Unsure if 23andMe is still the right DNA test for you? You’re not alone. In recent years, growing concerns about privacy, data security, and the company’s financial stability have prompted many people to explore other DNA testing options.
Whether you’re looking for a larger genealogy database to find relatives, more detailed ancestry reports, stronger privacy protections, or deeper health insights, there are plenty of alternatives worth considering. Some tests focus on building detailed family trees, while others provide advanced health analysis or even full genome sequencing.
To help you choose the right option, we researched, tested, and compared the leading DNA testing kits available today. Below, you’ll find the best alternatives to 23andMe based on factors like accuracy, database size, features, and value for money.
If you’re looking for the best overall alternative, I recommend AncestryDNA. AncestryDNA is a good value, offers detailed ancestry insights, and provides powerful tools for genealogical research. With one of the largest DNA databases in the world, AncestryDNA remains one of the most reliable and user-friendly DNA tests on the market.
Get The Best DNA test from AncestryDNA!
Short on time? Here are our top picks for 23andMe alternatives
- AncestryDNA – The best overall 23andMe alternative. Our #1 choice has the largest database of DNA samples in the world, a vast database of historical records, and a robust privacy policy. It even offers a free trial of its family tree-building service so you can test it out.
- MyHeritage – The best cheaper alternative. A very affordable DNA test kit that also allows you to build your family tree and enhance it with records, images, music videos, and more. Now also offers 2x whole genome sequencing.
- Living DNA – The best alternative with wellbeing screenings. Great for health screening in addition to ancestry; offers detailed wellbeing reports on your health risks, response to different nutrients, and creates meal and exercise plans tailored to your DNA.
- FamilyTreeDNA– The best alternative for tracing your maternal and paternal lineage. This DNA test offers insight into your ancestors in ancient times.
- SelfDecode – Best for health reports. A large collection of reports, including ancestry, health and wellness, behavior, mental health, traits, and more.
| 🧪 Sample Type | ✈ Ships outside the US? | 🌎 Free Shipping? | ❓ Free raw DNA upload? | 💰 Regular Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AncestryDNA | Saliva sample | Yes | No | No | Starts at $99 |
| MyHeritage | Cheek swab | Yes | No | No | $89 |
| LivingDNA | Cheek swab | Yes | Yes (on 3 or more kits) | Yes | Starts at $119 |
| FamilyTreeDNA | Cheek swab | Yes | No | Yes | Starts at $79 |
🔒 Privacy Comparison Between the Top Alternatives
In 2023, 23andMe experienced a major data breach. Millions of users were affected globally, and the incident exposed sensitive genetic and personal data. In 2025, the company was bought out following a bankruptcy auction. This whole process caused trust issues for many customers, and despite being operational under new ownership, users are still concerned about the long-term stability of the company.
If you’re considering a switch due to the recent privacy concerns with 23andMe, here are the key privacy elements of my highest-ranked alternatives:
| Company | 🔗 Data Sharing With Third Parties | 🚨 Law Enforcement Access | 🗑️ Data Deletion Options | 🔐 Two-Factor Authentication |
| AncestryDNA | Uses genetic data for internal research and partner studies, if users consent. | Requires legal process and publishes transparency reports; generally resists broad law-enforcement access. | Users can delete results and request destruction of stored DNA samples. | ✅ (optional account security feature, although mandatory to use certain tools like Thrulines) |
| MyHeritage | Data may be used for research only with user consent. | States it does not provide DNA data to law enforcement without a legal order. | Users can permanently delete their DNA data and account. DNA destroyed as standard. | ✅ (mandatory for accounts that purchase a DNA kit) |
| Living DNA | Uses genetic data only with user consent and states it does not sell genetic data. | Only shares information if legally required by court order or law. | Users can request deletion of DNA results and account information. | ✅ (mandatory) |
| FamilyTreeDNA | May share anonymized data for research with permission. | Allows law enforcement access to its database for violent crime investigations unless users opt out. | Users can remove results and request sample destruction. | ✅ (optional for kits, mandatory for group administrators GAP usernames) |
Best 23andMe Alternative Ancestry DNA Tests
1. AncestryDNA – Best Overall Alternative to 23andMe
- Ethnicity percentages based on thousands of geographical regions
- DNA matching tool finds people who share your DNA
- Family tree builder includes over 60 billion records
- Results within 6 weeks
AncestryDNA is one of the strongest alternatives to 23andMe, especially if your main goal is exploring your ancestry or finding relatives. Its biggest advantage is its massive database, which includes more than 27 million DNA samples, making it the largest consumer DNA database out there. This can mean you’re more likely to discover distant relatives. Processing times are typically around 4-6 weeks.
Like 23andMe, AncestryDNA analyzes hundreds of thousands of genetic markers to estimate your ethnic origins. However, its ethnicity reports (part of its Ancestral Origins analysis) focus more heavily on genealogical insights and regional ancestry, with detailed breakdowns across thousands of global regions. The results are presented through a clear online dashboard.
Where AncestryDNA really stands out compared to 23andMe is its genealogy ecosystem. The platform has a huge collection of historical resources (more than 60 billion historical records and millions of public family trees). Features like DNA Matches and ThruLines help identify potential ancestors and relatives by combining genetic data with family tree information. To see these, Ancestry’s privacy settings require two-factor authentication or signing in through an Apple or Google account.
AncestryDNA will not share your genetic information with third parties unless you give clear permission. You can also choose whether to take part in research projects. If you decide to close your account, you can request that your DNA data be deleted.
The built-in family tree builder is another major advantage. You can start a tree from scratch, and as you add relatives, AncestryDNA automatically suggests historical records and potential connections based on shared DNA, which I found significantly sped up the research process. Bear in mind, though, that full access to the genealogy tools requires a subscription, which comes at an extra cost.
Uncover Your Origins With AncestryDNA!
2. MyHeritage – Best Cheapest Alternative to 23andMe
- 35.9 billion records and a database of 9.6 million DNA samples
- Create photo albums, music videos, and more to bring your family tree to life
- Simple cheek swab sample
- Results within 4 weeks
MyHeritage is one of the strongest alternatives to 23andMe for people who want to explore their ancestry and build a detailed family history, all at a very affordable cost. Like 23andMe, MyHeritage offers an at-home DNA test that provides ethnicity estimates and DNA matches with relatives. However, like AncestryDNA, the focus of the service is primarily around genealogy and historical research and not health reporting.
Where MyHeritage often stands out is its international reach, particularly across Europe. When I tested the platform, I noticed more matches from European countries than on some competing services, which can be especially useful if your ancestry is largely outside North America. Another of its biggest strengths is its extensive archive with billions of historical records.
Another notable development is MyHeritage’s shift toward whole genome sequencing (WGS). The company is transitioning from traditional genotyping arrays – like the ones 23andMe uses, which analyze roughly 700,000 genetic markers – to sequencing technology that reads nearly the entire genome. This move should gradually improve the accuracy of ethnicity estimates and DNA matching as more samples in the database are processed using the new technology.
Beyond DNA analysis, MyHeritage includes several tools designed to make genealogy research more interactive. Features like photo enhancement and colorization can restore old family photographs, while collaborative family trees allow relatives to contribute information and records. Personally, I found these extras surprisingly enjoyable – they add a storytelling element that makes exploring your family history feel more engaging.
Lastly, MyHeritage prioritizes privacy and data security, explicitly stating it will never sell or license DNA data to insurance companies, government agencies, employers, or any third party without consent. You can delete your data at any time, and all genetic samples are destroyed by the lab after being processed.
3. Living DNA – Best For Deep Ancestry Insights
- Matches your origins to 150 regions and 100+ sub-regions
- Traces your maternal and paternal lines, plus haplogroups
- Family Network feature lets you connect with DNA matches
- Results in 6-8 weeks
Like many other tests, Living DNA matches your ethnicity to over 150 regions across the globe, with your percentage estimates shown on an interactive map.
But it also looks into over 100 sub-regions to give you even more detail about you and where exactly your ancestors are from. That means it can tell you exactly where in a region you’re from, not just the region itself.
The extended ancestry feature examines your ancestors’ migrations from Africa, Britain, and Europe over the last 10,000 years. It even predicts your maternal and paternal lines, helping you to pinpoint both sides of your family on your map. And it tells you which haplogroups your mtDNA and YDNA belong to.
You also get interesting geographic and cultural information, so you can learn more about every region in your DNA.
Living DNA has a DNA matching tool that traces genetic matches all over the world. It actually goes back 500 years to find anyone who shares your DNA. You can find these people on your interactive map and see where they’re from.
If you opt in to the Family Network feature, Living DNA puts you in contact with your DNA matches so you can connect with relatives.
Gathering your sample requires a quick cheek swab, which doesn’t take long at all. Your results take 6 to 8 weeks, and you get an email to notify you when they’re ready.
Get Deeper Ancestry Insights With Living DNA!
4. FamilyTreeDNA – Best Alternative for Maternal & Paternal Ancestry
- See which autosomal DNA you share with four ancient European groups
- Trace your maternal and paternal lines
- Ethnicity percentages based on 60 populations
- Results in 2-8 weeks
FamilyTreeDNA has a few different ancestry tests available. You can choose from a family DNA test or ones that focus specifically on your maternal and paternal heritage. It takes anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks for your report, depending on the test you choose.
The family DNA test is the most comprehensive, breaking down your ancestry to 60 populations, which are color-coded on your ‘heat map’. You, of course, get percentage estimates, too, and can learn more about any country by clicking on your map.
It traces your ancestry all the way back to ancient times to see which ancient European groups you share your DNA with. This includes Bronze Age invaders, early farmers, and Neolithic hunters and gatherers. It tells you the percentage of DNA you share with each group, plus gives you an insight into how they behaved and lived.
Either of the mtDNA and YDNA tests gives you deep insights into your mother’s and father’s ancestry. They trace your haplogroups all over the world and follow their migration lines.
The family finder searches for genetic matches from the database, which you can sort and categorize into paternal or maternal sides. And if you pick the YDNA test, you can trace the origins of your surname.
Get Haplogroup Mapping With FamilyTreeDNA!
5. SelfDecode – Best Alternative For Getting Health Insights
- Detailed health reports
- Upload existing DNA results
- Ancestry test available
- Results take 4-6 weeks
SelfDecode is a comprehensive and cutting-edge DNA analysis platform that provides personalized health recommendations based on your unique genetic makeup. Unlike 23andMe, which primarily provides ancestry information and limited health reports, SelfDecode offers an in-depth analysis of your entire genome, providing insights into potential health risks, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and personalized supplement and medication suggestions.
One of the biggest advantages of SelfDecode over 23andMe is its focus on personalized health recommendations. With SelfDecode, you’ll receive a detailed report on your genetic health risks, including recommendations for how to mitigate those risks through lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and supplement or medication recommendations. This level of personalized analysis can help you optimize your health and reduce your risk of developing certain health conditions.
SelfDecode also offers a wide range of additional tools and resources to help you better understand your genetic data. From personalized health coaching to a comprehensive database of scientific research, SelfDecode is a one-stop-shop for all things DNA analysis. Plus, its user-friendly interface and straightforward reports make it easy for anyone to understand their genetic data and make informed decisions about their health.
How We Tested the Best 23andMe Alternatives
When finding the best 23andMe alternatives, it was important that every test offered a service at least as good as 23andMe. But I also looked for other, specific criteria in each category, too.
- Ancestry detail: We looked for tests that can accurately identify your ethnicity and map your ancestry all over the world.
- Robust privacy policy: We read through the small print of each service’s privacy policy to ensure they sufficiently protect your sensitive data.
- Results times: You don’t want to be waiting forever for your report, so we found DNA tests that can turn around results quickly.
- Positive reputation: All companies on our list are held in good standing, and we checked reviews on third-party review sites to confirm this.
- Good value for money: Some options, add-ons, or premium features may be expensive, but you can get high-quality results for around $100 or less at all of the companies on this list.
How Do Our Top Picks Compare in Price to 23andMe?
My top three choices are priced very similarly to 23andMe. Ancestry’s entry-level kit costs the same as 23andMe, while My Heritage costs about $10 less. Living DNA will set you back around $30 more, but you may find that worth it for the extra deep insights about your ancestry. Shipping costs are roughly the same at around $10 extra.
23andMe’s health kit costs you just shy of $130, which isn’t too bad. LivingDNA’s health kit is the cheapest of them all, though. It still gives you information about your predisposition for diseases, plus you get interesting nutrition and exercise insights, too.
I’ve discussed the regular pricing here, but bear in mind that there are often discounts or seasonal offers that can save you a significant amount if you’re a new customer.
Which is the Best 23andMe Alternative?
So, which is your perfect DNA test? It all depends on what you’re hoping to find out, but any of my top choices are great options.
AncestryDNA is great for DNA matching because it has such a large database, so it makes it even easier to find relatives you never knew you had.
LivingDNA offers even deeper ancestry, pinpointing exactly where you came from to over 100 sub-regions. It might be your perfect match if you want to optimize your diet and fitness, too. It gives you information about nutrition and which exercise routines to follow, as well as the usual health condition reports.
| Test Categories | Ethnicity Estimate | Relative Finder | Disease & Health Risk Screening | Personal & Wellness Trait Reports | Starting Price | |
| AncestryDNA | Ancestry and Family Tree, Traits | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | $99.00 |
| MyHeritage | Ancestry and Family Tree | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $89.00 |
| Living DNA | Ancestry, Health & Wellness, Diet & Nutrition | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $124.00 |
| FamilyTreeDNA | Ancestry and Family Tree | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $79.00 |
| SelfDecode | Ancestry and Health | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $497.00 |
FAQs
What can a DNA test tell me?
A DNA test can reveal all sorts of information about your family history, health, behavior traits, and more. You can learn about:
- Your ethnicity with percentage estimates and regional mapping
- Your maternal and paternal heritage, including migration maps
- Who you share your DNA with, tracking down your ancestors over hundreds of years
- Whether you’re a carrier of genetic variants for specific diseases
- Which health conditions you’re at risk of
- What type of diet you should be eating for optimal health and even weight loss
- Your ideal exercise routine, including type and frequency
How do you take a DNA test?
All of the DNA tests in this list can be taken in the comfort of your own home, but sample collection methods vary depending on what you are testing for.
Usually, tests require a cheek swab, saliva sample, or finger-prick blood test. Certain tests, such as STD kits, involve genital swabs.
Are DNA tests covered by insurance?
Most at-home DNA tests aren’t covered by insurance. Certain DNA tests, especially those that offer health screening, accept FSA and HSA cards, so you can save more money that way. It’s always worth checking your insurance policy’s terms and conditions first, though.
Which DNA test is the most accurate?
No DNA test is 100% accurate, and there’s always a small room for error. Most leading DNA tests offer at least 95% accuracy, but there are certain factors that can affect the reliability of your results, including your sample. If you don’t follow the instructions correctly or don’t provide the right amount, you might yield a less accurate result.
Which is better, 23andMe, or AncestryDNA?
It all comes down to personal preference, and both tests have standout features.
23andMe’s ancestry test gives you all the ethnicity and heritage information you’d expect, plus neanderthal variants to see how much DNA you share with the ancient group.
The ancestry test also includes traits information as standard, which you don’t get everywhere else. So you can learn about your perception of taste and smell, physical features, and more.
With AncestryDNA, you get regional mapping to thousands of locations, DNA matching, and excellent genealogy tools and resources, with the largest database of historical records around.
Our opinion? AncestryDNA is one of the best DNA tests you can find.
Is 23andMe shutting down?
No, 23andMe did not shut down, but the company went through major financial restructuring. In March 2025, it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after declining demand and ongoing fallout from a previous data breach. Later in 2025, the company’s core assets, including its consumer DNA testing service, were acquired by the nonprofit TTAM Research Institute.
The service itself continues to operate, but the restructuring and ownership change have raised questions about privacy and long-term stability, which is one reason many users are researching alternatives.
Can I upload my 23andMe data elsewhere?
Yes. If you’ve already tested with 23andMe, you can usually download your raw DNA data and upload it to several third-party analysis platforms.
These services can provide additional ancestry analysis, DNA matching tools, or visualization features without requiring you to take another test. However, some major testing companies, such as AncestryDNA, do not allow uploads, meaning you would need to purchase a new test kit to access their database.
Which DNA test has the biggest database?
AncestryDNA currently has the largest consumer DNA database, with more than 27 million people tested.
A larger database significantly increases your chances of finding relatives and discovering family connections through DNA matches. For this reason, AncestryDNA is often considered the best option if your main goal is genealogy research or finding unknown relatives.
