Best DNA Testing Kits to Purchase Online
Personal DNA testing is more popular than ever, and the appeal is clear. Only by submitting a saliva sample or swabbing the inside of your cheeks, you can unlock genetic mysteries that may span generations. And that's only one side of the story; there are also DNA test services that can shed light on your genetic propensity for diseases and physiological traits ranging from eye color to food tolerance.
At-home DNA test kits can provide a wealth of information about your genetic makeup, health, disease risk, and ancestry in the comfort of your own home and can be completed quickly. But what are the best DNA testing kits on the market? With so many options available, how do you know which kit is right for you? We are here to tell you everything you need to know about DNA testing kits, including what they provide, how much they cost, and much more.
Index#123andMe
Pros
- Some of the health tests are FDA-approved
- Short processing time
- Great interactive features
- Reports on potential Neanderthal genetics
Cons
- No guaranteed vision of your future health
- A bit too versatile
- Relatively expensive
Human DNA is 99.5% identical from one person to another. However, there are subtle differences that distinguish each individual. These variations are known as variants, and they have been linked to various health conditions, traits, and ancestry groups. At 23andMe, you can get personalized genetic insights and tools to help you take better care of your health. See how your DNA can affect your chances of developing certain health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, celiac disease, and more.
Your personalized reports also break down your genetic data so you can see how likely you are to have certain characteristics such as hair, taste, and facial features, and compare your results to other 23andMe customers. Finally, you can determine how much Neanderthal DNA is present in your genetic make-up. This report also lists potential Neanderthal characteristics you may have, such as a fear of heights or a tendency to blush easily.
To order a kit from the website of 23andMe, first, enter your name and then agree to the company's terms of service. The $99 fee includes shipping costs, and the company ships its kits to every state in the United States, as well as more than 50 countries worldwide. The Health + Ancestry kit costs $199, which is comparable to other sites and is more expensive than the basic kit. However, the processing time is short and simple, the results are accurate, and the interactive features are simply fun.
Specifications
Types of tests
How DNA sample is obtained
DNA Kits
#2FamilyTreeDNA
Pros
- Able to test Y-DNA, mtDNA, and Autosomal DNA
- One in-house laboratory
- Owns the largest mtDNA Haplotree
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Small database for autosmal DNA
- Weak privacy protection
- Long processing time
FamilyTreeDNA, which was founded in 2000, was a pioneer in the field of genealogy—the use of DNA testing to establish relationships between individuals and determine ancestry. They also provide the option of getting a comprehensive breakdown of your ancestry, connecting with your DNA relatives, and empowering yourself to make healthier decisions using a DNA-powered approach to wellness. FamilyTreeDNA provides a wealth of information and advanced features that most of its competitors don't.
Only FamilyTreeDNA offers four different DNA tests: Family Finder, Family Finder + myDNA Wellness, Paternal Ancestry (Y-DNA), and Maternal Ancestry (mtDNA). The latter two tests can aid in the identification of surname lines, living relatives, and tracing migration patterns. They can also answer questions about maternal line relatedness. Find your position on the world's largest mtDNA Haplotree, which is the quickest way to learn about the human journey and the genetic relationships between people, near and far.
Prices vary depending on the kit you order, with the basic Family Finder kit starting at $79 at the low end. The Maternal Ancestry (mtDNA) kit is the most expensive of the four, costing $159. Keep in mind that shipping is not included and will cost you an additional $19, on average. Furthermore, the entire package will cost you a whopping $447 to have everything tested, so if you don't want to spend a lot of money, you'll have to choose wisely.
Specifications
Types of tests
How DNA sample is obtained
DNA Kits
#3LivingDNA
Pros
- Paternal & maternal ancestry
- Covers 150 worldwide regions
- Access to fitness-related medical information
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Long processing time
- Ancestry data is limited to 500 years ago
- No free shipping options available
LivingDNA is one of the industry's best genomics companies, specializing in the use of DNA testing to help people transform their lives. The service will provide detailed ancestry information from all over the world using a house-developed analysis method and linked DNA. The company performs three types of DNA tests: autosomal, Y-chromosome, and mitochondrial. Living DNA provides unrivaled worldwide ancestry results that can accurately identify your DNA from over 150 regions around the globe.
Within particular regions, they can go look even further at your ancestry and display sub-regional breakdowns (African, British, and European) that show you that extra level of detail about you. Explore 500 years of your family ancestry and discover your extended family through the DNA matching tool. Understand the role genetics plays in your lifestyle choices and how you can optimize your well-being to improve the quality of your life by adjusting your diet and exercise, and how different foods, vitamins, and exercises work with your body. The combined DNA kit will empower you to understand the extent of your ancestry, bringing your ancestors' stories to life and unlocking wellbeing reports that help you to live a greater quality of life.
LivingDNA's prices are reasonable: the cheapest kit, which is the basic ancestry DNA testing, costs $119, while the most expensive kit, which includes the well-being kit, costs $199. You can also get a free 7-day email course to help you decide which test to take. These prices are considered low when compared to other DNA testing companies; however, the processing time is far too long and frequently takes much longer than stated.
Specifications
Types of tests
How DNA sample is obtained
DNA Kits
#4MyHeritage
Pros
- Easy to understand results
- Extensive historical records database
- Includes family tree software and resources
- Free MyHeritage DNA upload to find matches
Cons
- Tricky sample collection process
- Only autosomal DNA testing
- Access to historical records requires subscription
MyHeritage DNA provides a comprehensive genealogical package that includes DNA testing and matching, free Family Tree software, and cutting-edge technology that allows you to enhance and colorize old photographs. It displays your results in a fun, music-backed animation and allows you to see where your ancestors lived on a map. MyHeritage, unlike other companies, doesn't offer health DNA testing kits, and they prefer to focus solely on their ancestry test.
The basic MyHeritage DNA test will reveal your unique ethnic background and connect you with long-lost relatives. Discover the specific groups from which you descended among 2,114 geographic regions and advance your family history. Using the service, you'll get a detailed ancestry match with over 43 ethnic groups, including common regions such as Europe, Ireland, Africa, Scotland, and others. The website is very easy to use, and there's also a fun mobile app that lets you view your results on any mobile device.
You must provide your gender and birth year to order a kit. MyHeritage charges $89 for a kit, plus $12 for shipping. If you order two kits, shipping is half-price; if you order three or more, shipping is free. You can also greatly expand your family tree within the family tree builder, even to an unlimited size with the most expensive package. Given that MyHeritage has created the world's largest family tree of over 13 million people, this is an excellent value. Having Premium, PremiumPlus, or Complete memberships, which are billed annually, will include unlimited access to search trees, record matches, 17 billion historical records, and unlimited family tree size.
Specifications
Types of tests
How DNA sample is obtained
DNA Kits
#5SelfDecode
Pros
- Variety of reports based on your genetics
- Subscription provides new information
- Option to pay-per-report
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No ancestry or genealogy tools
- Additional reports cost more
- Only accessible through subscriptions
SelfDecode is a genetic testing company that offers tools to uncover new health insights based on your unique DNA. The company's goal is to assist users in "hacking" their genes and determining which genetic variants may be causing their health problems. The service provides personalized recommendations based on your genetic information, allowing you to overcome health, wellness, and lifestyle challenges. The results show you your genetic variations and how they relate to health impacts based on scientific studies, such as risk factors for a variety of diseases and wellness traits. You will also receive tailored recommendations on how to best utilize the results, target specific symptoms, and begin feeling better.
Unfortunately, SelfDecode doesn't provide information about your ancestors. However, unlike many other DNA testing services, this one is ideal for those who are concerned about their health. The reports are presented in an understandable format, and the recommendations are prioritized based on your unique DNA to assist you in determining where to focus. Besides that, SelfDecode states that they will never sell your data to other companies or third parties and that they will collect as little identifying information as possible.
Fees for SelfDecode DNA testing differ slightly from those of other DNA testing companies. SelfDecode costs $97 per year or $297 for unlimited access for people who already have compatible DNA data. You can check with customer service to see if your DNA files are compatible with the company. The SelfDecode DNA testing kit costs $99 for those who do not already have DNA data. These kits can be used to have your genes sequenced at a SelfDecode lab. Lifetime membership includes access to current and future DNA wellness reports as well as the SelfDecode personalized genetics blog.
Specifications
Types of tests
How DNA sample is obtained
DNA Kits
#6ClarityX
Pros
- Short processing time
- Genetic Testing for Medication Response
- Response to mental health medication
- Clinical guidance from the FDA
Cons
- Only available in the US
- No family tree dna
- Very expensive
ClarityX offers two kits: the ClarityX Mindwell Test will give you definitive answers as to how you will respond to mental health medications, including clear insights on which medications will work best based on your unique genetic profile. ClarityX Max Rx, on the other hand, goes beyond mental health giving you a complete picture as to which medications will work best for you, such as medications that will necessitate a dosage modification and which drugs, based on your genetic profile, may put you at risk for negative side effects.
ClarityX offers the highest clinical-grade DNA testing kits that are super easy to use and are designed to keep patients' samples clean. ClarityX also processes DNA tests in CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited labs across the country, ensuring that the results meet federal accuracy and authenticity standards. When you receive the results of your DNA test, you will know whether a medication will be ineffective for you and how certain medications will interact with one another.
There is no getting around it, ClarityX offers one of the most expensive tests on the market. The ClarityX Mindwell Test costs $399, and the ClarityX Max Rx Test costs no less than $499. Also, ClarityX's service is only available within the US, which is yet another disappointing fact about it. However, it is important to remember that this is the only way to get a true understanding of not only your health but also your mind, and it will help you understand how your health may be impacted by your medications.
Specifications
Types of tests
How DNA sample is obtained
DNA Kits
#7InsideTracker
Pros
- Short processing time
- Both DNA and blood testing
- Easy to understand results
- Well-established science backed up by studies
Cons
- Most plans are only available in north America
- No health recommendations
- Relatively expensive
InsideTracker aims to provide a comprehensive picture of your health by combining DNA and lab data, and it functions more like a health monitoring service than a genetic test. In reality, their DNA testing is a supplement to their primary testing plans, which measure biomarkers in your blood for more than 40 major health concerns. These findings are then consolidated with action plans, which are steps you choose to improve your health in various categories based on your bloodwork results. In other words, they compare your genetic results to your blood biomarker results to show you where you're outperforming the odds and where you're more likely to struggle.
Each InsideTracker blood test analyzes a specific number of biomarkers (up to 43). The company sells lab tests and uploads past results, though this option is not available for all plans. 5 to 7 days after the blood draw, the results are ready for viewing. The company suggests that you retest every few months. The turnaround time for DNA results is 4 to 6 weeks, and you can also choose to upload your 23andMe or AncestryDNA raw file to gain access to InsideTracker's DNA reports. However, this is a limited option, as DNA tests are only available in the United States and Canada.
Lab tests range in price from $29 to $1999, with the option of including DNA insights, while a DNA kit costs $249. These prices are quite high, and unlike other companies, where tests are available globally, most services at InsideTracker are only available in North America. Furthermore, they only accept raw DNA data from two companies, which is a bit inconvenient.
Specifications
Types of tests
How DNA sample is obtained
DNA Kits
23andMe | FamilyTreeDNA | LivingDNA | MyHeritage | SelfDecode | ClarityX | InsideTracker | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processing time | 3-4 Weeks | 2-8 Weeks | 6-8 Weeks | 3-4 Weeks | 1-2 Weeks | 7-10 Days | 4-6 Weeks |
Types of tests | |||||||
FamilyTreeDNA Test | |||||||
Y-DNA Test | |||||||
mtDNA Test | |||||||
Health Testing | |||||||
How DNA sample is obtained | |||||||
Saliva Sample | |||||||
Cheek swab Sample | |||||||
Feces Sample | |||||||
Family Tree Software | |||||||
Imports From Other Software | |||||||
Export Results |
The Importance of Knowing Which Is the Best DNA Testing Kit for You
There are many companies that will analyze your DNA, but each test is different. The service you choose and the level of testing performed will determine what you learn about your genetic makeup. The cost also varies, and the more tests you have, the more you will pay. Most tests emphasize that the results can be unexpected and life-changing, but even if you are not surprised, the information you receive about your ancestors or yourself can be highly satisfying.
But this is only one side of the story. Understanding the role genetics plays in your lifestyle choices, as well as how different foods, vitamins, and medications interact with your body, is a game changer. If you are interested in discovering who you are and what is best for your body and mind, be sure to read the company's service offerings as well as the terms of service and any other agreements before proceeding.