanding of your ancestry, it isn't considered proof of Native American ancestry.

Start here to learn about DNA testing for Native American ancestry.

Can I access my fatherline DNA if I'm a woman?

While you can't access your Y-DNA by testing your own DNA if you don't have a Y chromosome, that doesn't mean accessing your fatherline ancestry and paternal haplogroup is impossible. It does require that you have a living father, brother, paternal uncle, or paternal male cousin, however. Testing their DNA will open up fatherline ancestry results to you, and linking your family member as a match in some databases will even import paternal haplogroup information into your profile.

Key Terms in DNA Testing

Hey, we get it -- not everyone is an expert geneticist, and while these concepts are simple, they're sometimes accompanied by SAT words you could use a hand with. These are some key terms used in genealogy and DNA testing and what they mean in layman's terms.

  • Haplogroup. This refers to a large group of male or female ancestors, of which you are a part. You have both a maternal and a paternal haplogroup, each of which can be traced back to one genetic ancestor and migratory path. They're written as a capital letter, which defines a broad global community, followed by a series of lowercase letters and numbers indicating a subgroup. Knowing your haplogroups is necessary to participate in genome projects.
  • Autosomal DNA. This is the DNA that's measured in standard tests; you received 50% from your mother and 50% from your father, and they each received their autosomal DNA in much the same way. It can be tested to accurately reveal family matches and ethnicity results within about five generations.
  • Mitochondrial DNA. This DNA is passed down from all mothers to all their children, both male and female. It holds your motherline ancestry, including your maternal haplogroup. It's easy to track, because it doesn't change from generation to generation or blend with other genes. It's also referred to as mtDNA. Anyone may take an mtDNA test.
  • Y-chromosome DNA. Much like mothers pass the DNA on their X chromosomes to all their children, fathers pass the DNA on their Y chromosomes; the difference is that only children with Y chromosomes can receive the DNA, so only males can take a Y-DNA test. Like mtDNA, it doesn't change between generation or blend with other genes, so women can trace their Y-DNA through certain paternal relatives.
  • Single nucleotide polymorphisms. Also called SNPs, these are the most common kind of genetic variation that separates us. All human beings are actually very genetically similar -- so much so that less than .01 of our DNA can even be compared against other samples to identify differences. SNPs occur in nucleotides, which are single DNA building blocks, and can be indicators of the potential of heritable disease.
  • Reference population. When DNA tests provide you with ethnicity results, they do so by comparing your sample against a reference population comprised of people whose ethnicities have been officially confirmed. This population may be sourced partially from their own database and partially from proprietary genetic data used for research purposes.

Which Type of Test do I Need?

I want to know about my ethnic roots and ancestral background.

If you're looking for the most in-depth ethnicity results available on the market currently, both AncestryDNA and 23andMe measure your sample data against data from over 1,000 regions around the world. This means results that are detailed and accurate. Taking things a step further, 23andMe also offers maternal and paternal haplogroup and some motherline and fatherline ancestral details bundled into the cost of their test, so they're the top dog here.

Winner: 23andMe

I want to develop my family tree and connect with living relatives.

When it comes to family tree building tools, AncestryDNA is unequivocally the best. While some other services offer rudimentary versions of their tree building tool, Ancestry's has been around for over a decade and has created a user interface that's very simple to use. Subscribers will also have access to one of largest databases of genealogical records available online, and subscriptions can be purchased month-to-month, so the expense doesn't have to be ongoing -- you can still view your tree after it's been created. Their matching database also contains over 16 million users, so it's highly likely for U.S. and U.K. users to find genetic relatives.

Winner: AncestryDNA

I'm interested in my health and wellbeing and I'd like to learn about genetically inherited traits, predispositions and conditions I may have.

23andMe was the first direct-to-client DNA test to offer health and wellness results, and the FDA has diligently ensured over the years that the company isn't making claims they can't fulfill. While the test is very clear in stating that it's not intended to diagnose or treat any health issues you may have, 23andMe's Health+Ancestry test offers the most comprehensive and detailed range of health and wellness results available from a DNA test without any extra hassle.

Winner: 23andMe

I'm of non-European descent and want to know which DNA test will give me the best results.

You may have heard that the majority of data in many services' reference populations is European, and while this is partially true, both 23andMe and Ancestry do test against over 1,000 world regions. This means that getting accurate ethnicity results that reflect an in-depth version of your genetic heritage is doable with these services. Finding family matches can be a bit more complex, and the best service for doing so depends on your country of origin. 23andMe is available in more countries than Ancestry, so if your intent in testing is to find matches, you're probably better off going with their test.

Winner: 23andMe

I've done this before and I'm now looking for greater detail and more in-depth DNA data.

Those who've already taken a basic autosomal test have experienced how thrilling it can be to see what your DNA can reveal about your ethnicity and heritage. If you're ready to take things a few steps further and explore your motherline and fatherline heritages, FamilyTreeDNA is an ideal service for you. They're the world's most popular provider of mtDNA and Y-DNA tests, which are used to trace your maternal and paternal lineage. The tests can even be purchased as a bundle, saving you a few dollars in the meantime.

Winner: FamilyTreeDNA

Using DNA Kits At Home: What You Should Expect

Although their results are calculated by scientists, self-administering your DNA test will be simple regardless of the brand you pick. It's important to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, and brushing your teeth for about an hour before taking the test -- for some people, this means that the best time to take the test is right after waking up in the morning.

How Is My DNA Collected?

Each of the kits on our list uses cells from your mouth to perform the test, making specimen collection neat and painless. There are two possible methods: cheek swab and saliva.

  • Cheek swab. You'll be given two swabs, one for your left cheek and one for your right. One swab should be rubbed against the inside of your left cheek for one minute and then put in its collection tube and specimen bag, and then you'll repeat the process with the second swab and your right cheek.
  • Saliva collection. You'll be provided with a vial with a funnel tip, and will simply need to fill the vial to the indicated line with saliva. When you've finished, seal the tube securely and place it in the specimen bag.

What Happens Next?

When you've finished creating your sample, you'll place it in the postage-paid mailer provided by the company. It can then be placed in any mailbox or taken to any post office, where it will make its way back to its company of origin. When your results have been received, you'll get an email from the company letting you know. Some companies offer "updates" during processing, while others do not.

Each kit is liable to have differences in processing time, but the average quoted time it will take for you to receive your results is six to eight weeks. Once they're processed and ready to view, you'll receive another email informing you of this fact. It's then time to proceed to your computer and view your results in your web browser.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of DNA kits can vary depending on a few factors. While autosomal tests are generally priced within the same range, MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA offer the lowest base price at $79. LivingDNA does offer their starter kit for $49, however it only measures against eight ethnic regions and family matching capacity is limited, so it's not a recommended pick.

mtDNA and Y-DNA tests are more complex, and as such, their price range can be into the hundreds of dollars. FamilyTreeDNA offers the best range of these tests at the best prices. It's helpful to note that all of these companies do put their test kits on sale throughout the year, especially toward major gift-giving holidays. This means that if time isn't a factor, you can wait until the price comes down to invest in a kit.

Can I Give DNA Kits As Gifts?

Absolutely! Each test isn't attached to a recipient until they open it up and register their sample online, so a DNA test can be given to anyone regardless of who buys it. Furthermore, the contents of the kit won't expire, so stockpiling kits during an especially good sale can net you some great gifts to give out throughout the year.

Privacy Concerns With DNA Testing

As DNA can obviously reveal a great deal about a person, it's logical that privacy concerns are at the forefront of the testing discussion. While all of the top five DNA testing companies assure clients that samples are processed by number and not name and that data is never shared with outside parties, companies like Ancestry have faced pushback in the past for a sign-up process that made it hard to opt out of sharing your DNA data with their research partners. That's since been changed.

Likewise, with all five of these services, you have the option to have your DNA sample deleted upon request. This does mean that if you ever want to perform another test with the service, you'll have to purchase a new testing kit. One final caveat: if you ever HAVE opted into a research database with the company you've tested with, it can be harder to officially request sample deletion.

Picking The Right DNA Test For You

  • AncestryDNA. With a robust family matching database and family tree creation tool, Ancestry makes it easy to trace your line and make contact with your living relatives. Subscribers also have access to a massive, invaluable database of genealogical records that's likely to offer insight during tree-building.
  • 23andMe. Detailed ethnicity results are only a few clicks away with this service, which doesn't limit itself to U.S. and U.K. testers like Ancestry. The service measures your DNA against over 1,000 global ethnic populations to offer in-depth results, and also bundles maternal and paternal haplogroup information into your autosomal test results.
  • FamilyTreeDNA. Those in search of in-depth maternal and paternal ancestry information will find a haven in FTDNA, which offers the world's most used Y-DNA and mtDNA testing services with fairly reasonable prices. Not only can users receive detailed, helpful results that are perfect for use in genome projects, they can also bundle the tests for purchase to save some extra cash.

References

https://blog.helix.com/genetic-dna-terms-glossary/ https://www.healthline.com/health/autosomal https://www.myfamilydnatest.com/ydna-mtdna-autosomal-dna-comparison/

Neil Edwards

Neil Edwards

Genealogist and family-tree research specialist

Neil was born in Shropshire, England surrounded by centuries of living history. His interest in the past has been a lifelong passion leading to undergraduate degrees in both Economic History & Geography and History & Politics.

This interest in history quickly translated to family history when he moved to the U.S. in 2010. It was here that he began working on his own family tree as well as that of his American wife. That research allowed him to gain a wealth of experience working with both U.S. and European genealogical documents and studying their best uses in researching family history.

Following 9 years of honing his genealogical research skills, Neil was proud to have earned a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University in late 2019. Neil also took part in the research process for a Duke University study into the families of 19th Century UK Members of Parliament.

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