24Genetics Review 2023: Whole Genome Sequencing

Our score:
8
8

Expert opinion:

It totally makes sense that the more genetic markers a DNA testing company examines, the more information you'll receive about your heritage breakdown and health tendencies. Well, guess what? 24Genetics goes above and beyond by sequencing your entire genome, which is pretty impressive compared to most competitors. They provide you with a massive report jam-packed with loads of insightful info. But here's the catch: it comes with a hefty price tag. Oh, and if you're interested in delving into your ancient ancestry or tracing your maternal and paternal lines, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Written by Charlotte Grainger
  • Health & Wellness
  • Ancestry
  • Diet & Nutrition
Written by Charlotte Grainger on July 28, 2023
  • Health & Wellness
  • Ancestry
  • Diet & Nutrition

24Genetics Overview: A DNA Testing Company that Sequences Your Whole Genome

I was curious to experience 24Genetics, a company leveraging DNA to unveil insights into health, family lineage, and even unique aptitudes. With state-of-the-art technology and a team of proficient experts, they appeared well-equipped to deliver.

What distinguishes 24Genetics is their diverse array of tests. In addition to conventional health and ancestry assessments, they offer unconventional options like career aptitude tests. The testing process is straightforward, and accessing results is hassle-free.

Nevertheless, I harbored some concerns regarding the handling of my personal DNA data. Moreover, I approached the notion of genes accurately predicting career inclinations or hidden talents with skepticism.

Here’s the kicker – 24Genetics can be a bit pricey, and their website isn’t the most user-friendly. If you’re all about digging deep into your ancestry, AncestryDNA might be more up your alley. They’ve got the biggest stash of DNA samples worldwide, and you can even build your family tree without spending a dime. But, if you’re into health stuff, like meal and exercise plans that match your genes, LivingDNA could be a better bet.

Taking the Test

Whichever of its tests you take, taking a 24Genetics test is a simple four-step process of ordering the kit (with free shipping), collecting your DNA sample using a cheek swab, scheduling your sample to be picked up (for free in the USA), and waiting a few weeks to receive your results by email. 24Genomics Review When it comes to swabbing your cheek, there’s a bit more to it than that, but full instructions are provided. And when the results come through, you can even request your raw DNA data file so that you can upload it to other online services for additional analysis.

See 24Genetics’ Deals

A Detailed Look at the Health and Wellness Tests

24Genetics offers three health and wellness products. You can choose between the Health DNA Kit, the Pharmacogenomics Plus Kit, and the Skin Care DNA Kit, or get all three in a promotional smart pack.

Each test requires a simple cheek swab, and you can expect your results within a few weeks.

Health DNA

By testing your DNA for genetic variants relating to more than 200 diseases and conditions, the health report gives you a detailed overview of your health status and risk factors. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary details your risk levels for common illnesses, including diabetes and cancer:

24Genetics Review

You can dig deeper into individual condition pages, to discover your risk level, the genes that contribute to your risk, and the international average risk level. Note that although the test results tell you if you are predisposed to a particular condition, this doesn’t mean you’ll actually have (or will suffer from) the condition.

Next, the report tells you if your genetic mutations will make you susceptible to such things as caffeine intolerance. And finally, the pharmacogenetics review gives you insights into how your body is likely to react to certain medications. Key features:

  • Summary of risk factors with statistical information on disease risk levels
  • In-depth risk analysis includes deeper insights into common illnesses
  • Gene mutation details help you understand mutations and identify health problems
  • Biometric data includes information on genetic predispositions to diseases
  • Pharmacogenetics review tells you how your body will react to medicines

Pharmacogenomics Plus Test

The full pharma DNA report presents your genetic predispositions to mainstream drugs and medication. It covers five key areas: cardiology, neurology, pain, oncology, and others.

24Genetics Review

While this report is not suitable for clinical or diagnostic use, it could help you or your doctor determine how you might respond or react to commonly prescribed drugs such as antidepressants, bupropion, morphine, tramadol, and even erectile dysfunction medicines.

Key features:

  • Medication predispositions related to cardiology, neurology, pain, and oncology
  • Reviews over-the-counter medications
  • May reduce costs of unnecessary health investigations
  • Useful to doctors to make more informed medical interventions
  • Based on research from widely-accepted studies such as GWAS

Skin Care DNA Test

The skin care genetics test analyses how your vitamin and mineral metabolism affects the natural aging of your skin. Also, how your genetic hydration, elasticity, and antioxidant capacity impact this aspect of your health. The summary overview tells you about your skin sensitivity, how easily you tan, your sun sensitivity, and likelihood of having acne. But beware that the scientific backing for this is lacking.

24Genetics Review

For each of the topics, the report includes a full breakdown page about how your genetic makeup may affect your skin care. The very detailed information on the specific gene and genotypes for each condition or trait is complemented by expert recommendations for supplements and dietary changes.

Key features:

  • Simplistic summary includes an overview of your skin
  • Information on genes and genotypes
  • Details about traits broken down by population
  • Supplement recommendations for the vitamins your body lacks
  • Access to professionals via the vendor website

See 24Genetics’ Deals

Similar Tests to Consider

  • tellmeGen offers in-depth genetic testing for more than 125 of the conditions, with a low-cost per-kit pricing structure

Affordable Test Bundles for Better Value

24Genetics Review Now that I’ve told you what to expect from the individual tests, let’s look at how you can keep down the cost. While the individual products are sold separately (with the Ancestry Kit being the cheapest), you can save money by opting for the All-in-One Pack that bundles the Ancestry, Health, Nutrigenetics, Sport, Pharma, Skin, and Talent kits.

Although the test reports provide useful insights into heritage and health, they are more expensive than many competitors such as Living DNA and 23andMe that could provide similar insights at lower prices.

You can save some money with one of the regularly published coupon codes, and you can pay using your credit/debit card or PayPal. Beware that the published prices might not include sales taxes.

Quick Responses with Generic Answers

You can contact this company by telephone, email, or online contact form. But beware that you could incur high costs if calling from outside the United States or Spain. I sent the support team an email to ask about when I would receive the results: 24genetics question to customer serviceI received a relatively rapid response, which is good. 24genetics answer from customer support Other tests concluded as well that while responses are quick, they are often canned and don’t provide any additional information that can already be found on their website.

On the subject of what’s on the website: although there is some interesting information about this provider’s approaches to complete genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing spread around the site, there appear to be no separate support resources or a help section.

See 24Genetics’ Deals

Comprehensive Reports Could be Worth the Cost if You Choose the All-in-One Pack

24Genetics’ strong points are its whole genome sequencing and the sheer number of packages on offer. The ancestry report should answer most of your questions about your probable heritage, and anyone with athletic interests will gain valuable insights from the sports and nutrigenetics reports.

However, this DNA testing company does have some disadvantages. Its website is glitchy and some of the English-language information is actually in Spanish.

While pre-sales support was prompt, the answers were generic. From a pricing perspective, 24Genetics is generally more expensive than its competitors, but you do get more flexibility than you get with many alternative DNA testing companies. What’s more, you can save some money by opting for an all-in-one bundle.

Taking account of everything, the comprehensive reports (often running to hundreds of pages) could be worth the cost.

See 24Genetics’ Deals

FAQs

What is 24Genetics?

24Genetics is a company that specializes in providing genetic testing services to individuals interested in gaining insights into their ancestry, health traits, and wellness.

How does 24Genetics collect DNA samples?

To collect a DNA sample, 24Genetics typically provides customers with a saliva collection kit. The kit contains instructions on how to provide a saliva sample, which is then sent back to the company for analysis.

Is my personal and genetic information kept private and secure?

24Genetics takes privacy and data security seriously. They have measures in place to protect customers’ personal and genetic information. It’s advisable to review their privacy policy and terms of service to understand how they handle and safeguard your data.

A Detailed Look at the Ancestry Test

24Genetics claims that its single ancestry product uses the best algorithm to determine your heritage and ethnicity. It sends you the test kit with instructions, and you can expect to receive your results within a few weeks of sending in your sample.

Ancestry DNA Test

This tests cover more than 1,000 geographical regions but does not include maternal or paternal haplotypes because your maternal mtDNA and paternal Y-DNA are not tested. In other words, only the 22 chromosome pairs from your autosomal DNA are examined; not your 23rd sex chromosome or your mitochondrial DNA.

The test analyses 700,000 genetic markers to give statistical approximations of your ancestry. It compares your DNA to reference populations from different locations around the world, to tell you how likely you are to have ancestors in those areas. The locations are pinpointed on a map:

24Genetics Review

Unlike some competitors, 24Genetics sequences and stores your whole genome, which means you could get additional insights in the future without having to take another test.

Key features:

  • Easy-to-use test, requiring you only to swab your cheek
  • Statistical accuracy because the whole genome is sequenced
  • Simple breakdown with your ethnic makeup shown on a map
  • Regional data that breaks down your ethnicity by region
  • Continental breakdown that presents your statistical ethnicity by continent
  • Backed by experts, including 24Genetics’ scientists
  • Slightly more expensive than competitor tests

See 24Genetics’ Deals

Affordable Test Bundles for Better Value

24Genetics Review

After reviewing each test’s features, let’s consider some cost-saving strategies. Purchasing kits individually is an option, but the Ancestry Kit is notably the most economical choice. Additionally, the All-in-One Pack presents an opportunity for savings, bundling the Ancestry, Health, Nutrigenetics, Sport, Pharma, Skin, and Talent kits into one comprehensive package.

While these test reports provide significant insights into both ancestry and health, they might be priced slightly higher than offerings from competitors like Living DNA and 23andMe, which deliver similar information at more affordable prices.

To maximize savings, it’s beneficial to look out for coupon codes that are regularly offered. Payments can be made via credit/debit cards and PayPal, but remember, the listed prices may not reflect any applicable sales taxes.

Quick Responses with Generic Answers

You can contact this company by telephone, email, or online contact form. But beware that you could incur high costs if calling from outside the United States or Spain. I sent the support team an email to ask about when I would receive the results:

24genetics question to customer service

I received a relatively rapid response, which is good.

24genetics answer from customer support

Other tests concluded as well that while responses are quick, they are often canned and don’t provide any additional information that can already be found on their website.

On the subject of what’s on the website: although there is some interesting information about this provider’s approaches to complete genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing spread around the site, there appear to be no separate support resources or a help section.

See 24Genetics’ Deals

Comprehensive Reports Could be Worth the Cost if You Choose the All-in-One Pack

24Genetics has two major strengths: its whole genome sequencing capability and the wide range of packages it offers. 

However, there are a few downsides to this DNA testing company. Their website can be glitchy, and you might come across some English-language information that’s actually in Spanish. While their pre-sales support is prompt, the answers provided tend to be generic.

In terms of pricing, 24Genetics is generally pricier compared to its competitors. However, they do offer more flexibility than many other DNA testing companies. Plus, you can save some money by choosing an all-in-one bundle option.

Taking account of everything, the comprehensive reports (often running to hundreds of pages) could be worth the cost.

See 24Genetics’ Deals

FAQ

How accurate is 24Genetics?

Very accurate. Unlike some DNA tests, 24Genetics sequences and stores your whole genome, meaning it’s very accurate. What’s more, the ancestry DNA test analyzes 700,000 genetic markers and coveres more than 1,000 geographical regions. (However, the test does not check your maternal or paternal haplotypes. If you need more information, check out our list of best Ancestry DNA tests.)

Can you upload raw DNA data to 24Genetics?

Yes! 24Genetics allows customers to upload raw DNA data from sites including FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritage, and 23andMe. The data is then further analyzed and used for the reports you order from 24Genetics.

What countries is 24Genetics available in?

Testing kits from 24Genetics are available in every country around the world. Customers have the option of choosing either free Standard Shipping or Express Shipping. What’s more, the company has warehouses worldwide, and so your package will be sent to the closest point before being delivered directly to your door. 

Who should consider taking a 24Genetics test?

24Genetics testing kits are suitable for a broad range of people, especially those hoping to boost their health. If you’re searching for skincare, fitness, or general health insights, you may find one of these kits suits your needs. Equally, if you want to find out more about your heritage, their ancestry kit provides interesting information. However, it’s worth noting that the ancestry test is not suitable for people searching for living family members. If that is what you are looking for, you are better off with MyHeritage or AncestryDNA.

 

A Detailed Look at the Diet and Fitness Tests

Learning about your genetic predispositions to diet and fitness could help you reach your health goals. The two offered products are the Nutrigenetics DNA Test and the Sport DNA Test.

Nutrigenetics DNA Test

The study of nutrigenetics looks at how your genes affect your metabolic rate and your body’s response to nutrients, so this report could help you improve your current diet. Note, however, that the report is only intended for educational purposes and should not be used as a diagnostic tool.

The summary page provides information about your vitamin and mineral needs, based on your genetics.

24Genetics Review

Furthermore, the report includes insights about how you can improve your everyday nutrition, ideally working alongside a registered nutritionist. The report can also help you maintain a healthy weight by detailing what foods you will tend towards and your predisposition to weight gain. Also, how well your taste receptors work for certain foods, and your tolerance to common ingredients such as caffeine.

Key features:

  • Simplistic summary that overviews your nutritional needs
  • Senses breakdown for how you taste certain foods
  • Weight-loss support, including predisposition to weight gain
  • Diet effectiveness to tell you which diets would work best
  • Backed by science, with links to relevant studies

Sport DNA Test

The sports report is broken down into five sections:

  1. Sport Profile
  2. Muscular Profile
  3. Metabolic Profile
  4. Cardiovascular Profile
  5. Risk of Injury

The summary gives you insights (for example) into your power, aerobic capacity, cardio capacity, and more, so you can work on a fitness plan with a personal trainer.

24Genetics Review

The subsequent Sports Profile pages provide information on how your genetics might affect different areas of your fitness, such as insights into your resistance training levels. Crucially, you get a risk of injuries report (i.e., the chances of rupturing tendons and ligaments) which will be particularly beneficial to athletes.

Key features:

  • Helpful summary includes aerobic and cardio capacity
  • Easy breakdown includes five useful sports profiles
  • Actionable details contains information on aspects of your training, e.g., resistance
  • Injury risk info details your likelihood of incurring injuries
  • Backed by science means that the report links to relevant studies

See 24Genetics’ Deals

Similar Tests to Consider

  • Helix reports on your antibody reactivity levels to various foods, plus tailored diet and nutrition recommendations.

Affordable Test Bundles for Better Value

24Genetics Review Now that I’ve told you what to expect from the individual tests, let’s look at how you can keep down the cost. While the individual products are sold separately (with the Ancestry Kit being the cheapest), you can save money by opting for the All-in-One Pack that bundles the Ancestry, Health, Nutrigenetics, Sport, Pharma, Skin, and Talent kits.

Although the test reports provide useful insights into heritage and health, they are more expensive than many competitors such as Living DNA and 23andMe that could provide similar insights at lower prices.

You might be able to save some money with one of the regularly published coupon codes, and you can pay using your credit/debit card or PayPal. Beware that the published prices might not include sales taxes.

Quick Responses with Generic Answers

You can contact this company by telephone, email, or online contact form. But beware that you could incur high costs if calling from outside the United States or Spain. I sent the support team an email to ask about when I would receive the results: 24genetics question to customer serviceI received a relatively rapid response, which is good. 24genetics answer from customer support Other tests concluded as well that while responses are quick, they are often canned and don’t provide any additional information that can already be found on their website.

On the subject of what’s on the website: although there is some interesting information about this provider’s approaches to complete genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing spread around the site, there appear to be no separate support resources or a help section.

See 24Genetics’ Deals

Comprehensive Reports Could be Worth the Cost if You Choose the All-in-One Pack

24Genetics’ strong points are its whole genome sequencing and the sheer number of packages on offer. The ancestry report should answer most of your questions about your probable heritage, and anyone with athletic interests will gain valuable insights from the sports and nutrigenetics reports.

However, this DNA testing company does have some disadvantages. Its website is glitchy and some of the English-language information is actually in Spanish. While pre-sales support was prompt, the answers were generic.

From a pricing perspective, 24Genetics is generally more expensive than its competitors, but you do get more flexibility than you get with many alternative DNA testing companies. What’s more, you can save some money by opting for an all-in-one bundle.

Taking account of everything, the comprehensive reports (often running to hundreds of pages) could be worth the cost.

See 24Genetics’ Deals

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Charlotte Grainger
Charlotte Grainger
Charlotte Grainger
I am freelance journalist and content writer living in Sheffield. I hold a BA in Journalism and an MA in Creative Writing. When I'm not working, you can find me at the gym or hanging out with my cat, Harry.

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