Top DNA Test Kits in 2022
Pricing, Accuracy & Types
A DNA test is a kit that looks for genetic variations called nucleotide polymorphisms. People use DNA test kits to discover their ethnic origins. Additionally, DNA kits can provide important data that predict and diagnose people who are at risk of developing diseases.
It’s important to select one of the best DNA test kits on the market if you want it to provide accurate results. In this overview, we’ll be looking at the top 10 best DNA kits for you.
Fact-checked
Last Updated: August 19, 2022
1. AncestryDNA
AncestryDNA is the best genetic DNA test kit overall. Using the test is easy, and the company has short turnaround times for results. This test will give you exact DNA matches and provide information on over 25 personal traits. There’s so much more to AncestryDNA so get your test today and find out more about your ancestral history. Full Review
- Uses ThruLines research
- Provides extensive privacy options
- It’s the largest user database which means more accurate results
Show More
AncestryDNA is the best genetic DNA test kit overall. Using the test is easy, and the company has short turnaround times for results. This test will give you exact DNA matches and provide information on over 25 personal traits. There’s so much more to AncestryDNA so get your test today and find out more about your ancestral history. Full Review
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★★★ 5/5
2. MyHeritage DNA
MyHeritage DNA is one of the top-rated DNA test kits for family history. It has a large historical European population database. You’ll receive fast results with 90% accuracy. You’ll also have access to yearly subscription tiers so you can stay active with your results. Full Review
- Test results are 90% accurate
- Largest databases on European testing results
- Has a large historical database to find family members
Show More
MyHeritage DNA is one of the top-rated DNA test kits for family history. It has a large historical European population database. You’ll receive fast results with 90% accuracy. You’ll also have access to yearly subscription tiers so you can stay active with your results. Full Review
★★★★☆ 4/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★☆ 4/5
3. Nebula Genomics
Nebula Genomics offers excellent DNA test kits for ethnicity research. That’s because the company offers 30x whole genome sequencing at an affordable price. There’s an extensive interface that you can use to see your results and all data is 100% encrypted. Your data is safe and you get well-cited results that are easy to understand. Full Review
- 30x whole genome sequencing
- SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) research
- Research is well cited and reports are updated regularly
Show More
Nebula Genomics offers excellent DNA test kits for ethnicity research. That’s because the company offers 30x whole genome sequencing at an affordable price. There’s an extensive interface that you can use to see your results and all data is 100% encrypted. Your data is safe and you get well-cited results that are easy to understand. Full Review
★★★★☆ 4/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★☆ 4/5
4. Dynamic DNA
Dynamic DNA provides a great DNA test kit for nutrition and fitness. They also provide DNA research to determine your tolerance for CBD medication. There are many packages for you to pick from that will assist you with ancestral research. These packages are affordable, and the tests are easy to take. Full Review
- Provides geographical estimates
- Based on the test you get advice on how to optimize your fitness and nutrition
- Offers research based on maternal and paternal haplogroup and reference population
Show More
Dynamic DNA provides a great DNA test kit for nutrition and fitness. They also provide DNA research to determine your tolerance for CBD medication. There are many packages for you to pick from that will assist you with ancestral research. These packages are affordable, and the tests are easy to take. Full Review
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★☆ 4/5
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★☆ 4/5
5. 23andMe
23andMe is one of the best DNA ancestry test kits on the market. The company has a large 12 million user database so your DNA matches will provide results from an array of matches. Get your 23andMe kit today if you want quick and accurate results. Full Review
- Database of 12 million users
- Waiting time is around 2-4 weeks
- Offers results that span over 1,000 regions
Show More
23andMe is one of the best DNA ancestry test kits on the market. The company has a large 12 million user database so your DNA matches will provide results from an array of matches. Get your 23andMe kit today if you want quick and accurate results. Full Review
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★★ 5/5
6. Family Tree DNA
Family Tree DNA is one of the top DNA test kits for genealogy. You can find out about your family history on your mother’s and father's side easily to build a family tree. There are many options on the database for you to contact matches. What’s more, you can upload outside data to assist with further research. Full Review
- You’re able to upload outside information
- Provides extensive paternal and maternal results
- Many options to contact matches found on the database
Show More
Family Tree DNA is one of the top DNA test kits for genealogy. You can find out about your family history on your mother’s and father's side easily to build a family tree. There are many options on the database for you to contact matches. What’s more, you can upload outside data to assist with further research. Full Review
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★☆☆ 3/5
7. Living DNA
Living DNA has some of the highest-rated DNA test kits for ancestry and wellbeing. Your single sample extracts information from more than 80 geographical locations. As a result, you have more extensive information on your family history. And lastly, using the wellbeing package is the perfect way to help you improve your fitness and eating plans. Full Review
- Best autosomal DNA testing
- Offers affordable maternal and paternal testing
- Extracts info from more than 80 geographical regions
Show More
Living DNA has some of the highest-rated DNA test kits for ancestry and wellbeing. Your single sample extracts information from more than 80 geographical locations. As a result, you have more extensive information on your family history. And lastly, using the wellbeing package is the perfect way to help you improve your fitness and eating plans. Full Review
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★★☆ 4/5
8. HomeDNA
HomeDNA is one of the best DNA home test kits for people who want to do research on their ancestral history and to check the breed of their animals. There’s a customized life plan that you can get for your dog so you can offer your pooch diets and exercises that leads to a healthier lifestyle. Full Review
- Genetic research for cats
- Offers health screening tests
- Offers customized life plans for your dog
Show More
HomeDNA is one of the best DNA home test kits for people who want to do research on their ancestral history and to check the breed of their animals. There’s a customized life plan that you can get for your dog so you can offer your pooch diets and exercises that leads to a healthier lifestyle. Full Review
★★★★☆ 4/5
★★★★☆ 4/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★★★ 5/5
9. EasyDNA
EasyDNA has more packages for you to pick from. Pick the DNA testing kit if you want to find out your ethnic history or who your biological parents are. The benefit of any of the tests you pick is that there are no hidden costs. So you get what you pay for. Full Review
- Offers 24/7 customer support
- Offers relationship and paternity tests
- There are four ancestry tests to pick from
Show More
EasyDNA has more packages for you to pick from. Pick the DNA testing kit if you want to find out your ethnic history or who your biological parents are. The benefit of any of the tests you pick is that there are no hidden costs. So you get what you pay for. Full Review
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★☆ 4/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★★★ 5/5
10. Genetic Direction
Genetic Direction is one of the top 10 companies dealing with DNA testing; these provide health and fitness management based on your genetics. The tests come in many languages, and the company offers extensive online security. Your tests are done in an accredited lab and the information is easy to understand. Full Review
- Offers free guides
- All tests are done in an accredited lab
- Provides health management strategies based on your genetics
Show More
Genetic Direction is one of the top 10 companies dealing with DNA testing; these provide health and fitness management based on your genetics. The tests come in many languages, and the company offers extensive online security. Your tests are done in an accredited lab and the information is easy to understand. Full Review
★★★★☆ 4/5
★★★★★ 5/5
★★★☆☆ 3/5
★★★★☆ 4/5
How We Created This List – Our Methodology
To give you an idea of how we chose the DNA test kits on our list, we’ve included our methodology process. In this section, you’ll be able to see what we evaluated for our selection. We based our research on the following:
-
DNA Extraction Process
Each DNA test kit is different. While all of the tests are easy to take, the waiting period for the results may vary. You want a DNA kit that will provide accurate results even if you have to wait a few weeks longer for the outcome.
-
Types of Samples
There are kits that require various samples such as blood, spit, hair follicles, or buccal swabs. Ensure you select a DNA test that you’re comfortable taking.
-
Records Database
The best DNA testing kits will have a records database that’s either international or national.
-
Features
So how do you access your results? There are DNA analysis apps that you can access on laptops or smartphones. Take a look to see what extra features these platforms offer and if there are any add-ons that can benefit you.
-
Pricing and Plans
Pick a DNA matching database that offers you the pricing plan you prefer such as subscriptions and one-time payments. You can also benefit from seasonal promotions and discounts so keep a lookout for these sales when you’re on a budget.
-
Accuracy
You want a DNA testing kit that gives you precise results. Find out how accurate each testing kit is in our reviews.
-
Privacy and Security Policy
If you’re serious about keeping your results from the public, then look for a database that provides extensive online privacy. Look at how the data will be stored, shared, and protected.
-
Customer Care
If you’re paying for services, it’s important that you select a company that will offer you top-level customer support.
Detailed Reviews
- Uses ThruLines research
- Provides extensive privacy options
- Provides numerous online resources
- Easy to understand
- Provides free shipping
- It’s the largest user database which means more accurate results
- Results don’t include access to historical records
- Expensive DNA kit
The AncestryDNA product is rated as one of the most in-demand DNA test kits in 2022. This company has the largest genealogical database so you’ll have access to more thorough results. AncestryDNA is suitable for those who want to do multi-generational genealogy tests. This DNA test kit is also ideal for adopted people who are searching for their biological parents.
Features
AncestryDNA extracts information from over 15 million DNA tests from over 700,000 locations and in 500 ethnic regions. With AncestryDNA you can discover your family’s historical and ethnic background. Additionally, the DNA kit provides over 25 personal traits and DNA matches.
How It Works
The AncestryDNA is a saliva-based genetic test. You mustn’t smoke, drink, or eat for 30 minutes before taking the test. Simply fill a tube with your saliva, shake the container for five seconds, place it in a collection bag, and then mail the sample to AncestryDNA.
Pricing and Plans
The AncestryDNA test will cost you $99 which includes shipping fees, lab processing, and taxes.
Privacy Policy
AncestryDNA has extensive privacy policies on its website. You can choose to be listed as a DNA match on their databases or keep your results private.
Customer Care
AncestryDNA has the best reputation for customer care. Contact them on their support line if you have any questions about your results.
- Has a large historical database to find family members
- Provides the fastest results
- Test results are 90% accurate
- Offers free DNA upload to find matches
- Offers yearly subscription tiers
- Largest databases on European testing results
- No separate paternal or maternal tracing
- Fewer people to match with based on the database size
MyHeritage DNA offers autosomal and genetic genealogy tests that can help you find your relatives by matching you to millions of people. What’s more, you’re able to do ethnic research based on 42 regions. This test is great for anyone who wants to find out about their ancestry background and who’d like to find their biological parents.
Features
MyHeritage DNA offers free DNA uploads to find matches and as of 2021, the company supports 42 languages. Additionally, MyHeritage DNA has built more than 52 family trees. For MyHeritage DNA to give you the most accurate results, all tests are conducted in a lab.
How It Works
Taking a sample is easy. All you have to do is take a buccal swab sample, place it in a shipping bag, and send it to the lab. From the lab, they’ll extract your DNA and send you your results within 4 weeks.
Pricing and Plans
The MyHeritage DNA test costs $79 but the company runs specialized discounts every once in a while. Take a look at these discounts if you want to buy your DNA kit on a budget.
Privacy Policy
MyHeritage DNA has a policy writeup on the website that states your information and test results are protected by the company. Your results won’t ever be sold to a third-party organization. Furthermore, your online personal information is also secure.
Customer Care
If you have any questions about your package or your results, you can contact MyHeritage DNA on their landline. Their customer care is extremely helpful and friendly.
- Provides raw data access
- 30x whole genome sequencing
- Research is well cited and reports are updated regularly
- SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) research
- Excellent website design
- Affordable DNA testing
- Extensive online privacy
- Long turnaround times for testing
- International shipping returns are not free
Nebula Genomics is a company that provides direct-to-consumer DNA test results. It’s ideal for people who want to know more about their family history, and it provides data on genetic traits to help you with your choices of nutrition and wellness.
Features
The Nebula database gives you raw genomic data in VCF and BAM formats, and the company uses microbiome sequencing for digestive health testing. The company also accepts raw DNA data to provide additional insights for free.
How It Works
Nebula requires an oral microbiome sample from the bacteria inside your mouth to conduct the research. After you’ve sent your sample through to the company they will process it and you can get your results online.
Pricing and Plans
Nebula Genomics offers you full genome sequencing for $299 which is the most affordable price for this type of DNA analysis. The price will include your access to the company’s site, and there is currently a 70% off discount.
Privacy Policy
Even though your results are posted on a digital database only you will have access to your DNA analysis. You will have full ownership of your DNA results and you control who can have access to your information.
Customer Care
There’s an FAQ page on Nebula’s site, and there’s also an email channel where you can ask additional questions.
- Based on the test you get advice on how to optimize your fitness and nutrition
- Best personal DNA test kits for fitness enthusiasts
- Discover your CBD and THC metabolism
- Best for finding relatives
- Provides geographical estimates
- Affordable packages
- Offers research based on maternal and paternal haplogroup and reference population
- Poor customer service
- Doesn’t offer autosomal testing
Dynamic DNA is one of the best rated home DNA test kits on the market. Take a look at our review to see why many people prefer Dynamic DNA to other types of tests. It’s also one of the best DNA paternity test kits for fathers.
Features
Dynamic DNA offers maternal origin tests and three types of ancestry tests. The company also offers wellness tests for people who want to optimize their fitness levels based on their genetics.
How It Works
Pick the DNA test you want to do such as the ancestral kit or the health and fitness package. You’ll get sterilized swabs in your kit. Use these swabs to rub the inside of your cheek. Then put the samples into the shipping envelope to send to Dynamic DNA. When the lab gets your sample, professionals will start extracting your DNA to analyze it.
Pricing and Plans
There are four packages for you to pick from. The Ancestral DNA kit is $99 and the skin and nutrition packages both cost $129.
Privacy Policy
The company won’t share your DNA results with any third-party organization without your consent. Packages are sent discreetly and all your online information is kept safe.
Customer Care
Dynamic DNA has an emailing system on their website and they have an FAQ section if you want quick answers to your questions. The company is slow to respond, so call their landline if you need to talk to a consultant.
- Waiting time is around 2-4 weeks
- Offers results that span over 1,000 regions
- Database of 12 million users
- Easy to take the test
- Results on healthcare and ancestry DNA
- Has the fastest turnaround time
- Poor customer care
- Charges more for healthcare information
The 23andMe DNA test results are based on autosomal, mtDNA, and Y-DNA information. The autosomal DNA and mtDNA are used to deliver results for both men and women, whereas the Y-DNA explores information stored on the Y chromosomes, only inherited by men. It’s suitable for people who want to conduct ancestry DNA tests as well as learn about health risks and personality traits associated with their DNA.
Features
Discover your ancestry timeline across 2,000 regions. You’ll get a family tree uniquely structured from your DNA relationships. There’s also a DNA relative finder so if you’re adopted you can find your biological parents through 23andMe.
How It Works
The 23andMe uses saliva samples to conduct their tests. When you send through your sample the test will be done at a CLIA-certified lab. The DNA extracted from your saliva is processed on a genome chip that reads thousands of locations connected to your sample.
Pricing and Plans
The health and ancestry DNA package will cost you $199. The ancestry and traits package is $99. There’s also a VIP health and ancestry package for $499.
Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to 23andMe, so your results will not be released to any third-party organizations.
Customer Care
23andMe has social media accounts that you can use to communicate with the company. There’s also an email in case you want to send them your questions.
- Many options to contact matches found on the database
- Provides extensive paternal and maternal results
- Easy to take the test
- Excellent customer service
- Short turnaround times
- You’re able to upload outside information
- Provides Cohanim ancestry testing
- Online results are out of date
- Tests are done separately
Family Tree DNA helps you build family trees for school or family projects. You can use Family Tree DNA to find your parents or other siblings if you were adopted. That’s because it provides the most extensive paternal and maternal DNA results.
Features
This testing kit has DNA matching technology that offers analysis on Y-DNA, autosomal DNA, and mtDNA to anyone who wants to conduct genealogical research. You can search for your racial identity through Family Tree DNA testing.
How It Works
Family Tree DNA doesn’t extract DNA from hair, razors, a chewing gum sample, or mouthwash sample. The company only accepts blood card samples. Your sample will be sent to a lab to be analyzed.
Pricing and Plans
Family Tree DNA charges prices for each package they offer. There are three paternal ancestry tests as well as the mtFull sequence that costs $159. The Family Finder package is the cheapest at $79.
Privacy Policy
Your privacy is a high priority. Your DNA results won’t be shared with third parties or posted on the database without your consent. Your online credentials are also protected because of the company’s extensive online security.
Customer Care
If you have any questions about your results, you can contact Family Tree DNA on their landline number: 713-868-1438.
- Offers affordable maternal and paternal testing
- Extracts info from more than 80 geographical regions
- Offers mtDNA and Y-DNA testing
- Best autosomal DNA testing
- Excellent customer service
- Taking the test is easy
- Allows you to upload outside info
- Many negative reviews
- Slow turnaround times
Living DNA is a genealogy service based in the United Kingdom. The company does deep ancestry analysis for anyone who wants to know their individual ethnic history. Additionally, Living DNA conducts wellbeing DNA tests for anyone who wants to know what their health risks are based on their genetics.
Features
The Living DNA company specializes in ancestry in the UK, Ireland, and Africa. Advanced technology is used to receive results that connect you to over 150 regions globally. Use the wellbeing test to see how you react to certain nutritional products and what your exercise regimen should be.
How It Works
When you purchase your Living DNA kit, simply use the swab provided to rub the inside of your cheek. Then place the DNA test swab in the provided postal bag. Once the laboratory has received your sample they’ll start extracting your DNA. You’ll then get your results within 6 to 8 weeks.
Pricing and Plans
Living DNA offers a starter kit for $59 which includes shipping. If you want a more extensive ancestry test done, then pick the full kit for $89. The company offers discounts on all their packages. Keep a lookout for promotions, too.
Privacy Policy
On the Living DNA website, the company states that it aims to store your data without abusing it. The company won’t sell your results to third parties, and your online information is kept secure at all times.
Customer Care
You can contact Living DNA via email or landline. Visit their social media pages such as Facebook and Twitter for daily updates.
- Offers customized life plans for your dog
- Offers health screening tests
- Genetic research for cats
- The test provides data on health and beauty
- Gives you accurate results
- The company offers GPS origins and ancestry tests
- Turnaround times are longer than stipulated
- Explanations of the results are vague
The HomeDNA test is best for people who want health screening tests done for themselves and for their pets. You can determine what breed of dog you have by analyzing your pet’s DNA. This is perfect for people who want to breed a certain type of dog.
Features
HomeDNA does genotype-based tests for food sensitivity, paternity, weight loss, and raw DNA data uploads. The company also provides reports on ancestral origins. Raw data downloads are only available for specific products.
How It Works
The HomeDNA test only requires a cheek swab to collect DNA, which is better than a spit sample. After taking the sample, send it through to HomeDNA so the labs can start extracting your DNA.
Pricing and Plans
HomeDNA offers 4 affordable DNA tests. The healthy weight DNA test will cost you $159. There’s also a starter ancestry test that costs $69. If you want to test the breed of your dog then the Mixed Breed Dog ID test will cost you $89. Lastly, there’s a skincare DNA package for $69.
Privacy Policy
HomeDNA will not sell your DNA results to third parties. The company also has extensive online security that protects all your information.
Customer Care
HomeDNA has an FAQ section on their site if you want quick answers to your questions. On the other hand, there is an email and a landline number you can contact them on if you need additional help.
- Offers relationship and paternity tests
- There are four ancestry tests to pick from
- Offers 24/7 customer support
- The test is easy to do
- Delivers accurate and reliable results
- There are no added costs on any products
- The options are overwhelming
- More expensive than other DNA tests
EasyDNA has many packages to pick from. Use the paternity test to find out if you’re the biological father of your child. If you want to find long lost relatives, then pick the relationship DNA test. There are also four different ancestry tests that you can take.
Features
With EasyDNA, you can conduct paternal ancestry, maternal ancestry, and family ancestry using the company’s unique technology. The company uses GPS Origins and Ancestral Origins tests.
How It Works
You’ll get four sterile swabs with your kit. It’s important to follow all the instructions before taking the samples. There are also consent forms that you must sign. Use the swabs to wipe the inside of your cheek. Place the swabs upright in an airtight container and allow them to dry.
After the swabs have dried, place them in an envelope, and send the package to the lab.
Pricing and Plans
EasyDNA is one of the top 10 DNA testing providers because they offer six extensive packages at affordable prices. The home paternity test costs $199. The legal paternity, sibling DNA, GPS origins, and Ancestral Origins costs $299 each. The Health and Diet DNA kit is $139 which is the cheapest out of all the packages.
Privacy Policy
When using this DNA home testing kit you’re guaranteed privacy. Your results won’t be shared with third-party organizations. Kits are also sent discreetly to the lab. All your online personal details are protected, too.
Customer Care
EasyDNA has a live chat feature on its website which offers 24/7 support. There’s also an email address you can send questions to and a landline if you need to talk to someone in customer support.
- All tests are done in an accredited lab
- Offers free guides
- Provides health management strategies based on your genetics
- Slow turnaround times
- Difficult to get hold of customer care
- One of the highest quality DNA test kits
- Affordable test kit
- User-friendly interface
Genetic Direction is the best genetic testing service for people who want to live healthier lifestyles. The DNA marker test will give you information on how you can adjust your diet and exercise based on your genetic makeup.
Features
The technology used to extract DNA is quite complex but the process of getting your results is easy. There is a database that Genetic Direction provides so you can see your results and what lifestyle adjustments you need to make. The kit is also available in multiple languages.
How It Works
Genetic Direction is one of the most popular DNA test kits because of how easy and quick it is to get your results. When you get your kit, take the sterile swab and rub the inside of your cheek. Then place the sample in a bag and mail it to the Genetic Direction lab.
The lab will analyze the sample and then notify you when your results are on their website for you to view.
Pricing and Plans
Genetic Direction offers the best price DNA test kits on the market. When you sign up on the Genetic Direction site you can purchase kits at $10 each. The DNA test and the reports will cost you $199.
Privacy Policy
Genetic Direction will ask you for consent to share your results with third-party labs to provide a more extensive report. However, the company doesn’t share your information with third-party healthcare companies or insurance brokers.
Customer Care
You can phone or email Genetic Direction if you have any questions about your results or the interface you’re working on. If you sign up for the company’s newsletter, you’ll get the latest updates and product information.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Identify a Good DNA Test Kit?
Now that you know more about DNA test kits, how do you know which one is the best? Perhaps our buyer’s guide can help you with your decision. In this section, we’ll discuss the type of DNA test kits you can buy and the technology that’s used to provide your result.
So how do you know which DNA test kit is for you? Well, you have to decide what type of test you want and how you want to take it. There are ancestry DNA tests and there are health trait kits that you can buy.
Genealogical research will require data collections on Y or X chromosomes as well as mitochondria extractions. Buy a kit that will allow you to collect all the data you need to find out your ethnic or ancestral origins.
The way in which you do these DNA tests will vary depending on the kit you pick. Here are the different types of DNA samples that you can expect to use to get results:
- A drop of blood
- Hair follicles
- Cheek swabs
- Urine sample
You must feel comfortable with the type of DNA sample you need to give for your test to work. If you’re not comfortable with a blood sample, consider a test that uses a buccal swab sample.
Time to Get Results
There are tests that claim to provide results within 24-72 hours. These tests typically don’t give you full results because it takes time to extract quality information. It will stipulate on your DNA testing kit how long you have to wait for results.
To get the best comprehensive results on ancestry DNA or health risks, pick a test that will provide results in 8 to 10 weeks.
Affordability
There are cheap DNA tests on the market but these kits will most likely not give you accurate results. You want a kit that is affordable but still provides the quality results you’re looking for. If you are looking for DNA test kits on a budget, then look for brands that offer promotions and discounts on their products.
Customer Care
DNA extraction and analysis can be confusing. So you must have someone that can explain the DNA data if you’re not clear on what it entails. The best DNA kit brands will offer personalized customer support on the platform you’re working on to provide you with further information.
How Do DNA Home Test Kits Work?
A home DNA test kit allows you to collect your DNA in the comfort of your own house. However, these DNA home test kits only collect information. The process of DNA extraction and data analysis can only be done by professionals in a lab.
You may get your DNA test results within a day but these results may be limited. In some cases, you may have to wait up to 8 weeks for extensive test results.
Types of Genealogical DNA Tests
There are five types of genealogy testing kits on the market. In this section, we’ll explain the differences between these various types of DNA tests. As a result, you’ll know how DNA is organized based on the five types of genealogical DNA testing methods.
Autosomal DNA
An autosomal DNA test determines your autosomal chromosomes. These chromosomes contain sections of DNA that you share with your parents. This type of test can help you find distant relatives, and you can find where your ancestors lived 1,000 years ago.
The autosomal DNA test is the most accurate and can analyze your genetic code and give you results on over 700,000 markers across your autosomal chromosomes.
X-chromosome DNA
The X-chromosome has 155 DNA building blocks and represents 5% of the DNA in your cells. Females have two X-chromosomes and males have one. This DNA test is suitable for women and XY males and helps you find out more about your ancestry on your mother’s side.
On the other hand, X-chromosome DNA tests are rarely done on their own, otherwise, you’d get limited results regarding your ancestry. The X-chromosome is analyzed when you receive another type of DNA test.
STRs Testing
STRs (Short Tandem Repeats) is an important term in DNA testing. This type of DNA test compares specific loci (Location on Chromosome) on samples used in relationship testing. The STR DNA test is used in law enforcement and allows forensics to distinguish between two different people in a criminal case.
Mitochondrial DNA Testing
A mitochondrial DNA kit tests matrilineal ancestry (on your mother’s side). DNA is analyzed through the mitochondria that you inherit from your mother. Since both males and females have mitochondria, this test is suitable for both genders to discover their ethnic origins.
Y-DNA
A Y-DNA test helps people discover their patrilineal origins (your father’s side of the family). Only males have Y-chromosomes passed on by their fathers, so this test can only be done by men. The Y-DNA test is useful for family history research on your father’s side and can help gather information on your ancestral origins dating thousands of years back in time.
Benefits & Drawbacks of DNA Home Testing Kits
There are many benefits that a DNA home testing kit can provide you. Some DNA testing kits look for potential health risks in your DNA such as cancer. This is so you can take precautionary measures to prevent cancer or other diseases from happening.
Additionally, you could find out how gluten may affect your health when consumed. If you know about the effects of gluten on your body you can change your diet to prevent long-term health risks.
Another benefit is that genealogical research can give you accurate results of your ancestry or ethnic background.
Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks to DNA testing kits. Some DNA home testing kits might not be accredited. That’s why it’s important to check whether your DNA testing kit has some form of accreditation from a clinical laboratory.
Another drawback is that these tests can be difficult to understand. So make sure you pick a company that will explain all your results to you in detail. Some companies have customer support to help clients should they have any questions about the DNA test results.
Best DNA Test Kits at a Glance
- AncestryDNA: Best kits for Native American ancestry
- MyHeritage DNA: Best over the counter DNA test kit
- Nebula Genomics: Best to buy for a friend
- Dynamic DNA: Best medical DNA test kit
- 23andMe: Best for Hispanic ancestry
- Family Tree DNA: Best heritage DNA testing
- Living DNA: Best DNA test for health
- HomeDNA: Best for testing ancestry at home
- EasyDNA: Most private DNA test
- Genetic Direction: Best to get as a gift
Key Takeouts
Do you want to work with the best DNA testing companies in the USA? Then pick one of the DNA test kits on our review list. The ten reviews on our list are rated as the top DNA testing services in 2022. Furthermore, make sure the DNA test kit you pick adheres to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act so you are protected.
As you can see there are DNA tests for ancestry research, health and wellness, and medication tolerance. Which of the DNA kits on our list will you pick?
FAQ
Yes, home DNA test results are accurate. There are some cases where test results are contaminated or you compromise your sample by eating food before the test. That’s why it’s important to follow all the instructions that come with your kit so you can get the best results.
Both AncestryDNA and 23andMe are excellent service providers. On the other hand, many people prefer using AncestryDNA because it’s ideal when conducting research on family members. What’s more, AncestryDNA has provided results for more people than 23andMe.
The best company for DNA testing is Ancestry LLC which is the brand that offers the AncestryDNA home testing kits. Select the best deals on DNA test kits on their website.
AncestryDNA has the largest database on genealogical testing. That’s why many people pick AncestryDNA since they help you get more information on results from around the world. The company is rated as the best ancestry DNA test 2022 has to offer.
The best-rated DNA test kits are 23andMe and AncestryDNA. These two DNA kits provide the most accurate results. The two kits also have extra features and optimal online interfaces, and the kits help you find your family tree DNA results. AncestryDNA offers Melungeon testing too.