Best DNA Tests for Genealogy

Last Updated: July 22, 2025

At Genetic Voyage, we’re committed to helping you uncover your global roots through DNA testing. This comprehensive comparison of AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, and Living DNA covers features, methodologies, user experience, privacy, and international relevance to guide your choice. [Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission from links at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy Policy.]

Why Compare DNA Tests?

DNA tests vary in focus, accuracy, and tools. Key factors include:

• Goals: Family trees, DNA matches, ethnicity, health, or deep lineage.
• Testing Methods: Autosomal, Y-DNA, mtDNA, or whole-genome sequencing.
• Database Size: Larger databases increase match potential.
• User Experience: Ease of sample collection, result delivery, and interface.
• Privacy: GDPR compliance for EU users, data control options.
• International Relevance: Accuracy for specific regions (e.g., Europe, Africa, Asia).

Comparison Table

Detailed Comparison

1. AncestryDNA

• Best For: Beginners building family trees, North American/European roots.
• Testing Methodology: Autosomal DNA (~700,000 markers) using Illumina OmniExpress chip. ThruLines predicts ancestor connections via shared DNA and trees.
• Pros:
  
  • Largest database (25M+ profiles, updated 2025).
  • ThruLines and StoryScapes for intuitive match visualization.
  • 150+ ethnicity regions, refined annually (e.g., 2024 update added Scandinavian sub-regions).
  • 20B+ historical records (subscription-based).
• Cons:
  
  • No Y-DNA/mtDNA or health reports.
  • No raw data upload.
  • Subscription ($199+/year) for full records.
• User Experience: Saliva collection (30–60 seconds, tricky to fill tube). Intuitive app/website with interactive maps and timelines. Fast support via live chat.
• International Relevance: Best for US/UK/Europe due to database and records. Moderate for African/Asian ancestry.
• Privacy: GDPR-compliant, no third-party sharing without consent. Research opt-out. Data deletion available.
• Customer Support: 24/7 email, phone, live chat. Active user forums.
• Community: ThruLines connects matches, forums for collaboration.
• Price: $99 (DNA test), $199+ (All Access). Sales ~$70.
• CTA: Start with AncestryDNA for robust family trees!

2. MyHeritage

• Best For: Budget-conscious users, European/Asian/Middle Eastern matches.
• Testing Methodology: Autosomal DNA (~700,000 markers). AutoClusters group matches by shared ancestry. Accepts raw data uploads.
• Pros:
  
  • Affordable ($89, often ~$39).
  • 2,114 ethnicity regions, strong for Europe/Asia (e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish specificity).
  • Fast results (3–4 weeks).
  • AI photo animation, family tree tools.
• Cons:
  
  • Smaller database (7.5M+ profiles).
  • No health/Y-DNA/mtDNA testing.
  • Return postage not included.
• User Experience: Easy cheek swab (30–60 seconds). Multilingual dashboard with swirling globe results. Subscription ($129+/year) for records.
• International Relevance: Excellent for Europe, Middle East, Asia. Growing African coverage.
• Privacy: EU-based, GDPR-compliant. No data sharing without consent.
• Customer Support: Email, phone, multilingual. Responsive but slower than AncestryDNA.
• Community: AutoClusters, photo tools foster collaboration.
• Price: $89 (DNA kit), $129+/year (records).
• CTA: Explore MyHeritage for global matches!

3. 23andMe

• Best For: Ancestry and health insights, global coverage.
• Testing Methodology: Autosomal DNA (~700,000 markers), limited Y-DNA/mtDNA haplogroups. Next-generation sequencing for FDA-approved health reports.
• Pros:
  
  • 4,000+ ethnicity regions (updated 2024).
  • Health reports (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2, lactose intolerance).
  • 14M+ profiles for global matches.
  • Migration maps, Neanderthal ancestry.
• Cons:
  
  • Basic family tree tools.
  • Higher cost for health ($199).
  • Bankruptcy concerns (data safe as of July 2025).
• User Experience: Saliva collection (harder to fill tube). Rich, visual reports. Less genealogy-focused interface.
• International Relevance: Strong for African, Asian, Latin American ancestry.
• Privacy: GDPR-compliant, opt-in research. Data deletion available.
• Customer Support: Email, limited phone. Forums for user help.
• Community: Match messaging, forums.
• Price: $99 (Ancestry), $199 (Health + Ancestry), $29/year updates.
• CTA: Try 23andMe for ancestry and health!

4. FamilyTreeDNA

• Best For: Advanced genealogists, deep ancestry (Y-DNA, mtDNA).
• Testing Methodology: Autosomal (Family Finder, ~700,000 markers), Y-DNA (37–700 markers), mtDNA. Big Y-700 for paternal lineage. Raw data uploads supported.
• Pros:
  
  • Detailed Y-DNA/mtDNA tests.
  • Group projects (e.g., surname studies).
  • Affordable autosomal test ($79).
• Cons:
  
  • Small database (2M+ profiles).
  • Complex interface.
  • Mixed ethnicity accuracy feedback.
• User Experience: Cheek swab, detailed but non-intuitive dashboard. Strong for experts.
• International Relevance: Good for deep global ancestry, less for recent matches.
• Privacy: GDPR-compliant, opt-in law enforcement sharing.
• Customer Support: Email, forums. Community-driven support.
• Community: Group projects, forums for collaboration.
• Price: $79 (Autosomal), $119–$449 (Y-DNA/mtDNA).
• CTA: Discover FamilyTreeDNA for deep ancestry!

5. Living DNA

• Best For: UK/African ancestry, wellbeing insights.
• Testing Methodology: Autosomal DNA (~700,000 markers), limited Y-DNA/mtDNA haplogroups. Sub-regional focus (e.g., UK counties).
• Pros:
  
  • Detailed UK (county-level) and African estimates (150+ regions).
  • Wellbeing reports (diet, fitness) in $149 kit.
  • Free return shipping.
  • Raw data uploads supported.
• Cons:
  
  • Small database (~1M estimated).
  • Limited family tree tools.
  • Longer wait (6–8 weeks).
• User Experience: Two cheek swabs, clean interface with geographical maps. UK/Africa-focused.
• International Relevance: Best for UK, Africa, moderate for Europe, weaker for Asia.
• Privacy: UK-based, GDPR-compliant. No data sharing without consent.
• Customer Support: Email, phone, UK-focused. Responsive but limited hours.
• Community: Limited, basic match messaging.
• Price: $99 (Ancestry), $149 (Wellbeing + Ancestry).
• CTA: Try Living DNA for UK/African roots!

Which DNA Test Should You Choose?

• AncestryDNA: Best for beginners, North American/European roots, family trees.
• MyHeritage: Ideal for budget-conscious users, European/Asian matches.
• 23andMe: Perfect for ancestry and health, global coverage.
• FamilyTreeDNA: Suited for advanced genealogists, deep lineage.
• Living DNA: Great for UK/African ancestry, wellbeing insights.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a test based on your goals.
2. Order via our links (we may earn a commission at no cost to you).
3. Collect sample (saliva/cheek swab).
4. Access results online (2–8 weeks).
5. Use our Guides for next steps.

Get AncestryDNA | Get MyHeritage | Get 23andMe | Get FamilyTreeDNA | Get Living DNA

Privacy and Data Security

All providers comply with GDPR for EU users:

• AncestryDNA: No third-party sharing, research opt-out.
• MyHeritage: EU-based, consent-based sharing.
• 23andMe: Opt-in research, data deletion.
• FamilyTreeDNA: Opt-in law enforcement sharing.
• Living DNA: UK-based, no sharing without consent.

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Why Trust Genetic Voyage?

Our research-based comparisons (user surveys, provider data) help you make informed choices. Contact us at geneticvoyage@hotmail.com.

Note: Prices/features accurate as of July 2025. Check provider websites for updates. Customize with your affiliate links and contact details.