AncestryDNA Test Reviews: Pros & Cons to Know About Ancestry DNA Tests
Updated on April 17, 2024
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In This Article
Our verdict: AncestryDNA lived up to its promise to deliver as much helpful information as possible about my DNA sample at an affordable cost. I learned so much about my heritage from the reports in my results. I was even able to connect with some relatives and genetic matches.
However, they did require a subscription to access public records, like historical and family resources databases. Having free access to these would have been nice, especially since I’m curious about my family history (and I’m probably not the only one).
Still, I enjoyed what AncestryDNA did offer for free, like my DNA matches, ethnicity estimates, and DNA communities.
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We looked through dozens of different reviews of Ancestry DNA. Here are some of the most common pros and cons we found and experienced.
Ancestry offers four test kits on genetic ancestry and other services:
The AncestryDNA test kit runs your genetic markers across the database to help track your ethnicity, genetic heritage, and where your family is from.
This test kit adds a World Explorer membership to the AncestryDNA test kit. The membership gives you three-month access to Ancestry’s US and international records.
Ancestry currently has the most extensive database and the most number of users among major DNA testing companies.
In addition to tracing your origins and ethnicity, this test identifies genetic traits that influence your health and appearance.
You also get three-month access to Ancestry’s US and international records, a Newspapers.com subscription, and Fold3’s military records.
If you want access to Ancestry’s massive collection of historical and family resources, you can take advantage of the three-month subscription included with your kit.
If you’re not a member, you can subscribe any time before or after you take their test.
When your membership expires, AncestryDNA will automatically renew you for a six-month subscription which you can pay monthly or upfront to save money.
These monthly services let you expand your detailed family tree and connect with your DNA matches.
Ancestry used to include a test kit providing their customers with health reports, known as AncestryHealth. It helps assess your genetic risk for a number of hereditary conditions. However, the service was discontinued in 2020. Reports connected to AncestryHealth were deleted from the company’s servers to ensure customer privacy.
Ancestry has the most extensive database and the most number of users among major DNA testing companies.
As of 2021, it has 30 billion historical records and over 20 million people in its network.
In 2022, AncestryDNA expanded its services to more than 80 countries throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, and North America.1
This makes Ancestry’s DNA testing kit perfect for anyone who wants to learn about their family histories or find family connections.
| Price | $99 for base kit |
| Collection type | Saliva swab |
| DNA Testing Method | Microarray-based autosomal DNA testing |
The AncestryDNA kit contains the following:
Here’s what you can expect from your Ancestry results.
According to Ancestry, Ethnicity Estimates look at around 1,000 sections of the user’s genetic makeup.
My ethnic regions are based on comparisons between my DNA and the company’s reference populations.
Ancestry assigns each DNA section to an ethnic region with a close resemblance. The estimates are expressed in percentages.
Here are my ethnicity estimates. I can access them on my dashboard by clicking “DNA” then “DNA Story.”
My DNA looks similar to people from these six regions:
The list says 27% of my DNA suggests I have ancestors from Norway, not that I am 27% Norwegian. It means I may have inherited 27% of my DNA from ancestors who came from Norway.
Communities show you places where your most recent ancestors may have originated from.
I got six results from the DNA communities assessment:
Compared to ethnic regions, communities will connect us to more recent and specific populations and locations.
Like my ethnicity estimates, I can access my communities on my dashboard by clicking “DNA” and “DNA Story.”
Once your DNA data is processed, AncestryDNA will search its database for DNA matches. This happens whether or not you have a linked family tree on Ancestry.
You can control how much personal information you can share with potential matches. Only display names can be shown unless your matches have a public family tree or profile.
Here’s what my DNA matches look like. I can access them on my dashboard by clicking “DNA” and “DNA Story.”
Unfortunately, this feature is hidden behind a paywall. You can’t enjoy this feature unless you choose one of Ancestry’s subscription services.
Traits is an add-on feature of AncestryDNA’s test kit. It evaluates more than 35 traits, broken down into four main sections:
You can access your traits reports by clicking “DNA” and then “Traits.” For each attribute, the person can confirm whether AncestryDNA hits the spot.
Here are some examples of my reports.
My omega-3 report says I have typical omega-3 levels. It also contains genetic information and where I can get my omega-3 dose.
Here’s my alcohol flush. It provides similar information about my omega-3 status. This time, there’s a percentage of users who have the same level of alcohol flush.
This feature may not be as thorough as the genetic health test from 23andMe or other DNA companies. However, at least half of my report is accurate.
Yes. Ancestry claims on its website that its ancestry tests are accurate.
Ancestry has the largest DNA database among its competitors. A larger genetic data is more likely to provide an accurate DNA match or ethnicity estimate. According to Ancestry, each genetic marker it tests has an average accuracy rate of over 99%.2
However, DNA matches are limited to Ancestry’s user database. It can only compare your DNA to people who have taken their tests.
Ancestry is still expanding to more locations around the world. It means the accuracy of your test result will depend on the regions the company will compare your DNA to.
DNA results may also vary for each individual. Still, it can give you an idea of where your ancestors lived and help you find possible relatives.
You must create an Ancestry account before you order an AncestryDNA kit. If you already have an account, you can use the same login.
Once you’ve activated your DNA kit and set up your account, it’s time to extract your DNA sample:
The testing lab will extract and analyze your sample. It will generate raw DNA data and compare it to 30 billion records, reference populations, and other data points.
AncestryDNA uses autosomal DNA tests. It doesn’t test for mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) and Y-DNA (Y chromosome). Thus, it cannot track your maternal and paternal lines separately.
You can purchase an AncestryDNA test kit on their website. You’d have to pay for the shipping fee separately.
The cost of the basic AncestryDNA test kit is $99. The company offers two other test kits:
AncestryDNA also has membership and services, offering access to their massive historical and family resources database.
These monthly services let you expand your family tree and connect with your DNA matches or potential relatives.
They may be costly, but paying for six-month memberships upfront will save you $18 to $60. There’s also a 14-day free trial to see if the subscriptions suit your needs.
Here are our AncestryDNA reviews on how it compares to competitors:
| Quick Comparison of DNA Test Kits for Ancestry | AncestryDNA | 23andMe Ancestry Service | MyHeritage DNA kit |
| Cost | $99 | $99 | $89 |
| DNA testing method | Autosomal DNA test | Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA test | Autosomal DNA test |
| Number of regions tested | More than 1,800 | 2,000 | 2,100 |
| Offers family matching? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Database size | Over 22 million | Over 12 million | 6 million |
| Offers health screening? | No | Yes | Yes |
| When are the results ready | Six to eight weeks | Four to six weeks | Three to four weeks |
| Where can I buy it? | Ancestry website | 23andMe website | MyHeritage website |
Where 23andMe strongly focuses on health testing, AncestryDNA emphasizes ancestry DNA testing more.
Unlike 23andMe (which runs autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA tests), Ancestry only performs autosomal DNA testing. You can’t confirm maternity or paternity with Ancestry.
Both use autosomal DNA testing.
MyHeritage has a smaller database than AncestryDNA. However, MyHeritage has more users in Europe.4
AncestryDNA’s records are more concentrated in North American regions. The accuracy of your results may depend on which region you’re from.
Yes. Ancestry says on its privacy page that you own your genetic data and personal information.
To help secure your data and ensure your privacy, AncestryDNA has the following safety and privacy policies:3
Still, some minor risks are involved when you submit your DNA samples to genetic testing companies such as Ancestry.
For example, they can provide your information to law enforcement if they are legally required. You can read more about Ancestry’s privacy policy here.
Yes. AncestryDNA taught me a lot about my heritage, where my ancestors came from, and even regions with people who have similar DNA.
I also like that Ancestry constantly adds new features, which means I’ll receive updates to my ethnicity results as they accumulate data.
For people seeking distant relatives or biological parents, the company’s DNA database of 20+ million users increases the odds of successful matches.
If you’re already an Ancestry member, it’s worth adding AncestryDNA. It’s an excellent tool for building and expanding your family trees.
Ancestry is a DNA testing company that provides the best odds of finding your ancestors or potential relatives. It was one of the pioneers in computerizing family history.
In 2012, Ancestry offered its first DNA testing kit called AncestryDNA. It’s directly tied to Ancestry’s family tree service.
Since then, it has become a powerful tool for finding long-lost relatives, tracing your genealogy, and uncovering ethnic origins.
Our team developed a list of criteria based on the following:
Ancestry earned its place among the most reputable DNA testing companies with its transparency about its services. Their policies and practices around genetic testing are also available on their website.
The company provides the following information for public knowledge:
Their customer reviews and ratings also reflect that they are a trustworthy brand. Many reviews online show they were satisfied with the test and reports from Ancestry.
Ancestry works with field experts and cutting-edge technology in genetic testing. Their competence and continuous innovation with their methods add to their company’s reputation.
Ancestry protects your information through a secure database. They also set up the following privacy policies to protect your data:
Ancestry provides frequent reports about their interaction with law enforcement. They require legal processes like a court order or search warrant as the minimum level of due process before granting access to customer information.
Ancestry has a dedicated knowledge base where you can search for inquiries about your account and results. The company has virtual assistants on standby to answer your questions if you have problems navigating the support center page.
Their customer service hotline is available seven days a week from 9 am to 11 pm EST.
Doing an at-home DNA test is about convenience. Purchasing the kit, collecting your sample, and sending it back to the testing lab should only take minimal effort.
Purchasing the kit online is straightforward and shouldn’t take hours. They accept different payment methods, including Paypal, PayPal Credit, Apple Pay, and credit/debit cards.
AncestryDNA has an easy collection method, so obtaining your samples at home should be no sweat.
Sending back your sample is also a breeze. The company has it taken care of with a prepaid return mailer. You just have to secure your sample in the packaging.
Your results will come out in six to eight weeks, and they’ll update you through email.
For an affordable cost, you get a highly extensive insight into your historical and geographical ancestry.
AncestryDNA will compare the data from 700,000 of your biological markers to population information from more than 1,800 global regions.
It helps them present a percentage breakdown of your ethnicity.
Additional services, such as connecting to potential relatives, are also available. The company can also help build your family tree.
AncestryDNA has a multi-step process that ensures an accuracy rate of over 98% for each biological marker it tests.
One of their testing methods is autosomal DNA testing. It’s the most information-rich test available. It looks at your paternal and maternal lines with a single saliva sample.
It traces your ancestry through the bits of genetic sequences from your past generations.
Besides, Ancestry has the largest user database, contributing to a more accurate result.
AncestryDNA test kit falls within the limits of how much people are willing to pay for tests that help uncover their ancestry and heritage.
Although some features require additional fees, they should still be budget-friendly.
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 DNA test kits with reliable testing methods and science-backed reports to improve your experience.
Our in-house medical experts help ensure the accuracy of the information we give our readers by reviewing it before publication.
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