Recent advances in DNA testing make uncovering the mysteries behind our ancestral roots easier than ever before. In fact, a study published in Genome Biology estimates that 60 million Americans will have participated in genetic ancestry testing by 2025. This will create a vast database that can be used to offer significant benefits to consumers, according to the same study.
With so many options, figuring out which DNA kit is best for your specific needs can be a complex process. Every company leverages its own unique algorithms and research databases to determine results. This raises the question, how do you know which kit is most accurate, meets your DNA testing goals, and keeps your data safe?
To find answers to these questions, we researched and compared the top DNA testing kits in 2023, including what we like best about each kit so you can make a smart purchase more easily.
Our Top 10 Best DNA Testing Kits and Companies:
- MyHeritage DNA – Best DNA testing kit overall
- AncestryDNA – Best for finding genetic relatives
- Living DNA – Best for accuracy in ancestral research
- LetsGetChecked – Best for checking health-related issues
- Futura Genetics – Best for identifying carrier genes
- GPS Origins – Best for mapping ancestral migration patterns
- 23andMe – Best for learning about your ethnicity
- HomeDNA – Best for pet DNA testing
- Vitagene – Best for wellness-focused testing products
- EasyDNA – Best for testing non-standard samples
Our Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best DNA Testing Kits
To find the best DNA testing kits, we reviewed several different criteria, including:
- Price
- Resources
- Privacy and security
- Speed of results
These parameters provide a good baseline to use as you do your own analysis, narrow your options, and decide which DNA test to purchase.
Affordability
We focused on examining DNA test kits that offer excellent value with reasonable pricing. We also considered the overall cost, new subscription plans, renewals, DNA sample results, processing, and shipping costs.
Range of Information
A DNA test’s ability to accurately conduct ancestry research depends on the range of information available in the company’s databases. The deeper the archives, the more resourceful and accurate the company can be with its results. Most of the DNA testing companies we selected boast millions or billions of records in their archives.
Privacy
The security and sensitivity of private information are essential to DNA testing. This could be a concern for people purchasing at-home DNA tests, which is why we considered the protocols taken by each company we reviewed. The companies that made our list have protective measures in place that keep data secure. We also took into account reviews from people who’ve used these particular DNA testing kits and felt they were trustworthy.
Result Speed
Time-sensitive DNA tests should be delivered quickly—so we weighed the rate of delivery heavily in comparison with our other review factors. A good example of optimal turnaround time can be seen with MyHeritage DNA: The company delivers testing results in as little as three to four weeks.
Massive database and comprehensive ancestry test
MyHeritage DNA provides tools to help you build a family tree, discover your genetic profile, and explore fun activities like animating family photos. Their test kit gives you access to over 19.4 billion family history archives and offers a detailed breakdown of both your ethnicity and the genetic groups your DNA stems from.
It leverages autosomal DNA information, comparing your chromosomes and genetic traits with people whose genetic material has been tested by the company. This can help you find unknown relatives who’ve used autosomal DNA test kits as well.
Blaine Bettinger, PhD, a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence, explains that MyHeritage DNA also offers “a chromosome browser… that allows test takers to see exactly what segments of DNA they are identified as sharing with another person.” In addition, “[this browser permits] users to compare segments of up to seven genetic matches at a time.”
Why we chose MyHeritage DNA: The Complete plan, MyHeritage DNA’s primary offering, unlocks over 10 genealogy research tools along with ancestry information across the company’s website. Plus, the 30-day free trial gives you access to billions of records and a free family tree builder.
Our experience: We found it extremely useful that MyHeritage DNA lets you manage numerous accounts simultaneously. You don’t need to log in and out of different profiles to gather information. Plus, we liked that you can link multiple kits to one account and import DNA results from other companies for free.
A leading genealogical research platform
AncestryDNA offers several genealogical research tools, including family tree-building software, community features, and health, ethnicity, and heritage databases. It also delivers some of the best genetic testing kits on the market today and opens the door to genealogical records for over 30 billion DNA samples.
This DNA testing kit company partners with and is owned by one of the largest genealogy sites in the world Ancestry.com. Users can take advantage of this by integrating their results with their genealogical research on the platform.
If your main goal is to learn more about your family history, AncestryDNA is perfectly suited to help. DNA wellness expert, Magnolia Pretell, PhD, confirms that AncestryDNA “will give you a percentage of where your ethnicity is from.” Information within both the Ancestry.com and AncestryDNA platforms spans over 80 countries, with results that paint a uniquely holistic picture of your ancestry.
Why we chose AncestryDNA: AncestryDNA and Ancestry.com offer a rare partnership that gives users access to a double-header of heritage records. Additionally, AncestryDNA uses methods like SideView technology to detect what DNA you share with your parents.
Our experience: AncestryDNA is a breeze to use. Right from the first click, you’re presented with different options to help choose the best plan for your needs. When we got stuck during our research, the site allowed us to contact genealogy experts. However, it didn’t provide reliable DNA health test results. If that’s your main goal for purchasing a DNA test kit, this product might not be the best for you.
Excellent level of detail for some regions
Living DNA provides an extensive database to comb through, particularly if you’re from the British Isles, Europe, or Africa. This is the best ancestry test to explore your geographic ethnicity.
The company is led by a group of UK-based experts and researchers and has a reputation for well-detailed results, access to resources and research, and good customer service. It also lets you publish an ancestry book featuring your story. This is a personal, visual way to explain your results and share them with friends and family—we didn’t see this option with any of the other kits we evaluated.
To top it off, Living DNA can identify rare genetic diseases, providing insights into genes that may help fight cancerous cells. For example, it may track genes like BRCA1, a marker for breast cancer.
Why we chose Living DNA: We like Living DNA’s testing options and affordable prices, along with its straightforward and easily accessible services. The exciting part for us is how this test kit combines ancestry research and personalized medical insights through forensic DNA testing.
Our experience: Living DNA’s ancestry test offers a subregional analysis for certain areas like Europe, Africa, and the British Isles. The well-being upgrade is an impressive add-on; it breaks down vitamin response and food metabolism, offering nutritional advice, and exercise and recovery tips.
