Our Top 10 Best DNA Testing Kits

1.  MyHeritage DNA

You can use MyHeritage DNA’s tools to create a family tree, find out your genetic profile, and engage in entertaining activities like animating family portraits. Their test kit provides a thorough analysis of your ethnicity and the genetic groups from which your DNA originates, as well as access to more than 19.6 billion family history archives.

By using autosomal DNA information, it compares your chromosomes and genetic characteristics to those of individuals whose genetic material has undergone testing by the organization. Finding unidentified relatives who have also used autosomal DNA test kits can be aided by this.

MyHeritage DNA also provides “a chromosome browser… that allows test takers to see exactly what segments of DNA they are identified as sharing with another person,” according to Blaine Bettinger, PhD, a professional genealogist who specializes in DNA evidence. “[this browser permits] users to compare segments of up to seven genetic matches at a time,” the statement adds.

Reasons for selecting MyHeritage DNA: The main package offered by MyHeritage DNA, the Complete plan, grants access to more than ten genealogy research tools and ancestry data on the company’s website. Additionally, you can use a free family tree builder and access billions of records during the 30-day free trial.

Our experience: The ability to manage multiple accounts at once with MyHeritage DNA proved to be very helpful. To obtain information, you do not have to log in and out of various profiles. We also appreciated that you can import DNA results from other companies for free and link multiple kits to a single account.

2.  AncestryDNA

AncestryDNA provides a number of genealogical research resources, such as databases on heritage, ethnicity, and health, community features, and software for creating family trees. Additionally, it provides access to genealogical records for more than 30 billion DNA samples and offers some of the best genetic testing kits available today.

One of the biggest genealogy websites in the world, Ancestry.com, owns and collaborates with this DNA testing kit company. By combining their findings with their genetic research on the platform, users can benefit from this.

AncestryDNA is ideally suited to assist you if discovering more about your family history is your primary objective. Magnolia Pretell, PhD, a DNA wellness specialist, affirms that AncestryDNA “will give you a percentage of where your ethnicity is from.” With data from more than 80 countries, Ancestry.com and AncestryDNA provide a distinctively comprehensive picture of your ancestry.

Our decision was influenced by the unique partnership between AncestryDNA and Ancestry.com, which provides users with access to a double header of historical records. Additionally, AncestryDNA determines what DNA you share with your parents using techniques like SideView technology.

Our experience: Using AncestryDNA is very easy. You are given a variety of options to help you select the best plan for your needs as soon as you click. The website enabled us to get in touch with genealogy specialists when we ran into problems while conducting our research. It did not, however, yield accurate results from DNA health tests. You might not want to buy this product if that is your primary reason for buying a DNA test kit.

3. Living DNA

Living DNA offers a vast database to search through, especially if you are from Africa, Europe, or the British Isles. This is the best ancestry test to explore your geographic ethnicity. 

The company, which is run by a team of researchers and experts from the UK, is known for its thorough results, research and resource access, and excellent customer service. Additionally, it enables you to publish an ancestry book that tells your story. We did not see this option with any of the other kits we reviewed, but it is a unique, visual way to share your results with friends and family and explain them.

Furthermore, living DNA can detect uncommon genetic illnesses and reveal genes that could aid in the fight against cancerous cells. It might, for instance, monitor genes such as BRCA1, a marker for breast cancer.

Why we picked Living DNA: We appreciate Living DNA’s simple and convenient services, reasonable costs, and testing options. For us, the most intriguing aspect of this test kit is how it uses forensic DNA testing to integrate ancestry research with individualized medical insights.

Our experience: The ancestry test from Living DNA provides a subregional analysis for specific regions, such as the British Isles, Africa, and Europe. It breaks down food metabolism and vitamin response, providing dietary guidance as well as exercise and recuperation tips. The well-being upgrade is an impressive addition.

4. LetsGetChecked

A conventional DNA test is not what LetsGetChecked is. Rather, it searches for health-related problems, such as abnormalities in hormone levels, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or the condition of the kidneys and liver. Before seeing your doctor, the goal is to give accurate biological information about your health.

To help you double-check for risks, heart issues, vitamin deficiencies, and other lifestyle factors that may negatively impact your well-being, the company offers a number of health-focused tests and screenings. These findings may help you make wiser lifestyle decisions.

We advise discussing your test results with your healthcare provider, just like you would with any at-home health or DNA test. Especially with LetsGetChecked tests, this is crucial. It is crucial to get the right medical care and guidance before acting on the results of your test because the company primarily focuses on health screening (rather than ancestry tracking).

Why we chose LetsGetChecked: LetsGetChecked’s virtual one-on-one sessions make testing exceptionally easy. You simply download an app to your Android or iOS device and gain access to the kit’s tools and resources (including guidance on when and how to take each test). Because their tests are primarily tied to health screening, your results are 100% encrypted and protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Our experience: LetsGetChecked had the fastest turnaround time (2 to 5 days) and returned our results quickly and seamlessly. We were also impressed with the test’s accuracy; the company follows the same checks and balances as a standard blood test at your doctor’s office.

5.  Futura Genetics

Test kits are available from Futura Genetics for carrier gene identification and DNA profiling. It uses cutting-edge technology to examine your genes with the goal of enhancing general health and increasing longevity.

In order to achieve this, the business looks for specific markers to identify 28 of the most prevalent diseases and genetic health risks. Even though it collects saliva samples (some people might prefer a cheek swab), it still does the job well.

Following receipt of your test samples, Futura Genetics carefully examines them to give you a comprehensive summary of the findings. This includes a 26-page health report that includes dietary recommendations based on the results.

Why we selected Futura Genetics: Futura Genetics’ testing process feels more human and intimate because of their scientific methods combined with a customized health summary that includes dietary recommendations. The thorough report and quick results delivery were also appreciated.

Our experience: Prior to the test, we attended a live genetic counseling session with a licensed physician from Futura Genetics. This gave us insightful information to help us navigate the testing procedure. The experience felt more like a visit with a traditional doctor after we were given the chance to have follow-up conversations after receiving our results.

6.  GPS Origins

GPS Origins, owned by HomeDNA, has a vast array of geographic research results spanning 900 regions, which sets it apart from other genealogical companies.

Thanks to cutting-edge technology, it can pinpoint the exact location—even down to the city—and delve deeper into the general area where your ancestors may have originated. You can even follow your genealogical journey along a map to see the direction your family may have moved and the villages, cities, countries, and even islands that they likely passed through.

To make this happen, GPS Origins examines thousands of autosomal biomarkers, highlighting their uniqueness. With a heavy focus on location-specific migration, this particular DNA kit also breaks down its reports into gene pools, giving you a close-up view of your genetic makeup and family’s ethnic culture.

Why we chose GPS Origins: The mapping features and distinct geographical bells and whistles that GPS Origins offers set it apart from the competition. Its all-in-one tools also check the genes controlling healthy weight, skincare, and paternity. 

Our experience: We were impressed with the gene pool profile available to GPS Origins subscribers. The interactive map was a big bonus for our ancestral research, showing detailed information on both our maternal and paternal grandparents and their migration journeys.

7. 23andMe

23andMe provides estimates of ethnicity based on DNA. You can trace your ancestry using Neanderthal data and ancient haplogroups, which are maternal and paternal lineages that have a common ancestor. The service uses DNA samples to identify your closest living relatives, spanning up to six or eight generations.

Based on the samples you provide, 23andMe’s genetic health reports provide a comprehensive picture of your health and ancestry. Giving the science behind your eye color and the factors that affect your taste, smell, and facial features, for instance. The reports, which are supported by evidence, check for possible hazards associated with a number of illnesses, such as cancer and respiratory conditions.

While other genealogical tests are more accurate, 23andMe’s is one of the most accurate DNA kits available for ethnicity research.

The reason we went with 23andMe is that they offer an excellent and thorough genetic health report. Haplogroup data allows them to delve deeply into your ancestry. Additionally, they offer a feature that lets you message DNA-matched relatives and examine various ancestry timelines.

Our experience: We believe 23andMe is a top performer in terms of customer service. The company’s interactions were pleasant and beneficial. It is interesting that 23andMe links users’ information to additional studies, allowing them to voluntarily participate in genetic research. We appreciate that this is an option and that you can opt out at any time.

8.  HomeDNA

HomeDNA is best suited for more specialized testing and DNA research into ancestral origins because it processes raw data about your genes. In addition to being a popular choice for paternity testing, HomeDNA’s subsidiary GPS Origins performs quality DNA origins testing.

The kits are reasonably priced, and HomeDNA’s sample extraction procedure is not too difficult to finish. In order to determine your sensitivity to certain foods, pet dander, and skin care products, the company also provides genetic health tests.

You can track results with HomeDNA by importing reports from other genealogy research websites. It is also feasible to export your HomeDNA results to other websites as well. The ancestral interaction between your paternal and maternal lines can also be observed by tracking your DNA migration pattern.

The reasons we selected HomeDNA include the fact that, according to the product website, it is the best paternity test available in the United States and provides economical, accurate results. Additionally, the simple kit is among the few that we reviewed that offers DNA testing services for pets.

Our experience: The online platform was easy to use, and we appreciated that you could shop for cosmetics and health products according to your sensitivity results—a useful and practical feature.

9.   Vitagene

Vitagene is the best choice if you want individualized health advice based on your genetic composition because it prioritizes wellness across all of its offerings. (Although the company provides ancestry test services, Vitagene’s genetic health tests are more effective.)

Skin, fitness, supplementation, and diet reports are among the options for vitegene testing. Tests for nutritional deficiencies, endurance, specific skin conditions, and genetic risks are also available. Additionally, the company offers a COVID-19 test kit as part of its product line.

We selected Vitagene because it offers a number of comprehensive health reports that are not found in the kits of the majority of competitors. A thyroid test, a sleep and stress test, and inflammatory testing are among the wellness-focused testing products that drew us to the business.

We found that while Vitagene provides a number of online how-to guides and a frequently asked questions section, there is not much content to read. The test, which only took a few minutes to complete and required a simple cheek swab, was fortunately fairly simple to use. Also, we thought customer service representatives were amiable and quick to respond.

10.  EasyDNA

For comprehensive DNA testing, EasyDNA uses hair samples in addition to an oral swab. By analyzing cremated remains, the business can also verify whether DNA is present in an ash sample from a relative.

Prenatal and paternity tests are among the many test kinds it provides. Therefore, EasyDNA can help you find out the gender of your child, your genetic health, or the origins of a loved one who has passed away. The company sets itself apart from other testing kit providers with its extensive range of services.

There are options for clinical, medication, and relationship testing in EasyDNA’s kits. This kit is designed to make it simple for you to obtain specific and specialized DNA testing from a single provider, as the name implies.

We selected EasyDNA because it delivers precise and quick results. Their speed is exceptional for the quantity of tests they provide. They also provide a good customer service system and a variety of services. Currently, EasyDNA is offered in 25 countries; we are impressed by the kits’ widespread availability and the multilingual customer support.

Our experience: When we reached out to customer service via WhatsApp and email for assistance, we had prompt and beneficial conversations. On the EasyDNA website, we also discovered useful resources that would help both new or returning users as well as interested prospective clients.