1. AncestryDNA
" Best overall DNA test kit "
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Type of DNA test:Autosomal
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Processing time:6-8 weeks
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Purpose:Ancestry and health
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Sample type:Saliva
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Privacy:Anonymous samples
Things we liked / disliked:
- Great accuracy
- Affordable
- Great family tree tools
- Some features require a subscription
Things we liked / disliked:
- Great accuracy
- Affordable
- Great family tree tools
- Some features require a subscription
-
Type of DNA test:Autosomal
-
Processing time:6-8 weeks
-
Purpose:Ancestry and health
-
Sample type:Saliva
-
Privacy:Anonymous samples
AncestryDNA is both one of the oldest and one of the most popular DNA test services. It was launched in 1996, and since then, 15 million people have tested with AncestryDNA. This vast customer DNA network has contributed to enhancing the company’s genealogy and family tree building features, which are its main focus. Currently, AncestryDNA claims it holds an impressive 27 billion records and information about 100 million family trees. On top of being the best DNA test for ancestry, this company also offers DNA tests that can help identify potential health risks.
Features
The whole process starts off with you ordering an AncestryDNA kit online. After you receive the kit in the mail, you’ll find fairly simple instructions. You’ll need to deposit your saliva into a tube, seal it, and then twist the cork to release a blue liquid. This liquid needs to mix with your saliva in order to help preserve the sample until it reaches AncestryDNA labs. Before you send out your sample, you need to activate your kit. The activation process makes this one of the best DNA test kit options around, as it helps preserve your privacy. Instead of labeling your sample with your name, you connect the ID number from your sample to your account. After all of this is done, you need to mail the sample back to AncestryDNA. Once sent, AncestryDNA takes between six to eight weeks to process your results.
Once your results are ready, you just need to sign in to your Ancestry account to view the findings. First, you’ll be greeted with a world map where various regions are highlighted, representing your ethnicity estimates. AncestryDNA is one of the best DNA test kit for ethnicity because it displays both the countries and specific regions that your ancestors hail from.
When you’re done with the map, you’ll get to the most impressive AncestryDNA test feature – connecting with relatives. You get access to an often huge list of people you share DNA with, which can help you connect with cousins and add new names to your family tree. Thanks to AncestryDNA’s many users, you can truly make life-changing discoveries and make a detailed, sprawling family tree. These are some of the many reasons why AncestryDNA is regarded as the best-rated home DNA test kit.
You can also see whether your DNA reveals any genetic preconditions or hereditary diseases, dig up documents related to your family, see your DNA traits, and much more.
Pricing
There are three pricing packages available.
AncestryDNA combines origins and ethnicity data and gives you access to your DNA matches. It’s currently available on discount for $59.
AncestryDNA Traits + Family Tree Bundle will set you back $60 (down from $178) and adds in a three-month World Explorer membership – the feature that lets you explore records and build your family tree.
If you want the best DNA health test kit, then you need to sign up for AncestryHealth. It has everything found in the previous packages except the World Explorer membership, but it adds health reports. The price is only $99.
During our AncestryDNA review, we learned that the kits are affordable. But you have to pay a subscription fee if you want to use the family tree and record searching features. If you want to access US databases on ancestry alone, the monthly fee is $24.99. If you want worldwide records, the monthly fee is $39.99.
Final Thoughts
AncestryDNA is impressive across the board and definitely one of the best ancestry kits around. The robust genealogy and family tree building features combined with its large customer base make for a superb DNA testing service. The only downside is the subscription fee they charge for family tree building and accessing records.