AncestryDNA stands out for its deep dive into genealogy and its vast community of users. If you’re considering their services, it’s essential to grasp their pricing scheme and the specifics of each testing option. This guide is designed to demystify the range of AncestryDNA tests, detailing their costs and any supplementary features or subscriptions that could enrich your genealogical exploration.
AncestryDNA offers a variety of tests, each tailored to meet distinct research needs. The primary test focuses on your ethnic composition and ancestral origins. Beyond DNA testing, AncestryDNA provides subscription-based access to an extensive archive of historical documents and sophisticated tools for constructing family trees. An appealing feature for newcomers is the opportunity to try their family tree builder and historical record access free of charge through a 14-day trial, allowing you to gauge the resources’ value before committing financially.
Short on Time? Here’s the breakdown of how much AncestryDNA costs:
- AncestryDNA Test: The basic AncestryDNA test, which provides information about your ethnic origins and distant relatives, is priced at $99.
- AncestryDNA + Family Tree Package: This test will give you everything the basic test will, with the addition of membership to Ancestry’s World Explorer subscription. It’s priced at $100.
- AncestryDNA Traits +All Access Package: This test will give you everything the basic test will but with the addition of personal traits and a 3-month All Access Membership. It costs $199.
- Ancestry Subscriptions: In addition to the DNA tests, Ancestry also offers subscription services that provide access to their extensive database of historical records and advanced family tree tools. These come in different tiers:
- U.S. Discovery: At $24.99 per month, this subscription provides access to all U.S. records.
- World Explorer: At $39.99 per month, this subscription provides access to all U.S. and international records.
- All Access: At $49.99 per month, this subscription provides access to all records and resources, including newspapers.com and Fold3.com.
In-depth Analysis of DNA Testing from AncestryDNA
Quick Overview of DNA Analysis of AncestryDNA
AncestryDNA has two options to choose from:
- AncestryDNA analyzes your autosomal DNA to identify your ethnic and geographical origins from over 1,000 regions, as well as identifying potential relatives from the AncestryDNA database.
- Family Tree by Ancestry is a family tree builder, which is integrated into the vendor’s DNA database to find unknown relatives. You can further your genealogy research with an Ancestry subscription that allows access to 20 billion searchable family history records.
AncestryDNA
The AncestryDNA test kit provides a wealth of genealogy information for a one-time fee ($99.00), from a simple saliva sample.
By analyzing your autosomal DNA, the AncestryDNA test can tell you about your ethnic and geographical origins from a reference population that spans over 1,000 locations worldwide. An Ethnicity Estimate gives you a percentage breakdown of your geographical origins and Historical and Geographical Insights provide an idea of how your ancestors migrated around the globe.
Plus, your ancestry report also identifies potential relatives through DNA matching to other users who have taken the AncestryDNA test. The ThruLines service shows how you may be related to your DNA matches, as well as shared ancestors based on the family trees of Ancestry members.
AncestryDNA Traits
Purchase AncestryDNA Traits as an add-on to your AncestryDNA kit for a one-off cost of about $20 and you’ll get info on your genetic predispositions for 30 traits, including, but not limited to:
- Eye color and iris pattern
- Hair color, type, thickness, and curl, and male hair loss
- Sweet and savory taste perception
- Unibrow and facial hair thickness
- Earlobe shape and earwax type
- Lactose intolerance
Family Tree by Ancestry
For individuals committed to creating a detailed family tree, Ancestry’s subscription services are highly advantageous. These subscriptions provide access to an extensive database of approximately 20 billion historical records that span seven generations, offering a wealth of relevant information.
In the United States, Ancestry presents three distinct subscription options: U.S. Discovery, World Explorer, and All Access. To get acquainted with the platform and explore its capabilities, you can start with any of these plans and take advantage of a 14-day free trial. Should you find the service suits your research needs, choosing a longer subscription term can be more economical, allowing you to explore your ancestry in greater depth while also saving money.
Customers in other countries (such as the United Kingdom) also see three subscription levels, which also include 14-day free trials and are discounted for six-month sign-ups, but offer historical records tailored to their locations.
Ancestry: No Subscription vs Subscription
If you’re just starting your genealogy journey, you may want to see how far you can get with your family tree before paying for a subscription. Take a look at the benefits for subscribers and non-subscribers:
| Feature | No Subscription | Family Tree by Ancestry Subscription |
| Ethnicity estimate by geographical regions | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| AncestryDNA Matches (based on shared DNA) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Shared Matches | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Ability to contact matches | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Birth locations included in family trees from matches | ❌
(names only) |
✔️
(all public information) |
| Access to historical records | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Matches’ public family trees | Previews for 5 generations | Full family trees |
| Direct ancestor surnames from matches’ trees | Up to 5 surnames | Up to 7 generations of surnames |
You can also give the gift of a subscription for Family Tree by Ancestry to the genealogist in your life. For a one-time, six- or 12-month, non-renewing fee, you can gift someone a U.S. Discovery or World Explorer membership.
If you’re more interested in building a family tree than in ancestry DNA, why not take a look at our 10 best family tree builders?
See Family Tree by Ancestry Deals
How Do Other Vendors Compare?
AncestryDNA is an excellent choice for determining your ethnic and geographical origins, but there are other ancestry tests available that may be a better fit for your needs.
Other Ancestry Tests to Consider
- MyHeritage also analyzes autosomal DNA to determine your geographical and ethnic origins. Plus, you can upload your existing DNA data, for free DNA matches, and access a huge database of historical records to build your family tree (with a paid subscription).
- 23andMe not only examines your autosomal DNA but also mitochondrial DNA and Y-DNA, so you can discover your ancestry on your maternal and paternal lines respectively. Additionally, the test analyzes over 1,500 geographical regions for accurate ethnicity estimates.
- Living DNA’s test provides a lot of ancestry information, including your maternal and paternal ancestry and sub-regional ancestry, as well as providing DNA matches.
- Family Tree DNA’s ancestry tests may be more expensive than others, but they are a good choice if you are serious about genealogy research, providing a geographic and ethnic breakdown of your ancestry going back thousands of years.
Ancestry DNA Test Comparison Table
| AncestryDNA | MyHeritage | 23andMe | Living DNA | Family Tree DNA | |
| Family Tree Builder | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| DNA Matches | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Ethnicity Estimate # of Regions | 1,000+ | 42 | 1,500+ | 80 | 25 |
| Personal Trait Reports | 30+ | ❌ | 30+ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Starting Price | $99.00 | $79.00 | $99.00 | $105.00 | $79.00 |
Health DNA Tests to Consider
If you’re looking for a health DNA test, then AncestryDNA isn’t for you. It’s perfect for detailed ancestry information, but it doesn’t offer anything in terms of health reports. Here are our top recommendations for health DNA tests:
- While LetsGetChecked doesn’t offer DNA testing, it does provide a wide selection of at-home health and wellness blood tests, including organ function tests, screening for disease risk, as well as a variety of STD tests.
- Nebula offers whole-genome sequencing with the option to subscribe to personalized health reports. Ideal for discovering your genetic risks, carrier status, and so much more.
Uncover Your Origins with AncestryDNA
AncestryDNA may be the right choice for you if:
- You’re serious about genealogy research and would benefit from a database of 20 million DNA test users and 20 billion searchable history records.
- You want to know about your ancestors’ past migration patterns.
- You want to keep track of your family’s health history information.
FAQ
How long does it take to receive my Ancestry results?
Your AncestryDNA and AncestryHealth results are usually delivered between four and six weeks of the lab receiving your sample. It may be quicker, depending on how busy the lab is.
Does AncestryDNA offer any regular or special discounts?
AncestryDNA regularly have special discounts, sales, and offers throughout the year. It’s also worth checking for coupon codes, which are frequently available. At DNAWeekly, we keep track of all of the latest deals, so you can be sure that you are getting your test kit at the lowest price possible!
Does AncestryDNA pricing change based on location?
AncestryDNA pricing does not change based on location for most options. For DNA testing in Mexico, Sweden UK, and Canada, etc you are redirected to the AncestryDNA website in the relevant country.
Because you are paying to access different records, the subscription cost for Family Tree Builder by Ancestry does vary by location.
Does AncestryDNA include shipping?
Yes, the pre-paid shipping label is included with your AncestryDNA test kit. Just collect and package your sample according to the directions, and drop the package in the mail!
Is there a subscription cost for AncestryDNA?
Subscriptions from AncestryDNA are available but not required to receive your AncestryDNA test results. Subscriptions provide access to historical records and family tree services and can be purchased on a monthly, semi-annual, or annual basis. There are different subscription membership levels depending on whether you want access to US-based or worldwide records.
