- Pinpoints ethnic origins across 2,114 regions
- Get results in 3-4 weeks
- Test type: cheek swab
- Only CA$49 and free shipping on 2+ kits
“MyHeritage DNA helps millions of people discover their past using matching technologies and at-home, easy-to-use DNA tests.“ (Jun 2024)
- Results in 6-8 weeks
- Test type: saliva sample
- Tests 26 personal traits
- Results in 4-6 weeks
- Test type: cheek swab
- All information kept confidential
- Results in 4-6 weeks
- Test type: cheek swab
- Detailed fitness, diet and ancestry reports
- Results in as little as 1 week
- Test type: varied
- Results in 4 weeks
- Test type: saliva sample
- Results in 6-8 weeks
- Test type: saliva sample
So, Which DNA Kit Should You Choose and Why?
MyHeritage DNA
Pros
- Huge database of users
- Available in 42 languages
- Extensive family tree builders
Cons
- No free shipping
- Doesn't offer health reports
Price per kit - C$69 (Full price is C$109)
Results in - 4-6 weeks
Best for - Checking your ancestry
MyHeritage DNA has become one of the most popular DNA test kits and it’s easy to see why. MyHeritage’s DNA test kit is affordable, highly-informative, and can be combined with one of the most extensive family tree builders out there. Simply put, it’s an all-in-one platform for learning about the ethnic makeup of your DNA and the twists and turns of your family history.
With MyHeritage ancestry DNA tests you get an easy-to-use DNA testing kit that will trace your ethnicity across 42+ regions across the world. You can also pay to access billions of historical records kept on file by MyHeritage, allowing you to really go deep on your genealogy research.
Part of what makes MyHeritage work so well is the sheer size of its user database. This database of tens of millions of users powers the company’s “DNA Matching” tool, which allows you to plug in your DNA sample and see if it matches anyone in the MyHeritage database. It’s a great way to learn more about yourself, and maybe even reach out and connect with a relative.
How to do the test: When your MyHeritage kit arrives you’ll receive a number you will use to activate the DNA testing kit online so that you can receive the results when they’re ready. Inside you’ll find 2 cotton swabs. Rub one on the inside of your cheeks for 30-60 seconds and then place it inside the enclosed vial, seal it, and do the same with the second swab and vial. Ship the DNA test back inside the enclosed envelope and a few weeks later you should be able to see your results online.
Reading your results: You will receive an ethnicity estimate, a comprehensive breakdown of your DNA compositions analyzed by percentage across 42 ethnicities across the world. The results are superimposed across a map of the world for easy viewing. You will also receive a series of DNA matches, in the event that there are other users online that you are related to.
.20191017121847.png)
AncestryDNA
Pros
- Largest database of users
- Strong family tree tools
- Detailed online reports
Cons
- More expensive than other tests
- Shipping costs extra
Price per kit - $99
Results in - 6-8 weeks
Best for - Access to huge worldwide database
AncestryDNA is the DNA testing service of genealogical juggernaut Ancestry.com, and since its opening in 2012 it has already become one of the biggest names in DNA testing kits.
A big plus with AncestryDNA is its massive database of more than 10 million users, meaning that with AncestryDNA you have a better chance of finding a long-lost relative that you match with genetically.
The DNA ancestry test reports cover more than 350 regions around the world, giving you your ethnic makeup estimate, a look at your family’s migration routes from the ancient world to the modern era, and can even tell you how much Neanderthal DNA you have.
With AncestryDNA you can also make use of the resources of the world’s most popular genealogy website. By purchasing a membership for the archival records, you can potentially access billions of records from across the world.
How to do the test: AncestryDNA will send you a package that includes a vial that you fill with your saliva, and then add a blue stabilizing liquid. Place it in the collection bag and ship it back to the company. Make sure not to eat, drink, smoke or chew gum for 30 minutes before providing your sample. Make sure to activate your account online beforehand.
Reading your results: You can view your DNA matches online as well as receive an ethnicity estimate broken down across all types of ethnicity regions. On the “map and locations” map you'll see different colored pins that may show the locations of where your ancestors came from.
Living DNA
Pros
- Covers 80 worldwide regions
- Autosomal, mtDNA and Y-DNA testing
Cons
- Takes longer to process results
- No PDF download of results
Price per kit - $99 (Full price is $129)
Results in - 4-6 weeks
Best for - Next-level accuracy
Every DNA testing company makes use of sophisticated modern technology and scientific know-how, but LivingDNA takes it to another level.
The company goes beyond the industry standard family-line ancestry, known as autosomal DNA, and also provides you results of your maternal line. If you are male the test can also check your paternal family line. This is a more extensive sort of testing that is not provided by most competitors and can provide you with an extra layer of insight. That said, this does make the test more expensive than the industry norm, and the results can take longer to arrive—up to around 12 weeks.
LivingDNA test results go back 10 generations and cover 80 different regions around the world, so you can get very accurate and specific results about your family history. In addition, the results come with a map called, “Your Ancestry Through History,” which is a sort of timeline that you can use to trace your family's migration over thousands of years.
How to do the test: Your LivingDNA kit will come in a box that includes instructions for activating it online. You then use the cotton swab to scrape inside your cheek, and put the swab back into the enclosed bag to ship back to the company. Within 12 weeks the ancestry DNA test results will be ready to view online.
Reading your results: Your DNA testing report will be posted on your account with an easy-to-read, interactive and color-coded map that breaks down your ancestry across different ethnicities worldwide. It will also show your ancestors’ ancient origins and the results can also be printed if needed
Our Top 3 Picks
- The leader in discovering ancestral originsVisit Site
- Best for - Exploring your genetic ethnicity and ancestry
- Price per kit - $49
- Results in - 3-4
The leader in discovering ancestral originsRead MyHeritage DNA ReviewThe MyHeritage DNA test reveals your genetic origins across 2,114 regions of the world. Three to four weeks after sending in a swab of your cheek, you will receive a report which includes:
Origins: Where in the world your ancestors came from, across 2,114 geographic regions.
Relatives: Your genetic “matches”—people who share DNA with you. Matches are reported with the percentage of DNA they share with you and their likely level of relationship to you: first cousin, second cousin, etc.
MyHeritage uses autosomal DNA testing, which gets passed on through all ancestors, male and female, so you can go as far back as 6-8 generations, or 150-200 years of your family history.
Your test kit includes a 30-day subscription to Complete, which offers a vast collection of historical records for research. Paid upgrades to your test include three tiers of research access and a health risk report.
MyHeritage DNA Pros & Cons
PROS
Huge database of usersWebsite provides free basic family tree and photo featuresAccess to vast record libraryCONS
Health risk report requires paid upgradeFull-featured family tree services are expensiveMyHeritage DNA - The largest database of usersVisit Site
- Best for - Learning ethnic origins and researching ancestors
- Price per kit - $99
- Results in - Up to 8
The largest database of usersRead AncestryDNA ReviewThe AncestryDNA test uses a saliva sample to test autosomal DNA for your ethnic and familial roots. The report included with the kit purchase includes:
Ethnicity estimates: A breakdown of your ethnicity across 1,500 global regions.
Relatives: A list of DNA matches will show your degree of relatedness. From this list, you will be able to message relatives and see which ethnicities you share.
ThruLines: If you opt to share your DNA results and family tree with your matches, ThruLines shows you likely common ancestors and allows you to add new branches to your family tree.
In order to connect with the billions of historical records in the Ancestry database, you will need to upgrade to one of Ancestry’s three paid subscriptions.
AncestryDNA Pros & Cons
PROS
Huge database of over 15 million peopleAdds family tree connections based on DNAVast research library of billions of recordsCONS
More expensive than other testsSaliva sample is less convenientAncestryDNA - Excellent level of detail for some regionsVisit Site
- Best for - Subregional data
- Price per kit - $99
- Results in - 6-8
Excellent level of detail for some regionsRead Living DNA ReviewLivingDNA is a great choice if you’d like to explore a deep level of detail of your geographic ancestry, especially if your DNA originates from the British Isles, Europe, or Africa. The LivingDNA test uses a cheek swab sample to provide recent ancestry, DNA matching to find relatives, and extended ancestry to gain insight into ancient migration patterns.
The separate Wellbeing test kit provides insight into aspects of your health that are influenced by your specific genetic makeup, including vitamin response, food metabolism, nutrition advice, and exercise tips. The Wellbeing test does not measure your risk of developing hereditary diseases.
Living DNA Pros & Cons
PROS
Advanced details for Africa, Europe, and British IslesHaplogroup reports give ancient ancestryPortal is easy to navigateCONS
Relative newcomer to DNA testing marketSmaller user database than market leadersLiving DNA