The Best DNA Testing Kits of 2024

AncestryDNA has one of the most robust DNA databases with more than 15 million users. The results break down your ethnicity estimates by region — and sometimes pinpoint them to a specific community — into an easy-to-read chart.

The company has recently expanded into more regions including South Africa, Argentina, Spain and Japan, increasing your likelihood of more accurate results. Although you only take the test once, your breakdown will be updated periodically with more accurate information as the DNA database grows. You'll also be met with a list of your DNA matches — other AncestryDNA users who are related to you — ranked by how closely related you are. Because the database is so large, you may find yourself with an overwhelming number of matches.

For $20 more, you'll gain access to "Traits" which can explain why you might think cilantro tastes like soap or your tendency to have curly hair. The DNA collection process is simple. Just refrain from food and drink for 30 minutes and add your saliva to a plastic tube. Mail it in, and you should get your results within three to four weeks.

Although it’s usually $89, you can also frequently find MyHeritage on sale, making it one of the most inexpensive options on the market. Its database is much smaller than some of the larger players, but you can still use it to get the basics of your ancestral background and connect to any relatives who have also taken the MyHeritage DNA test.

MyHeritage's database includes 42 ethnic groups around the world, including Jewish and African ethnicities that other kits may not include. According to the brand, the bulk of users who have taken the test are mostly of European descent, so those with European ancestry may have more accurate results. After submitting a cheek swab, you can expect results within two to three weeks.

Once you’re in the system, you can take advantage of the company's family tree software which includes access to historical documents such as birth records, obituaries and marriage certificates. The kit is available in all countries except France, Israel, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, North Korea, Lebanon, Russia and Syria.

For just under $80, you can delve into your ancestry via Family Finder which uses autosomal DNA to map your origins. All you have to do is swab the inside of your cheeks and wait 4 to 8 weeks for the results. You can even use Family Tree DNA's new tool ancientOrigins to compare your DNA to DNA found at archaeological dig sites. Explore the world's largest Y-DNA and mtDNA haplotrees and connect with others via online forums.

If you want to spend a little extra and learn more about the heritage on your maternal or paternal side, you can opt for the Maternal Ancestry ($159) or Paternal Ancestry ($119) kits. Although more expensive, these DNA testing kits let you focus on your direct maternal or paternal ancestry lines or explore matrilineal and patrilineal heritage.

At a hefty sum of almost $450, genetic males can explore their father's line even more by opting for the Big Y-700. This DNA test can redefine your Y-DNA haplogroup, going all the way back to before surnames were adopted. You can also gain insight into your family's Y-chromosome mutations. Note that genetic females do not have a Y chromosome so they cannot take this test, but Family Tree DNA recommends asking a brother, father, uncle or cousin to take the test instead.

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23andMe was one of the first commercially available DNA tests on the market. Although its database is smaller than that of AncestryDNA with around 10 million users, it still provides comprehensive results, which are presented in a fun, easy-to-read, color-coded map that gives you detailed information about each region. You can also connect with relatives who have also taken 23andMe's test.

Most notably, 23andMe's health features can give you more information on inherited traits such as eye color, baldness and even ice cream flavor preferences. The results can also tell you whether you're at higher risk for breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and more.

Remember: Any health results should be discussed with a genetic counselor or your healthcare provider. 23andMe cannot diagnose medical conditions and should only be used as a guide. If you're not interested in the health results, you can purchase a more affordable version of the test that just includes ethnicity results.

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LivingDNA is unique as it is focused on offering detailed sub-regional breakdowns for certain genetic groups. Those with African, European and British heritage will gain insight into even more granular information about their ancestry.

The results also focus on comparing paternal and maternal heritage so you’ll get a better idea of what parts of your background came from each parent. Like other kits, you have the option to connect with potential long-lost relatives. However, this more extensive data takes longer to process and results take six to eight weeks.

For an additional cost, you can upgrade to the new wellbeing kit that provides additional information on your body’s nutrition and fitness responses that may be indicated through your genes.

If you want to get into the nitty gritty of your DNA sequencing, then Nebula Genomics might be worth your while. Founded by George Church, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School and a professor of health sciences and technology at Harvard University, it’s the only at-home DNA service that offers whole-genome sequencing, meaning it examines every part of your DNA.

It goes beyond the typical DNA analysis, giving you detailed information about everything from your ancestry to your optimal diet to potential genetic mutations that could be passed along to children or can lead to diseases later in life. (Remember to consult with a genetic counselor or your healthcare provider before implementing any dietary or lifestyle changes based on your results.)

You can also feel confident that your data is safe and the company promises users full ownership and control over their genomic data. This comes at a higher cost with two different tiers of data exploration available and a lifetime membership cost to store it. Results can take anywhere from 12 to 14 weeks. You’ll have a lot to sift through, so take your time as results can be overwhelming.