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If you’re hoping to learn more about your family’s history, a common starting point is a genealogy website. These websites allow you to do everything from search public records, create a family tree and even undergo <anchor>DNA testing</anchor>—all from the screen of your computer.
5 Best DNA Test Kits In 2024 – Forbes Health
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# 5 Best DNA Testing Kits Of 2024: Reviews And Costs

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Fact Checked

Updated: Feb 14, 2024, 1:22pm

Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board.

Finding out about your heritage through at-home DNA testing has become a popular American pastime. In fact, according to one forecast, the DNA testing market generated more than $487 million in revenue in 2019, and projections for 2026 push those numbers even higher[1]World Consumer DNA (Genetic) Testing Market Report 2021. Globenewswire. Accessed 8/3/2022. .

These at-home genetic tests can connect you to long-lost relatives, and can even provide insight about your health and genetic health risk for certain diseases (although these tests should not be used to self-diagnose).

When it comes to genetic testing, privacy concerns are often (understandably) top of mind for many consumers, as are a plethora of other factors, when deciding on which testing kit might be right for them. To that end, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed the most popular DNA testing kits to find the top five kits currently on the market. We considered factors such as cost, information security and how detailed matches actually get, among others. Here are our top picks.

Note: Prices listed are accurate as of the publication date, and only U.S. based companies were included.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Health

The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Our ranking is based on quantitative data and is free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured in our ranking and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about at-home testing that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the rankings below.

- 15 brands considered
- 15 metrics analyzed
- 4 editors and researchers utilized

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Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services

reward offer MyHeritage DNA - now at a great price  with 30-day free trial + 50% off Subscriptions

MyHeritage DNA Kit

- The highest technological standards meet the most affordable price on the market
- Discover your origins across 2,114 regions
- Find new relatives you never knew existed through your shared DNA
- Your DNA reveals your unique heritage
- Has helped millions of people find new family members and discover their ethnic origins

On MyHeritage's Website

{{ showSummarySection ? 'Hide Summary' : 'Show Summary' }}

## Our Top 5 DNA Testing Kits

## 5 Best Home DNA Test Kits of 2024

Best for Deep Ancestry

### FamilyTreeDNA Family Finder Kit



5.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

- Price: $79
- Test requires cheek swab
- Looks at autosomal DNA from the past five generations
- Provides privacy settings for DNA results
- Results available in two to four weeks

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

FamilyTreeDNA offers a “detailed ethnic and geographic breakdown” of where your ancestors were from in the form of a percentage breakdown of your origins. The company also offers a “heat map” that illustrates your personal genetic ancestry as well as related population clusters with a library of over 90 possible populations. Its Family Finder Matching tool allows users to compare their DNA matches by maternal or parental lines, as well as find potential relatives who have also shared their DNA on the site. Additionally, FamilyTreeDNA provides an ancientOrigins breakdown that compares a user’s DNA with “DNA from archeological dig sites throughout the European continent,” to help uncover if they are connected to Neolithic Hunter/Gatherers, Early Farmers and/or Bronze-age Metal Invaders.

Pros & Cons

- Offers the option to connect with other users who share your DNA

- Interactive heat map lets users zoom in on locations connected to their DNA

- “Chromosome Painter” tool uses a color-coded chart to allow users to explore their ethnic breakdown in an easy-to-read format

- Results for health and wellness information only available with myDNA wellness package for $119

- Some Amazon reviews report inaccurate or untimely results

Additional Information

FamilyTreeDNA offers users the option to join a Group Project to support uncovering new haplogroup subgroups (groups of people with similar DNA) and migration patterns. Participation is voluntary and users can join or leave a project at any time.

Best for Trait Reports

### tellmeGen Starter DNA Test



4.9

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

- Price: $89
- Test requires saliva sample collection
- Includes more than 50 personal trait results
- Personal data is stored with multiple layers of encryption
- Results available in four to six weeks

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Testing your DNA with tellmeGen’s Starter test offers insight into more than 50 physical and wellness traits connected to genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Some of the characteristics you can explore include basal metabolic rate, ear lobe type, mental agility and more. The Starter DNA Test also includes an ancestry report that reflects the origin of your family, demonstrating your genetic composition through a percentage breakdown of various ethnic groups by geographical location.

Pros & Cons

- Includes the option to connect with other users who share your DNA

- Provides unlimited free updates on new findings connected to your results

- Offers wellness information such as muscle performance and body mass index

- Results for genetic predispositions to certain health conditions only available with Advanced DNA Test

- Some Amazon reviews report inaccurate or untimely results

Additional Details

tellmeGen’s Starter DNA Test offers insight into both your maternal and paternal heritage, where you can trace your ancestors’ migration routes as far back as 150,000 to 250,000 years in the past. Plus, the Starter DNA Test provides insights into your neanderthal DNA percentage.

Best for Global Family Matches

### Living DNA Full Ancestry Kit



4.4

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

- Price: $124
- Test requires cheek swab
- Provides privacy settings for DNA results
- Features free ancestry updates
- Results available in six to eight weeks

On LivingDNA's Website

Why We Picked It

Living DNA’s Full Ancestry kit features a robust ancestry breakdown, featuring 150 worldwide regions, 21 subregions within the British Isles, 72 genetic regions within Africa and nine regions within Europe. In addition to providing a family matching tool, Living DNA users can opt in to Family Networks, which allows you to connect with anyone, anywhere on the globe, who may share your DNA. It also offers an additional “wellbeing kit” ($139) that provides insight into genetic variants that may impact your nutrition and fitness.

Pros & Cons

- Offers subregional breakdowns for African, British and European ancestry

- Users can opt in to Family Networks tool to connect with genetic matches

- Extended ancestry tool provides information for up to tens of thousands years of family ancestry and migration patterns, according to the company

- Health and wellness information only available with $139 wellbeing kit

- May take up to eight weeks to receive results

Additional Information

Living DNA customers who purchase a full ancestry kit are eligible for free updates as testing technology develops.

Best for Subregional Breakdown

### 23andMe Ancestry Service



4.4

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

- Price: $79
- Test requires saliva collection FSA/HSA eligible
- Includes over 30 traits reports
- Provides privacy settings for DNA results
- Results available in three to four weeks

On 23andMe's Website

Why We Picked It

While 23andMe’s ancestry kit is a bit pricier than the rest, it boasts some impressive claims, such as ancestry percentages down to the 0.1%, including over 2,500 regions your DNA could belong to—in some cases, “down to the county level.” 23andMe also claims to help you follow your DNA trail back eight generations, and says it can help you identify Neanderthal DNA, if it exists in your bloodline. Additionally, the company offers a DNA Relative Finder for those who opt in. A feature that helps 23andMe stand out is its Trait feature, which claims to be able to tell users if they have a high chance of having traits such as an aversion to cilantro, freckles and/or the ability to match musical pitch.

Pros & Cons

- Ancestral history offers information on genetic connections to famous relatives

- Offers free updates as testing technology develops

- Provides information on history, food and travel destinations for regions connected to your DNA

- Most expensive option on our list

- Health and wellness information only available with $229 Health + Ancestry service

Additional Information

23andMe offers a health upgrade package for $229 that includes FDA-approved reports on your carrier status for genetic variants, predisposition to certain health conditions and more.

Best for Widest Possible Relative Matches

### MyHeritage DNA Kit



4.3

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

- Price: $89
- Test requires cheek swab
- DNA and personal data is stored with multiple layers of encryption
- Results available in three to four weeks

On MyHeritage's Website

Why We Picked It

MyHeritage’s DNA kit aims to get quite detailed when it comes to your ethnic background. Its Ethnicity Estimate provides a percentage breakdown of a user’s ancestral background among 42 ethnicities, and lists the regions ancestors are most likely from on both sides of your family. MyHeritage also provides Genetic Groups, which “indicate the specific groups you descend from and their geographic regions,” according to the company. And with 2,114 regions available, users can expect a very detailed ethnicity report. Additionally, users receive DNA matches, which are possible relatives analyzed via DNA percentage from both MyHeritage users and users of other DNA companies.

Pros & Cons

- Includes the option to connect with other users who share your DNA

- Provides percentage breakdowns of shared DNA with genetic matches

- Accepts DNA results from other testing services

- Does not offer health and wellness information

- Access to historical records requires $149 annual membership fee

Additional Information

MyHeritage provides a robust historical records section that allows users to search through family trees, old photos, immigration records and more for free during a 30-day free trial.

## Methodology: How We Picked the Best DNA Test Kits of 2024

To determine the best DNA testing kits of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed many different data points, including:

- Price
- Average time to get results
- Ethnicity breakdown results
- Genetic disease and wellness information
- Personal traits and characteristics information
- Range of possible matches
- Origin accuracy
- Data security

All star rankings are determined solely by the editorial team.

## What Is a DNA Test Kit?

A DNA test kit typically includes a collection kit, which may consist of a cheek swab or a saliva sample tube. Once you provide a sample, you’ll mail the test tube back to the company for lab assessment.

Technicians assess your DNA sample using a microarray—a tool that contains thousands of microscopic copies of various DNA sequences. Technicians measure variants in your DNA sample and compare the data to a reference panel in order to determine ancestry, predisposition to certain health conditions and more. For example, if laboratory assessments find a variant within your DNA that is found only within Europeans, your ancestry is likely connected to that region.

Results may vary by individual DNA testing companies, however, depending on datasets used in analysis. Typically, these datasets include reference panels, public databases and data from other customers.

## How Do At-Home DNA Kits Work?

Most at-home DNA testing kits use saliva and provide a collection kit. Once you send your collection kit back to the company, it will likely be sent to an on-site lab or a third-party lab, and your DNA will be analyzed from the cells in your saliva.

MyHeritage DNA Kit

Discover your origins across 2,114 regions, uncover your family history and find new relatives through shared DNA by taking a simple MyHeritage's DNA test.

Lab technicians analyze specific genetic markers in your DNA that are common in certain regions and ethnic backgrounds, which helps you to see where your ancestors are most likely from, and if there are other people in its databases who share certain specific genetic markers as well.

It’s important to note that tests that determine paternal lineage can only be performed with male DNA. This is because DNA tests that trace paternal ancestry are obtained by testing the Y chromosome. Individuals who are born female do not have a Y chromosome, and a DNA sample from a male relative will be necessary to trace paternal origins.

## How Accurate Are At-Home DNA Kits?

Health professionals caution against using at-home DNA testing that focuses on health and certain predispositions for some diseases. This is because at-home health tests only look at certain DNA markers, not the whole sequence. Think of it as a more zoomed out version of the results you would get from a doctor-ordered, geneticist-analyzed test. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has cautioned that personal genomic tests are not diagnostic tests, and should not be used alone for treatment decisions or medical interventions.

Still, these zoomed out results are typically more accepted when it comes to ancestry kits, because these kits are designed to only analyze common genetic markers. For instance, according to 23andMe’s website, its process allows it to have a “precision value” for the majority of populations that is “greater than 90%,” which shows just how accurate ancestry kits can be when it comes to ancestry origin, even when they are only looking at similar genetic markers.

## How Much Does a DNA Test Kit Cost?

DNA test kit costs vary depending on a number of factors including the manufacturer, membership subscription costs, if the company accepts HSA or FSA funds and more. The DNA tests on our list range in price from $79 to $124 per test kit.

## Can Law Enforcement Use Your DNA After You Use a Testing Kit?

Most of the larger DNA testing companies, such as 23andMe and MyHeritage, clearly state that they will not voluntarily cooperate with law enforcement, which means that they require a search warrant or court order for the information to be released. However, if you’re concerned about who might be able to view your DNA results, make sure to read the privacy policy of the brand you’re considering.

Amaze Yourself & Discover Your Origins

Uncover your ethnic origins and find new relatives with MyHeritage's simple DNA test.

## How to Choose the Best DNA Test Kit for You

When it comes to picking a DNA test kit, consider factors such as cost, information included in results and additional features like the option to connect with DNA matches or the ability to receive updated results as technology improves.

DNA test kits that provide health and wellness information in addition to ancestry results may come with a higher price tag than those that offer only ancestry breakdowns. Additionally, test kits that come with additional features may require a subscription membership fee in addition to the cost of the kit.

## Summary: Compare the Best Home DNA Test Kits of 2024

Productcompany_logoForbes Health Ratingsforbes_advisor_rating_imageBest ForView Morelearn_more_cta_below_textLearn MoreFamilyTreeDNA Family Finder KitBest Home DNA Testing Kits5.05Best for Deep AncestryShop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/FamilyTreeDNA-Geographic-Relatives-Processed-Convenient/dp/B01NAQ1UCW?crid=1STWJCWTX4JLY&keywords=FamilyTreeDNA+Family+Finder+Kit&qid=1687953784&sprefix=familytreedna+family+finder+kit%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=c958d030beb0e7893fec5e86ef54aa46&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow"tellmeGen Starter DNA Test4.95Best for Trait ReportsShop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/tellmeGen-Starter-Ancestry-Fitness-Reports/dp/B0992H7PVS?crid=29LKZWVO3XXTI&keywords=tellmeGen+Starter+DNA+Test&qid=1691412053&sprefix=tellmegen+starter+dna+test%2Caps%2C555&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=fb17c6c7818e0727425c59b8f79009b2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow"Living DNA Full Ancestry KitBest Home DNA Testing Kits4.44.5Best for Global Family MatchesShop NowOn LivingDNA's Websitehttps://www.dpbolvw.net/click-9311742-14037081" rel="nofollow"23andMe Ancestry Service4.44.5Best for Subregional BreakdownShop NowOn 23andMe's Websitehttps://23andme.prf.hn/click/camref:1011l3CyFb/creativeref:1011l125823" rel="nofollow"MyHeritage DNA KitDNA Testing Kit4.33.5Best for Widest Possible Relative MatchesShop NowOn MyHeritage's Websitehttps://myheritage.sjv.io/c/1955282/917967/12471" rel="nofollow"

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### Are DNA test kits worth it?

Whether or not a DNA test kit is worth it depends on factors like your personal goals or reason for testing and your budget. DNA test kits may provide insight into your heritage, help you connect with others who share your DNA and, in some cases, help you learn more about your personal health. However, DNA test kits may only offer information you’re already aware of or they may yield inaccurate results.

### Which is more accurate, a DNA or a blood test?

While DNA test kits that evaluate cells provided from a saliva sample are a cost-effective and convenient way to assess your DNA, research indicates that blood samples contain more DNA than saliva samples and are therefore able to provide more accurate results.

### How common is a false negative DNA test?

At-home DNA test kits may yield false positive or false negative results, particularly when it comes to health and wellness information. In fact, one small study in Genetics in Medicine assessing 49 patient samples found that 40% of home DNA test kits yielded false positive results[2]Tandy-Connor, S., Guiltinan, J., Krempely, K. et al. False-positive results released by direct-to-consumer genetic tests highlight the importance of clinical confirmation testing for appropriate patient care. Genet Med 2018;20:1515–1521. . These results may arise due to errors in quality control, misinterpretations of results, reference panels measuring data against certain ancestry populations and using databases that have out-of-date information.

### What are the risks associated with at-home DNA testing kits?

While DNA test kits offer a convenient method of exploring your ancestry and discovering insights into your personal health, they may offer misleading or inaccurate results. Receiving false positive or false negative results may lead to unnecessary stress, doctor visits and testing of close family members.

### Should I do a DNA test before pregnancy?

If your family health history includes birth defects, developmental disabilities or other genetic conditions, it may be beneficial to undergo genetic testing to help you better understand your personal health and consider your options for having a child. Health care providers may also recommend genetic counseling for individuals who:

- Have experienced difficulty becoming pregnant.
- Have had two or more miscarriages.
- Have had a previous pregnancy or child with a birth defect or other genetic condition.

Prenatal genetic testing is also able to check for conditions such as cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome. Consult with your health care provider to determine whether you should undergo prenatal genetic testing.

## Sources

### Footnotes

### References

### Next Up In  Medical Supplies

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Jessica is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups. When she isn't writing or editing, Jessica can be found at the gym, listening to a health or true crime podcast, or spending time outside. She also really enjoys bread (even though she's not supposed to eat it).

Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.

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