Too busy to read the whole article? Here’s the best DNA test for finding relativesin 2024:
AncestryDNA — The best DNA test overall thanks to its large database that allows you to connect with relatives easily and discover more about your ancestors. Right now, you can save 75% on AncestryDNA and other products site-wide.
If you’re searching for long-lost relatives or hoping to expand your family tree, a DNA test is a powerful tool. These tests analyze your genetic data to match you with relatives near and far, often uncovering connections you never knew existed.
But not all DNA tests are equally effective for finding relatives. Some lack robust databases, while others provide limited tools for connecting with matches. This can make it harder to get reliable results or establish meaningful connections. In a crowded marketplace, knowing which test to trust can feel overwhelming.
To make your decision easier, I tested dozens of DNA kits to identify the best options for discovering relatives. I compared them based on database size, ease of use, accuracy, privacy policies, and additional features designed for family connections.
My top recommendation is AncestryDNA. With the largest database of DNA samples available, it maximizes your chances of finding relatives. Its user-friendly interface and detailed family tree-building tools make it a favorite among genealogists. Ancestry also offers strong privacy protections and lets you control your data. While it’s not the cheapest option, frequent discounts and unparalleled matching capabilities make it a worthwhile investment.
Short on time? Here are the best DNA tests for finding relatives in 2024
- AncestryDNA – Best overall for matching with relatives; largest database of DNA samples in the world and a robust relative finder.
- 23andMe – Great for finding relatives and placing them in your family tree; plus, you can get some health insights as well.
- MyHeritage – The most affordable DNA test for finding relatives; a free family tree builder and a great family matching feature.
- Living DNA – Good for tracing ancestry across generations; get some health and exercise tips too.
- FamilyTreeDNA – Fantastic if you’re looking for relatives only on one side of the family since it has separate maternal and paternal tests.
Our Best DNA Tests for Finding Relatives Reviewed
1. AncestryDNA – Best DNA Test for Finding Relatives Overall
- Full ancestry breakdown with accurate ethnicity percentages
- Intuitive family tree builder and access to 20 billion historical records
- Tracks down relative matches from the AncestryDNA database
- Detailed results in 6-8 weeks
AncestryDNA is a top choice for finding relatives, thanks to its unmatched database of over 40 million samples. With such a vast pool of data, your chances of connecting with unknown family members are significantly higher. The test is simple: provide a saliva sample, send it back, and receive detailed results in just a few weeks.
One standout feature is the platform’s intuitive interface, which makes exploring DNA matches and building family trees straightforward. It also provides detailed ethnicity estimates, breaking down your heritage by region and even identifying migration patterns. The platform allows you to message DNA matches directly, making it easier to establish connections and expand your family tree.
Privacy is a key focus for AncestryDNA. You control the visibility of your results, and the company adheres to strict data protection policies, ensuring your genetic information remains secure. You can also request to delete your data if desired, giving you full control over how your DNA is used.
Although it doesn’t include health insights, AncestryDNA excels in ancestry-focused tools and resources. Its subscription plans unlock access to billions of historical records, further enriching your genealogical research. For finding relatives and exploring your heritage, AncestryDNA sets the standard.
| Pros | Cons |
| Largest consumer database of DNA samples in the world | Health testing not available |
| Easy testing and fast results | |
| Affordable prices |
2. 23andMe — Great for Building a Family Tree
- Compares your DNA against 45 known populations
- Traces your DNA across 2750+ regions
- Includes traits report with its basic screening
- See if you have Neanderthal ancestry
- Results in 3 to 4 weeks
23andMe is a well-known DNA testing service that combines ancestry insights with health information, making it a versatile choice. Its database of over 14 million samples, while smaller than some competitors, is still extensive enough to help you find relatives and explore your genetic heritage. The process is straightforward: provide a saliva sample, mail it in, and receive your results online within a few weeks.
The platform’s ancestry tools are robust, offering detailed ethnicity estimates and identifying relatives based on shared DNA segments. Its “Family Tree” feature automatically maps out connections, helping you visualize your relationships. Additionally, 23andMe offers a chromosome browser, allowing you to explore specific shared DNA segments—a tool especially useful for genealogy enthusiasts.
One of 23andMe’s key strengths is its integration of health-related insights with ancestry data. While optional, its Health + Ancestry Service provides reports on genetic health risks, carrier status, and traits influenced by your DNA. For those solely focused on finding relatives, the health feature is a bonus rather than a necessity.
| Pros | Cons |
| Creates a family tree of all the people who share your DNA for you | Doesn’t take into account your lifestyle when delivering health reports |
| Identifies your risk of certain diseases | Slightly more expensive without discounts |
| Offers accurate ancestry data down to 0.1% specificity |
3. MyHeritage – Best Affordable DNA Test for Finding Relatives
- Search through 19.4 billion of records
- Bring your ancestors to life with photos, music videos, and more
- Great for tracing ancestry in Europe
- Results within 4 weeks
- Prices start at $89
MyHeritage is a powerful DNA testing service designed to connect you with relatives and enhance your genealogical research. Its database, while smaller than some competitors, includes over 6.5 million users worldwide, with strong representation in Europe and other international regions. This makes it an excellent choice for uncovering global family connections.
The platform excels in its family tree-building tools, offering a user-friendly interface to map out your lineage. It provides detailed ethnicity estimates and identifies relatives based on shared DNA segments. MyHeritage also integrates its DNA results with historical records, making it easier to connect genetic matches to real-world documents and deepen your research.
One of MyHeritage’s unique features is its AutoClusters tool, which groups your DNA matches into clusters based on shared ancestry. This helps you identify patterns and pinpoint relationships among your relatives. The platform also offers easy-to-use messaging features, allowing you to communicate directly with DNA matches.
MyHeritage prioritizes data security with robust privacy policies, including an option to delete your DNA data upon request.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free family tree building + cheap prices | Health testing not available anymore |
| Diverse ethnic groups and a good European user base | Allows data access to law enforcement |
| Upload DNA data for free |
4. Living DNA – Find Relatives and Learn About Your Health
- Traces your DNA to sub-regions in Europe, Africa, and the British Isles
- Predicts your ancestry from the last 500 years to the present day
- Screen for health and wellness, including vitamin needs and food metabolism, with the combined kit
- Both reports ready in just 6-8 weeks
- Prices start at $119
LivingDNA is a specialized DNA testing service that offers a deep dive into your ancestry, with a focus on detailed regional insights. Its database is smaller than those of major competitors, which may limit its ability to connect you with distant relatives. However, it excels in providing highly specific ancestry breakdowns, particularly for regions like the UK and Ireland, making it ideal for those with roots in these areas.
The platform stands out for its advanced ancestry tools. It provides a detailed ethnicity breakdown, tracing your genetic origins to over 150 regions worldwide. LivingDNA also maps maternal and paternal haplogroups, offering insights into your ancient lineage and migration patterns. While it has fewer features for connecting with relatives, its data accuracy makes it a reliable option for detailed heritage exploration.
LivingDNA also includes a well-designed platform for navigating your results, with interactive tools that make exploring your genetic history engaging. It prioritizes privacy, ensuring your data is securely stored and giving you control over how it’s used or shared.
While it doesn’t offer a robust relative-matching system or health reports, LivingDNA is ideal for individuals focused on understanding their ancestry at a deeper regional level. Its rich data and user-friendly interface make it a solid choice for heritage enthusiasts.
| Pros | Cons |
| Meal and exercise plans with health reports | Smaller user database (less samples) |
| Granular focus on sub-regions | Customer support a bit limited |
| Trace your lineage 500 years back | Slightly more expensive than competitors |
5. FamilyTreeDNA – Great for Finding Relatives on Specific Sides of Family
- Maps your ethnic origins with accurate percentages and geographical maps
- Deeper ancestry insights that show which DNA you share with ancient European groups
- Family finder finds your DNA paternal and maternal matches
- Results in as little as 2 weeks
- Prices start at $119
Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) is a well-established DNA testing service tailored for genealogy enthusiasts. Its database is smaller than some competitors but highly specialized, making it a top choice for those interested in detailed family tree building and advanced genetic analysis. The service supports multiple types of DNA testing, including autosomal, Y-DNA (paternal line), and mtDNA (maternal line), offering insights into both recent and ancient ancestry.
FTDNA’s standout feature is its Y-DNA and mtDNA tests, which allow you to trace your paternal and maternal lineages with remarkable precision. These tests are particularly valuable for uncovering deep ancestral roots and confirming specific family connections. The platform also offers an autosomal test for discovering relatives within the last five generations, along with tools to compare DNA segments and triangulate relationships.
The platform includes robust family tree-building tools and a chromosome browser, giving users detailed insights into shared DNA. Its “Groups” feature connects you with others researching similar surnames or regions, fostering collaboration in genealogical research.
| Pros | Cons |
| Separate maternal and paternal DNA testing | Smaller user database |
| Shipping available almost worldwide | Law enforcement can see your data without a warrant |
| Stores data for up to 25 years (you can test again later) | Some privacy concerns |
Get Started With FamilyTreeDNA!
Best DNA Kits for Finding Relatives: Comparison Table
| Tests Available | Collection Methods | Ships Outside of US | Customer Support | Starting Price | |
| AncestryDNA | Ancestry, Family Tree | Saliva sample | ✔ | ✔ | $99.00 |
| 23andMe | Ancestry, Health, Traits | Cheek swab | ✔ | ✔ | $119.00 |
| MyHeritage | Ancestry, Family Tree | Cheek swab | ✔ | ✔ | $89.00 |
| Living DNA | Ancestry, Health & Wellness, Diet & Fitness | Cheek swab | ✔ | ✔ | $119.00 |
| FamilyTreeDNA | Ancestry, Family Tree | Cheek swab | ✔ | ✔ | $79.00 |
How to Choose the Best DNA Test for Finding Relatives
Not all DNA tests are equally effective for finding relatives, so selecting the right one is essential. Your choice will depend on your goals and which features are most important to you. Some tests prioritize connecting you with relatives, while others focus on ancestry breakdowns or health insights.
One key consideration is database size. The larger the database, the greater your chances of finding relatives. AncestryDNA and 23andMe have some of the largest databases, making them ideal for identifying both close and distant family members. Smaller services like MyHeritage or Family Tree DNA might be better suited for specific regions or genealogical research.
Another factor is additional features. Services like AncestryDNA and MyHeritage offer robust family tree-building tools and historical records that integrate with your DNA matches. Tools like chromosome browsers, offered by 23andMe and Family Tree DNA, are useful for advanced users wanting to analyze shared DNA segments.
Finally, consider privacy policies and budget. Look for services with clear data protection practices, and compare costs to find a test that fits your budget. Many companies offer discounts, so it’s worth checking for deals. Choosing the right DNA test will make your journey to find relatives more rewarding and effective.
The Science Behind Finding Relatives via DNA Tests
Finding relatives through DNA testing involves analyzing genetic markers to determine shared ancestry and identify relationships. These services use autosomal DNA, which is inherited from both parents, to compare your genetic data with others in a database. By identifying identical by descent (IBD) segments—sections of DNA shared between individuals—it becomes possible to trace connections to a common ancestor. The size and number of shared DNA segments typically indicate the closeness of the relationship. For example, siblings share about 50% of their DNA, while first cousins share approximately 12.5%.
Advanced DNA matching services often include tools to predict specific relationships, such as distinguishing between full and half-siblings or identifying distant cousins. These predictions rely on the percentage of shared DNA and the length of identical segments. Some platforms integrate family trees to provide context, helping users determine the most likely relationship based on shared DNA and historical records.
The accuracy of these matches depends on the size of the database. Larger databases increase the likelihood of finding relatives, as more potential matches are available. Additionally, genealogical tools, such as chromosome browsers, enable users to visually compare DNA segments with matches, enhancing the precision of relationship predictions.
While DNA testing is a powerful tool for discovering relatives, distant relationships may be harder to confirm due to the diminishing presence of shared DNA across generations. Combining DNA data with traditional genealogical research, such as historical records, can help build a more complete family history.
FAQs
How do DNA tests identify relatives?
DNA tests identify relatives by comparing genetic markers between individuals. When two people share identical sections of DNA—called identical by descent (IBD)—it indicates a shared ancestor. The size and number of these shared segments help determine the relationship. For example, close relatives like siblings share more and longer segments compared to distant cousins. Advanced algorithms and large databases improve the accuracy of these matches.
What is the role of database size in finding relatives?
A larger database increases your chances of finding relatives because more genetic profiles are available for comparison. Services like AncestryDNA and 23andMe have some of the largest databases, with tens of millions of users. Smaller databases, while useful for regional connections, may not provide as many matches, especially for distant relatives.
Can DNA tests differentiate between full and half-siblings?
Yes, DNA tests can differentiate between full and half-siblings. Full siblings share approximately 50% of their DNA, while half-siblings share around 25%. The number and length of shared DNA segments also vary, with full siblings sharing more segments across all chromosomes. This distinction helps clarify relationships when building family trees.
Are DNA tests accurate for distant relatives?
DNA tests are generally accurate for identifying close relatives, such as parents, siblings, and first cousins. However, accuracy decreases for distant relatives like third or fourth cousins. This is because the amount of shared DNA diminishes over generations, and random inheritance patterns can complicate predictions. Combining DNA results with genealogical research improves reliability for distant relationships.
What privacy protections do DNA testing services offer?
Most DNA services have robust privacy policies. Users control how their data is shared, and many companies allow you to opt out of relative matching or delete your data entirely. It’s essential to read the terms of service and understand how your data will be used, especially for third-party sharing or research purposes.
To summarize, the best DNA tests for finding relatives are…
| Our Rank | Provider | Our Score | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |   | Read Review | $99.00 | Visit Website |
| 2 |   | Read Review | $119.00 | Visit Website |
| 3 |   | Read Review | $89.00 | Visit Website |
| 4 |   | Read Review | $124.00 | Visit Website |
| 5 |   | Read Review | $79.00 | Visit Website |
