Key Takeaways

• Genomelink lets you upload your raw DNA files
• It provides over 350+ reports on your genetic traits
• You can access its services with a monthly subscription

If you’ve taken tests from Ancestry, 23andMe, and MyHeritage, you can download your raw DNA—a digital file containing your genetic data.

You can always buy more of these kits or save hundreds of dollars by subscribing to Genomelink for $14 per month to get additional reports.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Genomelink, including its reports, pricing structure, accuracy, privacy measures, and overall user experience. We’ll also explore its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.aving to spend on another DNA test. This is good for anyone who has already taken one in the past and wants to upload their raw data from another company to find out more.

What Is Genomelink?

Genomelink is a third-party genetic analysis service. It doesn’t offer kits and instead specializes in interpreting data from other providers, namely:

• 23andMe
• AncestryDNA
• MyHeritage

It uses proprietary software to analyze the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in your raw DNA file and identify which genetic traits you have.

Genomelink also has a database of the latest genetic research. This enables the platform to provide unique reports and more information on your DNA than the original testing companies where you bought the kits.

Pros & Cons of Genomelink

Here are Genomelink’s advantages and disadvantages:

Genomelink Pros

• Offers unique reports with deeper insights
• Has a sizeable genetic research database
• Prioritizes data privacy and security
• A free version is available if you sign up
• Includes weekly trait reports for subscribers

Genomelink Cons

• Accuracy varies based on research
• Most reports require paid access
• It doesn’t let you download reports

What Do Customers Say About Genomelink?

Genomelink received a rating of 3.7 out of 5⭐ on Trustpilot from over 1,300 people who have used their service. Below is a summary of their reviews:

Positive Feedback

Users praise its detailed ethnicity reports, actionable insights, user-friendly interface, fast results, and responsive customer support. The free version is a good starting point for many customers, even without a subscription.

Negative Feedback

The company often draws criticism for its aggressive marketing and the limited accuracy of some results. People also complain about the immediate loss of access to reports once the subscription expires.

Which DNA Traits Does Genomelink Test For?

You can expect a total of 350+ reports on various genetic traits, which are divided into the following sections on your Genomelink account:

• Food and nutrition – Food allergies and intolerances
• Intelligence – Cognitive, reading, and mathematical ability
• Physical – Traits that affect sleep, weight, longevity, and more
• Personality – Influences on behavior, parenting, and more
• Sports – Recovery rate and risk for injuries

What DNA Reports Can You Get With Genomelink?

Genomelink offers 20 reports on your ancestry, health, and fun traits, plus additional weekly reports with a paid subscription. Customers who sign up may also get 100+ free reports by uploading their DNA data.

Ancestry Reports

Users can gain insight into their genetic origins and family history with 12 unique ancestry reports from Genomelink, including:

• Global ancestry – Traces your roots to 22 ethnicities
• Asia breakdown – Ancestry from 19 Asian groups
• African breakdown – Ancestry from 72 African groups
• European breakdown – Ancestry from 17 European areas
• Native American report – Indigenous roots from 10 tribes
• UK ancestry – Detailed reports on British ancestors
• Ancient bloodlines – Pleistocene to Bronze Age ancestry
• Ancient ancestry – discover origins from 5,000 years ago
• Ancient European – European ancestry from 8,000 years
• Neanderthal report – Neanderthal and Denisovan ancestry
• Hunter-Gatherer vs Farmer – determines ancestors’ society
• Viking index – checks for shared DNA with ancient Vikings 

Wellness & Health Reports

Genomelink helps you take control of your body with 6 wellness reports. Each one provides a detailed explanation of identified genetic traits, their potential impact on your health, and personalized health recommendations:

Nutrition Advice

The report examines your DNA to help you understand how your body digests certain nutrients, including Vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, and Folate (B9). It identifies potential deficiencies or excesses and suggests a personalized diet based on your genetics and answers to the nutrition questionnaire.

Fitness Advice

It uses your genetic information to predict your endurance, speed, and strength. Genomelink will then provide personalized recommendations on aerobic training, power development, and muscle growth so you can optimize your workouts and exercise routines.

Organ Wellness Report

It determines your genetic risk (low, average, or high) for some diseases and conditions that affect several aspects of your health, such as:

• Mood – Headache, migraines, and chronic fatigue
• Digestion – Gallstones, gut inflammation, and irritable bowel
• Urinary – Kidney stones and urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Genital – Reproductive health and sexual dysfunctions
• System – Heart health, hyperthyroidism, and inflammation 

Joint and Blood Wellness Report

This report determines your risk level (low, average, or high) for health issues that affect your joints and blood circulation, including:

• Heart and blood – Blood sugar and blood pressure
• Body – Gout and joint pain or inflammation
• Pain – Chronic pain and neck/shoulder pain

Mental Wellbeing Report

It identifies traits that impact your mood or behavior and risk for some mental health issues, such as:

• Anger
• Happiness
• Optimism
• Resilience
• Self-esteem
• Social rejection
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Seasonal mood swings
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The report also classifies your tendency for each trait as Excellent, Typical, or Poor based on your genetic predisposition.

Its personalized recommendations are designed to help you cope better with stress, maintain healthy relationships, and boost work productivity.

Skincare Advice

This report checks your risk (low, average, or high) for some skin conditions and identifies other genetic traits that influence skin health, namely:

• Texture, elasticity, and firmness
• Pigmentation and skin color
• Moisture level and sun sensitivity
• Autoimmune skin disease
• Sensitive skin

Fun Reports

Genomelink subscribers will also receive these interesting insights:

Career Personality Report

It’s based on the Big 5 Personality Framework and uses your DNA to analyze your genetic predisposition for the following traits:

• Openness
• Conscientiousness
• Extroversion
• Agreeableness
• Neuroticism

The report will also suggest careers that may be best for your personality, depending on your overall rating and score for each trait.

Political DNA Report

This report identifies genetic traits that might influence your political leanings and opinions on the following issues:

• Immigration
• Economy
• Environment
• Social inequality

You can also take a quiz to determine your actual political views on the same subjects so you’ll have something to compare with your DNA analysis.

How Accurate Is Genomelink?

According to most Genomelink users, about 74% or 223 of the 300 tested traits are accurate. However, they couldn’t tell if their results for 10.6% (32) of the tested traits were accurate or inaccurate.

To ensure accurate results, Genomelink takes these measures:

• It compares your DNA to 10,000 genetic studies
• Maintains a team of genomics and data science experts
• Integrates reports with the latest advancements in genomics
• Uses advanced algorithms with the help of leading geneticists
• Consultations with a scientific board for reliable interpretation

The accuracy of your report may vary depending on the reliability of individual studies and factors like environment and lifestyle choices.

Is Genomelink Safe?

Yes. You can trust Genomelink with your DNA. The company prioritizes user privacy and data security through the following measures:

• You retain full ownership and control of your DNA data
• Data is stored on servers that meet HIPAA standards
• Genomelink won’t use or sell data without explicit consent
• Option to delete your DNA data from Genomelink’s servers
• Customers can opt out of data sharing or selling

Genomelink also allows you to prevent third parties from collecting your information by giving you access to the Global Privacy Platform (GPP) and the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) WebChoices Tool.

How Much Does Genomelink Cost?

Genomelink is free for anyone who signs up, but you can also get a monthly subscription to access all reports. Here’s what you’ll get with each plan:

Features	Genomelink Plan	Genomelink Subscription
Cost	Free	$14/mo
Reports	50 traits at sign-up, then 50 traits after a few weeks	352+ traits
Compare Traits	With one person	Up to five people
Updates	None	Get one weekly email on a new genetic trait

It’s important to note that Genomelink doesn’t let you download your reports. Once your subscription expires, you’ll lose access to them.

If you want to keep copies of your reports, you’ll have to take screenshots from your dashboard while your subscription is still active.

Is A Genomelink Subscription Worth It?

Genomelink’s affordable subscription model and wide array of reports make it a worthwhile investment if you want to maximize your existing genetic data from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage.

Besides giving you additional insights into your ancestry, wellness, and personality, it provides actionable information that you can use to improve your health, make better choices, and other practical applications.

But if you’ve taken tests from Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), Living DNA, and other DNA testing companies, you should hold out on the service. It’s best to wait until Genomelink announces support for their raw DNA files.

Your health should be a top priority.

But when it comes to healthy eating, everyone’s body is different. Something that’s ideal for someone else may negatively impact you.

A major factor that affects your ability to handle certain carbs, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals is your genetic makeup. GenoPalate provides an in-depth nutritional analysis. It can help you become more familiar with your unique genotype, with a focus on nutrition-all based on your raw DNA data.

If you want to start eating for your genes, nutritional genomics is a great place to start. But how accurate is GenoPalate? Can you trust them with your DNA data? And is their nutritional analysis even useful?

Quick facts:

Sample Collection	Saliva swab
DNA Testing Type	Genetic variants analysis
Speed	4-6 weeks
Privacy Protection	Poor

Product Review Summary

Pros

• Learn your genetic needs for 23 different nutrients
• Recommendations of over 100 foods across 16 different categories
• Upload raw data from 23andMe or AncestryDNA
• Improve wellness with customized recipes and meal plans
• Food sensitivities to lactose, gluten, alcohol, and caffeine
• Check your results anywhere using the app
• Nutritional analysis is handled by a CLIA-certified lab

Cons

• No replacement for advice from a doctor
• Doesn’t include any ancestry information
• Slightly expensive

GenoPalate can be a fun way to learn a little more about your health and help motivate you into healthy eating habits.

However, there's no replacement for a doctor or certified nutritionist. Regardless, the informative test results are a good starting point for seeing how your genome relates to different health and wellness outcomes. 

While the price tag is a little high, if you already have existing raw data from AncestryDNA or 23andMe, you can get a substantial discount. 

We recommend GenoPalate for anyone interested in personalized nutritional analysis, weight loss, and custom meal plans based on their genetic makeup.

Source: 123rf

What Tests Does GenoPalate Offer?

GenoPalate offers the following:

• GenoBase - Great for learning about how your genetics affects your nutrition.
• GenoJump - Comes with help from a certified nutritionist and dietician to help you interpret your data for better health.
• GenoGo - A multi-session partnership with a licensed dietician to develop sustainable diet and nutrition plans.

Prices also vary depending on whether you've already taken a DNA test in the past and are just uploading the raw data or not.

What's Inside the Kit?

When you order a GenoPalate DNA test kit, the box should contain the following (if you ordered one of the Existing DNA kits, you will not receive sample collection tools):

• Barcode for registering your kit
• Cheek Swab for collecting your DNA sample
• Vial with sample collection liquid for storing your sample
• Cap for sealing vial
• Biohazard bag for storing the vial
• Prepaid shipping envelope

Send-in steps

GenoPalate test kits are pain-free and it only takes a few minutes to properly collect your DNA sample and prepare it for shipping. 

When using a GenoPalate DNA test kit, follow these 5 easy steps:

What You Get With Your Report

The results

GenoPalate’s test results are broken up into a few specific categories. We’ll cover each of these below:

Optimal nutritional intake

Your test results will cover the 23 different vitamins and minerals that you could use more or less of in your diet. 

The nutrients that GenoPalate’s test kit covers include:

Diet advice

If eating for your genes is a top priority, GenoPalate’s test results have you covered. Through genetic testing, you’ll learn the top 100+ fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are necessary for your specific genetic profile.

This nutritional analysis covers a variety of foods across 16 different categories. They even include some customized meal plans and recipes.

The food categories that GenoPalate covers include:

Food sensitivities 

Lastly, your GenoPalate test results check your sensitivities to certain common food items.

The four types of food sensitivities covered are gluten, lactose, alcohol, and caffeine.

They provide a scale of how likely you are to be reactive to these foods based on your genome. The scale will let you know if you’re not likely, likely, or very likely to have problems when consuming these items.

Source: 123rf

Using raw DNA data

If you’ve already taken a DNA test through either AncestryDNA or 23andMe, you can download your raw data and run GenoPalate’s nutritional analysis for cheaper.

Taking the Existing DNA or the Existing DNA + 5 Recipes tests will save more than 50% off of the normal retail price.

All you need to do is upload your raw data to GenoPalate’s website and you can get the same in-depth DNA analysis at a huge discount. Unfortunately, due to the genetic markers that GenoPalate needs to analyze, they will only accept raw data from either 23andMe or AncestryDNA at this time.

Is The Test Accurate?

While genetic testing offers insight into your nutritional profile, it won’t give you the full picture. Your genetics are just one factor that affects what constitutes “healthy eating." 

Your test results, while informative, shouldn’t be relied upon as solid medical advice. Use your test results as a fun way to learn a bit more about your genotype. However, they’re simply no replacement for advice from a licensed doctor or nutritionist.

Where Can I Buy The Product?

You can purchase GenoPalate directly from their website here.

How much does GenoPalate’s DNA kit cost?

When ordering a testing kit through GenoPalate, you are given four different options, all with varying prices.

If you’ve already taken a DNA test through a service that lets you download raw DNA data, such as AncestryDNA or 23andMe, you can save big by uploading it. If not, you’ll have to choose one of the two more pricey GenoPalate tests.

The price of each GenoPalate DNA testing kit is as follows:

• Existing DNA — $39.95
  • Only upload raw data from 23andMe or AncestryDNA (must have taken a prior DNA test through one of these two companies)
  • 100+ recommended foods for your genetic profile
  • Nutrition profile — your genetic need for 23 nutrients
  • Food sensitivities
  • Metabolism rate for alcohol and caffeine
  • Filtered by allergies and preferences
  • Check results from anywhere with the app

• Existing DNA + 5 Recipes — $69.95
  • Comes with everything that’s included with the Existing DNA GenoPalate test
  • Mix and match recipes based upon your genetic profile

• DNA Kit — $149.95
  • Includes a DNA analysis in CLIA-certified lab, no need to upload raw DNA data
  • 100+ best foods for your genetic profile
  • Nutrition profile — your genetic need for 23 nutrients
  • Food sensitivities
  • Metabolism rate for alcohol and caffeine
  • Filtered by allergies and preferences
  • Check results from anywhere with the app

• DNA Kit + 5 Recipes — $179.95
  • Comes with everything that’s included with the DNA Kit GenoPalate test
  • Mix and match recipes based upon your genetic profile

How is my privacy protected with GenoPalate?

When it comes to keeping your data secure, GenoPalate has plenty of room for improvement. According to the privacy policy, the company collects several types of data. Some of this data is volunteered, such as your name, address, credit card information, and email.

GenoPalate obviously has access to your genetic information as well.

The company also collects data, such as your IP address and cookies, when you download their app or log in to their website. When you install the app, GenoPalate collects your service usage information, your geolocation, the websites you visit, and your app store info.

Source: 123rf

Clearly, GenoPalate collects a lot of your information, but what exactly do they do with it? Is this something you need to be worried about?

Luckily, their privacy policy tells you exactly who the company will share your information with.

Your GenoPalate data could be shared with:

• Third-party service providers and suppliers 
• Third-party laboratories for DNA testing services
• Third-party partners 
• Professional advisors 
• Subsequent owners, assignees, and successors
• Government/law enforcement 

The above list may seem alarming. But while the company could potentially share your data with anyone we mentioned, GenoPalate claims they will only do so under certain circumstances. 

Below, you’ll find a list of the different scenarios that would need to be present for your data to be shared:

For the purpose collected

All of GenoPalate’s DNA testing is handled by independent labs with which the company contracts. Therefore, a certain amount of your information (including your DNA test results) will be seen by a third-party laboratory.

Process payment

Your payment info will be shared with the company’s third-party service providers who handle running your credit card.

Product development

GenoPalate may use your private information to help improve their products and services. If your data is used for this purpose, it will be de-identified and aggregated so the info can’t be used to personally identify you.

Advertising

When you use GenoPalate’s app, online account, or mailing list, you’re likely to receive personally targeted ads.

The company uses your personal information to figure out which ads you’re most likely to respond to so they can sell to you better. They also use your data to inform you about new products and features on their mobile app or website.

Evaluate and improve services

They may use or disclose your personal information to help analyze or improve any aspect of their business.

Things they may use your personal data for include troubleshooting problems, improving content, tailoring features, and informing marketing and communication plans and strategies. This is done by using non-identifiable aggregate data.

Government requests it

If GenoPalate receives a court order, law enforcement request, subpoena, or any other legal request, they will share your data with the requesting organization.

Non-criminals probably don’t need to worry about this, but it’s still good to be aware of.

Because of the amount of information that the company collects, as well as the number of situations in which they will share it, we decided to give GenoPalate a low rating for privacy.

While their privacy policy is unlikely to cause you any issues, their willingness to give your information to third parties in order to advertise to you better is unsettling, especially for a fairly costly service.

The competition

While plenty of DNA testing companies include a health portion in their test results, there aren’t nearly as many DNA test kits with a sole focus on bettering your health outcomes through nutritional genomics. 

Some of the more popular GenoPalate test alternatives include:

• Vitagene Health + Ancestry DNA Test  ($89-$269) — These tests offer personalized nutritional data with actionable diet, supplement, and exercise recommendations. Additionally, they’ll tell you about your skin’s genetic profile and your ancestry. These nutrition recommendations aren’t as in-depth as GenoPalate’s, but they do a decent job.
• Gene Food Custom Nutrition Plan ($139.99) — If you’re simply looking for a diet plan that’s customized to your genetic profile, Gene Food’s DNA test kit is a good option. This test doesn’t offer as much actionable advice as GenoPalate, but their custom diet plans are quite excellent.
• Orig3n Nutrition DNA Test ($149) — The popular DNA testing company, Orig3n, offers several different tests. However, the Nutrition DNA Test offers test results that are pretty similar to GenoPalate. With it, you’ll receive personalized nutrition recommendations, a list of your ideal food choices, and why you like or dislike certain foods.

Common Questions About Genopalate

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 kits that provide reliable testing methods and science-backed reports to improve your health.

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

About GenoPalate

• GenoPalate was founded in 2016
• Formed by two doctors and a nutritionist — Dr. Sherry Zhang, Dr. Paul Auer, and Matt Edwards
• Their mission is to help people understand nutritional science based on their own genetic profile via a DNA testing kit
• DNA testing lab is certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
• Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Our verdict: I liked that FamilyTreeDNA had a lot of features that I didn't get from its competitors (as an avid DNA tester). However, it wasn't the most user-friendly test because of the hard-to-navigate website. Still, there was lots to make up for it.

If you're a beginner not used to taking DNA tests or navigating the results, this may not be the best choice. However, if you're a little more seasoned (like me), you may find some unique insights here that you haven't found anywhere else.

FamilyTreeDNA tests don’t fall on the cheap side, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with its services before committing.

Product Review Summary

We looked through dozens of reviews on FamilyTreeDNA and noticed the following comments were consistent:

Pros

• Users liked that there were several testing methods available, like Y-DNA, mtDNA, and Autosomal DNA
• Many commented that the results were comprehensive and provided a lot of helpful information
• Test results were accurate and comprehensive

Cons

• Changed their terms of service in 2018 to allow law enforcement to use their DNA records for solving violent crimes, leaving many customers to worry about privacy issues
• Results are difficult to read, especially if you’re a novice (the technical jargon is a little intimidating for first-timers)
• The website’s dashboard isn’t the most user-friendly and can be a bit confusing
• Turnaround times were pretty long

Quick facts:

Sample Collection	Swab
DNA Testing Type	Autosomal, mtDNA, YDNA
Test results processing time	Up to 8 weeks

What Tests Do They Offer?

FamilyTreeDNA offers several DNA tests—they are grouped into three main DNA test types.

Y-DNA

The Y-DNA tests that FamilyTreeDNA offers are Y-37, Y-111, and Big Y-700.

Y-DNA Tests (Paternal Lineage)

• Y-37 – $119 (not explicitly listed in the search results, but it is the starting price for Y-DNA tests)
• Y-111 – $249
• Big Y-700 – $449

The different Y-DNA tests do different things. The more expensive ones are more extensive and can provide more information about your haplogroups.

• Y-37 basic paternal lineage for males, ideal for confirming a common ancestor.

• Y-111 tests 111 markers for a more refined paternal lineage, useful for more detailed comparisons with other males sharing a common paternal line.

• Big Y-700 provides the highest resolution for Y-DNA testing, examining the entire Y chromosome to discover paternal lineage, deep ancestral roots, and haplogroups.

Y-DNA tests focus on the Y-chromosome inherited from the paternal line (from father to son). This is ideal for finding any lost relatives in your patrilineage.

Autosomal DNA

FamilyTree DNA markets its microarray chip-based autosomal DNA test as the Family Finder kit. Genetic experts use microarray chips to run several tests very quickly on DNA without using too many materials.²

This test allows you to find family matches as distant as your 5th cousin. Familytree DNA also added myOrigins, a feature that breaks down the percentages of which regions or ethnic origins you may have come from.

Autosomal DNA Test

• Family Finder – $79

Family Finder is a test used to find relatives on all ancestral lines and provide a percentage breakdown of ethnic and geographic origins. It's ideal for anyone interested in genetic genealogy, especially beginners and those looking for closer relatives or adoptees wishing to find biological relatives.

mtDNA

Familytree DNA calls its mtDNA testing the mtFull Sequence.

This test kit examines your mitochondrial DNA to tell you more about your specific maternal haplogroup and your ancestor’s migration path on your maternal line.

Your maternal haplogroup refers to people with whom you share the same DNA that can be traced back to a common ancestor in your mother’s lineage. 

mtDNA Test (Maternal Lineage)

• Mitochondrial DNA Full Sequence (mtFull Sequence) – $159

Analyzes the entire mitochondrial genome, providing the most detailed information on maternal ancestry, including haplogroup and migration paths. It also includes a personalized "mtDNA Journey Video" that illustrates your maternal line's migration history.

Other Bundles and Packages

• Family Finder + myDNA Wellness – $119

This one is a bundle of the family finder and myDNA, which recommends health and wellness advice based on your DNA.

These prices are subject to change, and FamilyTreeDNA often has sales and discounts that can affect the final cost.

What’s Inside the Kit?

Your FamilyTreeDNA test kit comes with the following items:

• Two cotton swabs for collecting your DNA samples
• Two vials containing an antibacterial solution for storing your DNA samples
• Instructions for collecting your DNA samples
• A plastic bag
• A consent form allowing FamilyTreeDNA to give your name and email to any DNA matches you may have (genetic cousins)
• A prepaid envelope for returning your DNA sample to the testing company

How to Use FamilyTreeDNA's Test

Follow these steps to make sure you accomplish the FamilyTreeDNA test properly:

1. Make sure you can sign in to your account. This is a bit confusing as it says you should have a password for an account, but I didn’t receive one (customer service was nice enough to solve this for me).
2. Avoid eating or drinking an hour before collecting your sample.
3. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching the collection tools.
4. Place the unopened swabs and vials on a clean, level surface.
5. Remove one swab from the package. Scrape the insides of your cheek firmly, rotating the swab for 45 seconds.
6. Open one vial, insert the swab side down, and snap it off against the edge of the vial, suspending it in the liquid.
7. Repeat steps five and six with the other swab, but this time on the opposite cheek.
8. Double-check that the orange caps are screwed tightly onto your vials and place them into a plastic bag.
9. Place the signed consent form and the vials into the plastic bag.
10. Seal the plastic bag and place it into the prepaid return envelope.
11. Mail the envelope back to the return address.
12. Wait for six to eight weeks to receive your results.

What You Get With Your Report

After processing my DNA sample, FamilyTreeDNA sent me an email with my test results:

I noticed that FamilyTreeDNA's email wasn't as polished or visually pleasing. Other DNA testing companies put some effort into theirs, so it was something I wasn't as impressed with. Still, beyond the less-than-stellar aesthetic and sometimes confusing navigation, their results were pretty fun to look through.

I still think FamilyTreeDNA should work on making its reports more user-friendly and a little more polished, even if the focus is on the results.

With a little time and discipline, I was able to figure out how to read my test results.

Family Tree’s dashboard contains a few sections:

Y-DNA

Under Y-DNA, there were 12 sections:

1. Matches - These are my Y-DNA matches. They’re people I share the same haplogroups with. I also saw their earliest known ancestor in this section. 
2. Ancestral Origins - This showed my ancestral origins using my Y-DNA Haplogroups.

The Matches Map gave me a nice visual map of my matches.

4. Data Download - This section gave me a view of all of my SNP data, including my variants.
5. Advanced Matches - I thought it was cool that I could specify my Y-DNA haplogroups and find more advanced matches (this is great if you’re looking for something in particular).
6. Haplogroup Origins - Here, I saw the origins of the parent haplogroups in my lineage.
7. Y-DNA Migration Maps - This showed the migration of my Y-DNA (Note: This uses Adobe Flash, and, unfortunately, you’re forced to download it).
8. Y-STR Results - This gave me the marker values of your Y-STR Values.
9. Haplotree & SNPs - This appears to be similar to the data download section.
10. SNP Map - You start this section by choosing your Haplogroup and then specifying the SNP you want to check.
11. Print Certificate - To print, it offered me to download the following PDFs:
    • Understanding your results
    • The Y-DNA Str Certificate
    • Y-DNA Migration Map
12. Learn more - This brought me to the learning center to see more in-depth information about all of the data that FamilyTreeDNA gave me.

Additional Features

In this section, I found a few other things to explore, like the "factoids" test, which is a paid feature ranging from $19 to $49.50. It offers additional data from your DNA sample like:

• Caffeine metabolism
• Earwax type
• Longevity or lifespan
• Freckling

I also liked the partner applications feature, which lists applications where you can transfer your DNA data. Right now, FamilyTreeDNA is partnered with Geni. This service allows you to make your family part of the Word Family Tree.

One last cool thing I liked was the public haplotrees feature, which allowed me to see the public haplo trees of both my Y-DNA and mtDNA results.

myFamilyTree

MyFamiyTree let me build my family tree. I was given the choice to build it from scratch or to upload my GEDCOM file.

GEDCOM, or Genealogical Data Communications, is a data structure that genealogists use to store and move genealogical information.³

This was really fun to fill out, as it gave me a great visual for my family, even older generations.

mtDNA

I also took the mtFull Sequence. Its dashboard is nearly the same as the Y-DNA test.

This test tracked my mother’s lineage rather than my father’s.

I won’t go over the first four sections in great detail (Matches, Ancestral Origins, Matches Maps, Advanced Matches), as they’re the same as the Y-DNA test.

To learn more about these sections, check out what I wrote under Y-DNA above.

1. Haplogroup Origins - This showed a breakdown of my haplogroup origins for my maternal line.

2. Migration Maps - Displayed a visual format of the migration paths that my ancestors may have used.

3. Mutations - Presented how my mtDNA has mutated throughout my family’s history. My test revealed that my haplogroup originated in Europe.

Autosomal DNA

Autosomal DNA is a mixture of DNA from both parents, so it may reveal information about your maternal and paternal ancestry.

This test was designed to find relatives up to five generations back, making it ideal for amateur genealogists.

It found genetic matches from both my mother’s and my father’s bloodline. Unfortunately, it couldn't tell me which side of the family my match came from, which took a little more guesswork than I would have liked.

If FamilyTreeDNA finds a genetic match within third cousin distance (or closer), the testing service will provide you with their name and email address. They will provide you with any genealogical information you share with this match. This happened to me, although I still wasn't ready to reach out.

Where Can I Buy FamilyTreeDNA?

You can buy it on their website.

How Much Does FamilyTreeDNA Cost?

Here is the price breakdown:

• Family Finder - $79
• Y-37 - $119
• Y-111 - $249
• Big Y-700 - $449
• Mitochondrial DNA Full Sequence (mtFull Sequence)- $159
• Family Finder + myDNA Wellness - $119

Is FamilyTreeDNA Accurate?

FamilyTreeDNA is generally considered accurate, although every DNA testing service is not 100% perfect. Several factors can affect accuracy, such as:

• Quality of sample
• If the sample is handled properly
• If algorithms are up-to-date
• If the samples are transported properly

Still, because of FamilyTreeDNA's long-standing reputation and the trust that their consumers have put in them, I'd say you can rely on them.

What’s On the FamilyTreeDNA Consent Form?

When you sign the consent form included in your DNA testing kit, you agree that FamilyTreeDNA can:

• Make your email address and name available to any genetic matches they find.
• Use your DNA sample for migration and population genetic studies.
• Convert your physical DNA sample into DNA data.
• Invite you to participate in optional surveys and questionnaires where they may gather more personal information for additional insights.
• Identify your potential relatives in their DNA database by comparing your DNA data to other FamilyTreeDNA users’ DNA data.
• Use your DNA data, family tree details, and other personal info to help you discover other details about your family history, including ancestors you may share with other FamilyTreeDNA members. This information can help you build your family tree and trace the migration path of your ancestors.
• Provide consistent quality and improve FamilyTreeDNA product features and services.
• Help create new product features and services, including products related to wellness and health.

Is FamilyTreeDNA Worth It?

Yes, we think so. If you're already pretty used to DNA tests, FamilyTreeDNA is a great choice.

It's a little harder to justify for beginners, but since I've been taking DNA tests for a while, I find their reports fun and interesting.

I definitely think it's worth it too if you're willing to overlook the clunky interface.

Can I Download My DNA Data?

When you take the Family Finder test, you’re able to download your raw DNA data and use it however you like.

To download your genetic data, you need to:

1. Log in to your FamilyTreeDNA account
2. On the top bar, hover over the myDNA dropdown menu and go to Family Finder
3. Click the option to Download Raw Data

The file is available in a zip format. You can upload it to other DNA testing sites for analysis.

Is My Data Safe with FamilyTreeDNA?

FamilyTreeDNA could use some improvement with its privacy policies. In December 2018, the company announced the changes in its terms of service, allowing law enforcement agencies to use their DNA data to solve cold cases.¹

The company states that it will only allow law enforcement to use its customers’ data to solve violent crimes. But the fact that they share data with any government agencies may be cause for concern.

Other DNA testing companies have resisted pressure from law enforcement to turn over sensitive DNA data.

If privacy is one of your primary concerns, you may want to consider another company, such as 23andMe or AncestryDNA.

FamilyTreeDNA vs. Competitors

Company	Base Price	Add-On/Subscription Prices	Turnaround Time	Testing Types	Database Size
FamilyTreeDNA	$79 (Family Finder)	Y-DNA tests range from $119 to $449; mtDNA Full Sequence $159; Bundles available	6-8 weeks	Autosomal, Y-DNA, mtDNA	Not specified
23andMe	$99 (Ancestry Service)	Health + Ancestry Service $229; 23andMe+ Membership $69/year	2-3 weeks	Autosomal, mtDNA, Y-DNA (for males), health predispositions, carrier status	Over 12 million kits sold
AncestryDNA	$99	Memberships range from $21.99 to $59.99/month for access to additional records	6-8 weeks	Autosomal	Over 18 million people
MyHeritage	$89	Subscriptions start at $79/year for access to additional records	3-4 weeks	Autosomal	Over 4.5 million people

FamilyTreeDNA has no health section, unlike its main competitors, AncestryDNA, Living DNA, and MyHeritage.

AncestryDNA and 23andMe have health sections, making their tests usable for heritage as well as health information. The results from companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA are easier to follow and less confusing for novice genealogists.

FamilyTreeDNA vs. 23andMe

23andMe definitely beats FamilyTreeDNA in terms of turnaround time and offering health insights. However, FamilyTreeDNA still has an edge on 23andme because of its ancestral tracing.

FamilyTreeDNA vs. AncestryDNA

FamilyTreeDNA surprisingly dives deeper into ancestral paternal and maternal lineages, but AncestryDNA has a better, more holistic picture, given its enormous database. It's a little more specific than FamilyTreeDNA.

FamilyTreeDNA vs. MyHeritage

MyHeritage is the choice for those who need a more user-friendly interface. However, FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage are great at tracing lineage.

How We Evaluated FamilyTreeDNA

We spent hours of thorough research, reading reviews, and scouring the web. We also tried some features ourselves. After much effort, our team came up with the criteria for rating FamilyTreeDNA. 

Accuracy

We looked at the company's research and development procedures. We wanted to ensure their reports were based on the most recent findings in the relevant fields of science.

Privacy

We made sure to only review companies that take care to keep your data safe.

If you feel unsafe, you can delete your data from their servers. They give you complete control and ownership over your information in this way.

Price

We made sure to take price into account, as well as value for money.

User experience

Our research revealed that most users were satisfied with the services offered by FamilyTreeDNA.

Most of them also find customer support helpful and responsive.

About FamilyTreeDNA

• One of the older DNA testing companies on the market
• Offers three different types of ancestry tests: mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), autosomal DNA, and Y-DNA
• More than one million records in its database
• Founded in 2000 by Bennett Greenspan
• Based in Houston, Texas, U.S.

Many affordable DNA tests can help you quickly discover your genetic makeup. Just because they don't have a luxury price tag doesn't mean they can't get the job done—in fact, some of these cheaper options may suit your needs better than an expensive one.

While it’s true that some bargain test kits can give you limited information, other inexpensive DNA test kits are actually pretty trustworthy and reliable. Most companies design these kits for specific purposes, like confirming biological connections or discovering your heritage.

Consumer brands like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and other larger companies have the resources to provide worthwhile information for ancestry, health, and even establishing paternity. These tests are affordable and still deliver highly accurate results.

You don't need to break the bank for actionable DNA insights at all.

Exploring your genetic makeup is now more accessible to everyone, thanks to the rise of at-home DNA tests, which you can conveniently buy online. 

While lab tests can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars, these kits offer a budget-friendly way to learn more about your ancestry, health risks, and even your paternity status—often for under $80.

Our comprehensive guide explores the top contenders for cheap DNA tests in terms of value. We’ll also give you tips on key features to consider and how to ensure you're getting reliable results at an affordable price.

5 Cheapest DNA Kits of 2024

Below is a quick comparison of our top picks for affordable DNA tests:

DNA Testing Company	Discounted Kits	Discounted Bundles	Discounted Subscriptions	Add-On Offers
MyHeritage	$29	Starts at $29 with free 30-day complete trial	Starts at $49/yr for the first year	$120 for health reports
AncestryDNA	$39	Starts at $40 with a 3-month membership	Starts at $16.50/mo for the first 6 months	$20 for traits report
23andMe	Starts at $59	Starts at $99 for two ancestry kits or one ancestry + health kit with a 1-year membership	Starts at $69/yr after the first year of 23andMe Premium+ expires	None
LivingDNA	Starts at $72	None	None	None
DNA Direct	Starts at $79	None	None	$25 for the mother and $35 for every new child tested

When looking for the cheapest options, you shouldn’t just look at the cost of the DNA testing kit. Try to see if the company offers bundles, subscriptions, and add-ons at discounted rates so you can maximize your savings.

MyHeritage — Our Top Affordable Pick

Why We Recommend It

Key Features

• DNA database – 8.7 million users
• Tested locations – Over 2,100 regions
• Historical records – More than 21 billion
• Raw DNA – Download, upload, and delete
• Waiting time – 3 to 4 weeks

Pros

• Flexible plans⁠—access records, family tree, or both
• Holds records from the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada
• Feature-packed and easy-to-use tools for building family trees
• Optional 27 health reports on genetic risks and carrier status
• Upload raw DNA to find possible family members in 1 to 2 days

Cons

• Building family trees with 250+ people requires a subscription
• Smaller user database compared to 23andMe and Ancestry

Enjoy free DNA matches on MyHeritage if you upload your files from other providers. New customers who opt for the trial will receive a free 30-day subscription, which includes access to records and the enhanced family tree builder. After the trial ends, the first year only costs half the price.

Read our MyHeritage review

AncestryDNA - Best for Ancestry Research

Key Features

• DNA database – 25 million users
• Tested locations – Over 3,000 regions
• Historical records – More than 60 billion
• Raw DNA – Download and delete
• Waiting time – 6 to 8 weeks

Pros

• Unlimited family tree when you purchase the kit
• Free 14-day trial for your selected membership plan
• Find more potential relatives in the massive database
• Choose a subscription based on the records you need
• Get reports on over 75 traits for an additional $20

Cons

• Access to membership is a bit pricey long-term
• Doesn’t test for genetic conditions you might be at risk for

Ancestry’s deals aren’t exclusive to buyers who purchase their DNA test. Non-members may also get discounted subscriptions in the first six months, starting at $16.50 per month. Its affordable costs and extensive records make it the best platform to learn more about your family history.

Read our AncestryDNA review

23andMe - Best for Health & Wellness

Key Features

• DNA database – 15 million users
• Tested locations – Over 3,500 regions
• Raw DNA – Download and delete
• Waiting time – 4 to 6 weeks

Pros

• Receive up to 95+ health insights, including genetic risks
• Reports on up to 30+ traits that affect personality and more
• Provides actionable recommendations to improve health
• Get percentage estimates of your ancestral composition
• Trace your maternal and paternal origins with haplogroups

Cons

• Produces fewer genetic matches than AncestryDNA
• Health data privacy concerns (although users may opt-out)

Upgrade to the 23andMe+ Premium for an additional $20 (total of $99) to receive health and ancestry reports and a one-year membership. The package includes over 50 health reports with actionable insights and ongoing updates for the next twelve months, renewable at only $69/yr.

Read our 23andMe Review

LivingDNA - Best for Free DNA Uploads

Key Features

• DNA database – Over 300,000 users
• Tested locations – More than 150 regions
• Raw DNA – Download, upload, and delete
• Waiting time – 6 to 8 weeks

Pros

• Identifies your ancestors’ migration patterns
• Ideal for Irish, British, European, and African ancestry
• Regional breakdowns trace ancestry on a town level
• Wellbeing kits offer 11+ health reports and recommendations
• You can buy personalized vitamins based on your results

Cons

• It has a small DNA database but it’s growing
• Users won’t be able to access historical records

LivingDNA offers separate ancestry and wellbeing tests for $124 and $129, respectively. But you can purchase them individually at discounted prices of $72 and $90. Or, you can buy the $225 kit that combines both DNA tests and provides actionable health suggestions, as it’s currently down to $130.

Read our LivingDNA review

DNA Direct Solutions — Best for Cheap Paternity Testing

Key Features

• What’s included – 4 swabs and 2 swab envelopes
• Shipping costs – Free USPS within the United States
• Waiting time – 1 to 2 business days

Pros

• Easy-to-use kit with clear instructions
• At-home sample collection makes it convenient
• Includes a return envelope for sending samples
• Accredited by the AABB and ANAB in the US
• Meets international ISO 17025:2017 standards

Cons

• Shipping delays may occasionally extend the process
• Some users report limited customer support

DNA Direct’s paternity kit isn’t legally admissible, but it’s a cheap way to address your concerns both privately and discreetly. The company uses an accredited lab and verifies each sample twice for accuracy. Its fast results can help you decide if further legal testing is necessary for your case.

Tips For Buying Affordable DNA Kits

Choosing from cheap DNA testing companies can be tricky. You want to get the most value from their services and reports without feeling cheated. To help you find great deals, here is a list of the criteria you should consider:

• Affordability – Reasonably priced kits and subscriptions
• Comprehensive results – Quality and variety of reports
• Privacy features – Keeps your data safe and secure
• Raw DNA access – Options to upload, download, or delete
• User feedback – Positive reviews from customers
• Trusted brand – Backed by a reputable company

Can You Trust Cheap DNA Tests?

The low cost of some DNA testing kits can understandably raise questions about their reliability. The good news is that "cheap" doesn't necessarily make them "unreliable” as long as you know which features to look out for.

By carefully considering a company's reputation and its measures to ensure privacy and accuracy, you can confidently find an affordable DNA kit with excellent results on your ancestry, health, and more.

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

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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.