In This Article
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At-home DNA test kits make learning about yourself and your family’s story easier and more affordable than ever.
Whether you want to trace your ancestral roots, build a family tree, or explore traits influencing your health, we have top picks for everyone!
These testing kits offer a fun and convenient way to unlock your genetic secrets without any lab visits, long wait times, or a hefty price tag.
Here is a quick comparison of our top picks for DNA testing:
| Best DNA Kits | Cost | Reports | Genetic Matches | Family Tree Builder |
| AncestryDNA | Starts at $99 | Ancestry, Traits | Yes | Yes |
| 23andMe | Starts at $119 | Ancestry, Health, Traits | Yes | Yes |
| My Heritage | Starts at $89 | Ancestry, Health | Yes | Yes |
| LivingDNA | Starts at $119 | Ancestry, Health | Yes | No |
| DNA Complete | Starts at $195 | Ancestry, Health, Traits | No | No |
Most DNA kits we recommend offer genetic matching and allow users to contact potential relatives. They also let you download your DNA data and have basic privacy features, namely data encryption and user consent.
Want to connect with long-lost cousins or discover family members you didn’t know about? Ancestry boasts the largest DNA database, increasing your chances of finding potential relatives among millions of users. Once you’ve found a genetic match, you can get in touch by sending them a message!
AncestryDNA shares some valuable tips for reaching out.
AncestryDNA provides access to U.S. and international records, including specialized archives on African American, Native American, and Jewish heritage. Its massive collection of birth, marriage, death, census, military, probate, and newspaper files allows you to trace your family history, uncover detailed stories, and explore ancestral migrations.
23andMe goes beyond ancestry, offering advanced health insights based on your DNA. This includes FDA-approved reports on genetic traits that may increase your risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and certain cancers.
It also identifies genes that affect your body’s response to certain medications and helps you make informed decisions and healthier lifestyle choices.
Besides testing for genetic traits that affect your well-being, 23andMe identifies conditions you might pass along to your children and helps you keep track of your family’s health history. 23andMe+ also offers plans with more health reports and personalized health recommendations.
Building family trees doesn’t have to be a headache. MyHeritage makes it simple and fun thanks to its user-friendly interface. If you have a raw DNA file from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or LivingDNA, you can upload it to their database for additional insights and quick matches. You’ll also have access to historical records, which you can use to explore your family history.
You can get a free 30-day trial with your MyHeritage kit. It provides access to the family tree builder, international records, and other fun tools. You’ll receive a 50% discount on the first year when the trial expires. Health reports are only available as an upgrade to the ancestry kit.
LivingDNA is an excellent choice for uncovering your roots. It offers an in-depth exploration of your heritage, narrowing it down to over 80 regions while tracing the migration paths of your ancestors.
This test is ideal for individuals with British, European, and African ancestry who want to understand their DNA and where they most likely came from.
LivingDNA analyzes autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y-DNA, providing a comprehensive overview of your ancestry. Its interactive map traces the migration journeys of your maternal and paternal ancestors over time, offering a dynamic and engaging exploration of your heritage.
DNA Complete stands out from other tests by performing whole genome sequencing (WGS) and analyzing 100% of your DNA. The latest offering from Nebula Genomics costs less than the original kits but still includes detailed insights into your ancestry and well-being. It also provides actionable reports so you can actively improve your health.
DNA Complete Essential ($195) is already a pretty good deal for the results you’ll get. However, upgrading to Pro ($495) or Elite ($1,495) unlocks more features, like advanced ancestry results, discounted genetic counseling, oral microbiome testing, and identifying rare genetic mutations.stors over time, offering a dynamic and engaging exploration of your heritage.
Read our Nebula Genomics review
DNA tests aren’t a one-size-fits-all. Each kit caters to different needs and provides a unique way of exploring your health, ancestry, and other traits.
Finding the best testing kit depends on your individual goals. To help you decide, we made a list of some of the most important criteria.
Most kits with ancestry reports help you find people you share DNA with. Besides finding relatives, they can reveal deeper information about your ethnic and geographic origins, including maternal and paternal lines.
Here’s what you need to consider before buying ancestry tests:
Kits that provide health-related insights into DNA have unique capabilities. Below are the factors you can look into when buying DNA health tests:
The right kit will have features that align with your interests. It should give you the type, quality, and depth of information you seek.
So before buying a DNA testing kit, ask yourself what results you’re after. It will help you determine which factors are the most important.
