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Top 8 Best DNA Test Kits

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedJuly 29, 2024

With the advancement of the technology, DNA testing has become prevalent in the recent years involving different ways such as the ancestry tests, health, and other genetic characteristics tests. A DNA test is a non-intrusive process that involves using a cotton swab to gather a small quantity of your DNA and then using lab equipment to examine it.

While there are a lot of companies offering Direct-to-Consumer DNA tests, there are many variations distinguishing one test from another. It should be noted that certain DNA tests are oriented on the representation of your genealogical inheritance, thus, you receive the information on your ethnical roots and the geographical areas where your distant relatives lived. Some other DNA tests are philosophical, they want to give you information about your health, including your likelihood of developing a number of illnesses.

As people seek for the best DNA test, they should bear in mind the following pertinent factors. One of such is the type of test you require for a certain disease or ailment requires. Is it your primary purpose to get more information about your lineage, or, perhaps, you are focused on your health? Another critical aspect is eye test reliability, which may entail specific features linked to the test’s simplicity, the outcome’s quality, and efficiency.

We dedicated a significant amount of time to study and evaluate ten various DNA tests to determine which offers the most valuable and reliable data. In the following sections, we will inform you about our recommended DNA tests and give you all the necessary information to decide which test matches you best.

Top 3 Best DNA Tests

  1. 23andMe Ancestry Service
  2. Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit
  3. AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit

In this article, we have compiled the details of the various DNA testing kits available in the market to help you make a proper decision. If you are more inclined towards genealogy or genetic health, our list below includes options that offer the basic and advanced options. Keep on reading to discover the most suitable DNA test for you.


23andMe Ancestry Service

Editor's Choice

23andMe Ancestry Service

We were thoroughly impressed with 23andMe's precise ancestry breakdown, while the Ancestry Timeline offered a captivating visual journey into our family's past. Personalized traits reports added a unique twist, revealing the secrets our genes held. Connecting with DNA relatives expanded our family tree, making this DNA kit an invaluable investment for those curious about their roots.

See price on Amazon

As for the Ancestry Service kit, we highly suggest the 23andMe for anyone who wants to delve deeper into their family origins and lineage.

Pros

  • The most comprehensive ancestry breakdown available, with estimates to the 0.1% across 2500+ geographic regions
  • Access to over 80 personalized reports, including 30+ traits reports
  • Opt-in to DNA Relative Finder to connect with people who share your DNA and automatically build your family tree

Cons

  • Results take 4-5 weeks to process and receive
  • Additional cost to upgrade to Health + Ancestry Service for health and wellness reports
  • Some may find the saliva collection process unpleasant or difficult

23andMe offered the most detailed and precise ancestry composition report which helped us to understand more about our family background. Another highlighted feature was the Ancestry Timeline which was showing where in the world ancestors were living in a given time span.

Another interesting feature that the test offered were the personalized traits reports and it was also fun to see what can our genes do to such and such and such as that. Assistance in expanding the family trees through the help of the DNA Relative Finder feature was quite helpful in gaining more insight about our family lineage.

In conclusion, 23andMe Ancestry Service DNA Test Kit is an exciting product that would make a good gift or investment to anyone based on his or her genetic lineage interest.


Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit

Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit

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For anyone desiring a fast, reliable and easy to administer paternity test, we highly recommend using the Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit.

Pros

  • The test is very easy to use with no needles, blood or doctors required. You just need to collect samples with mouth swabs and return them to the lab with the provided prepaid return envelope.
  • The results are fast and you get secure, confidential results within 1-2 business days after testing begins. The company also keeps you updated every step of the way.
  • The test is very accurate and reliable with up to 27 genetic markers analyzed for over 99.999% accuracy. All tests performed twice in their AABB, ISO 17025 & CLIA accredited laboratory.

Cons

  • The kit only includes lab and shipping fees to test one child and one potential father. Additional fees may apply for additional tests.
  • The test is only for paternity and cannot be used for other types of DNA testing.
  • The product is only available in the United States.

From our observation, Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit happens to be reliable, accurate and fast and the procedure of using the test kit is very easy. They do not cause any discomfort to the mouth and they come with a prepaid return envelope to facilitate return of the samples. The company is also quite customer friendly and they keep you posted from the time your sample is taken for testing. As it is, we fully endorse the Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit to anyone who cares to do a reliable and easy to do paternity test.


AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit

AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit

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If you wish to trace your genealogy, find family members and inherit family history, then, the best product to get is the AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit.

Pros

  • The AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit provides a unique and interactive experience that delivers results on your origins in over 2,300 global regions, as well as connections to living relatives.
  • The test is easy to use, with just a few simple steps to activate your DNA kit online and return your saliva sample in the prepaid package to their state-of-the-art lab. Your results will be available online in roughly six to eight weeks.
  • AncestryDNA provides a more precise ethnicity estimate with greater geographic detail. Their specialized SideView technology takes your results even further by showing your ethnicities and matches by parental side.

Cons

  • The results take a while to come back, roughly six to eight weeks.
  • If you want to do thorough family searches you have to pay extra and creating a more extensive family tree also costs more.
  • Some DNA features may require an Ancestry subscription.

That is why we liked the AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit as a tool to know more about our ancestry and find relatives. The test is fairly inconspicuous, and does not require much effort to administer it, and the results are very detailed. We could discover our roots in more than 2300 regions of the world and even find out how we share a connection with a living person today.

The AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit gives a more accurate devotion to ethnicity and geographic breakdown. This is only made possible by the SideView technology which helps expand your results to your ethnicities, as well as identify your matches by the parental side. We enjoyed and valued the amount of information, which we received while passing the test.

Though, it does offer extended responses and, thus, one might need to wait for an extended period before receiving results. However, unlocking advanced filters like One World Tree and historical records may be required, or if you want to conduct intensive family records search or develop a larger family tree. Some DNA features may also need an Ancestry subscription, and there are several options to find out information in this section.

In assessing the AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit, we would say that this product is ideal for anyone who wishes to trace their roots and establish relationship links. It is one of the best ways to explore your ancestry profile and to become more acquainted with your genealogy.


23andMe Health + Ancestry Service

23andMe Health + Ancestry Service

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For anyone considering a DNA test that gives personal genetic information and genetic tools for action on health, we wholeheartedly encourage you to get the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service.

Pros

  • The Health + Ancestry Service includes over 150 personalized genetic insights that can help you better understand your health risks and take informed decisions.
  • The Ancestry + Traits Service provides over 50 personalized DNA ancestry reports that can help you trace your ancestry and explore the genetic similarities and differences between you and your family members.
  • The at-home saliva test kit is simple and easy to use, and does not require any blood or needles.

Cons

  • The results take 4-5 weeks to come back, which may be longer than some other DNA tests on the market.
  • The Health + Ancestry Service may reveal information about your health risks that you may not want to know.
  • The cost of the Health + Ancestry Service is higher than some other DNA tests on the market.

Speaking to the helpfulness of the 23andMe product, we must note that the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service was both informative and easy to navigate. Taking saliva sample at the comfort of their home was very easy and none of the test involved blood or any needle pricking. The results offered to me were fine and included the option of tailored genetics and health advice that we would be able to use in order to improve our lifestyle.

We were especially stunned to find that Health + Ancestry Service has over 150 unique reports that could assist in improving the understanding of your genetic profile to make accurate decisions about its users’ health. The Ancestry + Traits Service was also quite useful and educational as we received over 50 different reports which gave us insight on our ancestry and comparison between myself and my family members.

But we did identify that it can take almost four to five weeks for the results to be out, information that may not be common with other DNA tests out there. We also found that there is a possibility that the Health + Ancestry Service results will contain information regarding your health which you may not wish to learn about. Last but not the least, it should be noted that the price charged for the Health + Ancestry Service is a bit high compared to the cost of other DNA testing services available in the market.

In conclusion, if one could indeed afford it, we wholeheartedly recommend the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service as the best DNA test to give you your genuine genetic profile and additional features to assist you in taking control of your health.


AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit

AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit

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The AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit is another DNA test kit that covers almost everything worth knowing and offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Pros

  • AncestryDNA delivers an experience as unique and interactive as no other DNA test kit.
  • With AncestryDNA + Traits, you can discover 35+ of your most interesting genetic traits.
  • The SideView technology shows your ethnicities and matches by parental side.

Cons

  • The results will be available online in roughly six to eight weeks.
  • Some DNA features may require an Ancestry subscription.
  • The AncestryDNA Plus annual subscription is required at $29.99/yr.

We have determined that AncestryDNA + Traits is a simple kit to use and offers a lot of helpful data about an individual’s ancestry background, ethnic origins, inherited traits, and other interesting facts. It only takes five minutes to complete the online activation of the kit, and you can send your saliva sample back to the lab in the provided package.

To map your test results with different characteristics, you may discuss how your genes affect the various aspect of your appearance, sensory ability, fitness, nutrient, and other personal traits. In other respects the ethnicity estimates are superior with more geographic resolution and the SideView technology displays your ethnicities and matches by ‘parental reference’.

It is essential to know that some of the DNA features can be available only with an Ancestry subscription and only the annual AncestryDNA Plus subscription costs $29. 99/yr. However, we felt satisfied to some extent as the results appear to be genuine and the product support for this particular one is from USA which is none of the other products.

In conclusion, if you’re interested in a high quality DNA test kit that is unique and offers an interactive part for a second time, we highly recommend the AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit.


PaternityLab DNA Sibling Test

PaternityLab DNA Sibling Test

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All things considered, if you want a fast and non-invasive means of confirming you share a blood relation with one another, then the PaternityLab DNA Sibling Test should suffice your needs adequately.

Pros

  • Results in just 1-2 days
  • Lab fees and shipping included
  • Easy at-home collection kit

Cons

  • Only for full and half siblings
  • No option for more distant relatives
  • Not as comprehensive as other DNA tests

The PaternityLab DNA Sibling Test is one of the best avenues to undertake for anybody who wishes to have a easy and fast method of establishing a brother-sister bond. The test is simple, especially if the individual decides to use the collection kit that can be done in the comfort of ones own home to acquire the necessary DNA samples.

Whenever you have taken your samples and posted these back to the laboratory, it will only take you about 1 – 2 days to get your results. This is much faster than most of the other DNA tests found in the market today, which actually can take weeks or months to give the results.

Another strength that we found out with the PaternityLab DNA Sibling Test is that their prices already come with the lab fees and shipping. This means that the cost of the test is not going to be divided into different installments where some of the costs will be concealed from you when you are being charged other costs.

However, there are some critical factors customers should understand regarding the PaternityLab DNA Sibling Test which is developed to work only when at least one of the individuals is the full or the half-sibling of another tested person. A lot of users come to the company to see if they want to establish a familial connection with a more distant relative, and thus, for such requirements, a user is going to have to select a different test.

In sum, if you are in search of a simple and fast method to determine your relationship with the person you address as a sibling, the PaternityLab DNA Sibling Test is the option you might want to follow. With this in mind, you’ll realize that it may not as inclusive as some of the other DNA tests out in the market.


PaternityLab DNA Paternity Test Kit

PaternityLab DNA Paternity Test Kit

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If you are thinking of a way to get quick results of DNA testing as to establish the paternity or otherwise of a child, you should try the PaternityLab DNA Paternity Test Kit.

Pros

  • All lab fees included for 1 child and 1 alleged father.
  • Includes 24 genetic markers for 99.999% accuracy with our in-house lab in the USA.
  • Online results in as little as 1-2 business days.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported difficulty contacting customer service.
  • Results may take longer than advertised.
  • One customer reported that one of the samples was not able to be tested.


We recently tried the PaternityLab DNA Paternity Test Kit and were particularly satisfied with the simplicity of the test and time necessary to complete it. It is self-sampling through a non-invasive mouth swab, which means you don’t have to venture anywhere, but sample it from the comfort of your home. The shipping is discreet, which means customers’ privacy is respected during the delivery process.

We submitted our samples and got our results after two business days. As for the shallow interpretation of the results, the options given were clear and straightforward; the report on genetic markers was provided, as well. We also liked that while the kit was slightly pricy, all laboratory charges were incorporated so no extra charges were required.

Based on the survey questionnaires and feedbacks we have not encountered any problem with the company’s customer service. Yet there are some complaints from the customers that it is hard to reach the company. However, there are also complaints regarding the time it takes to receive the results; in some cases customers have noted that it takes more time than what the company advertises. In the customers’ feedback, a sample was unable to be tested, but the company resolved the issue by sending a new kit.

In conclusion, it is advisable to recommend PaternityLab DNA Paternity Test Kit considering their efficiency and user-friendly features.


DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit

DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit

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In our opinion, you should buy DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit that provides accurate and confidential results and does not allow manipulating with them.

Pros

  • The kit is easy to use with painless and easy-to-use mouth swabs.
  • The test helps you conclusively determine the biological father of a child.
  • The kit is shipped in discreet packaging for privacy.

Cons

  • The kit cannot be sent to New York addresses due to state law.
  • The kit requires a physician or court order to complete the testing process in New York.
  • The kit does not include a return envelope for the DNA samples.


They were easy to use and in the experiment we completed, we determined that the DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit was a reliable and accurate product. It comes with the no-brainer cheek swabs for the sample collection at the convenience of your own home. The guidelines for use are simple and rational, and the kit is delivered discreetly so that people do not find out about it.

We also acknowledge that DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit is professional and very confidential in their operation. For all the DNA samples, identification and processing is carried out in an AABB accredited laboratory, with dual processing capabilities. They are usually ready in 1-2 business days and clients can call in in case of questions.

In sum, due to its efficiency, accuracy and anonymity in the testing, we suggest that the DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit is the best at home DNA test kit.

Buying Guide

When choosing a DNA test, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:

Testing Type

There are three main types of DNA tests: chromosomal, Y-chromosome and mitochondrial. In this case, autosomal tests are the most popular, since they also show the relation both on the mother’s and the father’s side. Y-DNA tests only give information for the father’s and son’s side, and mtDNA tests only give information for the mother’s and daughter’s side. The user needs to decide whether the type of test that will be most beneficial in the type of information that the user wants to be presented with.

Sample Collection Method

DNA tests involve the collection of a DNA sample from you and this is usually done by rubbing on the inner side of your cheek using a swab or by using your saliva. Cheek swabs also collect genetic material from dead skin cells but may be less accurate than mouth rinse samples. Choose which one is easier to do and which will give the desired results most likely.

Testing Company

Select a reliable testing company that has a good reputation for conducting proper tests and providing reasonable accuracy. Choose working with companies that have been in business for quite some time and possess a vast range of samples to use.

Cost

The costs associated with the DNA tests are relatively affordable with costs ranging from $ 100 to 350 dollars. Think about how much money you are going to invest in the acquisition of this community. What they do not know is that the tests which they consider costly, may be more detailed compared to the cheap tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most accurate DNA test available?

In analyzing DNA , the whole genome sequencing test is the one that proves to give the most accurate results. This test sequences all of your DNA and offers the broadest view of your genetics, which makes it a good starting point if you’re testing your first sample. But the irony is, this is also the most costly and exhaustive test.

Which DNA test is better: 23andMe or AncestryDNA?

There are two American companies offering similar services of analyzing personal DNA; these are 23andMe and AncestryDNA. However, which one to choose largely depends on the particular conditions and personal preferences. 23andMe provides a deeper insight of your health, AncestryDNA has more individuals and it a better platform for searching family history.

What is the best DNA test for finding lost relatives?

The most effective DNA test is the one with the greatest number of members in the database. AncestryDNA also holds the largest database of over 18 million users, thus there are both chances high that you will find relations you never knew exist. However, one must understand that there can be only a partial list of relatives and some may not have provided samples for DNA testing and some may not have provided their contact details.

Is the 23andMe health test worth it?

Ultimately, the question of whether the 23andMe health test is worth it depends on your individual needs. The health test offers a report on expected abnormalities in the genetic level and carrier state of certain genetic disorders. However, if you are a sexually active adult who wants to know about the possibility of a genetic disease in your offspring or worried about any health risks, then the health test may be worth the money.

What is the best DNA test for Irish ancestry?

The best DNA test for Irish ancestry is that which has the largest database of Irish specific genetic markers for comparison. It should also be noted that FamilyTreeDNA has a special test – Irish DNA test, which hinges on the identification of purely Irish roots and is more detailed than general tests.

What is the best DNA test for Asians?

The best DNA test for Asians is the test that features the largest Asian database of genetic markers. Two options that are suitable for testing people of Asian descent are MyHeritage DNA and 23andMe because both services conduct extensive database in Asia.

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