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Ever want to find out if you’re really half Italian or that one-eighth Native American? Discover your ancestry with an at-home DNA test kit. These kits reveal all kinds of information: heritage, ethnicity, medical conditions, nutritional sensitivities and other DNA info that could potentially improve the rest of your life! Here are the best DNA tests out there!
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1. MyHeritage DNA Test Kit – Ancestry & Ethnicity Genetic Testing
Pros:- Detailed ancestry and ethnicity testing
- Global database includes 42 different ethnicities
- Easy to use, with well-presented results
- Family tree feature
- Solid privacy
Cons:- Test alone gives you limited information
- Expensive online service
- So-so customer support, especially with the free online service
Ever wondered if you had a long-lost brother? With the MyHeritage DNA Test Kit, you can discover your ancestry and find relatives you never knew existed on both your maternal and paternal sides. This test will also provide you with a detailed ethnicity breakdown that is among the most comprehensive of any test currently on the market. MyHeritage DNA’s database includes 42 different ethnicities from around the world, which the company claims is more than any other DNA test.
Another great thing about MyHeritage DNA is how easy it is: Just swab your cheek, send the package back, and view your results online in about four weeks. DNA data is displayed in a clear and engaging way using interactive 3D maps that can be shared on social media at your discretion. The online service even gives you the ability to create digital family trees or connect with any potential relatives you might discover.
MyHeritage is also refreshingly upfront about user privacy, which is important considering the personal nature of DNA testing. You are the sole owner of your DNA data, and your personal information and DNA data are never sold, licensed, or shared with any third parties without your explicit consent.
The biggest downside of the MyHeritage DNA Test Kit is that you must pay for the online service to access some of the best features, including viewing family trees of your DNA Matches or accessing the database’s extensive historical records.
Find more MyHeritage DNA Test Kit information and reviews here.
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2. 23andMe DNA Test – Ancestry Personal Genetic Service
Pros:- Easy and accurate method to find out your ancestral history
- 1000+ geographic regions give you a detailed ethnic breakdown
- Online resource allows you to learn more about your ancestral regions
- Lets you connect with potential relatives
- One of the biggest names in the industry
- Can be upgraded later to retrieve additional information
- No monthly subscription fees
- Gives you the option to download your raw genetic data for further analysis
Cons:- Less detailed results than the premium service
- More expensive than MyHeritage DNA
- Some people have had poor customer service experiences
Perhaps the most recognizable of all kits, 23andMe gives you a detailed breakdown of your ancestry from more than 1000 geographic regions around the world. With 23andMe, you can trace parts of your ancestry to groups of people from 1000+ years ago—including Neanderthals! This kit works using a simple saliva sample that you send back (return shipping is pre-paid) to the lab for genetic DNA testing. The process is easy, the results are accurate, and you can access them online in about 6-to-8 weeks.
One really cool thing about 23andMe is that you can download a file of your raw genetic data for further analysis beyond what is included with the kit. This allows you to get a second opinion on your ethnic characteristics if you have questions about 23andMe’s results, or even to have the data analyzed by another lab for additional DNA characteristics.
The only real downsides of this 23andMe kit are that it is more expensive than the MyHeritage DNA kit listed above and that it provides you with less information than the premium 23andMe Health and Ancestry Kit. Users who are interested in knowing what their DNA reveals about possible health concerns or predispositions may want to consider purchasing this kit and upgrading to the Health + Ancestry Service, which typically costs a little extra.
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3. AncestryDNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test
Pros:- #1-selling consumer DNA test
- 500+ global regions
- Largest social network of any DNA test
- Database of more than 10 million people
- Extraordinarily deep family records
- Great tools for making family trees
Cons:- Very little ethnic information for Asian people
- More expensive than MyHeritage DNA
- Family tree services require a 6- or 12-month subscription
The AncestryDNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test is the #1-selling consumer DNA test and has a social network of nearly 10 million people. With such a huge database to draw from, this test is widely recognized as one of the most accurate DNA tests currently available, and it’s probably the best option if you are interested in connecting with potential relatives—which is made incredibly easy through their intuitive web interface.
Similar to 23andMe, AncestryDNA asks you to spit in a prepaid return package in order to learn vast details about your ethnicities. The test gives you an ethnic breakdown from more than 500 global regions, with a resolution that can sometimes narrow locations down to an exact city. Your results may also show you the paths your ancestors took as they migrated around the world, which is a feature offered by few other tests. These and other results will become available to you about 6 to 8 weeks after you send back your sample.
The biggest downside of this service is that it provides very little ethnic information for people of East Asian descent, especially compared to other tests. Some people have received results like “99% Asian”, which likely doesn’t tell them anything that they didn’t already know. Results are significantly more detailed for people with European backgrounds, with more than 100 European genetic regions, compared to just 4 East Asian regions. If you are of Asian descent, you will likely want to try one of the other kits on this list.
Find more AncestryDNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test information and reviews here.
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4. National Geographic DNA Test Kit: Geno 2.0 Next Generation Ancestry
Pros:- Detects regional ancestry going bas as far as 500,000 years
- Results displayed in personalized, shareable video
- Detects if you might be related to any genius historical figures
- DNA sequence can be used for other Helix DNA services (below)
- Geno 2.0 app is a great way to view your results
- Receive a raw data file of your genetic info for data analysis on other services
Cons:- Regional info is very broad
- Provides less detailed ethnic breakdown than other products
- Little information about ancestors in recent history
The National Geographic DNA Test Kit: Geno 2.0 Next Generation Ancestry allows you to view a breakdown of your regional ancestry by percentage—going as far back as 500,000 years! Results will be given to you in an easy-to-understand video that traces your genetic origins from your hominid ancestors in Africa all the way through to the modern era. If you are a history buff who is interested in getting an ultra-long-term view at your genetic history, this might be the kit for you.
The biggest thing that differentiates this test from the others on this list is that it is primarily oriented around discovering your more ancient history. While other tests like 23andMe and Ancestry DNA give you detailed ethnic breakdowns of your DNA by comparing your DNA against other modern people, the Geno 2.0 test shows you the path your earliest ancestors took out of Africa and into other regions of the world. All of this data is presented to you in video form or through a well-presented mobile app, both of which are sure to leave you feeling more connected with your ancient past.
Another fun feature of this test is “Genius Matching”, which will tell you if you are related to any historical geniuses. Possible matches include Alexander Hamilton, King Tut, Benjamin Franklin, and more!
The main downside of the Geno 2.0 test is that it may not provide the information you are looking for if you want to know about your ethnic background within the more recent past. Very little information is given about your relatives within the last 500 years, which may be disappointing if that’s what you are primarily interested in.
Find more National Geographic DNA Test Kit: Geno 2.0 information and reviews here.
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5. Vitagene DNA Test Kit with optional Health + Skin and Beauty + Nutritional Coaching
Pros:- Shorter wait time than other similar companies
- Learn about your genetic skin and beauty traits
- Find which supplements are best for your body and what you may be lacking. It can also include which foods and exercises are best.
Cons:- Some people say they expected more from the results (we don't know which version they bought, though)
- There are mentions of diet & exercise routines being too generic. There's also a lot that say they're great, though, so... take it with a grain of salt.
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So, here’s how this one works:
You get a box with two mouth swabs. Stick it in your mouth, put it back in the box, and send it back to the lab. While you wait four weeks for the lab results to process, you’ll have time to fill out a pretty lengthy online questionnaire about your goals and medical history. After four weeks, they send a beautifully printed vitality guide to your home.
The vitality guide is a physical object that you can hold in your hands, which is something that many others lack — most others display all results online or an app. The guide will teach you information about your ancestry with a map and percentages. What sets it apart, though, is it also includes recommended supplements for optimal health.
You can upgrade this to the Ancestry + Health + Skin and Beauty Personal Genetic Report or the Ancestry + Health + Skin and Beauty Personal Genetic Reports + Nutritional Coaching on Amazon.
Find more Vitagene DNA Test w/ Optional Health/Beauty Coaching information and reviews here.
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6. EverlyWell – At Home Food Sensitivity Test Kit
Pros:- Receive results within days of returning your sample. The fastest on this list.
- Results seem to be in-line with doctor’s recommendations
- Change your eating habits to live the best life you can
Cons:- Kits are not permitted for sale in MD, NY, NJ, or RI. Sorry guys. It's the law.
- It’s an easy at-home kit, but it’s a prick of blood. Just an FYI to you needlephobes. As someone who regularly passes out getting blood drawn (or even the thought of getting blood drawn…sigh), I think even I could handle the simple prick and few drops they need.
- Must be 18+ to purchase
This kit was such a good idea that Shark Tank invested in it. EverlyWell’s technology tests food sensitivities (not to be confused with allergies) to 96 different foods that are commonly found in Western diets, including dairy, yeast, gluten, and wheat. Ever been curious if bread is REALLY that bad for you? Now you can know for sure!
If you cut out foods you may be sensitive to, you can resolve ongoing health issues like fatigue, brain fog, stomach ailments or migraines. You’ll also probably lose weight because if you follow the advice, you stop basically poisoning yourself on a daily basis.
Find more EverlyWell – At Home Food Sensitivity Test Kit information and reviews here.
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7. Insitome DNA Test Kit: Regional Ancestry – 24+ Regional Clusters including Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania
Pros:- Tells you the story of your ancestors — it doesn’t only just show you numbers and percentages
- Fast results
- From people who’ve tried them all, this one seems to be a favorite because it has the most information for the price.
Cons:- Most negative reviews seem to be people who don’t understand how the website works, so I think this one is a pretty safe bet.
- Poor customer support
- Must pay extra for extra results
This is another Helix test like the Nat Geo one. This test focuses on your genome-wide genetic ancestry and highlights where your DNA falls along 24+ regional ancestry clusters including the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Learn your unique stories from ancestral clusters. Understand the history behind even minute details of your ancestry across continents and millennia.
Data is extracted from your saliva sample based on the latest research and technology by using a global database of thousands of DNA samples.
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8. Vinome DNA Test Kit: Genetic Wine Taste Preferences Profile + Curated Wines to Match – Wine Explorer
Pros:- It’s cool that this connects to Vinome, which is an impressive online wine community/store that delivers to your door.
- Great for those who really don’t know much about wine but find themselves either a) wanting to or b) finding themselves in a situation where they probably should
- It’s freaking fun! It’s an entertaining experiment to try with your SO, family or best friends.
Cons:- There are no negative reviews about this product. Everyone rated it five stars! That must mean it’s pretty darn awesome.
- One person thought he would be getting full genetic results. He is the only negative review. So make sure you know that this only for your wine preferences, not a full DNA test.
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This one’s just for fun, but a wine connoisseur would definitely love this as a gift. Or buy it as a self-gift. I won’t tell. It combines your analyzed DNA with taste preferences tailored specifically to your wine-liking profile. All that is revealed by your DNA and evidence-based science that enables a highly personalized wine preference profile.
To make buying wine easier, an online wine store is waiting for you at Vinome with curated bottles that match your biological taste preferences. You’ll even be able to rate and review the wines you try and see what others think, too.
Ready to learn about your closest 1000 cousins? It's one test kit per person, so don't go swabbing your whole family in the mouth. Remember this stuff is pretty accurate, but nothing is 100%.
One thing to know before getting into this: a lot of extra data most of these services provide is raw, as in .CSV format. They are allowed to provide the data but not interpret it for you. If you're not a crazy computer wiz, trusted websites like Promethease.com will interpret the raw data results for you for $5. Geneticgenie.org will interpret raw data specifically related to genes that involve chronic illnesses for free.
With kits covering everything from ancestry to personalized nutrition and exercise plans, there's something here for everyone. And we're pretty sure everyone will find the results interesting. It's pretty cool to learn things about yourself, and these kits make great gifts for the people in your life! Buying kits for your relatives is also great because it will improve the accuracy of your results and provide you with a more detailed picture of your family tree.