Not sure 23andMe is the right DNA test for you? Not to worry, there are plenty of other options.
Whether you’re looking for a better family tree, personalized exercise and nutrition plans, or more in-depth health risk screening, you have a huge bank of DNA tests to choose from. And we’ve picked the best ones for you.
We’ve extensively researched, tested, and reviewed all the DNA tests out there to bring you the best 23andMe alternatives. If you want to just get right to it, choose the overall winner, AncestryDNA. Affordable and comprehensive, with extensive ancestry insights and all the resources needed for advanced genealogy research.
Get The Best DNA test from AncestryDNA!
Short on time? Here are our top picks for 23andMe alternatives
- AncestryDNA – Our #1 choice; has the largest database of DNA samples in the world, a vast database of historical records, and even offers a free trial of its family tree-building service so you can test it out.
- MyHeritage – 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.
- Living DNA – Great for health screening in addition to ancestry; offers detailed reports on your health risks, response to different nutrients, and creates meal and exercise plans tailored to your DNA.
- FamilyTreeDNA– Trace your maternal and paternal lineage across history; this DNA test can even offer you insight into your ancestors in ancient times.
- Nebula Genomics – Analyzes your whole DNA with whole genome sequencing for a detailed scientific breakdown of your ethnicity and health insights.
- SelfDecode – A large collection of reports, including ancestry, health and wellness, behavior, mental health, traits, and more.
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 we 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.
- Health and wellness insights: We made sure all health and wellness tests offer actionable health insights, including disease risk screening.
- 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 reviews: All companies on our list have a good reputation and satisfied customers.
- Good value for money: Some options, add-ons, or premium features may be expensive, but you can get high-quality results for $100 or less at all of the companies on this list.
Best 23andMe Alternative Ancestry DNA Tests
1. AncestryDNA – Best Overall
- Ethnicity percentages based on 1,000+ geographical regions
- DNA matching tool finds people who share your DNA
- Family tree builder includes over 20 billion records
- Results take 6-8 weeks
AncestryDNA claims to have the largest DNA database globally, with over 18 million samples. This extensive database is beneficial for individuals seeking to discover relatives and reconnect with family members previously unknown to them.
The service offers a detailed DNA matching feature that compares your DNA against samples from more than 1,000 regions around the world. This feature enables users to build their family trees and find links with others who share their genetic background. Based on my own experience, this functionality has proven extremely useful in tracing my family’s origins.
The service analyzes an impressive 70,000 genetic markers in your DNA, offering a precise breakdown of your ethnic mix. Your online profile presents a comprehensive view of your ancestry, detailing the diverse ethnic elements in your genetic composition. I particularly valued the depth of information that helped me identify my specific ethnic origins.
The family tree builder from AncestryDNA is another standout feature. It includes a vast archive of over 20 billion historical records and gives you access to 100 million family trees. Whether you’re building a family tree from the ground up or importing one via a GEDCOM file, this tool is exceptionally useful for uncovering fresh perspectives on your family’s past.
By providing as much information as you know about your family members, AncestryDNA helps fill in the gaps of your family tree. The DNA matching tool automatically populates these people for you on your tree and gives you tips to find other records and relatives. This feature saved me a lot of time and effort when building my family tree.
Although it takes 6-8 weeks to produce your report, the wait is worth it considering how much information you receive. In my experience, AncestryDNA’s comprehensive and reliable service has helped me connect with my past and learn more about my family’s history.
Uncover Your Origins With AncestryDNA!
2. MyHeritage – Best for Building Your Family Tree and Connecting With Relatives
- 19.4 billion records and a database of 6.5 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 an online platform and DNA testing company founded in 2003. With over 100 million registered users worldwide, MyHeritage provides a user-friendly interface and powerful tools to help people discover their roots and connect with relatives they never knew existed.
At the core of MyHeritage’s offerings is its vast collection of historical records, which includes billions of documents like birth certificates, marriage records, census data, and more. This extensive database enables users to delve into their family’s past and uncover valuable insights about their ancestors. Additionally, the platform provides advanced search capabilities, making it easier for you to locate relevant information and build accurate family trees.
MyHeritage distinguishes itself with its cutting-edge DNA testing service. Users can receive a straightforward DNA kit, which opens up access to comprehensive reports on ethnic origins, DNA connections with relatives globally, and the chance to find unknown family ties. This aspect of the service has become incredibly popular, helping people uncover hidden family narratives through genetic analysis.
For an improved user experience, MyHeritage incorporates various additional features. These include photo enhancement tools to revive old family photos, a collaborative space for families to document and share their histories, and a mobile app for accessing family history anywhere. MyHeritage also prioritizes privacy and data security, allowing users to delve into their ancestry confidently and safely.
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 belongs 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 that 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 saliva 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 For Ancestry Insights From Ancient Times
- 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 neothilic 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 about 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. Nebula Genomics – Best For Mapping Maternal & Paternal Heritage
- 30 x and 100 x whole-genome sequencing to decode all of your DNA
- Ethnicity percentage estimates from regions around the globe
- Trace maternal and paternal lines
- Results in 8 weeks
Nebula Genomics offers DNA tests that include 30 x and 100 x whole-genome sequencing with reports ready in 8 weeks.
Whole-genome sequencing means absolutely every part of your DNA is decoded. This is especially important for learning about your maternal and paternal lines, as it means it can identify even the most distant relatives.
The DNA test offers full mtDNA and YDNA screening, mapping both sides of your family all over the world. You can view these lines on your interactive map and explore your ancestors’ migration patterns.
You’re also shown percentage estimates of the ethnicities in your DNA from the different regions tested.
Nebula Genomics uses your DNA results to match you with your long-lost relatives and help you with building your family tree.
You can take your genetic research one step further with Nebula Genomic’s genome exploration tools. You can search your specific genes, genome variants, and look in detail at your nucleic acid sequence to get more personalized reports.
Trace Your Maternal & Paternal Lines With Nebula Genomics!
6. SelfDecode – Best For Getting Health Insights
- Detailed health reports
- Upload existing DNA results from AncestryDNA, and others
- 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, their user-friendly interface and straightforward reports make it easy for anyone to understand their genetic data and make informed decisions about their health.
What’s in the Fine Print?
Discovering hidden fees such as processing charges, shipping expenses, or undisclosed subscriptions can be annoying, especially when a deal seems economical. To promote transparency, I’ve thoroughly examined the terms of each DNA test covered in this discussion. The results are encouraging:
The advertised price for each test includes processing fees, so you won’t face unexpected expenses in this area. Moreover, the kits are fully equipped for you to collect and return your sample without additional requirements.
It’s worth mentioning that for 23andMe, you’ll need to cover shipping costs yourself. However, AncestryDNA, my preferred choice, offers free return shipping, which could lead to savings.
Be vigilant about possible upgrades that could lead to extra charges. For example, Nebula Genomics provides basic access to its features and database, but accessing everything they offer requires subscribing to their service.
How Do Our Top Picks Compare in Price to 23andMe?
My top three choices are priced very similarly to 23andMe. It only costs you $20 more for the AncestryDNA ancestry kit, but you get free shipping and you don’t get that with 23andMe. So really, you’re only paying $10 more, and you get a lot of information with that, too. Plus it has the largest DNA database ever.
While Living DNA will set you back around $30 more, it’s worth it for the extra deep insights about your ancestry including sub-regional origins and haplogroup mapping.
23andMe’s health kit costs you just shy of $130, which isn’t that expensive. LivingDNA’s health kit is the cheapest of them all, at around $50 less than 23andMe. It still gives you information about your predisposition for diseases, plus you get interesting nutrition and exercise insights, too. Actually, the combined ancestry and health test only costs you $50 more than 23andMe’s health test.
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 three 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 | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | $99.00 |
| MyHeritage | Ancestry and Family Tree | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $89.00 |
| Living DNA | Ancestry, Health & Wellness, Diet & Nutrition | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $90.00 |
| FamilyTreeDNA | Ancestry and Family Tree | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $79.00 |
| Nebula Genomics | Ancestry, Family Tree, Health & Wellness | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $249.00 |
| SelfDecode | Ancestry and Health | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $99.00 |
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 1,000 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.
