Our verdict: MyHeritage DNA, a genetic testing service, provides quick ancestry and ethnicity results for an affordable price.

If you’re looking to see where your ancestors came from, there’s a wide selection of DNA testing services. Each one promises highly accurate results, exciting new features, and in-depth looks into your ancestral background.

I recently tried MyHeritage to see how it compared to other popular DNA testing services like 23andMe and Ancestry.com. Here’s what I discovered.

It’s a great way to see where your ancestors came from. It also provides software to help you build your family tree and gives you access to other helpful tools for finding new relatives.

Sale: $39, down from $89

Pros

• Free Family Tree Builder desktop program
• Great value for the price
• Results come quickly–within three to four weeks

Cons

• The accuracy of their Ethnicity Estimates is questionable
• Gives too many DNA Matches for relatives

Where Can I Buy The Product? 

You can purchase a test kit from the MyHeritage website.

The site often has sales–sometimes more than 50% off–so you can get your MyHeritage test at a fraction of the cost with a bit of patience. 

MyHeritage DNA offers two options: a one-time purchase of the DNA test kit with basic features and a subscription package with additional premium features.

How Much Does The Product Cost?

MyHeritage DNA Kit Basic 

Cost: One-time payment of $89 + shipping

This includes basic ancestry data and ethnicity estimates, as well as access to the family tree builder, DNA matches, and DNA tools that can help you discover relatives and fill out your family tree. 

However, the Basic membership only allows you to build your family tree to up to 250 people. You’ll need to purchase a subscription to build your family tree larger than this, as well as access other advanced features.

Note that MyHeritage has a lot of sales, so be vigilant and you may be able to get it much cheaper.

MyHeritage DNA Kit + 30-Day Complete Subscription

Cost: One-time payment of $89 + shipping for the kit; the subscription costs $94/month for the first year and $189/month after that.

The subscription includes everything in the basic free package but also includes additional features and content, including:

• Unlimited family tree size
• Priority customer support
• Full access to 19.4 billion historical records and family tree profiles, including birth, marriage, and death records from 48 countries
• Tree Consistency Checker that checks for potential mistakes in your family tree and offers corrections

There are also four other subscription plans that offer varying access to the features above. These include: 

• Premium – $79/year
• PremiumPlus – $129/year
• Data – $129/year 
• Complete – $189/year

MyHeritage DNA Health 

Cost: One-time payment of $60 to upgrade once you’ve purchased a regular DNA test kit.

This unlocks the health testing service provided by MyHeritage. It offers personalized, easy-to-understand health reports alongside existing features of the Basic MyHeritage DNA membership.

With the Health test, users can discover how their genes may impact their health, including reports on single-gene and multiple-variant conditions, as well as carrier status reports for genetic diseases that can be inherited. 

The test covers a range of health conditions, from hereditary breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease to heart disease and cystic fibrosis.

Fortunately, they’ll use your previous DNA sample to create your health reports, so you don’t have to send in a new one.

Sale: $39, down from $89

How My Heritage DNA Works

The whole process, from ordering to receiving your results, is fairly straightforward.

1. Order your test kit – During the ordering process, you’ll create your personal account, where you can later view your results and explore the MyHeritage platform. 
2. Collect a DNA sample – After placing your order, you should receive your test kit within four to seven business days. Once you receive your test kit, you can activate it online. Follow the directions in the kit to collect your DNA using the cheek swabs provided.
3. Send your sample to the lab – Place it in the return envelope provided and make sure it’s properly sealed. You will need to pay for return postage. Depending on your post office's rules and regulations, you might need to send it in a small package.
4. Wait – It should take three to four weeks from when they receive your sample to get your results (I got mine nearly four weeks after I sent it out).
5. View your results – When your results are ready, you’ll receive an email with a link to your account to see your Ethnicity Estimates and DNA matches and start building your family tree.

Inside MyHeritage Results

Ethnicity Estimates 

Upon clicking the link in the email that says your results are ready, you’re taken to a landing page with a globe on it.

The page then begins listing your ethnicities from largest percentage to smallest. The percentage corresponds to the proportion of your DNA from each of these ethnicities.

As the page lists each ethnicity, the geographical region associated with the ethnicity is highlighted. Traditional music from that region/ethnicity also plays in the background. This was a nice touch and an interesting way to present your results. 

After the presentation, you can navigate to the home page to see your ethnicity estimates in more detail alongside an interactive map. I was eager to see how my ethnicity results would compare to my 23andMe results. 

Source: 123rf

Interestingly, I received significantly different ethnicity estimates.

According to 23andMe, I’m 50% British, Irish, and 20% Scandinavian. According to MyHeritage DNA, on the other hand, I’m 66% Scandinavian and 20% British.

Another difference: MyHeritage DNA reported 7% Eastern European ancestry, while 23andMe did not report any ancestry results from that region. 

The MyHeritage website states, "although the result of sophisticated algorithms based on large amounts of data, is still an estimate.”

They also say that due to some ethnicities being genetically very similar, they are hard to tell apart, and “mistakes do happen.” Also, false positives can occur, especially if your Ethnicity Estimate is very low. 

Genetic Groups

MyHeritage DNA also tells you where your ancestors lived and where they moved. To do so, MyHeritage compares your DNA to over 2100 distinct genetic groups. Sometimes, it can even determine in what province, district, or region your ancestors are from.

For example, I come from a genetic group that lived in England, Scotland, and Ireland and eventually spread to Canada, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. On the map, I could scroll along a timeline at the bottom to see where this group lived at different periods in time.

In addition to location and migration patterns, MyHeritage can also tell you the most common given names, surnames, and common ethnicities of your group and related groups that share similar parts of their DNA.

DNA Matching

Below your ethnicity estimates, you’ll find the DNA Matching section. Find DNA matches if any relatives–even distant relatives–have also had their DNA tested or analyzed with the MyHeritage platform.

When you use MyHeritage DNA, you can find people who are related to you due to the similarity in their DNA. This includes people who have also used MyHeritage DNA and those who have used other DNA testing kits. MyHeritage DNA allows people to upload their results from other DNA testing services to find even more relatives.

I chose to remain private and opted out of DNA Matching, so I didn’t get to see how many relatives their matching algorithm picked up. Some users have reported matching with fourth and fifth cousins, yielding hundreds or thousands of DNA matches.

You can choose to opt out of DNA Matching in your privacy settings.

MyHeritage Review

There were many aspects of MyHeritage that I liked and that differentiated itself from its competitors. However, there were a few key drawbacks that I hope MyHeritage addresses in the future.

Things I Like About My Heritage

1. The Family Tree software is a great feature–and it’s free

Using the Family Tree feature on the website, you can construct your family tree to up to 250 people.

You can invite other MyHeritage DNA members to collaborate and help you fill out the tree. You can even upload photos of family members; they have tools to add color and enhance the photos.

You can also download a free desktop version called the Family Tree Builder that provides more advanced features and allows you to add unlimited numbers of people to your tree.

2. You can import data from other DNA testing sites and export your results

If you’ve already taken a DNA test from another company, you can simply upload your results and start matching with relatives–for free. This is great as it expands the number of people you could potentially match with on MyHeritage.

You can also export your results from MyHeritage DNA if you want to upload them to another platform. 

3. It has a large user database

With over 100 million users, MyHeritage makes it more likely you’ll connect with relatives. It also makes it easier for you to build your family tree, as the site can compare your tree to other users’ trees and search for similarities.

3. They use a quick, simple cheek swab test

Other popular DNA testing services require you to fill a vial with saliva, which takes a surprisingly long time. With MyHeritage DNA, you just need to swab your cheek a couple of times for a few minutes, and you’re done. There’s no need to bite your tongue or think about sour foods to build up enough saliva.

Things I Don’t Like About My Heritage

1. The accuracy of the ethnicity estimates is questionable

Some parts of my Ethnicity Estimates seemed to contradict a previous DNA test I had done. Other users have reported similar discrepancies and puzzling results in their Ethnicity Estimates that do not match their family history.

Although they are only estimates, the variation in results does make me a little skeptical. 

2. They don’t include return postage

This was more than just a slight inconvenience. Instead of just dropping it off at the mailbox, I had to walk into the post office, have them weigh the postage to determine the shipping cost, and then pay for the postage. 

Most at-home DNA testing services pay for return postage, saving you time and money.

3. They provide too many DNA matches

While the DNA Matches feature is a cool way to discover relatives, it gives you way too many results. Users commonly report getting thousands of matches, some with people who share only 0.1% of their DNA. 

This seems excessive. It can also open you up to unwanted communications from distant relatives looking to fill out their family tree, as MyHeritage will share your email with your matches.

4. The Genetic Groups didn’t give me specific location data

With 23andMe, I was able to see the exact city and county my ancestors lived in. 

Although MyHeritage DNA states that they provide a similar level of detail in their Genetic Groups, I did not get this for any of my ethnicities. Instead, it only told me which country my ancestors came from.

Sale: $39, down from $89

MyHeritage vs. Top DNA Tests

	MyHeritage DNA	Ancestry DNA	23andMe
Size of DNA Database	6.6 million	22 million	12 million
Export Raw DNA Data	Yes	Yes	Yes
Upload Raw DNA Data	Yes	No	No
Number of Regions Tested	2100+	1800+	2000+
Access to Historical Records	Yes	Yes	No
Family Tree Builder	Yes	No	Yes
DNA-Based Health Report	Yes	No	Yes
Assess for Health Risks	Yes	No	Yes
Cost of DNA Testing	$89	$99 to $199	$99 to $228
Privacy of DNA Data	Yes	Yes	Yes
Accuracy of Results	>99%	>99%	>99%

MyHeritage vs. Ancestry DNA

Ancestry and MyHeritage both specialize in tracing your ethnic origins.

The two companies provide services so you can learn more about your family history and how your ancestors migrated across regions.

While Ancestry DNA has a larger database and can test your DNA against more regions, My Heritage has some good qualities, too.

For instance, My Heritage is great for people with a strong European heritage. Unlike Ancestry, it also lets you upload raw data from competitors.

You can read more in our AncestryDNA review.

MyHeritage vs. 23andMe

MyHeritage has a smaller database than 23andMe, with only 6.6 million users. But it has a few advantages, including:

• Accurate ancestry results for people of European and Jewish descent
• Access to resources–like historical and census records, family trees, and newspapers–so you can look up lost relatives and known ancestors
• The ability to upload your raw data and find more potential relatives

However, MyHeritage DNA isn’t accurate for everyone. It also can’t provide you with in-depth results like 23andMe.

While it can test for your risks and carrier status for some genetic diseases, you have to purchase the service as an add-on to the ancestry test.

This service also doesn’t have clearance from the FDA to give you these health reports, unlike 23andMe’s offering.

You can find out more by reading our 23andMe review.

Is MyHeritage DNA Worth It?

MyHeritage DNA is great for people who want to learn more about their family history and ethnicity. Like other popular DNA testing services, it can also help you see how your unique genetic makeup affects your health.

MyHeritage DNA is especially helpful for those looking to discover new relatives or create their family tree. Their Family Tree Builder software is exceptional for accomplishing the latter.

Overall, MyHeritage DNA is an affordable at-home DNA test that offers quick results and awesome tools to reveal your unique lineage.

You can order your own MyHeritage DNA test and begin unlocking your family history here. 

Sale: $39, down from $89

How We Evaluated MyHeritage DNA

We evaluate at-home DNA tests like MyHeritage based on seven criteria:

1. Reputation and trustworthiness
2. Available tests and reports
3. Additional resources
4. Accuracy of the DNA test
5. How it protects your privacy
6. Convenience of testing
7. Cost and additional fees

1. Reputation & Trustworthiness

Our MyHeritage DNA Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A reputable DNA testing company is transparent about the services it offers. Some important details that should be publicly available are:

• The size of a company’s user database
• The type of samples it collects
• The type of tests it performs
• What kind of results you’re getting

A reliable company also lives up to its claims. For example, if they say that your results will arrive in five weeks, it shouldn’t take longer.

We looked up DNA testing companies and what customers say about them to get a better feel of whether or not people trusted them.

The company is transparent about its testing process, the tests it offers, and the reports you will get with each test. The most common complaints are customers being charged for the subscription without being notified beforehand and customer support taking too long to respond. 

Despite these negatives, MyHeritage DNA remains one of the most trusted DNA testing companies.

2. Tests & Usefulness of Results

Our MyHeritage DNA Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Most DNA companies have a range of genetic tests. The type and depth of information they provide depend on the test and the provider.

Finding a useful test is subjective and entirely up to you. In general, you should buy a kit that gives you the results you’re looking for.

MyHeritage DNA is a good option if you want to learn more about your ancestry and build out your family tree. It can also help identify certain genetic health risks and traits.
While it gives you valuable insights into your genetic health risks, it doesn’t tell you what to do about them. You’ll have to take these results to a doctor or a genetic counselor who can offer professional advice and guidance on the next steps.

3. Support

Our MyHeritage DNA Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Apart from your test results, companies may provide access to features that will help you learn more about your ancestry, expand your family tree, and so on.

We took tests from different DNA testing services to see what features they offered and compared them with others.

MyHeritage DNA offers free Family Tree Builder software with many helpful features to build your family tree. They also give you tools to discover relatives. The company also lets you download your raw DNA. 

They also allow you to upload raw data from other testing services and provide access to historical records to help build your family tree. 

4. DNA Test Accuracy

Our MyHeritage DNA Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Several factors affect the accuracy of DNA tests. Some of them include the: 

• Testing method used
• Laboratory where samples are analyzed
• Size of a company’s database
• Variety of reference panels
• Number of regions tested

We found that the most accurate DNA tests have large databases, a greater variety of reference populations, and more regions to compare your results with.

MyHeritage has a much smaller DNA database than other popular DNA testing services, which could affect the accuracy of their results. 

Their lab is certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the highest level of certification. They also use the industry standard in molecular testing to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of their results. 

5. Privacy of Your Data

Our MyHeritage DNA Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Most private DNA tests comply with the latest data privacy standards. If there are changes in their privacy policies, they will let you know.

They’ll also give you full control over your data and always ask for your consent for its use.

MyHeritage takes the privacy of your data very seriously. They allow you to download or delete your data and account anytime. They also allow you to opt out of the DNA Matching program to ensure you stay private, decline consent for research, and manage your cookies.

MyHeritage routinely reviews and improves its security and privacy practices.

6. Convenience of the Testing Process

Our MyHeritage DNA Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

At-home tests are meant to be convenient. From the moment you buy a kit up until the moment you send your samples–the process should be easy.

The MyHeritage testing process is very convenient. You can order tests on the website using a wide range of payment methods.

The sample collection involves a quick cheek swab that only takes a couple of minutes to complete. 
The only inconvenience is that you have to pay for return postage. 

7. Cost & Additional Fees

Our MyHeritage DNA Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best DNA tests give you your money’s worth. They should be priced reasonably, depending on the reports they offer.

While features are sometimes hidden behind a paywall, they should still be affordable. 

You might also want to consider buying a test covered by your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spendings Account (FSA).

MyHeritage has the most affordable test on the market, and it’s frequently on sale. You may be able to use your HSA, FSA, or HRA to pay for your MyHeritage test. 

Check MyHeritage Price

About The Company

MyHeritage DNA is an at-home genetic and ethnic background test that’s sent straight to your doorstep. 

It’s a part of MyHeritage, a large genealogy service that helps people find out about their family history and current relatives. Since 2003, over 100 million people have used MyHeritage DNA to learn more about their family history.

Using cutting-edge DNA analysis, the company can provide you with information about your ancestors and ethnicity composition. They can also perform DNA matches with relatives that share your DNA.

MyHeritage DNA also offers genetic health testing, which can give you insight into how your genes affect your health. It also has a feature that lets you know if you’re a carrier for certain inherited diseases.

You don’t have to worry about your data being stolen or leaked, as MyHeritage DNA uses multiple layers of encryption to protect it. Their DNA analysis lab is CAP-accredited, the highest credential level for labs in the United States.

Why Trust Us

KnowYourDNA is dedicated to providing readers with reliable information on products that help them achieve their health goals.

We pick products based on:

• Brand reputation
• Product quality
• Safety for use
• Customer reviews

Our in-house medical experts ensure the accuracy of our information.

Sale: $39, down from $89

DNA ancestry testing offers a way for people interested in family history (genealogy) to learn more than they can from relatives or written records.

Most DNA ancestry tests only look at autosomal DNA—DNA from the chromosomes you inherited equally from your parents. However, Living DNA also looks at mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA).

MtDNA is passed on unchanged from a mother to her children, regardless of sex. Y-DNA, on the other hand, is only passed down from fathers to their sons.^1,2 

With these DNA test types, Living DNA traces and provides information about your maternal and paternal lineages. This Living DNA review will discuss products, features, ancestry and wellness reports, privacy policy, and how Living DNA fares against other DNA tests.

Product Review Summary

Pros

• Performs three different DNA tests (autosomal, mtDNA, Y-DNA)
• Can trace your father’s and mother’s lineage
• Free lifetime updates to ancestry results
• Great visualization tools
• Nothing is hidden behind a paywall

Cons

• Smaller database size
• Wellbeing reports don’t provide carrier status or genetic health risks
•  Users are highly concentrated in the U.K., affecting test accuracy

My Living DNA Results

You can access results directly through Living DNA’s website. The results are divided into three types: 

• Ancestry
• Relatives 
• Wellbeing

Ancestry

The Ancestry section is divided into three sections. Each section is based on the type of DNA test used:

• Recent Ancestry is based on autosomal DNA. You’ll learn about your ethnicity estimates and how your ancestors migrated worldwide.
• Maternal Ancestry is based on mtDNA. You’ll get detailed information about your maternal lineage.

Paternal Ancestry is based on Y-DNA. You’ll get detailed information about your paternal lineage.

Recent Ancestry

The Recent Ancestry page focuses on your family ancestry that’s determined by portions of DNA called “autosomes.”

Autosomes comprise 22 out of 23 pairs of human chromosomes. You received half of your autosomes from your mother and half from your father. They're inherited from generation to generation. This makes autosomal DNA testing sufficient in establishing ancestry patterns.

When one population group lives in one area over time, the collective DNA of the group will become distinct from the DNA of other ethnic groups. This is the basis for estimating ethnicity.

On the recent ancestry page, you can find the places where your ancestors originated. It shows a regional breakdown of your recent ancestors within ten generations or roughly 300 years.

One good thing about Living DNA is that it keeps updating. It continues collecting new data to refine the genetic signature of ancestral regions. Because of this, expect your ethnicity estimates to change whenever there’s an update. The updates are free. You can also refer to your previous results.

In my case, when I first viewed my profile in March 2019, I got this result:

When I updated in March 2022, my results shifted a bit and became more detailed:

My results changed again in December 2022:

While my top ancestral region remains North and West Europe, the percentage changed from 77.8% to the most recent 91.5%.

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Maternal Ancestry

The maternal ancestry page explains details of your maternal haplogroup. It includes a migration map and a coverage map.

The migration map is one of the more exciting features I’ve seen in all the DNA testing kits I’ve taken.

It illustrates how the ancestors from my mother’s haplogroups moved through the world to where I am today. This is also called migration pattern.

My motherline signature belongs to the H13 group. This group likely came from the southern regions of Europe or the Caucasus.

The coverage map shows where people from my maternal haplogroup live today. For instance, If I visit the Daghestan or Georgia regions, I might bump into someone with whom I share a common female ancestor.

Paternal Ancestry

Paternal Ancestry is an additional feature for males. It explains the details of their paternal haplogroup.

It tracks the ancestry patterns of the Y-DNA or Y chromosome. Females won’t have this page since they don’t have Y chromosomes.

The paternal ancestry page also includes migration and coverage maps like maternal ancestry.

The migration map shows the journey taken by ancestors from my paternal haplogroup to get to where I am today.

In my case, my fatherline’s signature belongs to the R-M269 group. This group is most common in Europe, especially on the western side.

The Coverage Map shows where people who share my paternal haplogroup live today. This means that if I visit regions like Wales, I may meet someone with whom I share a common male ancestor.

Relatives

This page is about family matching. Here, you can find and connect with possible relatives who have uploaded their DNA results to Living DNA’s database.

Living DNA’s database appears to be limited compared to bigger ones like 23andMe or Ancestry DNA, so expect fewer DNA matches.

Despite this, the company has great potential to grow, considering that Living DNA comes with a lifetime of free updates. It has the capacity to help its users find relatives like the bigger players in the consumer DNA testing industry.

Other Reports — Wellbeing

This page is for those who purchased the Wellbeing Kit or the Ancestry & Wellbeing Kit. It covers 14 wellness traits:

The reports offer nutrition advice and specific exercises that may help you meet your wellness goals depending on your traits. 

As a demonstration, I dug into the stamina report: 

The Stamina page includes four traits. I clicked on Recovery Speed, and it led me to this page:

The recovery speed page gives suggestions. Roughly ten to 25% of the report is interesting, while the rest is standard health advice.

Living DNA will also generate a supplement report based on your DNA data. It will recommend a custom supplement mix, which you can order online.

What Tests Do They Offer?

Living DNA offers three (3) types of test kits. 

1. Full Ancestry Kit

The full ancestry test analyzes three (3) DNA types in one kit:

• Autosomal — To establish your family ancestry patterns
• Mitochondrial (mtDNA) — To trace your maternal lineage
• Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) — To trace paternal lineage, which only applies to biological males

2. Wellbeing Kit

The wellbeing kit includes assessing how your body’s genetics affect your vitamin response and food metabolism. 

It analyzes 11 to 14 traits related to nutrition and exercise. It also gives you various nutrition and fitness reports, plus personalized vitamin recommendations.

3. Ancestry & Wellbeing Kit

The test kit combines all the features and reports of the ancestry and wellbeing kits.

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Living DNA Full Ancestry Test Kit

The full ancestry test kit analyzes and compares your DNA variations across over 150 regions to uncover your DNA origins.

Quick Facts on Living DNA Ancestry Test Kit

Price	$99
Collection Type	Mouth/cheek swab
DNA Testing Method	mtDNA atDNA Y-DNA

Is the Living DNA Test Accurate?

Not completely, as no genetic ancestry testing can guarantee 100% accurate information about where our ancestors lived. Fortunately, Living DNA has a sub-regional breakdown besides the larger regional analysis.

Living DNA has a majority of users from the UK. It makes their results accurate for people with European, British, and Irish ancestry. 

However, ancestry reports for users with ancestors from France, Germany, Italy, or other European countries may need to be more accurate. Despite this, Living DNA’s increasing updates with their reference populations should resolve this issue over time.

Living DNA also recently expanded into Africa.

With 72 new regions, it now has one of the most extensive reference panels for African ancestry testing.⁴

What’s Inside The Kit?

Each Living DNA test kit includes a

• Cheek swab
• Return envelope

You may also add a custom supplement or ancestry book to your purchase.

How Does Living DNA Work

To initiate a DNA test: 

1. Order a test kit from Living DNA’s website. 
2. Once received, activate the kit online.
3. Swab the inside of your cheek to get a DNA sample. 
4. Put the cheek swab into the tube.
5. Return your DNA swab sample to Living DNA.
6. Wait for test results after six to eight weeks. Mine took 25 days.

Where Can I Buy The Test Kit?

Living DNA ancestry test kit is available on their website.

How Much Does The Test Kit Cost?

Living DNA Full Ancestry test kit costs $119 plus shipping. The prices of the other two kits are:

• Ancestry + Wellbeing — $199 + shipping
• Ancestry + Neanderthal — $145 + shipping

Use Code Extra5FORU for an additional 5% off anything you purchase.

Living DNA vs. Competitors

Comparison of Ancestry DNA Tests	Living DNA	AncestryDNA	23andMe
Price	$119	$99	$119
DNA collection type	Cheek swab	Saliva	Saliva
Database size	Not reported	Over 22 million	12 million
Types of DNA test	Autosomal (atDNA) Mitochondrial (mDNA) Y-Chromosome (yDNA)	Autosomal DNA (atDNA)	Autosomal (atDNA) Mitochondrial (mDNA) Y-Chromosome (yDNA)
Offers DNA matching	Yes	Yes	Yes
Geographic regions	150	2,000 +	1,000 +
Provides tools for building your family tree	Yes	Yes	Yes
Allows uploading from other platforms	Yes	No	No
Lets you download and delete your raw DNA data	Yes	Yes	Yes
Offers health testing	Yes	No	Yes
Turn around time	6 to 8 weeks	Within 8 weeks	4 to 5 weeks

Living DNA vs. 23andMe

Both Living DNA and 23andMe combine autosomal, mtDNA, and Y-DNA into their ancestry test kits. However, 23andMe does more in terms of health screening.

Living DNA vs. AncestryDNA

Living DNA’s ancestry kit has autosomal, mtDNA, and Y-DNA tests. Ancestry DNA only tests for autosomal DNA.

Living DNA breaks your ethnicity results down into more regions. However, Ancestry DNA offers a more comprehensive family matching service.

Is Living DNA Ancestry Test Worth It?

Yes. Genetic ancestry testing offers essential insights to anyone longing to discover their origins. Living DNA is a reliable way to trace your ancestry and build your family tree.

Living DNA may have been a recent entry into the ancestry testing field since it was founded in 2016. 

However, as an off-shoot of DNA Worldwide, a leader in forensic testing, it is full of potential. Living DNA has grown over the last two years to become a solid player in at-home DNA testing. 

You can write Living DNA on your list if you're looking for an affordable but reliable test kit. They’re one of the cheapest kits on the market.

How We Evaluated The Test

Our team came up with a list of criteria based on the following:

Data Privacy Measures

The company has safeguards to ensure confidentiality. For example, it uses ISO:27001, an international data management and information security standard.

Living DNA also promises not to aggregate and sell your genetic DNA analysis data.

However, the company will ask for your consent to use your data for internal research. The company may ask to use your DNA data for their One Family One World Project and other genetic research.

Test Results

Living DNA can unfold essential discoveries on your ancestry with their DNA test kits. Plus, they have exciting reports like the migration pattern or map.

Types of Test

Living DNA can already look at three different types of DNA using one sample. It can give you rich information on your ancestry, including information from your father's and mother’s sides of the family.

Cost

Living DNA test kits are among the market's budget-friendly picks for at-home DNA test kits.

About the Company

Living DNA was the brainchild of the husband-and-wife team David Nicholson and Hannah Morden. It was launched in 2016 by a U.K.-based company called DNA Worldwide.

The company strives to lead the genetic DNA testing scene, aiming to be the first to map a global family tree. In 2017, it launched the One Family World Project. 

The initiative is dedicated to uncovering our interrelation through DNA. In 2018, Living DNA partnered with FindMyPast to incorporate the British Isles and Irish family history records into their services.

Why Trust Us

KnowYourDNA is committed to making healthcare more accessible to the public, which is why we feature products that meet industry standards.

We only choose at-home test kits that undergo reliable testing methods. We also picked test companies with science-backed reports aimed at improving your health.

Our in-house medical experts help ensure the accuracy of the information we give to our readers by reviewing them before publication.

Key Features

• Has 25+ million users as of 2024
• Trace your ancestry to 3,100+ regions
• Access to 60 billion historical records
• Download and delete your raw DNA
• Get results in six to eight weeks

Ancestry.com isn’t just a DNA testing company. It’s an online platform that offers a range of genealogy services. In this review, we’ll discover why it’s the best place to learn about your ancestors and family history. 

Our team will examine the reports, features, and resources included with the kit and Ancestry’s subscriptions. We’ll also investigate its accuracy, privacy measures, pricing, and what others think of it.

What Is AncestryDNA?

Ancestry is a genetic testing service that offers at-home kits and analyzes your DNA to provide insights into your ethnicity, living relatives, and traits. 

The company also provides users access to one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive databases of historical and genealogical information.

Founded in 2017 by Paul Brent Allen and Dan Taggart, Ancestry used to publish genealogical reference materials like CDs and magazines.

Pros & Cons of AncestryDNA

Here are Ancestry’s advantages and disadvantages:

AncestryDNA Pros

• Matches with potential family and identifies ethnic origins
• Reports on 75+ traits – including genes that affect health
• Simplifies navigation and interpretation of DNA results
• Continuously updates results with new data
• Helpful resources and support for contacting matches

AncestryDNA Cons

• Historical records require an additional subscription
• It doesn’t test for genetic health risks like 23andMe

What Customers Say About AncestryDNA

Ancestry has a rating of 3.5 out of 5⭐ on Trustpilot from over 28,700+ people who have used their service. Below is a summary of their reviews:

Positive Feedback

Many customers appreciate its detailed ethnicity estimates, ability to connect with potential relatives, interactive family tree builder, helpful ancestry hints, and integration with historical records. It also has a user-friendly platform and a wealth of educational resources.

Negative Feedback

Users often complain about its membership plans, which can be expensive and frustrating once your subscription expires. Some are also overwhelmed by the amount of information available, while others aren’t convinced by the accuracy of ethnicity estimates for smaller and less-studied regions.

Ancestry Reports From AncestryDNA

Ancestry offers reports on your ancestral origins, genetic matches, and “DNA by parent,” depending on what’s included with your kit.

DNA Matches

Ancestry helps you connect to potential relatives by finding people who share your DNA. It can also tell how you might be related to each other.

Here are some of the relatives you might find on Ancestry:

• A child or a parent
• A sibling or identical twin
• An aunt or uncle
• A niece or nephew
• A grandparent or grandchild
• First, second, third, and fourth cousins
• Fifth, sixth, and eighth cousins

With this feature, you can discover half and full relatives, including close family with up to 4 degrees of separation, distant relatives with up to 9 degrees of separation, and cousins who are once, twice, or thrice removed.

Ancestral Origins

The company uses your unique genetic makeup to identify places where your ancestors likely came from (origins) and where they settled (journeys).

Ancestral Regions

The report traces the origins of your ancestors from over 1,000 years ago to 167 different regions around the world, including:

• Europe (87 regions)
• Asia (36 regions)
• Africa (23 regions)
• America (14 regions)
• Oceania (7 regions)

You’ll also get an Ethnicity Estimate for every ancestral region on your report, which shows how much DNA you share with people in these areas.

Regions with higher percentages suggest that a significant portion of your ancestry can be traced to them. However, those with lower percentages are places where fewer ancestors likely originate from based on your DNA.

Ancestral Journeys

It traces the origins of recent ancestors from the past 300 years to nearly 3,100 locations, including towns and counties from these places:

• America (1,741 journeys)
• Europe (1,195 journeys)
• Asia (126 journeys)
• Oceania (32 journeys)
• Africa (9 journeys)

In addition to narrowing down your ancestral origins to specific locations, this report provides a more intimate look into your family history. 

It shows you how they might have migrated around the world, the historical events they lived through, and their daily life.

DNA By Parent

If you subscribe to Ancestry’s membership plans, you will also receive reports that provide additional insights into your ancestry, such as:

• Which side of the family your DNA relatives are from
• Whether an ancestor is from your mother's or father’s side
• Your maternal and paternal origins and journeys

Trait Reports

Ancestry can also give you insights on 76 genetic traits if you upgrade your kit or have an active membership. These reports are classified into:

• Personality – includes 13 traits that influence who you are (e.g., if you’re an introvert or extrovert, risk-taking behavior, or pet preferences)
• Nutrients – covers 6 nutrients and how your body utilizes them (e.g., omega-3 fatty acid and vitamins A, B12, C, D, and E)
• Fitness – focuses on 30 traits that impact physical performance (e.g., hand-eye coordination, heart rate recovery, and muscle fatigue)
• Sensory – includes 11 traits related to your sense perception (e.g., caffeine intake, tolerance to dairy or spicy foods, and sensitivity to tastes)
• Appearance – highlights 16 traits that affect your looks (e.g., hair and eye color, skin pigmentation, cleft chin, and finger length)

Genealogical Research on AncestryDNA

Ancestry.com gives access to over 60 billion historical records and genealogical data, making it a great platform for ancestry research. The type of information you’ll have access to depends on your membership.

• US Records – discover ancestors from the US, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. It includes birth, marriage, death, census records, and more.
• International Records – access birth, marriage, and death records of ancestors from over 80 countries worldwide.
• Newspapers.com™ Publisher Extra –  a subscription that lets you search headline news, obituaries, social events, and other stories.
• Fold3® Subscription – discover ancestors who served through global military records, such as those from WWII and the US Civil War.
• Special Records – includes a curated collection of records on Jewish, Native American, and African American heritage.

Other AncestryDNA Features

Ancestry.com also has other tools and features that will help you build a comprehensive picture of your family history, such as:

• Family tree building – includes guided tools and advanced search features so you can create and expand your tree
• Family tree sharing – invite family members to view or edit your tree or find out who they’ve added to their own trees
• Ancestry hints – receive automated clues to help discover new ancestors and stories, which can help speed up your research
• Community and collaboration – connect with other Ancestry members and share family trees for assistance and valuable insights
• DNA traits comparison – available with AncestryDNA Traits, it allows you to compare your genetic traits with other members
• Photo features – organize and enhance family photos through tagging, colorization, sharpening, and scanning tools
• Audio features – upload and store recorded audio to enrich your family history with stories, voice memos, and other personal notes

How Accurate Is AncestryDNA?

Ancestry has an accuracy rate of 99% when reading your DNA. This means it can accurately identify which genetic markers you have.

The accuracy of each report may vary based on different factors, although the DNA testing company does take the following measures to ensure it:

• Uses a geographically diverse reference panel
• Predicts ethnicity estimates based on the likely range
• Filters false positive matches with algorithms
• Constantly updates its science and data

Ancestry’s DNA matches are “highly accurate” for close relationships until 4th cousins but can be less reliable when identifying distant relatives.

Is AncestryDNA Safe?

Yes. You can trust Ancestry with your data since it employs industry-grade security practices to prioritize your safety. These include:

• Your data isn’t shared with third parties without consent
• A legal process is required for law enforcement access
• You can delete your account and your test results
• Option to destroy your physical saliva sample by request
• Stores your results and samples without identifiable data
• Encrypts DNA data and other personal information
• Choose whether your DNA data can be used for research
• DNA data access is limited to authorized personnel
• Features two-factor authentication for account security
• Giving you the option to download your DNA data anytime

How Much Does AncestryDNA Cost?

The basic AncestryDNA Kit costs $39 and includes reports on your DNA Matches and Ancestral Origins. But if you want extra reports on your traits, you can purchase the AncestryDNA + Traits Kit for $49. 

AncestryDNA Bundle Offers

New customers can save more with the following packages:

• AncestryDNA + World Membership – $40
• AncestryDNA + All Access Membership – $49

These bundles include Ancestry’s DNA testing kit and a three-month subscription to your chosen membership, which provides access to records and additional reports on your genetic traits and DNA by parents.

Cost of Ancestry Membership

Ancestry.com offers memberships that can provide additional reports (if you bought the kit before) and access to records you can use for research.

Features	US Discovery Membership	World Membership	All Access Membership
Monthly Subscription	$19.99/mo	$34.99/mo	$54.99/mo
Six-month Subscription	$16.50/mo	$24.83/mo	$39.83/mo
Special Records Access	Yes	Yes	Yes
US Records Access	Yes	Yes	Yes
International Records Access	No	Yes	Yes
Military Records Access (Fold3®)	No	No	Yes
Newspaper Records (Newspapers.com™)	No	No	Yes

Is AncestryDNA Worth It?

Ancestry.com is the best place to start if you’ve never taken a DNA test and want to discover relatives or focus on exploring your ethnicity. Even without the kit, you can access resources for ancestry research with a subscription.

But this isn’t a good option if you want to know more about genes that affect your health. You’ll be better off with companies that offer wellness reports, such as 23andMe and Genomelink.

Our Verdict: For a reasonable price, 23andMe gave me a lot of useful and interesting information on my ancestry, health, and other genetic traits.

Even without a membership, I received more than 150+ reports and access to its features, like the relative finder and family tree builder. 

All it took was a saliva sample and a few weeks of waiting before receiving my reports. The 23andMe app made it so much easier to view my results.

However, what makes 23andMe truly stand out from its competition are its comprehensive health reports.

While it couldn’t check for every possible health risk, it tested me for some of the most debilitating conditions—like type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancers.

There’s just one thing I don’t like about 23andMe: it doesn’t let you upload raw data from other companies like Ancestry or My Heritage.

So if you’ve taken other tests and downloaded your DNA data from these services, you can’t use them to find relatives or build your family tree on 23andMe.

While this is meant to protect your data and privacy, it’s a missed opportunity considering that 23andMe has the second largest database next to Ancestry.

Pros

• A simple, non-invasive test that requires a saliva sample
• You’ll get detailed reports that are accurate but easy to understand
• You don’t have to be a 23andMe+ member to access most features
• Have full control over your DNA data, samples, and personal details
• Secures your information with the best standards in data privacy

Cons

• It doesn’t test for all disease-causing genetic variants
• You can’t upload your genetic data from other DNA services

23andMe Tests – Which One Should You Take?

23andMe offers the following tests. Pick the service that can provide you with the results you need.

Here’s an overview of 23andMe’s DNA tests and what you’ll get:

1. 23andMe Ancestry Service

This is a DNA testing kit with the most complete ancestry breakdown and 30+ trait reports. The ancestry reports include where your ancestors originated and how they migrated across the globe.

Your DNA often holds the key to finding out where your ancestors came from across 2750+ regions—sometimes down to the county level.

You can also find DNA matches with this test. Your DNA matches can help you discover potential distant relatives from all over the world.

2. 23andMe Health + Ancestry

This test has everything that the 23andMe ancestry test offers. However, you’ll also get a comprehensive health report that includes your:

• Genetic predisposition – Your risk of developing certain medical conditions, like breast cancer and colorectal cancer
• Carrier status – Genetic conditions that your children might inherit, such as nonsyndromic hearing loss and deafness

The kit also checks for health traits that influence your health and lifestyle, such as your muscle composition and lactose intolerance.

3. 23andMe+ Premium

This genetic testing kit includes the 23andMe Health + Ancestry kit (plus all the reports that come with it) and a one-year membership to the DNA testing service.

Signing up for 23andMe+ gives you access to updated reports and new features you wouldn’t normally get if you simply purchased their kits.

You’ll also get additional reports on 20+ health risks, four wellness traits, and a pharmacogenetics report on genes that affect your metabolism of certain drugs.

23andMe added the Health Tracks feature so you can better understand how genetics and lifestyle can impact your likelihood of developing specific genetic conditions. This DNA test kit also has a Health Action Plan to get tailored recommendations, including those for clinical screenings and lab work, based on genetic and non-genetic data.

4. 23andMe+ Total Health

This is the most advanced health membership from 23andMe. This combines next-generation exome sequencing, blood testing, and direct access to clinical services.

When you sign up for it, you get access to biannual blood testing involving advanced cardiometabolic biomarkers and insights into your thyroid, liver, kidneys, and more.

It is loaded with 190+ personalized genotyping reports with ongoing new reports and features delivered throughout the year.

My 23andMe Results

I personally went with the 23andMe Ancestry Service and received comprehensive reports on my ancestry, health, and other genetic traits.

Here’s what they look like:

My 23andMe Ancestry Reports

23andMe uses your DNA samples to look for insights into your genetic genealogy. This information is compiled into four separate reports, namely:

1. Ancestral Composition
2. Maternal and Paternal Haplogroups
3. Neanderthal Ancestry
4. DNA Relatives

You’ll get a total of 50+ genetic ancestry reports, which you can find in the Ancestry section.

1. Ancestry Composition

The report gives you a comprehensive ancestry breakdown by telling you where your ancestors may have lived for five to ten generations.

You can access this information on the 23andMe website through Ancestry > Ancestry Composition. Here is my ancestry composition report:

23andMe says my ancestry is 100% European. My report further breaks down the regions and subregions my ancestors likely originated in Europe.

For example, my results showed 50.1% French and German ancestry.

If I click that region, I can see places with DNA similar to my recent ancestors–like the Netherlands, Germany, etc.

2. Maternal & Paternal Haplogroups

This report shows you the migration routes of your ancestors from up to 50,000 years ago. This includes ancestors from your maternal and/or paternal lines.

23andMe does this by testing your mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA).

Below is a report on my maternal haplogroups. You can access it by going to Ancestry > Ancestry Overview > Maternal Haplogroup > View Your Report.

Meanwhile, this is what my paternal haplogroups look like. You can see it on Ancestry > Ancestry Overview > Maternal Haplogroup > View Your Report.

These two reports tell separate stories of my ancestral origins and migration routes of my maternal and paternal lines. They even include fun historical tidbits, like my maternal haplogroup being common in several European royal houses.

It was interesting to learn more about my family history. However, you should remember that haplogroup reports will vary for men and women. 

Men will receive full reports on their maternal and paternal lineages. Women only get a report on their maternal haplogroup. If you were born female, you can gain insights on your paternal haplogroup if you have a male relative who’s been previously tested by 23andMe.

This is because while men and women inherit their mtDNA from female ancestors, only men get their Y-DNA from male ancestors. 

3. Neanderthal Ancestry

In this report, you’ll find out how much Neanderthal DNA you have. 23andMe also shows how your results compare to most people who have taken the test.

For example, I have more Neanderthal DNA than 32% of 23andMe customers. I also have less than 2% Neanderthal DNA in comparison.

You can access this information by going to Ancestry > Ancestry Overview > Neanderthal Ancestry > View Your Report.

Most people have an average of 2.5% Neanderthal DNA. People with a higher percentage of this gene may have more body hair or shorter stature.

Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) were prehistoric humans who interbred with modern humans (Homo sapiens) before disappearing 40,000 years ago. 

Though Neanderthals were like modern humans in many ways, they had bigger brains and muscles.

My 23andMe Health & Traits Reports

23andMe is the only at-home DNA testing kit approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to test for genetic risks that you or a future child may have.

The health and traits section includes reports on your:

• Health predisposition
• Carrier status
• Wellness
• Traits
• Health action plan

You will receive a total of 55+ health reports and eight wellness reports. This section also covers 30+ genetic traits that make up who you are.

As of 2022, 23andMe has three FDA (510)k clearances and five “de novo” authorizations to provide health reports.

1. Health Predisposition

23andMe tests for genetic variants linked to health conditions. This report tells you which variants you have and whether you’re at increased risk of developing them.

You will receive over 10+ health reports on the following health risks:

Some of these health reports (like prostate cancer) are exclusive to men. There are also reports (like ovarian cancer) limited to female test-takers.

Below is a snapshot of my health predisposition reports. You can find it through Health & Traits > Health Predisposition. 

My report says I have genes linked to age-related macular degeneration and hereditary hemochromatosis. However, the report also tells me these genes are not enough to put me at risk.

You can click on each condition to learn how it affects your health and which genetic mutations they’re associated with. 

Here’s what I see when I click on one of them:

Keep in mind that having a genetic health risk doesn’t guarantee you will develop a health problem.

Unhealthy lifestyles–such as poor diet and lack of exercise–may also put you at risk for some diseases, even if you don’t have the genes they’re associated with.

The test simply identifies health conditions that you may be at risk for based on your genetic makeup. It isn’t meant to diagnose actual illnesses. 

If you have genetic health risks, you should talk to a doctor and genetic counselor. A doctor can assess your health and give you instructions and guidelines to reduce or prevent health risks.

2. Carrier Status

Not all genetic mutations will directly affect your health. You can carry them in your DNA and pass them on to your future offspring.

A carrier status report tells you whether or not you have genes that may cause health problems in your children.

23andMe can test your carrier status for 45 diseases, including:

You can find all 45 reports through Health & Traits > Carrier Status. Here’s a snapshot of my carrier status page:

If you’re a carrier for a particular disease, talk to a licensed doctor or a genetic counselor.

3. Wellness Reports

Your wellness reports feature genetic traits related to your health and lifestyle. You’ll get a total of eight wellness reports. Some of these include:

• How much coffee you will likely consume
• Whether or not you’re a “deep sleeper” who’s difficult to wake
• Your likelihood for weight gain and lactose intolerance

Here’s a snapshot of my wellness page. You can view it on Health & Traits > Wellness.

 

Your results may not surprise you, but it’s quite interesting to know their genetic cause. If you want to investigate each trait, you can click on the reports.

4. Traits Report

The trait reports provide insights into your unique features and characteristics. 

Here, you’ll learn some fun-to-know facts about yourself that you probably didn’t know were genetic, like:

• How often mosquitoes will likely bite you
• What time of the day you wake up
• Your hatred for the sound of chewing

You can get up to 37 trait reports, depending if you’re male or female. Some of these reports (like your risk for early hair loss and bald spots) are for men only.

This is no doubt the most fun report I received from 23andMe. It’s largely a novelty feature, but it’s a great way to explore which strange traits you have. 

Here’s a snapshot of my trait reports. You can access your report by going to Health & Traits > Traits.

Other 23andMe Features

The DNA service offers these features as well, depending on your membership and the kit you purchased:

1. Pharmacogenetics Report

This report is exclusive to 23andMe+ members. It shows you how your body might react to certain medications, including:

• Capecitabine
• Citalopram
• Clopidogrel
• Fluorouracil
• Omeprazole

Many of these drugs are used to treat depression and cancer. They’re also used to lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

2. 23andMe Relative Finder

It’s an optional feature you can get with 23andMe kits. If you decide to opt-in, 23andMe will find your DNA matches across its 12 million users.

People who sign up for 23andMe+ can use enhanced ancestry features, which include advanced filtering and access to 5,000 more DNA relatives.

You’ll receive email alerts about possible connections and how they might be related to you. You can view these connections as a list, a family tree, or a map.

You can see your possible relatives or family connections under Ancestry > DNA Relatives. Or you can go directly to the Family & Friends tab.

3. Automatic Family Tree Builder

This feature is available to anyone who buys a 23andMe test. However, you can only access it if you enable DNA matches.

It automatically creates your family tree using your DNA matches and by comparing your DNA with others who have also taken the test.

There’s an option to add relatives manually to your 23andMe family tree.

The 23andMe family tree builder can show your connection to close family members, such as your parents and siblings–up until your third cousins.

4. Download Raw DNA Data

Another advantage of 23andMe is the ability to download your raw genetic data.

Your raw DNA data contains a series of numbers and letters. These combinations represent all the genetic variants and mutations you tested for.

While other DNA companies use proprietary names for these variants that make them difficult to identify, 23andMe uses rsID numbers. 

Reference Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Cluster ID (rsID) is the standard naming convention used for most genetic variants.

This means you can do your own genetic research and look up your variants in studies and comprehensive databases like SNPedia.

However, there are other things you can do with your genetic data, such as:

• Taking your DNA results to a genetic counselor who can interpret them
• Uploading your data to other DNA services to find more DNA matches, or get more information about your genetics

Is 23andMe Accurate?

Since 23andMe offers different tests, there is no simple way to answer this. So we looked into the accuracy of each test:

23andMe Accuracy for Ancestry Reports

23andMe is highly accurate for determining ancestry composition. It has “precision and recall values” of 80 to more than 90% for most people.¹ 

High precision means that 23andMe has great confidence in its ability to identify DNA segments that match the company’s reference populations.¹

When it comes to identifying recent ancestors and where they lived, 23andMe can provide test results with a confidence level of up to 80%.²

23andMe Accuracy for Predicting DNA Relationships

23andMe is “extremely confident” in locating your DNA relatives.² However, it can only predict your relationship based on the information it has. 

Its accuracy will depend on the number of biological relatives in 23andMe’s database. You’ll get better accuracy if more family members take the test.

23andMe Accuracy for Health Reports

Both the Genetic Health Risks and Carrier Status Reports from 23andMe meet FDA standards for “analytical and clinical validity.” 

Its health reports have >99% accuracy in identifying genetic markers linked to the increased risk of certain diseases. Though it has its limitations.²

Health conditions may be associated with thousands of genetic mutations, and 23andMe only tests for a few of them. 

So if you have a genetic variant that the company isn’t testing for, you can still have that genetic risk.

For example, 23andMe can assess your risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers by checking for three variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

However, there are other variants linked to cancer that 23andMe may not be able to identify.

How Does 23andMe Protect Your Privacy?

23andMe protects your privacy in three ways:

• Giving you control over your data and DNA samples
• Using informed consent as a basis for sharing information
• Complying with data privacy laws and privacy certifications

1. Control Your Data and DNA Samples

I took the time to read the company’s policies on privacy and data protection. Here’s a summary of what I found:

• You can download and delete your raw DNA data
• You can delete your 23andMe account
• You can request 23andMe to discard your DNA sample

To help protect your privacy, 23andMe also lets you control the information shown to your genetic matches in the DNA Relative Finder.

For example, you can choose to display your full name or initials to other 23andMe members. Alternatively, you can use a pseudonym.³

If you hide your name, your DNA matches will have to send you an exchange request. You can only send to or receive messages from people you add as a connection.

2. Informed Consent

The DNA testing company works with pharmaceutical companies and researchers to develop treatments and study certain health conditions.

You can decide whether or not to share your data, join clinical trials, and take part in surveys. If you decide to participate, 23andMe will de-identify your data.

This prevents researchers from connecting your name and other identifiable information to your data.

23andMe won’t share your data with insurance companies, employers, and law enforcement without your consent and unless required by law.

In fact, 23andMe received 11 requests for the personal information of 15 members as of October 2022–but has not released this data.⁴

3. Data Security Compliance & Certifications

23andMe has General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance, which is currently the “toughest privacy and security law” in the world.^5,6

This means 23andMe meets the data protection standards of European countries and that consumers who take the test are protected by law.

In the U.S., 23andMe does not need to abide by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAAA) since it isn’t a medical test. Still, it follows state regulations on privacy and disclosing personal information. 

23andMe also received various certifications for its Information Security Management System (ISMS), such as ISO/IEC 27001:2013, 27018, and 27701.⁷

This suggests that 23andMe has adequate security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, like hacking or a data breach.

How Much Does 23andMe Cost?

A DNA test kit from 23andMe costs $99 to $299, depending on which test you buy and whether you sign up for a membership upfront.

• 23andMe Ancestry Service – $119
• 23andMe Health + Ancestry – $229
• 23andMe+ Premium – $298
• 23andMe+ Total Health – $99/month

23andMe offers discounts every now and the so check their website regularly.

What’s Inside The 23andMe Kit?

You’ll get the same saliva collection kit no matter which test you order. Here’s what you get with your 23andMe test kit:

• Saliva collection tube
• Stabilizing liquid
• Lid for sealing the tube
• Easy-to-follow instructions
• Collection bag (secures your sample)
• Prepaid return shipping box and label

How Does 23andMe Work?

First, you’ll have to order a DNA test. You can buy one from the 23andMe website or through Amazon, although the latter runs out of stock sometimes. 

Once you receive your kit, open the package and follow these steps:

1. Register your kit on the 23andMe website
2. Provide your saliva samples as instructed in the printout
3. Send in your samples with the prepaid shipping kit
4. Wait for your test results

23andMe combines autosomal DNA testing with Y-DNA and mtDNA testing. This allows the company to provide comprehensive ancestry results.

How Long Does 23andMe Take?

Your 23andMe kit should arrive within three to five days of purchasing it online, but you can get it faster if you opt for express delivery.

23andMe DNA results are usually ready in four to six weeks from when a sample arrives at the laboratory.

23and Me vs. Competitors

Features	23andMe	AncestryDNA	Living DNA	MyHeritage DNA	Family Tree DNA
Database Size	12 million	22 million	Unknown	6.6 million	Smaller database
Health Tests	FDA-cleared tests	Limited	Current health focus	Add-on	Health-related variants
Ancestry	Maternal, paternal	General ancestry	Limited to specific regions	Limited to specific descents	Maternal, paternal
Historical records	Limited	Added fee	Not specified	Accessible	Limited
Price	$119-$298	$99-$199	$119-$199	$39	$79-$449

23andMe vs. Ancestry DNA

You can’t go wrong with Ancestry if you want to know more about your ancestors or find people you may be related to.

Compared to 23andMe and its 12 million users, AncestryDNA has a much larger database (22 million) that gives you better chances of finding genetic matches. Ancestry also provides access to billions of historical records for an added fee. It’s a great option if you want to dig deeper into your family health history.

That said, 23andMe is better for tracing maternal and paternal lines. It’s also the only company to offer FDA-cleared genetic health tests.

While Ancestry tests for a few health-related traits–like genes that affect your nutrition and physical fitness–it’s not quite as robust as 23andMe’s health tests.

You can read more about it in our Ancestry review.

23andMe vs. Living DNA

Both companies have ancestry and health tests. However, LivingDNA lets you buy these tests separately and for a more affordable price.

LivingDNA also has unique DNA reports and actionable steps. For example:

• Instead of focusing on health risks, Living DNA mostly tests for variants that affect your current health–like how you absorb certain nutrients
• It suggests health advice and personalized vitamins based on your results
• People with ancestors from Africa, Europe, Ireland, and the British Isles will receive more detailed ancestry results

Unfortunately, LivingDNA only compares your DNA with 150 regions. If most of your ancestors are from outside these places, you may not get reliable results.

Here is our LivingDNA review if you want to learn more.

23andMe vs. My Heritage DNA

MyHeritage has a smaller database than 23andMe with only 6.6 million users. However, it has a few advantages, including:

• Accurate ancestry results for people of European and Jewish descent
• Access to resources–like historical and census records, family trees, and newspapers–so you can look up lost relatives and known ancestors
• The ability to upload your raw data and find more potential relatives

However, MyHeritage isn’t accurate for everyone. It also can’t provide you with in-depth results like 23andMe.

While it can test for your risks and carrier status for some genetic diseases, you have to purchase the service as an add-on to the ancestry test.

This service also doesn’t have clearance from the FDA to give you these health reports, unlike 23andMe’s offering.

You can find out more by reading our MyHeritage review.

23andMe vs. Family Tree DNA

Family Tree DNA offers unique services, including separate tests for maternal and paternal ancestry, as well as a combined kit for family ancestry.

It can also test for variants that affect your health. Depending on your results, it suggests DNA-based meal plans and workouts to improve your wellness.

Sadly, Family Tree has a much smaller database and may not give you accurate results like 23andMe. Read our Family Tree DNA review for more information.

How We Evaluated 23andMe

We evaluate at-home DNA tests like 23andMe based on seven criteria:

1. Reputation and trustworthiness
2. Available tests and reports
3. Additional resources
4. Accuracy of the DNA test
5. How it protects your privacy
6. Convenience of testing
7. Cost and additional fees

1. Reputation & Trustworthiness

Our 23andMe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A reputable DNA testing company is transparent about the services it offers. Some important details that should be publicly available are:

• The size of a company’s user database
• The type of samples it collects
• The type of tests it performs
• What kind of results you’re getting

A reliable company also lives up to its claims. For example, if they say that your results will arrive in five weeks, then it shouldn’t take longer than that.

We looked up DNA testing companies and what customers are saying about them so we could get a better feel of whether or not people trusted them.

23andMe is transparent about its testing process, the tests it offers, and the reports you will get with each test.

However, there are consistent complaints of kits and test results arriving late for buyers from outside the U.S. or packages getting lost in transit–among others.

Despite its shortcomings, 23andMe remains one of the most trusted DNA companies.

2. Tests & Usefulness of Results

Our 23andMe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Most DNA companies have a range of genetic tests. The type and depth of information they provide depend on the test and the provider.

Finding a useful test is subjective and entirely up to you. In general, you should buy a kit that gives you the results you’re looking for.

23andMe is a good option if you want to know your mother’s and father’s ancestry. If you take the health test, it can identify diseases that you and your child might be at risk for.

While it gives you valuable insights into these diseases, it doesn’t tell you what to do about them. You’ll have to take these results to a doctor or a genetic counselor who can offer professional advice and guidance on the next steps.

3. Support

Our 23andMe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Apart from your test results, companies may provide access to features that will help you learn more about your ancestry, expand your family tree, and so on.

We took tests from different DNA testing services to see what features they offered and compared them with others.

23andMe can use your results to build your family tree and find potential relatives in its database. The company also lets you download your raw DNA. 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t give you the option to upload your data or provide access to records that might be useful for investigating your family history.

4. DNA Test Accuracy

Our 23andMe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Several factors affect the accuracy of DNA tests. Some of them include the: 

• Testing method used
• Laboratory where samples are analyzed
• Size of a company’s database
• Variety of reference panels
• Number of regions tested

We found that the most accurate DNA tests have large databases, a greater variety of reference populations, and more regions to compare your results with.

23andMe has the second largest database next to Ancestry DNA. It compares your genetic profile to its 12,000+ members and reference panels from more than 2,000 global regions to uncover your ancestry.

Samples are analyzed in laboratories certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).⁸

This ensures the accuracy and reliability of 23andMe’s results.

5. Privacy of Your Data

Our 23andMe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Most private DNA tests comply with the latest data privacy standards. If there are changes in their privacy policies, they will let you know.

They’ll also give you full control over your data and always ask for your consent on what to do with it.

23andMe has taken extra measures to ensure your privacy. For starters, you’ll have complete control of your data and be able to download and delete it.

The company won’t share your details (not even with law enforcement) without your consent or a court order. Plus, 23andMe has GDPR compliance and various ISO certifications. 

6. Convenience of the Testing Process

Our 23andMe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

At-home tests are meant to be convenient. From the moment you buy a kit up until the moment you send your samples–the process should be easy.

You can order tests on 23andMe’s website using a wide range of payment methods. Your package will include a prepaid shipping box so you can conveniently send back your samples.

Taking the test is just as simple. The instructions are printed out for you, but there’s also a video on how to collect your saliva sample.

7. Cost & Additional Fees

Our 23andMe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best DNA tests give you your money’s worth. They should be priced reasonably, depending on the reports they offer.

While features are sometimes hidden behind a paywall, they should still be affordable. 

You might also want to consider buying a test covered by your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spendings Account (FSA). 

23andMe has some of the most affordable tests in the market. You can access most of its features just by buying a kit. Membership is affordable, and you can use your HSA or FSA to cover a portion of the costs.⁹

Why Trust Us

I’ve been testing DNA kits for the last seven years and have taken every DNA test on the market. I’ve compared results and have been committed to testing and tracking any changes over time. 

As an organization, we at KnowYourDNA are committed to helping you get the most accurate information about your ancestry, health risks, and other genetic traits.

We only choose at-home DNA tests that meet the standards of the DNA testing industry and provide reliable testing methods.

Our in-house medical experts help ensure the accuracy of our articles by reviewing them before publication.

GPS Origin’s reports aren’t as comprehensive as Ancestry or 23andMe, but they do have some unique features. GPS Origins was the only test that told me the exact town/village where my ancestors likely lived. 

Other tests typically only make an estimate of your ancestry’s regional origins, but GPS was surprisingly specific. You can also upload raw DNA onto their website and still get results. Overall, it’s a good way to learn more about your ancestry without taking a test.

Although it isn’t the best DNA test on the market, it’s a good starting point. GPS Origins is also a good option if you have Asian and/or African ancestry.

Our Ratings

• Reputation & trustworthiness: ⭐⭐⭐
• Test & results: ⭐⭐⭐
• Support: ⭐⭐⭐
• DNA test accuracy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Privacy: ⭐⭐⭐
• Convenience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Cost & additional fees: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

GPS Origins Pros & Cons

GPS Origins is a unique DNA test with its own pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
It’s a simple, non-invasive test that requires a saliva sample.	Tests for Asian and African ancestry are sold separately.
It can give you the exact location of where your ancestors lived.	GPS Origins doesn’t give you much for the price it’s asking.
It can give detailed reports for those of Asian or African descent.	It only accepts older DNA data for uploading.

How Does GPS Origins Work?

GPS Origins is an autosomal DNA test like Ancestry and 23andMe. This means it looks at 22 out of the 23 pairs of your human chromosomes. 

GPS Origins doesn’t provide the usual ethnicity percentages you get from other autosomal DNA tests. Instead, it looks at the origins of your ancestors, pinpoints the exact village or town where your ancestors stayed, and traces their migration routes.

GPS origin results are divided into two parts: Gene Pool Percentages and DNA Migration Routes. It walks you through human evolution since it began 360 million years ago.

Compared to Ancestry or 23andMe, GPS Origins’ reports are easier to navigate. But it’s only because it fits on one page, which leaves much to be desired. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll get:

1. Gene Pool Percentages

GPS origins determine your genetic ancestry through gene pools. These are the sum of a population’s genetic makeup at a given time. This information helps GPS Origins uncover two things about your DNA:

• Which communities contributed to your unique DNA signature
• Specific places your ancestors lived
• The exact location of your ancestors including historic towns or villages.

2. DNA Migration Routes

The migration maps show the top six locations where your DNA underwent the most changes. They also tell a visual story of your ancestors’ migration journeys.

Unfortunately, GPS Origins can’t tell you which migration routes are from your mother’s or father’s side of the family. That’s because it only tests your autosomal DNA, not YDNA or mtDNA. You would have had to take different DNA tests to know your paternal or maternal lineage–like the 23andMe Ancestry Kit.

My GPS Origins Report

I took the GPS Origins DNA Test Kit since I have mostly European ancestry.  Here’s what my gene pool percentage looks like:

By default, the report will include your top three gene pools. Clicking on a pool reveals the maps associated with them or the places where your ancestors lived. If you want to see your full report, click on the “All Gene Pools” button. 

In my case, I have 13 gene pools:

• 19.2 percent of my DNA is from communities in Fennoscandia (now modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Finland).
• 14.3 percent of my DNA is from communities in the Orkney Islands (located north of Scotland).
• 13.9 percent of my DNA is from communities in Southern France.
• Some of these match up with my results from 23andMe and Ancestry. However, there are a few differences.

GPS Origins vs. Other Companies

My AncestryDNA report says that I share most of my DNA with people from Norway, which is close to what GPS Origins found. On the other hand, my 23andMe results say most of my DNA is shared with French and German populations (Norway only comes second). 

There’s really no way of telling which DNA test is the most accurate. But it’s interesting to see some similarities in my reports.

You can learn more about your top three gene pools by clicking “Read Full Story.” This will open you up to your ancestral communities’ history, language, and migration patterns.

	GPS Origins	23AndMe	AncestryDNA
Chromosomes Analyzed	Autosomal DNA	Autosomal DNA	Autosomal DNA
Additional Chromosome Tests	None	mtDNA, YDNA	mtDNA, YDNA
Ethnicity	Not provided	Provided	Provided
Focus	Origins of ancestors, migration routes	Ancestry based on ethnicity percentages	Ancestry with additional insights from mtDNA and YDNA

Other GPS Origins Features

Like most DNA kits, GPS Origins allows you to download your raw DNA data. You can upload it to other DNA testing companies to learn more about your genes.

GPS Origins also lets you upload genetic data from three competitors, namely: Ancestry, 23andMe, and Family Tree DNA. However, it doesn’t accept 23andMe Version 5 Data or Family Tree DNA data downloaded after November 2018.

Is GPS Origins Test Accurate?

GPS Origins is very specific when it comes to providing the exact location of your DNA’s origins. If your parents came from the same place and share similar gene pools, GPS Origins can trace their DNA signatures to the country of their origin 81 percent of the time.

GPS Origins claims to predict the correct country of origin of at least one parent 96 percent of the time. However, some genetics experts have valid concerns about GPS Origins’ accuracy.

GPS Origins Tests

GPS Origins has three DNA testing services. Here is an overview of each test:

1. GPS Origins® Ancestry Test

The DNA kit helps determine your ancestry. You’ll get reports on:

• Your maternal and paternal ancestors’ migration route
• Places where your ancestors lived and mixed with locals
• Find out which populations contributed to your genetic profile

This kit is ideal if you don’t know your family history or if you have mixed ancestry. It’s because the test can trace your ancestral origins to different places.

2. GPS Origins® African Edition

The test confirms your African ancestry. It can provide a detailed report on the migration path of your African ancestors. 

It can also provide a full ethnicity estimate that shows how much DNA you share with other people. We recommend this test for people with known ancestors from Africa or who have good reason to believe they have African heritage.

3. GPS Origins® Asian Edition

The kit determines your Asian ancestry and gives you detailed results on your Asian ancestral composition. It can also provide a complete ethnicity profile that identifies people with common ancestors. It works best for people with Asian ancestors or if you think you are of Asian descent.

How GPS Origins Protects Your Privacy

Out of all the at-home DNA tests I’ve taken, GPS Origins was the least secure because it requires that you place your name on the test kit when you return it.

Other companies assign kit numbers to your tests, removing any personally identifiable information that will reveal your identity. Despite these privacy issues, GPS takes other measures to secure your privacy. 

For example, the company:

• Destroys all test samples after testing is complete (except for legal paternity tests).
• Only analyzes and stores data for the specific test ordered by the customer. This means the lab won’t perform other types of analysis on existing data.
• Does not maintain publicly accessible databases of ancestry-related or other data.
• Is committed to protecting the security of customers’ information. The company uses industry-standard security technologies and procedures to help protect customer information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
• Does not share or sell customer data with companies or entities not connected to DNA Diagnostics Center. Because of this policy, “opt-out” is not considered necessary.

How Much Does GPS Origins Cost? 

GPS Origins’ tests cost $199 on HomeDNA’s website. However, this DNA test kit is resold by other retailers, so you’ll encounter prices ranging from $99 to $199. If you want to upload your raw DNA data, it will cost you $39.

For its price, this DNA test kit is pretty basic. You’ll get the same testing kit regardless of which test you buy, and it contains the following:

• Four cheek swabs for collecting the DNA sample
• An envelope for storing your DNA sample
• A return envelope (postage-paid for U.S. customers)
• Instructions

How Does GPS Origins Kit Work?

You can buy the test at HomeDNA’s website or other online retailers. When it arrives, the first thing you need to do is register the kit.

Afterward, you can collect test samples and send them back for analysis. To collect your DNA sample:

• Swab your check four different times
• Wait for your samples to dry
• Put the swabs in the envelope and send them back
• You’ll get an email once they have received your DNA samples. 

Your personalized DNA test results should arrive within six weeks. I got mine in 17 days—one of the fastest I’ve received.

Is the GPS Origins Test Worth It?

Although GPS Origins makes the extraordinary claim of finding specific regions where your ancestors lived, it sounds dubious and doesn’t seem to be with it. While the results are unique, GPS Origins is pretty limited when put up against the likes of 23andMe or AncestryDNA.

For example, GPS Origins gives you one page of information. The competition provides health traits, possible relatives, and more in-depth ancestry information.

Moreover, the test kit can be quite expensive, and the information it provides doesn’t justify the price tag.  That being said, the test goes deep when it comes to things like migration patterns.

Why Trust Us

I’ve been testing DNA kits for the last seven years and have taken every DNA test on the market. I’ve compared results and have been committed to testing and tracking any changes over time.

As an organization, we at KnowYourDNA are committed to helping you get the most accurate information about your ancestry, health risks, and other genetic traits.

We only choose at-home DNA tests that meet the standards of the DNA testing industry and provide reliable testing methods. Our in-house medical experts help ensure the accuracy of our articles by reviewing them before publication.

Pros

• A simple, non-invasive test that requires a saliva sample
• You’ll learn the exact locations where your ancestors lived
• You can get even more detailed reports if you’re of Asian or African descent

Cons

• Tests for Asian and African ancestry are sold separately
• You don’t get much for the price you pay
• Only accepts older DNA data for uploading