SelfDecode Review 2024

If you have ever wondered whether it is your lifestyle or your environment influencing your health and wellbeing or whether some more crucial and underlying factors are keeping you from reaching your full fitness and wellness potential, analyzing your genetics is the latest key to decyphering many of the questions you might have.

SelfDecode offers customers a full look into their DNA data in order to improve their overall health by claiming to offer easily adjustable lifestyle changes, supplements, and diet recommendations and says that it can even make you aware that you might be prone to several health implications.

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 →

This article takes a closer look into the services SelfDecode offers, their prices, and the accuracy of their testing, as well as some frequently asked questions by people who are interested in learning more about their genetic makeup in order to lead healthier lives.

Who Are SelfDecode?

SelfDecode is a California-based company founded in 2016. It claims that it provides its customers worldwide with viable DNA test-based information regarding their personalized genetic predispositions and customized recommendations and DNA wellness reports based on the outcomes of their DNA data.

The company offers its customers the ability to analyze their personal health risks and thus "hack" their DNA to lead a healthier lifestyle, have more efficient workout routines, and a better diet.

Here is an overview of the various SelfDecode products:

DNA Test Kits

SelfDecode either offers its customers DNA test kits for home testing and sending in their DNA data or allows them to upload their raw DNA data onto their online profile, where it gets analyzed by AI and a medical professional.

SelfDecode Wellness Reports

After sending in or uploading your DNA data, you will receive a report. This health report explains any potential health risks associated with your genes and how your individual genes affect specific conditions.

You will then be offered personalized health recommendations such as supplements, dietary as well as lifestyle changes that would be more suitable for your genotype.

On top of that, customers can choose between three other reports free of charge, which fall under topics such as:

  • Cardiovascular
  • Sleep
  • Inflammation
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Fitness
  • Mood
  • Cognitive Function
  • Longevity

Lab Test Analyzer

This is a tool offered to SelfDecode customers, which is aimed at helping you decipher your own lab results.

Just as your raw DNA data, SelfDecode allows you to upload your lab tests onto your personal profile, where they will be analyzed in order to provide you with further personalized reports offering you insights into how to improve your exercise routine or which supplements to take to improve your gut health, for instance.

Personalized Genetics Blog

The company has a platform filled with genetically-related health recommendations, which is accessible by anyone. However, if you are a SelfDecode customer, you will receive a score next to each article which will tell you how much this information applies to you based on your DNA.

The information on these blogs revolves around similar topics, such as the above-mentioned wellness reports.

Genetic Data Packs

Here, your genetic testing results will be organized by categories and into gene packs. You will receive lists with bad genes, which are likely to affect your health and are connected to conditions such as asthma or other genetic disorders.

How Does the SelfDecode Test Work?

You can either order a SelfDecode test kit to your home, which will contain several oral swabs in the form of cotton buds. Or you can conveniently upload (or send them) your previously taken DNA results if you have done a DNA screening with a different company before.

If you have ordered a SelfDecode DNA test kit, it will arrive after a few days. Then, you will take an oral swab that will test your DNA for over 700,000 gene variants which will aid in analyzing up to 83 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)

These SNPs are genetic differences that can give insights into an individual's risks of developing certain diseases or being more susceptible to certain drugs and environmental influences, as well as having a lower cognitive function.

The SelfDecode report explains these results and provides information and personalized health recommendations.

What Does SelfDecode Testing Kit Include?

A SelfDecode DNA test kit includes several sterile cotton swabs, which will arrive in an envelope, sample tubes with a registry number, and a form which are all to be sent back to the nearest SelfDecode lab.

How to Purchase a SelfDecode Testing Kit

Here's how to order, purchase and register your SelfDecode DNA test kit in order to get your genetic data analyzed:

Choose a subscription

No matter whether you have done DNA tests before and would simply like SelfDecode to analyze them, or whether you still need DNA and lab tests done, you will first have to choose a subscription with SelfDecode.

This will either give you access to your health and wellness reports on an annual subscription or a lifetime membership to receive your premium DNA wellness reports for the rest of your life.

If you are a professional in the field of health and wellness, you can get unlimited access to the DNA kits and lab test results of your clients.

SelfDecode Subscription Options online.

Order Online

Once you have chosen your option, you will create an online profile with your personal data, as well as your email address and a password to continuously log into your SelfDecode account.

Pay

You can pay online easily with your credit card or via PayPal.

Register your Kit

If you have ordered a SelfDecode DNA test kit, you will receive a test tube with a registration code on the side, which you will have to enter on their website under "Register your SelfDecode DNA test kit".

How much does a SelfDecode test kit cost?

A SelfDecode test kit costs $99. But remember, you might not need one if you have done a DNA test with a different DNA testing company before.

In order to access your future DNA wellness reports, a personalized genetics blog, and FDA-approved genetic information about your potential health issues and required lifestyle changes, you will have to purchase a subscription plan.

An annual subscription will cost you $97 a year, whereas a lifetime access plan will cost $297 (both prices do not include a DNA test kit).

How to Use a SelfDecode Testing Kit

Once you have received a SelfDecode DNA testing kit, you will take your samples by rubbing the cotton-bud swab against your inner cheeks, gums, and on the back of your lips in order to collect skin particles as well as saliva, thus DNA data.

You will then place your cotton-bud swab in the testing tubes, add the registration form, and place both inside a provided envelope. Then you can ship your results discreetly to your nearest SelfDecode testing services and wait for your results.

The Pros and Cons of the SelfDecode Testing Kit

Pros:

  • Understand your genetic data better
  • Personalized health recommendations
  • Can either upload your DNA data from other DNA testing services or purchase a DNA testing kit
  • Lifetime access to scientific health research and free reports

Cons:

  • Subscription necessary to access your health data
  • No ancestry, parental, or other genealogy tools available
  • Not all personalized reports are for free; additional reports may cost more

When and How Will I Receive My Results?

In order for SelfDecode to finish your genetic testing, analyze your personal health implications, and draw up a personalized genetics blog and wellness reports, it will take about six to eight weeks after receiving your DNA data in their laboratories.

Is the SelfDecode Test Accurate?

Yes, SelfDecode DNA tests are highly accurate. The company has a team of over 60 highly-accredited and skilled scientists as well as very experienced software engineers working with state-of-the-art AI to analyze and decode your genome.

Thanks to this, SelfDecode analyzes up to 83 million genetic variants successfully and accurately from a generic DNA testing kit.

All of the information provided is peer-reviewed and based on the newest scientific findings regarding DNA related to lifestyle and dietary changes.

Will SelfDecode Keep My Information Private?

Yes, SelfDecode provides a list of modern secure data encryption, which is up to the highest standards in order to protect your privacy. On top of that, SelfDecode claims that:

  • Their employee access is extremely limited when it comes to accessing your personal information
  • You can register under an alias if you feel uncomfortable
  • PayPal and Stripe are fully secure and reputable payment options
  • None of your personal data will be sold or provided to third parties who aren't direct partners and involved in your personal health care journey.

How Does SelfDecode Compare to the Competition?

Here is a short comparison between SelfDecode and Nebula Genomics, a company that offers similar DNA wellness reports based on personalized DNA testing.

Nebula Genomics specializes in sequencing your full genome, which differs from the service SelfDecode offers. While SelfDecode might not go into much detail when it comes to analyzing your genome, there are some key features that are fully unique to SelfDecode and set it apart from other companies such as Nebula Genomics. These features are:

  • Prioritized lifestyle, diet, and supplement recommendations based on your genes
  • Easy-to-understand recommendations based on science
  • AI-based genetic testing
  • Referenced with peer-reviewed studies

SelfDecode Frequently Asked Questions

If you would like to know more about SelfDecode and how their DNA testing followed by premium DNA wellness reports works, we have put together some of the most frequently asked questions by people from across the globe and provided well-researched answers as well:

Why do I need a subscription?

In order to have lifetime access to brand-new researched content and findings personalized to your genetic information, you will have to abide by the subscription model of SelfDecode.

SelfDecode claims that this is necessary as science is constantly evolving, and new findings are appearing almost daily regarding health research.

You can either have an annual subscription, which will cost you $97 per year, and thus has to be renewed, or a lifetime access subscription, which is arguably the better deal for $279 once-off.

There is, however, a free plan available, which allows you to upload your DNA data and will provide you with one health report and seven traits reports which are tailored to your genetic data, free of charge. You won't even have to provide any credit card or payment details.

What is part of my subscription?

Note that each subscription is only accessible by one individual and not for passing on to a relative or friend, as the data you are accessing is primarily personalized to you and your genes and is as unique as yourself.

Your subscription includes weekly health reports, a personalized genetics blog, and access to the newest research and findings regarding genetic variations personalized to you.

Each paid subscription offers customers unlimited access to SelfDecode affiliated SelfDecode Labs as well as SelfHacked, which are platforms assisting you with understanding your genetic variants and thus your health and wellbeing better.

Unfortunately, SelfDecode does not offer any family tree or general ancestry analysis, as their service is fully focussed on your genome and which effects this has on your health and wellbeing in general.

Please also note that these subscriptions do not offer an additional DNA testing kit. If you do not have any DNA data to upload, you will have to purchase a DNA testing kit for yourself via SelfDecode for $99 and pay for shipping on top of that, as well as your subscription plan.

This also means that your subscription is not going to be cheaper if you have collected your DNA with a different provider beforehand.

What are health reports?

Two health reports will be curated and added each week, which allows SelfDecode subscribers to be in touch with the latest research and increase their knowledge weekly.

SelfDecode's science team analyzes your genetic variations, and, based on their findings and the latest research, they provide you with personalized health reports. These reports are fully individualized towards you and your personal DNA.

Each report explains genes as well as genetic variation according to specific topics to provide you with easy and natural interventions based on science in order for you to have a positive effect on your health and wellbeing while actively countering any potential risks related to your genetic data.

I am not a scientist; will I still understand my SelfDecode DNA wellness reports and DNA data?

Yes, luckily SelfDecode reviews mention that their lab test reports and results are really easy to understand and read. SelfDecode uses a classification system that categorizes the report's sections into "good", "bad", as well as "neutral" so you will understand how your genetic makeup has an influence on you ever getting a certain ailment or a trait (such as brain fog).

All of the data provided to you is based on science but should not be treated as medical advice and is therefore easy to understand and use for your daily habits and lifestyle routines.

SelfDecode aim to make their information highly accessible so that you can filter for specific information and find topics that are of specific interest to you. It could be blood sugar, inflammation, or your likeliness to being susceptible to catching Covid-19 or having long Covid.

Each blog post is set up in the same format as all the others; therefore, it will be easy to understand right away what topic they are talking about and the gene discussed in each blog post. This is usually followed by information on what exactly that specific gene does to your health and wellbeing, followed by recommendations on how to improve the latter.

The Bottom Line

If you would like to take your health information into your own hands and be more independent when it comes to knowing which lifestyle is the right one for your individual DNA, services such as SelfDecode's test and wellness reports are incredibly useful.

With their weekly-released blog posts on the latest scientific research on DNA and genetic variants, they are one of the leading providers of such information.

Keeping in mind that none of the information provided should be treated as actual medical advice but rather a recommendation, you should perhaps take this information to your personal MD and discuss with them the best steps forward.

If you are just generally interested to understand yourself and your various health traits better, this is an amazing tool that we can definitely recommend using to educate yourself about your own body and how it is made up!

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.

Link To or Reference This Page

We spent a lot of time downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

  • " SelfDecode Review 2024". NameCensus.com. Accessed on March 29, 2024. https://namecensus.com/blog/selfdecode-review/.

  • " SelfDecode Review 2024". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/blog/selfdecode-review/. Accessed 29 March, 2024

  • SelfDecode Review 2024. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from https://namecensus.com/blog/selfdecode-review/.