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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.
AncestryDNA is one of the first companies to computerize family history. It has established the most extensive database, leading them to provide more accurate test results.1
The company continually updates your results as they add more profiles or users to its database. It lets you discover something new about your heritage now and then.
You’ll receive complete results about your ethnicity and other DNA matches. The AncestryDNA platform also allows connection between matches through the public family tree feature.
Not only is it affordable, but its value for money is unmatched.
23andme is one of the leaders in the DNA testing industry—for good reason. Their platform is easier to navigate compared to others, as well as their test results.
23andMe offers three types of DNA testing—autosomal, mitochondrial (mtDNA), and Y-DNA. From these, they can help trace your maternal and paternal haplogroups.
Haplogroups are populations of people sharing a common ancestor on either their paternal or maternal line. It’s based on similar mtDNA or Y-DNA passed on for many generations. A female passes the same mtDNA to all her children, while a male passes the same Y-DNA only to his sons.
The kit also includes a traits report. It checks how your DNA affects your appearance and other characteristics you may have.
At KnowYourDNA, we love 23andMe due to its ease of use and relevant information. Read our review of 23andMe, learn what to do with your health results, or check it out on 23andMe. The amount of data you get is well worth its price tag (which isn’t that hefty to begin with).
MyHeritage offers one of the cheapest DNA self-test kits for determining your ancestry, possible family connections, and ethnicity. It uses cheek swabs for DNA collection.
The company, though, has a smaller DNA database (5.5 million) than more established companies like Ancestry and 23andMe. Despite that, it still does have an impressive array of 15.7 billion historical records, which you can use to build your family tree.
Unfortunately, MyHeritage DNA only offers autosomal DNA testing. It doesn’t test for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosomes (Y-DNA.) It can’t provide information about your maternal and paternal lines.
You may read our comprehensive MyHeritage DNA review here.
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The 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service offers all the features of 23andMe Ancestry on top of its DNA test for health. It’s the best in terms of health screening among human DNA tests.
You can quickly get insights into your health and ancestry using a simple spit tube. 23andme is also the only FDA-approved DNA testing company.2
The test results have several categories, including
It can also check the link between your DNA and how your body may process different medications. It falls under the Pharmacogenetics reports.
Living DNA may be a newcomer in the DNA testing scene, having only been founded in 2016. But as an off-shoot of DNA Worldwide—a leading forensic testing company—it has much to offer.
Its features include recent ancestry, migration maps, patterns, etc.
Living DNA Wellbeing test kit costs $129 plus shipping. They’re one of the cheapest DNA kits on the market. You may read our full review of Living DNA here.
This paternity test is touted for its accuracy. While competitors test for 16 genetic markers, DNA Direct looks for 22 markers.
Genetic markers are specific DNA sequences in a known location in the chromosome. A child and his biological father share genetic markers in every sequence of DNA.
Many U.S. states require AABB accreditation for labs performing DNA and relationship testing. Aside from being AABB-accredited, DNA Direct is also ISO 17025-accredited.
It means they can generate competent and valid results per industry standards.
If you’re looking to determine your paternity (or that of someone you know), Paternity Depot’s Paternity Test Kit is all you need.
It’s sold directly from a certified laboratory, making this an incredibly reliable paternity testing kit.
Their results are guaranteed and will be delivered in a week or less. This is a great way to determine paternity.
| Comparison of DNA Ancestry Test Kits | AncestryDNA | 23andMe | MyHeritage DNA |
| Cost | $99 | $119 | $39 for the first year then $79 per year |
| Type of DNA sample used | Saliva or cheek swab | Saliva spit | Saliva or cheek swab |
| Types of DNA Testing | Autosomal DNA | Autosomal DNA Mitochondrial DNA Y-DNA | Autosomal DNA |
| Does it feature DNA matching | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| How many regions are covered | Over 1,800 regions | Over 2,000 regions | 2,114 regions |
| Does it have family tree builder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Does it have health upgrade | No | Yes, but for an added cost | Yes, but for an added cost |
| Does it offer traits report | No | Yes | No |
| When will the results come out | 6 to 8 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Comparison of DNA Paternity Test | DNA Direct | Paternity Depot |
| Cost | $79 | $79 |
| Type of sample used | Buccal swab | Saliva swab |
| When will the results come out | Around 2 business days | Approximately 7 to 10 business days |
| Comparison of DNA Tests for Health | 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service | Living DNA Wellbeing Kit |
| Type of sample used | Saliva | Mouth/cheek swab |
| When will the results come out | 3 to 5 weeks | 10 to 12 weeks |
Here are three of the most common DNA testing types for beginner-level DNA tests:
You may find it challenging to find a cheap DNA kit with reliable results. Here are a few tips on choosing the best DNA kit:
Our team made a list of criteria for picking the most affordable DNA tests.
Yes. Most at-home DNA tests yield accurate results.
Regarding ancestry testing, the accuracy of your results depends on the size of the database. You will likely get more information about your heritage from companies with many users.
Meanwhile, most DNA paternity tests provide conclusive results. Paternity testing compares a child’s DNA profile with the alleged biological father’s.3
Whether taking an ancestry or relationship DNA test, you must consider the company’s reputation. It’ll help you achieve more precise outcomes.
Remember that at-home DNA tests should not be done in place of a doctor’s visit. Always speak to a healthcare professional to learn more, especially if your test shows you may have some genetic predispositions.
Source: 123rf
Both are pretty reliable in general. It depends on your preference. If you prefer a more controlled environment, tests done in a lab may be the better option. If you prefer convenience, at-home tests are for you.
While DNA testing services do their best to keep your data private and safe, they acknowledge that not everything is foolproof. Some testing companies have suffered security breaches in the past, but they continue to beef up their privacy protocols to keep everything as airtight as possible.
KnowYourDNA is committed to making healthcare more accessible to the public. We’d like to participate in your health goals by featuring products that meet industry standards.
The test kits we picked out have reliable testing methods and science-backed reports aimed at improving your overall wellness.
We pick products based on:
Our in-house medical experts review each piece of content before publication. They help ensure the accuracy of the information we provide our readers.
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