Five Top DNA Testing Kits

Five Top DNA Testing Kits

- Molly K. Mclaughlin

Personal DNA testing is more popular than ever before, now that you can do it easily in the comfort of your home at an affordable cost. Even better, you’re more likely to get results: In August 2017, AncestryDNA (the genetics-focused arm of Ancestry) surpassed 5 million people in its DNA database, and in April, 23andMe topped 2 million. These large databases mean more opportunities to get matched with distant cousins or to find long-lost or previously unknown relatives.

We looked at five services to evaluate their simplicity, relative-matching features, and the best overall DNA-testing experience. In addition to AncestryDNA and 23andMe, we also explored HomeDNA, MyHeritage DNA, and National Geographic Genographic Project.

HOW DNA KITS WORK

Each of the kits work similarly: You answer a few questions about yourself, order the kit, collect your sample, register the kit (this is very important), send it back, and wait for the results. That said, they differ in the collection process and, to a smaller extent, the cost of shipping.

When we tested 23andMe back in mid-2015, the company was unable to accept DNA samples collected in or sent from New York State, because of local laws (we had to cross the border to New Jersey). The company was also prohibited from shipping DNA kits to Maryland. The shipping issues resulted partly because when the company first launched, it tested for a litany of health issues and genetic markers for disease, raising concerns from the FDA and other agencies. 23andM3 stepped back and has been working more closely with governmental agencies as it rolls out more features.

Those restrictive laws are no longer on the books, but as DNA testing companies add more features, including tests related to medical conditions, more laws could surface. Be sure to check a site’s terms of service to see whether there are any restrictions in your locality before signing up.