KnowYourDNA is reader-supported. This means we may receive a commission when you buy something from one of the links on this page.
While other technologies only decode less than 1% of your DNA, Nebula Genomics DNA kit analyzes 100% of your genome, The company’s impressive Whole Genome Sequencing kits are far more thorough and accurate than other major players in the at-home DNA kit market, including Ancestry and 23andMe.
However, while the kit offers better accuracy and overall more genetic data, it comes at a higher cost. This may leave you wondering if all this extra data is worth it, or even necessary.
In this Nebula Genomics Whole Genome Sequencing kit review, we’ll explore what you’ll get when purchasing one of these advanced DNA tests. From a breakdown of the costs, including hidden fees, to the information you’ll receive in their thorough reports.
Nebula Genomics:
Nebula Genomics offers two whole genome sequencing kits, both with different price points. These include:
The difference between these two test kits is the level of accuracy. Each testing kit will decode 100% of your DNA. However, the 100x kit is more accurate and therefore better at discovering rare genetic mutations.
One more important thing to note in terms of cost is the mandatory subscription you’ll need to sign up for when buying a DNA testing kit. Nebula Explore Reporting is the subscription service you’ll need to purchase, either on a monthly ($19.99/month), yearly ($120/year), or a lifetime ($200) basis. With your subscription, you’ll receive new reports each week, unlimited use of the genome exploration tools, ancestry analysis, and premium support.
A Nebula Genomics Whole Genome Sequencing DNA testing kit will contain the following:
Follow these 4 steps to take a Nebula Genomics Whole Genome Sequencing test:
I ordered the kit to take for testing purposes. The box is shipped in a discrete envelope. Nebula Genomics has terrific packaging:
I even had a typo on my order (sent to the unit next to me) and Nebula was able to fix this in-transit.
After you open the box:
You have the kit in front of you. To take the test, simply follow the send in steps listed above. Nebula Genomics overall is an easy test to take, the only difference between it and 23andMe and Ancestry is that you don't send the actual cheek swab in, you're just sending in the liquid.
Nebula Genomics gives you a return package with the label attached and everything. Overall, I give it's collection and send in an easy 5/5.
Nebula Genomics offers something they call Privacy First DNA Testing, making them the leading privacy-focused personal genomics company out there. The company uses Oasis Lab’s top-of-the-line privacy-focused technology to ensure your data stays secure.
When you open an account with Nebula Genomics, you can choose exactly how your private information will be used. This includes 3 distinct options:
Regardless of what you choose, you will retain ownership over your genetic information.
Your genome sequencing report will be broken down into 5 different categories, a traits report, the Nebula Library, gene analysis, genome browser, and Deep Genetic Ancestry (coming soon).
The traits report is broken up into 4 sections, each providing different information based on your gene analysis. The traits report will include the following sections:
The Nebula Library contains over 200 research-based reports, curated by Nebula Genomics, to give you additional information based on your personalized genetics report. New reports are added every week to the ever-growing library.
These reports cover a wide variety of genetic factors that could be affecting you. This includes things like your predisposition to certain types of heart diseases and cancers, factors that affect your diet, and certain genetic diseases.
The gene analysis tool is a bit more advanced and isn’t likely to be too useful for most people. With it, you can further explore your genome and examine any gene by typing its name into a search box. This means you’ll have to know the name of the gene you intend to explore (for example, the CYP1A2 gene) which isn’t too practical unless you happen to be a geneticist.
The purpose of this tool is to allow you to find variants that may pose a clinical significance. Once again, while this is an interesting addition, it is a bit too advanced for the layman to interpret.
This tool allows you to search through your chromosomes and receive detailed information about them. However, like the gene analysis tool, this is a bit advanced and isn’t likely to be all that useful unless you’re educated in the field of genetics.
The Deep Genetic Ancestry portion of your results (not yet available at the time of writing this) analyzes all of your genetic markers to provide you with a thorough ancestry breakdown. Not only will Nebula Genomic’s ancestry results analyze your autosomal DNA, but it’ll also take a look at your maternal and paternal lines through your y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA.
This tool will allow you to track your family’s migration patterns as they moved across the globe, find distant relatives, and build a family tree. The company is partnering with FamilyTreeDNA for the genealogical portion of the results, giving it access to the world’s largest mtDNA and y-chromosome DNA database.
Nebula Genomics offers one of the most thorough and accurate DNA test kits on the market. According to the company, its tests provide 10,000 times more data than competing genetic tests, such as those offered by AncestryDNA and 23andMe. While Ancestry and 23andMe read your DNA at 600,000 positions, Nebula Genomics reads each letter of your DNA 30x (or 100x) at 6 million positions. This provides incredibly reliable results.
Additionally, you’re given full access to your data, allowing you to freely explore your entire genome as you please. The company utilizes next-generation sequencing technology when running your gene analysis revealing all of your genetic variants. This test will give you more data that’s also far more accurate than other big DNA testing companies, making the results some of the most reliable out there.
Pros
Cons
Nebula Genomics offers an amazingly accurate DNA testing kit that’s far more thorough than the competition. With it, you’re given a wealth of information that can be fun to explore and is constantly being updated with the Nebula Library. The traits report is great for learning a bit about yourself and the genetic causes for a variety of different appearance, nutrition, body, and behavioral traits.
However, the gene analysis tool and genome tool are somewhat complex and could be difficult to interpret unless you have a background education in genetics. While it’s possible to look up specific genes and chromosome names as you explore your genome, it’d be better if the company helped you more when interpreting this data.
The cost is another factor when considering this test. The results it provides are far more accurate than other major DNA testing companies, like Ancestry and 23andMe, but the price difference is also quite large. But if accuracy is incredibly important to you, the higher price tag is worth it.