Best DNA Test for 2025​on February 5, 2025 at 3:51 am

The best DNA testing kits can help you discover family connections and identify genetic markers in your DNA.The best DNA testing kits can help you discover family connections and identify genetic markers in your DNA. The best DNA testing kits can help you discover family connections and identify genetic markers in your DNA.   

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Learning about your genetics and ancestry is easier than ever. All you need to do is choose from the many DNA ancestry tests available online, receive your kit and send back the required DNA samples. The last step is a short wait for your results to arrive digitally. A DNA test allows you to learn more about your heritage, health, genetic conditions, family history and potential genetic matches that may connect you with long-lost relatives.

We tested popular DNA testing services, paying close attention to their prices, reputations, privacy policies, methodologies and the information the results offer. Here are the best DNA tests you can try from the comfort of your own home.

Watch this: Here’s how genetic genealogist CeCe Moore finds potential criminal suspects

Editor’s note: Since this article was published, 23andMe has experienced a data breach, subsequent lawsuit, board members resigning and layoffs amidst financial struggles, but you can delete your account and data. You can also read more about the brand’s current privacy and security policy here.

What is the best DNA test overall?

Since DNA testing is personal to everyone, the best test overall will depend on your preferences and reason for wanting a DNA test. We evaluated the following tests based on price, offerings, methodologies and more, but it’s important to do your due diligence to research a company’s current policies to make sure they align with your needs.

Read more: Ancestry vs. 23andMe: Which DNA Testing Kit is Best for Tracing Your Family History?

Best DNA tests of 2025

AncestryDNA’s service is particularly well suited for leveraging an introductory DNA analysis into deep historical research to build out a family tree. The basic DNA kit service provides you with an “ethnicity estimate” derived from its proprietary sequencing techniques. It’s noteworthy that the company’s genetic testing, which is outsourced to Quest Diagnostics, is distinct from that of most other companies, which use paternal Y chromosome and/or maternal mitochondrial DNA methodologies, and less is known about the particular criteria it uses. 

AncestryDNA says its database contains more than 18 million profiles, making it the largest of all the DNA test kit services. The company also maintains a powerful tool for searching through hundreds of historical document databases, but any substantive research will quickly bring you to a paywall. 

An entry-level membership provides access to more than 6 billion records in the US and includes a free two-week trial. The World Explorer membership broadens your access to the company’s 27 billion international records. The All Access tier includes unlimited access to Ancestry’s historical and contemporary database of more than 15,000 newspapers and military records from around the world.

FamilyTreeDNA offers all three types of DNA tests: autosomal DNA, Y-DNA and mtDNA. It’s the sole company to own and operate its own testing facility, The Houston-based Gene-by-Gene genetic lab.

The user interface is a bit more complicated than what you’ll find on other sites, but FamilyTreeDNA provides the most complete suite of introductory tools of any provider we tested. For each type of test, you’re presented with matches, a chromosome browser, migration maps, haplogroups and connections to ancestral reference populations, information about mutations and a link that lets you download your raw data. 

The company’s entry-level Family Finder package costs $79. The test results provide information about your ethnic and geographic origins, identify potential relatives and offer access to the company’s massive DNA database. There is also a Maternal Ancestry test for $159, Paternal Ancestry for $199 and a Paternal Ancestry in Great Detail package for $449.

23andMe is arguably the most popular kit, and that’s why it’s our choice for the best DNA test for beginners. The analysis is segmented into three main categories: health, ancestry and traits. The basic ancestry and traits test includes an analysis of your genetic makeup, including your regions of origin, maternal and paternal lineage and Neanderthal ancestry. Once you opt-in, the company’s match database — which has more than 10 million profiles — will identify and offer to connect you with people who share a DNA match with you.

23andMe’s website and mobile app are very easy to navigate, and they’re brimming with comprehensible information about both ancestry and health, as well as the science of genetics and genealogy. The main dashboard offers intuitive links to information on exploring your ancestry, learning about genetic risks for health conditions, building out a family tree and connecting with relatives. Among all the DNA tests we tried, 23andMe delivered the best introduction to my recent and ancient genealogy, along with an analysis of my genetic health. 

You have easy access to a full range of privacy preferences and consent options. You can ask the company to store your saliva sample indefinitely for future testing or have it discarded. Having signed off when we first signed up, we subsequently changed our minds about giving the company permission to share our data with researchers outside of 23andMe and were able to retract the consent with the click of a button.

Editor’s note: In 2023, 23andMe experienced a data breach that affected almost 7 million users, which later resulted in the company paying a $30 million cash settlement in a class-action lawsuit. This year, amidst financial struggles, seven independent directors of the company’s board resigned and 40% of its workforce was laid off. However, if you no longer want to have your information shared with the company, you can delete your account and genetic data. For more information, you can read 23andMe’s current privacy policy.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

 


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