Search
Close this search box.

Which DNA testing company should I use?

  • (updated regularly)

Which DNA test should I buy?

Once you’ve decided to test your autosomal DNA as a part of your family history research, the next consideration is usually which DNA testing company to use.

This guide applies specifically to autosomal DNA tests with matching databases, and is from the perspective of testers living in Australia & New Zealand, although most of it is relevant to all testers worldwide.

As a brief reminder, anyone can do an autosomal DNA test, and it can match you with relatives on all ancestral lines.  It is most accurate for very close relatives and those in more recent generations, although it can also be effective in connecting with more distant cousins.  Autosomal DNA test results also include admixture/ethnicity estimates.

The information shared below is from my experience as a genetic genealogist who has tested multiple family members at each of the companies listed below, and helped hundreds of other people with their DNA testing and results from these companies.  The background information may help you select the most appropriate test for your circumstances and make a positive start on your DNA testing adventure!

The fast growth and interest in genetic genealogy means that the products, features, prices and third-party tools change very rapidly, so I update this page constantly.

The DNA Testing Companies

There are five direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies available for genealogical purposes (matching relatives):

They all offer DNA test kits by mail and deliver the results online.

Testing Goals

If you are not yet familiar with genetic genealogy, you might be wondering why it is so incredibly popular.  Most people don’t truely realise the power of DNA testing until they see their own results for the first time, which demonstrate its amazing power as a tool to for family history research.

Everyone tests for different reasons and has different goals, so they may have different testing plans and strategies.

We can use autosomal DNA testing for genealogy to:

  • reveal biogeographical ancestry – aka ‘ethnicity estimates’,
  • connect with cousins to share research and old family photos,
  • check existing research for accuracy (confirm or disprove relationships),
  • check the accuracy of family stories,
  • investigate and hopefully solve long-standing research brick walls and family mysteries,
  • discover branches of family trees not found through regular research,
  • identify places of origin of ancestors,
  • determine surname relatedness,
  • identify biological relatives (if unknown), or
  • simply satisfy your curiosity and see what your DNA reveals.

Unknown Parentage

If you are adopted, donor-conceived, a foundling, a war baby, a child migrant, of unknown parentage for any reason, or the cost is not a consideration – and you are primarily testing to identify parents or close biological family, then it is recommended that you test either test with or transfer into all the major companies to maximise your exposure and connections to biological relatives in all the international databases.  Read What is an AncestryDNA test?

If funds are limited, start by testing with AncestryDNA® first then transfer your raw DNA data file into Family Tree DNA (free upload page), MyHeritage DNA (free upload page),  Living DNA (free upload page) and to GEDmatch.

Depending on your initial matching success in these popular databases, you can then consider further testing or upgrades (eg. test at 23andMe; consider a Y-DNA test for males with unknown paternity; consider mtDNA if needed to confirm maternal relationships).

Research Considerations

When selecting a testing company, consider your research goals, proposed test types, who you want to match with and which database they might be more likely to be in.  Test with your preferred company and then you can transfer your data to the free GEDmatch site once you get your results.

If you test at one company and a relative tests at another company, you can both upload your raw data files from the different testing companies to GEDmatch to compare your results.  At GEDmatch you can run the Are Your Parents Related? report to check if your parents were related in recent generations.  At GEDmatch you also have the choice to opt-in to be visible to DNA profiles uploaded by law enforcement, to help identify human remains and solve cold cases.

If you can only afford one test, do that test (preferably AncestryDNA) then upload your DNA data file to GEDmatch, and also take advantage of any free transfers to get your DNA into other databases.  Note that AncestryDNA and 23andMe do not accept transfers inwards, so you need to test directly with them to get your DNA into their databases.

What do you get?

Autosomal DNA testing produces the following in your online account:

  • Biogeographical estimates (aka Admixture/ethnicity), eg. % English, % Irish, % Asian, % Italian, etc.  These predictions will be updated over time.
  • Matches to other people who have tested their autosomal DNA at the same company and are related in recent generations.  Close family matches are very accurate.
  • Raw DNA data file of your results.  This is a text file containing about 700,000 rows of numbers and letters, and is about 6MB in size when zipped.  Save a copy to your computer as a backup, and you can upload it to other testing companies and websites offering third party tools and reports.

DNA Test Features & Prices

DNA database sizes and makeup

AncestryDNA

  • AncestryDNA® has more than 25 million DNA testers in its database (10 Nov 2023), which is the largest autosomal DNA matching database.  Background: AncestryDNA launched in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada during 2015 and in more countries during 2016.  The number of matches from Australia, New Zealand, UK and Ireland has grown rapidly so match results are very productive for many testers.

23andMe

  • 23andMe‘s database has more than 14 million testers (25 May 2023).  Many testers use 23andMe primarily for health reports, so not all will opt-in to the genealogy results (DNA Relatives), and additionally testers are required to share their DNA data to enable comparisons.  Background: Intially US-focused, 23andMe launched in the UK and Canada in late 2014.  They still sell their kits to Australia & NZ from the US, even though at one stage they expressed interest in selling DNA kits directly in Australia.  Health reports are not available to Australian & New Zealand customers.  Their international shipping by courier is expensive (US$98 per kit), so this deters Australians & New Zealanders from testing with them.  23andMe is considered to have reliable ethnicity estimates, and the good tools for examining ethnicity results (including visually in a chromosome browser), but it can depend on the population group of interest.  In January 2019, the number of regions increased from 150+ to over 1000, new detailed reports were added to 33 regions, and a new DNA Relatives Maps feature was added so you can view your DNA matches by their location.

MyHeritage DNA

  • MyHeritage has more than 8.5 million kits in their DNA database (Sep 2024).  Background: MyHeritage DNA opened transfers inwards from other testing companies in mid-2016 (free), and started selling their own test kits from November 2016.  MyHeritage accepts autosomal DNA transfers inwards from other companies (free to view matches, with an optional US$29 charge to access additional features/tools if desired). Transfers into MyHeritage DNA before 16 December 2018 were grandfathered in to receive these features for free (see details) and another offer in December 2019 grandfathered in advanced DNA features to all kits uploaded during that week.

Family Tree DNA

  • Family Tree DNA‘s autosomal DNA database size is 1,661,040 at 30 Jun 2024 (ISOGG Wiki).  FTDNA’s Family Finder test has been popular for many years due to its international accessibility.  Background: Family Finder has been available internationally since 2010, so many Australians, New Zealanders, British and Irish participants tested with Family Tree DNA’s Family Finder long before AncestryDNA became available in mid-2015.  FTDNA also has more than a million Y-DNA and mtDNA records, including some who tested their Y-DNA and/or mtDNA up to 24 years ago, and whose stored samples could potentially be used to test their autosomal DNA if they haven’t already (some of those testers are now deceased so can’t be tested elsewhere).  Family Tree DNA accepts transfers inwards/uploads from other testing companies.  Whichever testing route you take, it is worth getting your autosomal DNA into FTDNA’s Family Finder database, either by testing with them directly or via their free transfer.

Living DNA

  • Living DNA launched its innovative test late in 2016, and since then has been regularly phasing in new product features.  The database size is unknown, as the last reported figure was around 300,000 in Jan 2021.  It has grown significantly since then, as from my observations the number of DNA matches has more than doubled or tripled for many kits.  Living DNA offers ancestral breakdowns into 80 worldwide regions, and is especially popular with people of British origins as it includes 21 British regions.  Living DNA’s One Family One World project is developing reference databases for many more worldwide regions, and is inviting new participants to upload their existing test data for free, and offering discounted tests for eligible testers from particular regions.  Living DNA’s Your DNA Ancestry kit results also include mtDNA (motherline) and Y-DNA (fatherline) haplogroup predictions.  Living DNA’s new customer DNA Matching feature, Family Networks, has recently been launched, but as yet there are few relative matches, mostly just immediate family if they have tested.  Raw data can be downloaded for use with third party tools and for transfers.

Family Trees

  • AncestryDNA’s best asset is their huge collection of member trees that can be linked to DNA accounts.  AncestryDNA cleverly attempts to match DNA and family trees for the user, providing a range of connection ‘hints’ based on similarities in the trees of your DNA matches.  Note that trees need to be searchable to access some of the hint features. You can link each DNA test to only one tree at a time, but it can be linked to any tree that you created or a tree that is shared with you.  You can link multiple different testers to the one tree.
  • FamilyTreeDNA previously maintained a free family tree for each tester account.  From Sep 2024, FTDNA test trees are created and maintained at MyHeritage (free trees for up to 250 persons each).  Original FTDNA trees that have not been updated to MyHeritage (eg. for deceased testers) are still visible at FTDNA as read-only trees.  FTDNA’s family tree system enables linking DNA tests of known or confirmed relatives/matches to your tree, which generates matches in the ‘Paternal’, ‘Maternal’ and ‘Both’ tabs on the Family Finder match results page, based on a sophisticated segment-matching algorithm.  The more relatives who test and are linked in your tree (now at MyHeritage), the more (often unknown) matches will be sorted into paternal and maternal sides of your trees, which is useful if your parents are unavailable to test.
  • 23andMe accounts include a family tree that is automatically generated from the closest DNA matches.  It is currently in Beta mode so you may find incorrect placements of relatives.  Users can edit the people in the tree and edit relationships.  In their profile, testers can include a link (URL) to their family tree hosted on another site, such as at Ancestry, FindMyPast, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, Wikitree, Geni or Rootsweb.
  • MyHeritage offers free family trees for up to 250 people.  Once you reach 250 people in your tree, you need to either delete some people or subscribe, or your tree will be locked and may become inaccessible until you subscribe.  DNA tests are linked to the tester in a tree.  The Review Match page shows a pedigree view for matches who have a public tree, and you can request access to private trees.
  • Living DNA has announced they are working on building automated family trees based just on genetic matches and shared matches (similar to 23andMe automated trees), but it has not yet been released.

Subscriptions

  • Family Tree DNA and 23andMe do not require subscriptions – the once-off purchase price of your test includes lifetime account access and upgrades of results.  23andMe customers in the US have a membership (Plus) option but it is not available to international customers.
  • AncestryDNA® does not require a subscription to purchase a DNA test or to view your results or contact matches, but an Ancestry® Subscription is very useful to view historical records to help build your family tree, to access the amazing range of DNA & family tree matching features and to view your matches’ family trees.  You can contact DNA matches through Ancestry’s messaging system without a subscription.  Ancestry® Offers 14-Day Free Trials.
  • MyHeritage DNA does not require a subscription to purchase a DNA test or to view your results or contact matches, but a MyHeritage subscription is very useful to view Shared Matches, Shared Places, Shared Ethnicities and to view matches’ full trees and access MyHeritage’s record collections and Smart Matches.  Members who transferred their DNA data in from other companies before 16 December 2018 should be able to view all the features without a subscription (if not, contact MyHeritage customer support).  MyHeritage offers a Free 14-Day Trial of their Complete Plan.
  • Living DNA does not require any subscription as they do not offer historical records or trees. You can upload your DNA for free matches, but they do charge for detailed biogeographical breakdowns (eg. 21 British regions) and for wellness reports.

Check the DNA Test Prices & Sales page for special offers on subscriptions!

DNA test types

  • AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA, FTDNA’s Family Finder, and Living DNA are all autosomal DNA tests.
  • All the testing companies provide ethnicity/admixture estimates as part of their autosomal DNA test results, although free uploads may need to pay an unlock fee to view additional features not included in the free transfer offer.
  • Living DNA provides relative matching and ethnicity/admixture results.
  • Both 23andMe and Living DNA’s 3-in-1 test provide haplogroup predictions in their results – Y-DNA (for males only) and mtDNA for all.
  • Family Tree DNA sells detailed Y-DNA tests and mitochondrial DNA tests as well as their autosomal DNA test, which is called Family Finder.  Multiple test types can be administered in one account (eg. Family Finder, Y-DNA, mtDNA), and the Advanced Matches tool can be used to look for matches across the different test types.

Tools & Data

  • AncestryDNA’s tools include Common Ancestors and ThruLinesTM – which visually shows you common ancestors who might connect you to your AncestryDNA matches, Shared Matches, and Genetic Communities/Migrations.  MyTreeTagsTM provides DNA tags to add to people in your Ancestry family tree – including DNA Match, DNA Connection, Common DNA Ancestor tags.  New and Improved DNA Matches allows you to define your own 24 custom groups, colour code them and add your DNA matches to multiple groups.  AncestryDNA does not provide tools to examine shared DNA segments – such as a chromosome browser, although since mid-2024 they offer an additional level of DNA features via a ProTools subscription, enabling access to the amounts of DNA your matches share with your shared matches, amongst other great features.  Ancestry’s SideView technology released in 2022 separates your ethnicity estimate and your DNA matches into Parent 1 & Parent 2 (even if your parents have not tested), which is incredibly helpful for identifying your DNA matches and ancestral origins! AncestryDNA customers can transfer their raw DNA data file to GEDmatch and other testing companies to use their segment analysis tools.
  • FTDNA provides a range of tools including a 7-person chromosome browser, ICW and NICW (in-common-with and not-in-common-with) for all matches, a Matrix tool, a range of search options and filters, Advanced Matching (to identify atDNA matches sharing the same Y-DNA or mtDNA, or in the same FTDNA project groups), Family Matching (paternal/maternal) by linking known relatives to your tree, and the ability to download all matches and chromosome data to spreadsheets.  The free transfer to FTDNA doesn’t provide access to all features/tools, but they can be unlocked for US$19.
  • 23andMe provides a range of tools, including a chromosome browser (that also shows ethnicity segments!), Shared Matches, shared ethnicities, and a great range of search options and filters.  Some tools require that matches agree to share their DNA information before you can see it.  A new DNA Relatives Map feature was added in January 2019, showing DNA matches by their location (if they choose to share it). 23andMe also has an automated family tree that is generated from selected matches based on DNA alone.
  • MyHeritage DNA provides a range of sort and search filters and options, and also shows Shared DNA Matches, how much DNA your shared matches share, shared surnames, shared ethnicities, and a chromosome browser capable of comparing up to 7 matches, which highlights triangulated segments, and with the ability to download the chromosome match data.  The Theory of Family Relativity feature exploits  MyHeritage’s millions of family trees to visually suggest how some of your DNA matches may connect to you.  MyHeritage DNA’s AutoCluster feature produces a matrix showing which of your matches share DNA with each other, to help you identify genetic networks or clusters of matches belonging to the same ancestral lines.  MyHeritage’s Labels feature allows you to add up to 30 different custom labels to your DNA matches to help you group or filter them to suit your own needs.
  • Living DNA raw data files can be downloaded.  The autosomal data can be used in GEDmatch.  Family Networks has been launched, new features will continue to be implemented over time, and new matches will appear as more people test, transfer, and opt in to Family Matching.  Family Networks will eventually have tools such as a chromosome browser and custom tags for matches.
  • All companies allow a copy of your raw DNA data file to be downloaded, for transfers to other companies and for use with third party tools.

Contact & Profiles

  • Family Tree DNA results display matches’ real names and email addresses, enabling direct and efficient contact with your genetic matches via email.
  • AncestryDNA testers can choose whether to display their usernames, initials or real names to their DNA matches.  If a tester’s kit is managed by someone else, only their initials will be displayed, along with the manager’s username.  No email addresses are visible, so messages can only be sent through Ancestry’s messaging system.  A complete new message system is being rolled out late in 2019.
  • 23andMe testers can choose whether to display their real names or initials to their DNA matches.  No email addresses are visible, so messages can only be sent through 23andMe’s messaging system.
  • MyHeritage testers can choose whether to display their real name or an alias to their DNA matches.  No email addresses are visible, so messages can only be sent through MyHeritage’s messaging system.
  • Living DNA testers can add a profile with bio.  DNA matches can be contacted through Living DNA’s messaging system.

DNA test kit & DNA sample

  • All test kits are very easy and straight-forward to use.
  • Family Tree DNA and MyHeritage DNA use a cotton-toothed swab to scrape cheek cells – very easy sample collection for any age or circumstances.  As long as they are kept out of extreme conditions, these kits can have a long shelf-life (often years), but it is best to use them as soon as you can.  During the COVID-19 period, difficulties with shipping and customs processing led to FTDNA switching to dry swab sample collection kits (no liquid).
  • Living DNA uses an easy cheek swab kit that contains no preservative liquid – a bit like a mascara, where you just snap the swab-on-a-stick back into the tube after testing.  Living DNA requires their kits to be returned within 6 months.
  • AncestryDNA® and 23andMe use a saliva sample collection kit, which requires the tester to spit into a tube.  Most people have no difficulty, but if you are intending to test an infant, an elderly person, or someone in poor health, be aware that they may find it difficult to produce enough saliva for a sample (dribble is no good, it must be saliva).  Some medications can cause dryness of the mouth and make it very difficult for some people to produce saliva.  To avoid wasting a saliva kit, see if elderly or infirm testers can spit into a small clean medicine cup first.  Then if they can produce saliva you can simply decant it into the collection tube, but if they can’t produce any saliva, you know to use a cheek swab test kit on them instead, and you can allocate your unused saliva test kit to someone else.  Collection tubes can be stored in the refrigerator over a a few days if collection needs to be done over a period of time.  23andMe kits have an expiry date on the collection tube, and are required to be returned within about 6 months.
  • If ever you receive a test kit that has been damaged or the preservative liquid has leaked or dried out, contact the testing company and they will send a replacement kit.  Before use, store your DNA kits sensibly, ie. not in a hot car or near windows receiving direct sunlight.
  • Note that DNA samples are stored at the company where you initially test, so if you initially test relatives at AncestryDNA, 23andMe or MyHeritage and later decide you want to test their mtDNA and/or Y-DNA at FTDNA, their DNA sample will not be available for FTDNA to use, so do not leave it too late to get samples to FTDNA for additional test types.

Affordability

Autosomal DNA test prices have dropped significantly in recent years, and now range from approximately A$119 to A$169, even less during sales.  See detailed pricing information and check for DNA test sales and discounts.  The initial test prices might carry less weight in your selection criteria than they would have just a few years ago, so many people now aim to get their DNA into all five genealogical databases to maximise matching with as many relatives as possible.

The prices of some tests require no further payments and include the ongoing use of all features and analysis tools.  Others include your DNA results but require membership subscriptions to take advantage of additional tools and features, so ensure you are aware of any additional or ongoing costs that you might not be expecting.

  • If you are not interested in genealogy or ethnicity/admixture, but simply want to test two people to determine if and how they are related (eg. parent-child; sibling/half-sibling), then two autosomal DNA tests is an economical way to get an accurate answer.  You can use any of the major testing companies that have a matching database.  If there’s a chance the result will be negative and you want to keep searching for your biological relatives, I recommend testing at AncestryDNA® so that your DNA search starts out in the biggest matching database.
  • MyHeritage DNA has held regular sales since it first launched.  You may require a membership subscription to view more match information (eg. trees of your DNA matches, shared matches, shared ethnicities, shared places).  MyHeritage regularly offers reduced or free shipping for multiple kits in one order.  Transfers inwards (uploads) to MyHeritage DNA from other testing companies are free, but there is a charge to unlock some of the additional features (eg. ethnicity estimate and chromosome browser).  MyHeritage launched a MyHeritage DNA Health test in May 2019, which is now accessable by upgrading a MyHeritage ancestry test (not a transfer).
  • AncestryDNA®‘s price in Australia is very competitive, but consider getting a subscription to exploit the best features (you can subscribe monthly or just occasionally).  If you have unknown parentage and can only afford one test, then test first with AncestryDNA, then do the free transfers to Family Tree DNA, MyHeritage DNA, Living DNA and GEDmatch.
  • Living DNA is excellent value for its unique high-definition British regional breakdowns that you can’t get elsewhere, and it also provides Y-DNA and/or mtDNA haplogroup predictions.  It’s exciting customer matching feature has launched, and more matches will appear as more testers and transferors opt in to Family Networks.  Ancestral breakdowns will be updated automatically as new reference population databases are developed as part of their One Family One World project.  The test is a once-off cost that does not require a subscription.
  • 23andMe has increased its international price to US$129, but shipping (courier) is expensive and GST is now added on top, making it the most expensive test for Australians and New Zealanders.  For customers in the USA, UK, Canada and Europe, 23andMe offers an Ancestry-only product (with no health reports) for a cheaper price than their combined Ancestry & Health test.  23andMe uses international couriers for shipping.  23andMe kits are also sold in selected pharmacies in the US and UK, and also on Amazon US (but they will not ship them to Australia/NZ).
  • Some companies offer shipping discounts on additional kits in the same order to the same address.
  • The testing companies occasionally have sales.

Shipping

  • AncestryDNA® sends their kits via Australia Post Parcel Post, so your kit will arrive in an Australia Post satchel. Sometimes a signature is required upon delivery, other times they leave it in your letterbox or other safe place if you are not at home. AncestryDNA charges A$29.99 shipping per kit, or if you purchase two or more kits in same order to the same address, additional kits after the first one are charged at A$10 shipping each. Up until mid-2021, parcels included one pre-paid return-addressed Parcel Post satchel per order, so if you have one of those kits, put your sample box in the satchel and simply drop it into any red Australia Post box in Australia. If you order multiple kits in one order with reduced shipping, you would only receive one return-paid satchel, so if you can’t return them all at the same time, you will need to pay postage to return the additional kits. To return additional kits separately, you can purchase an Australia Post Parcel Post satchel for $9.20, or use your own packaging or the sample box itself and pay by size and weight. Although AncestryDNA kits come from the USA, they are sent out from Minchinbury, NSW, so they will usually arrive within a week (Ancestry says to allow 7-14 days). Return parcels have until mid-2021 been sent back to Minchinbury NSW, from where they are sent to the USA for processing. If you record the tracking number from the label before you post it, you can monitor the tracking back to NSW on the Australia Post website. Depending on how busy they are, it can take AncestryDNA a few weeks to acknowledge receipt of your returned kit. As long as you follow the instructions and Activate your kit before posting it, you can monitor your order progress online from the DNA tab in your Ancestry account.From mid-late 2021, Australian customers receive kits that are to be returned to Ireland.  Newer kits no longer include a return-paid Australia Post satchel, but the instructions are to post the sample in the little box provided.  The box is pre-labelled with either a return address in Ireland, or a return address to Minchinbury NSW.  The box includes pre-arranged international return-paid shipping, and a barcode or QR code will provide relevant instructions in the delivery system.  Just package your sample into the little box as per the instructions and drop it in your local post box.  Do not take it to a post office, as they won’t be familiar with the special arrangement for AncestryDNA kits and may charge your more, insist on a customs declaration, and the kit may end up being returned to sender.  Just drop the little box in your local post box and it will be sent to the correct destination.
  • Family Tree DNA sends their kits via regular post, so your kits will arrive in your letterbox with your regular mail.  If you order multiple kits around the same time or in one order, they usually arrive together in one larger plastic envelope.  Kits purchased from FTDNA usually take around 2 weeks to arrive at Australian addresses, although they can take a few weeks longer after big sales.  For standard international shipping, FTDNA charges US$9.95 for the first kit in an order, plus US$4.95 for each additional kit in the same order to the same address.  A small, pre-addressed padded envelope is supplied in each kit for you to return your samples to Houston, Texas USA.  For many years we were able to post these kits back to the USA as a letter for around A$3, but since Australia’s new biosecurity legislation was introduced in June 2020, we must return them as an international parcel which costs A$21 in the envelope provided, or A$24 in an Aus Post pre-paid satchel (save by sending several kits back together).  You will be required to complete a customs form, which you can complete online before you go to the post office. When filling it out, you can describe the contents as ‘Genealogy Kit’.  Kits sent back to FTDNA usually arrive in a few weeks, but when they are busy (eg. after big sales), delays may occur before the kits are checked-in on their system.  You can check your Order Status in your online account at any time after purchasing.  NOTE:  In late 2021, temporary arrangements due to Covid-related shipping and customs issues are that FTDNA kits will be distributed by myDNA from Melbourne.  Please follow the instructions provided.
  • 23andMe ships their kits to Australia via international courier, delivered locally by Australia Post (requiring a signature on delivery).  In mid-2023, standard shipping to Australia for one kit, taking up to 20 business days, costs US$98.09;  Express shipping costs more;  23andMe offers 20% off additional kits in the same order to the same address but the higher shipping charges negate the discount.  A return-paid courier satchel is included, requiring a call to the courier to collect it, or you can drop-off it off at a local affiliated depot (depending on the courier’s services in your area).  If you purchase multiple kits and want to return them at different times or from different locations, order the kits separately so you receive a return-paid courier satchel with each kit. Kits are sent via FedEx. If you don’t have a FedEx depot near you, don’t worry, as they will arrange for a local courier (eg. DHL) to deliver and pickup.
  • MyHeritage DNA charges around A$23 per kit for standard shipping.  Note that the price regularly goes up or down by a dollar or two with exchange rate fluctuations.  MyHeritage usually offers free shipping for orders of two or more kits in the same order, so ordering two or more kits at the same time can save a lot of money!  If you leave a kit in your cart, you may receive an email offer for free shipping to complete the order.  MyHeritage DNA kit boxes are delivered in a plastic satchel.  A small, pre-addressed padded envelope is supplied in each kit for you to return your samples to Houston, Texas, USA.  For a few years we were able to post these kits back to the USA as a letter for around A$3, but since Australia’s new biosecurity legislation was introduced in June 2020, we must return them as an international parcel which costs A$21 in the envelope provided, or A$24 in an Aus Post pre-paid satchel (save by sending several kits back together).  You will be required to complete a customs form, which you can complete online before you go to the post office. When filling it out, you can describe the contents as ‘Genealogy Kit’.  Kits sent back to MyHeritage DNA usually take a few weeks, but may take longer after sales, and delays may occur before the kits are checked-in on their system.  You can check your kit’s status in your online account at any time after purchasing, by clicking on the DNA tab in your MyHeritage account, then click on Manage DNA Kits.
  • Living DNA offers two levels of shipping to Australia – standard shipping for A$14.95, which takes a few weeks, and Express Shipping for A$69.95, which takes just a few days.  A Reply-Paid International satchel is included in each kit to return your sample to Denmark.  Living DNA sometimes offers free shipping for 3 or more kits in one order, so consider the huge saving by ordering multiple kits for family members at the same time.  After placing your sample in the satchel as per the instructions and sealing it, sign the customs sticker on the front of the return satchel, and simply drop your satchel into any red post box in Australia.  There is no need to go to a post office – and if you do the employees may insist on charging you unnecessarily – although you may choose to pay for an express service to speed up the return shipping.  By dropping the satchel into a red Australia Post box, it should arrive back at the lab in Denmark in about three or four weeks.

Printed Books & Other Products

  • Living DNA offers an optional extra printed personalised ancestry book outlining your tester’s ancestry.  The book can be ordered at the time of purchase of the DNA test, or it can be ordered later on by contacting Living DNA’s Help Centre.  Allow 4-6 weeks after your results are ready before the book is ready for despatch.  The cost of the personalised book depends on your geographic region (£39, €59, US$69, C$79, A$79, NZ$79), and it includes free standard shipping.  A great gift idea, but if you are ordering it for a special occasion, allow plenty of extra time for the testing, results, book production and shipping (printing and postage takes 6 weeks from date of test results or order).

  • 23andMe customers can create a hardcover book called The Story of Your DNA, which includes your Ancestry Composition, your Neanderthal ancestry, the traits you share with your DNA Relatives, and details of what your DNA says about your roots across the globe.  23andMe customers can order this keepsake for themselves, or in the near future they will be able to order a gift for a friend or family member with whom they are sharing their DNA results.

Third Party Tools

  • Regardless of which major testing company you test your autosomal DNA at, once you get your results you can download a copy of your raw DNA data file from your testing company account, and upload it to a free volunteer-run site called Gedmatch, where you can compare your DNA to testers from other companies who have also uploaded their data to GEDmatch.  It is a great way to find new matches and to use GEDmatch’s range of analysis tools and reports.  Refer to Tips for using GEDmatch.
  • The chart below shows some of the potential sources of data that can be upload to GEDmatch (click to enlarge):
Chart-DNA-Data-Sources-in-GEDmatch-byLouiseCoakley-21Nov2023
  • Other third party tools, methods, websites, and software include: DNAGedcom, DNAGedcom Client, Genome Mate Pro, Double Match Triangulator, DNA Painter, What are the odds? (WATO), Visual Networking, Genetic Affairs, RootsFinder, Genetic.Family, Leeds Method, and many more.

Projects and collaboration

  • Testers at Family Tree DNA can join a large range of DNA projects, such as surname, geographical, haplogroup or dual/multi projects, and can even apply for private projects.  Many surname projects now accept autosomal DNA too.  FTDNA hosts over 10,00 DNA Projects, including: Australian Citizens; Australian Settlers; Australian Convicts; New Zealand DNA; Aboriginal Tribes Australia; British Isles by County; Ireland Y-DNA; Ireland mtDNA; Kilkenny Surnames; Cork DNA; Fathers, Sons & Brothers Y-DNA; Mothers, Daughters & Sisters mtDNA; WW1 Missing-in-Action; Romany Gypsy DNA and many more.
  • Facebook groups – many surname projects and/or regional DNA projects have dedicated Facebook groups for those projects, so search for your surname/location + DNA in the Facebook search box to see if there are any you can join.  Some Facebook groups are linked to or based on GEDmatch Ancestor Projects, of which there are a huge range of topics and geographical areas of interest (login to GEDmatch.com to view available projects).

Ethnicity/Admixture

  • If you are only interested in discovering your ethnic makeup but not your genealogy, all companies include ethnic/admixture predictions with their autosomal DNA tests.
  • Be aware that you will probably get slightly different results from each company, as they use different reference population samples, different regional definitions/cluster boundaries, different time periods (anywhere from 200 to 2000 years ago), and different algorithms. Your DNA may be compared to different people producing different estimates, so your results could be an estimate from a range, eg. from 5%-25%.  If you test yourself twice at the same company, or if you test identical twins, you may still get different results, as each kit may be compared to a different subset of people in the reference dataset.
  • AncestryDNA displays its ethnicity estimate and migrations/genetic communities in a combined DNA Story feature.  These migration regions are predicted to be from ‘hundreds of years ago’, whereas their ethnicity estimates could be from much further back (see detailed List of Regions).
  • 23andMe provides detailed ethnicity predictions, which can be viewed at three levels: standard, conservative and speculative, and they display ethnicity segment information in a chromosome browser view.  23andMe provides a timeline showing when the predicted ethnicities were likely to have been introduced into your ancestry.  Your 23andMe ethnicity segment data can be downloaded and uploaded to DNA Painter.
  • MyHeritage now features Genetic Groups as well as ethnicity estimates.  Read MyHeritage’s blog post for more information on Genetic Groups.
  • Testers with British ancestry will be excited by Living DNA‘s test that provides regional breakdowns into 80 worldwide regions including 21 British regions. More regional breakdowns are currently being developed, including for Ireland, Germany and later Scotland, and existing test results will be updated automatically as these are implemented.  Living DNA also provides a simulation showing your regional changes over time, and now also provide family ancestry map results at three different levels of certainty: complete, standard and cautious.  View my Living DNA results.
  • The testing companies are regularly reviewing, updating and evolving their products, reference databases, regions and algorithms over time, so any results you get now will be automatically updated later.
  • Regardless of which company you choose, you can also upload your raw data to GEDmatch to experiment with their free Admixture tools, and compare your data with ancient DNA sample kits.

Autosomal DNA transfers

Autosomal-DNA-Data-Uploads-Chart-byLouiseCoakley-21Nov2023
  • Family Tree DNA’s Autosomal Transfer Program accepts transfers inwards of autosomal DNA raw data results files from AncestryDNA, 23andMe (V3, V4, V5) and MyHeritage DNA.  Note that you are not removing or deleting anything from your existing testing company, you are simply downloading a copy of your raw data results file from your testing company account and uploading it to FTDNA.  You can transfer to FTDNA’s Family Finder for free to see just your closest matches and to access the In Common With (ICW), Not In Common With (NICW) and Matrix tools.  For US$19 you can unlock the full features of Family Finder – including the chromosome browser, your myOrigins ethnicity estimate, ancientOrigins, and advanced family matching (paternal, maternal tab matches).
  • MyHeritage DNA accepts free transfers inwards of raw DNA data files from AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA and 23andMe (including V5 kits).  Transfers to MyHeritage DNA before 16 December 2018 retain access to additional features for free (eg. chromosome browser, shared matches, ethnicity).  From 16 December 2018, new testers or free transfers will receive matches for free.  Access to additional features is optional – free for subscribers or US$29 for non-subscribers to unlock the features (see details).  Another special offer from 11-18 December 2019 grandfathered in free access to all advanced DNA features for all kits uploaded between those dates.
  • Living DNA is accepting free transfers inwards from other testing companies as part of its One Family One World project.  Living DNA raw data files can be downloaded, and can be uploaded to Gedmatch to compare with others in that database.

Test kit administration

  • At Family Tree DNA, each person who provides a DNA sample must register their own separate account – with their own unique kit number and password for logging in, and the different test types for that person are managed from within that one account.  If you administer kits for many relatives, you either need to login to each kit separately as required, or you can apply for a personal private project to administer all your kits from one login.  If you share administration with another relative, they can either login to the accounts directly, or you could nominate them as a co-administrator of your project so they get their own project account login.
  • At AncestryDNA®, each new tester is required to activate their own DNA test in their own free Ancestry account.  Up until 18 July 2017, multiple tests could be activated and administered in the one Ancestry account, and these will remain accessible to the administrator.  If you order tests for others, regardless of who pays for them, the tester will be the Owner of their DNA and will be requested to activate their DNA kit in their own Ancestry account.  If they don’t already have an Ancestry account, they will be required to register a new account.  After activation in their own account, the tester can then choose to invite you to be a Viewer, Collaborator or a Manager if desired.
  • 23andMe allows for administration of multiple DNA tests from within one account login, but kits can’t be accessed by more than one administrator.
  • MyHeritage DNA allows for administration of multiple DNA tests from within one account login, but kits can’t be accessed by more than one administrator.
  • Living DNA allows for administration of multiple DNA tests from within one account login as long as the administrator has legal rights to manage a kit for another person; otherwise kits for other relatives must be activated under a new account.  From April 2020, Living DNA testers can nominate one other person/helper to view their results (that person must have their own Living DNA account).  This is done by adding the helper’s email address to the tester’s profile settings page. That person can then view the tester’s results from within their own Living DNA account.

Activation

  • Family Tree DNA accounts are created and linked to the person testing during purchase, so no further activation is required.  Note that you can still change the tester’s details in their online account after purchase, which may be required if you use the test on a different person.  You can also order spare test kits in your own name and later change the account name and details to those of the tester.  Changes will be reflected overnight.  You can’t change the tester’s gender in your online account, but you can select it on the green authorisation form that you send back with the sample, or you can contact FTDNA who will change the gender for you.
  • AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA and Living DNA kits all require activation at the time of testing, to provide a link between the sample and the person who has tested, via their online account.  The samples will not be processed in the lab unless they have been activated, and may even be discarded if not activated, as the lab cannot otherwise know who provided the sample.  If you accidentally post your sample without activating your test first, you can still activate it later if you kept your box and instructions, as the activation code is normally printed elsewhere in your kit (eg. Ancestry prints the Activation code on the back of their instruction leaflet; the other companies usually print the TestId or activation code on the test kit box, instruction sheet, or on stickers on the swab packets).

Sharing DNA results

  • At Family Tree DNA, you can share a tester’s kit number and password with the tester and administrator, and perhaps an additional family member for backup as well (in case a tester or administrator passes away).  You can also add multiple email addresses to FTDNA accounts, as either Primary or Secondary email addresses, or both (Primary emails receive all notifications from FTDNA, including new matches; Secondary emails are a backup).  Any number of relatives can receive email notifications from FTDNA, and some FTDNA results and tree pages can be shared by clicking on the Share icon.  If you manage FTDNA kits for multiple relatives, you can apply for your own private project from which you can manage all the kits from the one account/login.
  • AncestryDNA results can be shared by test Owners or Managers to friends, relatives or helpers as required.  From the DNA Settings page, usernames or email addresses can be entered to send an invitation to anyone to share DNA results, as a Viewer, Collaborator or Manager.  Results can also be shared via a single-use link.  An Ancestry account is required to view shared results (registration is free), and matches’ trees will not be visible without a subscription.  You can also share your AncestryDNA ethnicity results to your friends on social media.
  • 23andMe enables sharing of genomes by sending an invitation to other 23andMe account holders, but you can’t view their matches, only any shared DNA segments in the chromosome browser view.  You can register and manage kits for multiple relatives in the one account if you have their permission/legal authority.  Read more about 23andMe’s Family Account Options.
  • MyHeritage DNA includes sharing buttons to share ethnicity results on Twitter or Facebook, but does not yet offer any DNA match results sharing functionality as that required by helpers or search angels.  If you administer tests for relatives and they are in your tree, you can link their DNA test to their card in your tree, and send them an invitation to view their DNA results.  If you uploaded a kit for someone else, and now want to transfer DNA Manager rights over to them, or you want to make someone else your DNA Manager, you can follow these instructions.
  • Living DNA includes a simple sharing widget in each tester’s account, so you can drag and drop the desired results to share with family and friends via Twitter, Facebook or a URL.  View my Living DNA results produced by the sharing widget (note that results for males also include their Y-DNA haplogroup).  Living DNA users can also share access to their results with one other person/helper (Manager), by adding that person’s email address to their profile settings page (the person/helper must have their own Living DNA account).

Privacy & Match Visibility

  • Family Tree DNA allows you to turn on or turn off the visibility of your matches (Account Settings > Privacy & Sharing > Matching Preferences).  If you opt out of matching, you won’t be able to see any people who share DNA with you, and they won’t be able to see you in their match lists.  You can select different settings for each of your test types (eg. Family Finder, Y-DNA, mtDNA).  Family Tree DNA’s terms of service allow law enforcement to upload DNA kits from samples taken from scenes of violent crimes.  You can opt out of Investigative Genetic Genealogy Matching (IGGM), which means they won’t see your kit in their matches if you are related.  Or you can opt-in to Investigative Genetic Genealogy Matching (IGGM) to allow your DNA to help identify human remains and solve cold cases.
  • AncestryDNA allows you to opt in or opt out of seeing your DNA matches and being listed as a match to others (DNA Settings > Privacy > DNA Matches).  If you opt out, you won’t see who you match, and matches will not see you in their match list.
  • 23andMe allows you to opt in or opt out of DNA Relatives (Settings > Privacy & Sharing > DNA Relatives).  If you opt out, you won’t see who you match, and your matches will not see you in their match list.
  • MyHeritage DNA allows you to enable or disable DNA Matching (Site Settings > My Privacy > DNA Preferences), but this setting is for all kits, not individual kits.
  • Living DNA requires you to Opt In to Family Networks to participate in DNA matching with other customers, but you can opt-in and opt-out from your profile settings page at any time.

How much do DNA tests cost?

Refer to the DNA test prices, sales and discounts page:

"This is the most detailed & up-to-date comparison of at-home DNA tests for genealogy - and I've learned so much more than just price differences!"

Click to Tweet

DNA Testing Company Main Features

AncestryDNA

  • Website:  ancestry.com.au/dna
  • History:  Since 2012 through Ancestry.com
  • Lab location:   Utah, USA
  • Database: International; More than 23 million DNA tests sold (Mar 2023).  Millions of member trees.
  • Family Tree:  Yes, you can link your DNA results (and those of your relatives) to your Ancestry Family Tree.
  • Test types:  Autosomal DNA only.  What is an AncestryDNA test?
  • Ethnic makeup:  Yes, included.
  • Regular Price:  Autosomal AU$129 + AU$30 shipping;  US$99 + $10 in US;  £79  + £20  in UK; C$149 + C$20 in Canada;  In Europe, prices vary by country.
  • Shipping:  Shipping for Australia & New Zealand is AU$29.99 per kit; $10 per kit for additional kits in the same order to the same address.
  • Sample:  Saliva sample – infants and some elderly or infirm people may find it difficult to produce saliva; a cheek swab test may be preferable in such cases.
  • Storage:  No storage options, although Terms of Service mention they keep your sample.
  • Transfers:  Does not accept transfers from other companies; You can transfer AncestryDNA raw data into Family Tree DNA (free upload page), MyHeritage DNA (free upload page),  Living DNA (free upload page) and to GEDmatch.
  • Specials:  Yes, several times per year.  Check DNA Test Prices & Sales.
  • Tools: ThruLines (suggested Common Ancestors through connecting matches’ trees).  Shared Matches, Shared Surnames, Shared Locations & Regions.  No segment analysis tools provided.
  • Downloads:  Raw data downloadable for use with external tools, GEDmatch, and transfer to FTDNA.
  • Match details:  Admin’s username (no email address); total shared cMs and number of segments; communication via Ancestry’s messaging system.
  • Autosomal SNPs tested:  682,549
  • Autosomal match thresholds:  5 cMs for the first segment.
  • Health Reports:  No, but you can upload your raw data to Promethease.com for US$5.
  • Subscription: An Ancestry subscription is required to access some features. You can purchase DNA tests, contact your matches and access your raw data without a subscription, but a subscription is required to view your matches’ trees, to see shared surnames & birth locations, and soon to view ThruLines.  The cheapest Ancestry AU subscription is $179.99 per year or $21.99 per month.  There is no reduced-price DNA Insights subscription for Australia.  After activating their kits, friends and relatives can add you as a Viewer or Collaborator of their DNA results, so you can access their results and assist them if needed.  Ancestry® Gift Subscriptions are available if you’d like to purchase one for family or friends, and Ancestry® Free Trials are also available (if you don’t wish to continue after the trial ends, remember to cancel it to avoid being billed automatically).
  • Privacy: AncestryDNA’s Terms & Conditions.  Also read AncestryDNA’s Consent Agreement in relation to optional participation in health & research projects.  Review your options in regards to the Consent Agreement, and see AncestryDNA’s FAQ.
Ancestry AU

MyHeritage DNA

  • Website:  myheritage.com/dna
  • History:  MyHeritageDNA test launched on 7 November 2016
  • Lab location:  Houston, Texas, USA
  • Database: International.  More than 7.2 million DNA testers, and millions of users worldwide (Aug 2023).
  • Family Tree:  Yes, free family tree up to a maximum of 250 people, after which a subscription is required
  • Test types:  Autosomal DNA
  • Ethnic makeup:  Yes, 36 ethnic groups, more to be added
  • Regular Price:   AUD$149 + shipping (free shipping on 2+ kits)
  • Shipping:  Approx $23 for Standard shipping (8-12 business days) per kit.  Regular offer of free shipping on orders of 2+ kits.  A$24 international parcel post to ship the kit back to the US in the envelope provided. Postage takes a few weeks in each direction.  A customs form is required, which you can complete online before you go to the post office.
  • Subscription:  A subscription is not required to purchase a DNA test or view your matches.  However, a subscription may be required to view details of DNA matches and their trees, and some advanced DNA features/tools.
  • Sample:  Cheek swab sample, same style as FTDNA kit
  • Transfers:  Free upload/transfers inwards accepted from AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, 23andMe.
  • Specials:  Yes, several times per year.  Check DNA Test Prices & Sales.
  • Tools:  Not yet, but a chromosome browser is expected to be launched in the coming months
  • Downloads:  Yes, can download raw data file and chromosome match data.
  • Match details:  Match’s name, profile image, age group, country of residence, shared DNA (% and cMs), number of shared segments, largest segment, possible relationships, shared matches, ethnicity, pedigree chart, and link to a MyHeritage tree if available.
  • Autosomal SNPs tested:  700,000
  • Privacy:  MyHeritageDNA Privacy Information
  • FAQ:  Your MyHeritageDNA Questions Answered
  • Help:   MyHeritageDNA Help Centre

Family Tree DNA

  • Website:  FamilyTreeDNA.com
  • History:  Since 2000; the first genealogy DNA testing company for consumers.
  • Lab location:  Houston, Texas, USA
  • Database:  International.  More than 1.23 million atDNA tests (Aug 2023), which includes some kits transferred from other DNA testing companies.
  • Family Tree:  Yes, one myFamilyTree per tester’s account; Upload a Gedcom or build/edit your tree manually; Link your known or confirmed DNA-tested relatives to your trees; Trees can be Private or Public.
  • Test types: Autosomal DNA (Family Finder), Y-DNA (37, 111, Big Y-700) and mitochondrial DNA Full Sequence (FMS).
  • Ethnic makeup:  Yes, included in Family Finder (myOrigins).
  • Regular Prices:   Autosomal:  US$79 (Family Finder)
    Y37 US$119;  Y111 US$249;  Big Y-700 US$449;  mtDNA Full Seq US$159.
  • Shipping: US$9.95 to Australia, plus US$4.95 for additional kits in the same order); A$24 international parcel post to ship the kit back to the US in the envelope provided. Postage takes a few weeks in each direction.  A customs form is required, which you can complete online before you go to the post office.
  • Subscription:  No subscription required.
  • Sample:  FTDNA’s cheek swabs are easy to use for all ages
  • Storage:  Stores sample for 25 years; Existing samples used for test upgrades.
  • Transfers:  FTDNA’s Autosomal Transfer Program accepts raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritageDNA and National Geographic.
  • Specials:  Yes, several times per year.  Check DNA Test Prices & Sales.
  • Tools:  Yes, Chromosome Browser, Matrix, In-Common-With; Name & Ancestral Surname/Location searches; Parental Phasing.
  • Downloads:  One-click download of matches to Excel or CSV format; Raw data downloadable for use with external tools, including GEDmatch.
  • Match details:  Testers’ name, email address, date matched, haplogroups, tests undertaken (optional: ancestral surnames, family tree, most distant known ancestors).
  • Autosomal SNPs tested:  about 690,000
  • Autosomal match thresholds:  Minimum 7.69 cM & 500 SNPs for the largest segment; If the largest segment is less than 9 cM, a 20 cM total is required (including shorter segments) to be shown as a match.
  • Health Reports:  No, but you can upload your raw data to Promethease.com for $US5.
  • Projects:  Over 9000 FTDNA projects (surnames, geographical, haplogroup, dual geographical – see summary below).
  • Privacy:  Family Tree DNA’s Terms of Service.

Living DNA

  • Website:  livingdna.com
  • History:  Living DNA test launched on 29 September 2016
  • Lab location:  Denmark
  • Database:  Family Networks and relative matching.  Last reported database size was 0.3M in Jan 2021.
  • Family Tree:  No trees, but they are working on generating automated genetic trees.
  • Test types:  Ancestry test includes: Autosomal DNA, Y-DNA/Fatherline (males only) & mtDNA/Motherline (selected SNPs tested); + optional Wellness Test.
  • Ethnic makeup:  Yes, 80 worldwide regions, including 21 British regions, with more under development including Irish, German and Scottish regions; results will be updated automatically.
  • Regular Price:   A$184 from Australia (plus shipping).
  • Shipping:  A$14.95 Standard Delivery to Australia (14-20 working days); 
    A$69.95 Premium Delivery to Australia (5-7 working days).
    A Reply-Paid International satchel is included to return your sample to Denmark.
  • Sample:  Very easy cheek swab kit, no liquid
  • Transfers: Transfers inwards from other testing companies available.
  • Specials:  Yes, several times per year.  Check DNA Test Prices & Sales.
  • Tools:  Not yet
  • Downloads:  Raw data can be downloaded.
  • Match details: In Beta, a few matches, the rest coming…
  • SNPs tested:  Autosomal SNPs: 650,000+;  mtDNA SNPs: 4000+; Y-DNA SNPs: 20,000
  • Privacy:  Living DNA’s Privacy Policy
  • Help:  Living DNA Help Centre

23andMe

  • Website:  23andMe.com
  • History:  Since 2006; originally health reporting, expanded into genealogy.  Limited health reporting for US, Canada & UK residents; No health reporting for Australia or New Zealand.  Users must opt-in to genealogy matching (DNA Relatives).
  • Lab location:  California, USA
  • Database:  International. More than 14 million testers (Jul 2023).
  • Family Tree:  No.
  • Test types:  Autosomal DNA (includes low level Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroup predictions – useful for ancient population migratory groups, but not relevant to genealogical timeframes or people-matching).
  • Ethnic makeup:  Yes, included.
  • Regular Price (Ancestry only, no health reports):  US$129 in Australia & NZ.
  • Shipping:  Standard shipping to Australia, 20 business days – US$98; 20% off additional kits in the same order to the same address.
  • Subscription:  No subscription required (Plus membership not available to international customers).
  • Sample:  Saliva sample – infants, the elderly or infirm may find it difficult to produce saliva (tips & tricks).
  • Storage:  Testers have the option of biobanking or discarding their sample (during kit activation, the storage option is ‘from 1 to 10 years‘).
  • Transfers:  Does not accept transfers inwards; 23andMe data from Nov 2010 can be transferred into Family Tree DNA (free upload page), MyHeritage DNA (free upload page),  Living DNA (free upload page) and to GEDmatch.
  • Specials:  Rarely for Australia & NZ, but check DNA Test Prices & Sales just in case!
  • Tools:  Yes, a chromosome browser, but only usable on matches who have accepted your invitation to share genomes or those who have opted in to Open Sharing.
  • Downloads:  Raw data downloadable for use with external tools, including GEDmatch.
  • Match details:  Match name (if their profile is set to public); Many matches are anonymous so no details are visible, and some cannot be contacted; No email addresses – you must invite matches to share using 23andMe’s messaging system; (Optional: ancestral surnames; family tree).
  • Autosomal SNPs tested:  577,382
  • Autosomal match thresholds:  Minimum 7 cM & 700 SNPs for the largest segment; 5 cM & 700 SNPs for additional segments (and for people you are sharing with).
  • Health Reports:  Australia & New Zealand: No;  US (US$199), Canada, UK & Ireland: Yes.  You can upload your raw data to Promethease.com for US$5.
  • Privacy:  23andMe may use your raw data (non-identifiable) for medical & pharmaceutical research purposes.  See their Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and optional Research Consent information.

So, which company do I choose?

Consider all the features, pros and cons above, and your goals, and see what is most important to you.

If you are just venturing into genetic genealogy for the first time and after reading all of the above you still don’t really know what to do or where to start, or you are just curious about what your DNA might reveal, simply start by ordering either an AncestryDNA®, a Family Finder kit or a MyHeritage DNA kit, and see where it takes you and who it matches you with.  To see what you get, read What is an AncestryDNA test? and What is a Family Finder test?  If you have British ancestry and you are more interested in a detailed breakdown of where you came from in the last couple of hundred years, rather than matching with other people, start with a Living DNA test.

If you are testing to identify close biological relatives, start with an AncestryDNA test, then once you have the results upload your raw DNA data file to MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, Living DNA and GEDmatch to get more matches quickly and for free.  It is expensive, but you might also consider testing with 23andMe to ensure your DNA is in all five genealogy databases.  Males with unknown parentage could consider also doing a Y-DNA test, in case it provides clues as to their biological father’s surname.

Regardless of where you test, you will be embarking on an exciting adventure in a strange new world.

Many keen genealogists test themselves at all available testing companies – for interest, experience and exposure to all databases.  Many people only test at one company, so to make sure you’re not missing a great match you will need to be the proactive relative and get your DNA into all the databases.  Ideally you will get more matches in the biggest databases (although not necessarily closer matches, depending on your own background and where your relatives have tested), but there are transfers and third party tools available to provide more options.  You might test first at AncestryDNA and 23andMe, then upload your DNA data file (free) to MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA, Living DNA, and GEDmatch to make the most of additional databases and utilities.  As you learn more, you may want to try other test types, other test companies, and test additional family members.

The genetic genealogy industry is moving at a very fast pace, so I update this page often!

Support & Resources

Read blogs and beginners’ links, buy or borrow a book on genetic genealogy, read some DNA user stories, consider joining some online support groups or a local DNA Interest Group to learn more, simply observe, or ask questions.  If your local Family History Society doesn’t have a DNA Interest Group, encourage and help them to establish one.

Facebook groups are a great resource for learning, observing, asking questions and for general or technical support.  There are so many people in these friendly groups who understand how overwhelming genetic genealogy can be for beginners:

Further Reading

"This is the most detailed & up-to-date comparison of at-home DNA tests for genealogy - and I've learned so much more than just price differences!"

Click to Tweet

One Response

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to eNewsletter
Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Pinterest
© Genetic Genealogy Pty Ltd 2024. ABN 21 662 901 457