DNA tests can help you learn more about your family’s history and your genetic background. These tests also make great gifts during the holiday season.
When we initially wrote this article, it compared 23andMe and Ancestry. Since then, 23andMe has experienced a data breach, a subsequent lawsuit, board members’ resignations and layoffs amid financial struggles. As a result, we removed it from this comparison and now outline why AncestryDNA is the best at-home DNA kit for learning more about your heritage, ancestry and even your medical predispositions.
If you’ve used 23andMe, here is how you can delete your account and data. You can also read more about the brand’s current privacy and security policy here.
Best DNA test kit: AncestryDNA
Why we like it: I tried the AncestryDNA kit, which has a saliva collection tube and cap, a return bag and a prepaid return label box. To register the kit, I downloaded the Ancestry app and scanned the barcode on the side of the collection tube. You can also register your kit online and manually enter the number.Â
When you make an account, the app asks for your consent on several items, including consent to process your sample, to store the sample if you want future testing and to participate in research. The research includes taking surveys and questionnaires that AncestryDNA says it will use to better understand human history and health. I declined to consent to store my sample or participate in research.Â
Ancestry doesn’t use the standard Y-chromosome and/or mitochondrial DNA methodologies most others use — so we know less about how it actually analyzes DNA. After spitting in the tube, I mailed off the kit and confirmed that it was sent off in the app. The app “tracked” the kit’s journey from being received at the lab to processing and on through its process before it told me my results were ready.Â
Who is it best for: Your results will include an AncestryHealth report and an Ethnicity Estimate report. AncestryDNA also tells you which other people your DNA closely matches. It flagged my aunt, who also used the site, as Close Family. The app let me compare our Ethnicity Estimates and allowed me to send her a message. Â
Who should not use it: Ancestry is primarily focused on helping you understand your genealogy. Ancestry might not be your best option if you’re looking for in-depth health information. The AncestryHealth report is broken down into Notable Health Results, Health Results and Wellness Results. The reports include information about cancer risks, carrier status for diseases like cystic fibrosis and your blood health. It can also flag some potential health conditions based on family history, although the health screening doesn’t have FDA approval.
Pros:
- You can decline to have your sample stored or participate in research.
- The wellness reports give you information on your vitamin levels, among other things.Â
- It can flag potential health conditions.
- The Ethnicity Estimate report shows which regions your ancestors were most likely linked to.
Cons:
- The family tree and DNA aspects required separate apps. The desktop version keeps everything in one place if you work in a browser.Â
- The health screening doesn’t have Food and Drug administration approval.
AncestryDNA testing cost
The best DNA kits will have different services that come at varying prices. Let’s break down AncestryDNA’s services and costs. Ancestry frequently offers decent sales for its DNA services that bring the cost of its kits below these standard list prices.
- AncestryDNA ($99): Ancestry’s basic offering allows you to search its US database for family connections.Â
- AncestryDNA + Family Tree ($100): Includes access to international records to trace your family lineage.Â
- AncestryDNA Traits + All Access ($199): In addition to the other services, you can access historical records and 35 genetic traits with this tier.Â
What is the best DNA test kit overall in 2025? Why?
Based on CNET’s experience and research in the market, we’ve found that the best overall DNA test kit is Ancestry. It’s the ideal choice for those looking to leverage an introductory DNA analysis to dive into the historical research of their family. The AncestryDNA health integration is available for health results, although they’re different apps, which can be a minor annoyance. Ancestry’s tools and DNA insights paint a great picture of your origins.Â
There are other DNA testing kits out there, though whether because of data breaches or company reputation, we don’t recommend all tests out there. However, the best DNA test for you will depend on your preferences and reasons for wanting a DNA test. You must do your due diligence to research a company’s current policies to ensure they align with your needs.
For more, find out how I used tech to uncover more about my own family tree. You can also order a DNA test from other services for your pet, if you want to.
Read More: Best DNA Test
Why isn’t 23andMe on the list?
23andMe is one of the most popular home DNA testing kits; however, we no longer recommend you use this service because of the company’s financial and data breach problems. 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and plans to sell, which calls into question how safe your data would be going forward. 23andMe has had years of bad news, so it’s not the first time data security has been a concern. In November 2024, there was a significant data leak that affected about 6.9 million people.
The company is still selling DNA kits, and the website states that any future buyer must comply with customer data laws. However, it’s unclear what’s next for 23andMe or your data.
If you’ve used 23andMe in the past and want to protect your data, you can delete your 23andMe account and personal information at any time. You can also request your genetic sample be destroyed if you initially requested 23andMe to store it. It’s worth downloading your data before you delete your account, although some files can take up to 30 days to prepare.
Read more: Can I Delete My 23andMe DNA? Everything to Know as Firm Enters Bankruptcy
DNA kits we do not recommend
HomeDNA
HomeDNA sells testing kits under several brands, including DNA Origins. You can find tests at Walmart, Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens. The company doesn’t have a great reputation in the genetic genealogy world. The company has been known to deliver strange results that call into question the efficacy of HomeDNA’s testing.
Additionally, HomeDNA reports are far less in-depth than options like Ancestry. Results are shown on a single web page with no actionable data accompanying your results.
African Ancestry
African Ancestry strives to trace your ancestry to a specific country and identify your “ethnic group origin.” African Ancestry doesn’t offer an autosomal DNA test like other companies. Instead, you get an mtDNA or Y-DNA test (males only). Experts aren’t sold on African Ancestry’s DNA tests.
African Ancestry says it doesn’t maintain a customer information database and will not share or sell your DNA sequence or markers, including law enforcement agencies. Your DNA sample is supposed to be destroyed after your results are delivered.
23andMe
Previously, 23andMe was one of our favorite DNA kits because it is an FDA-approved risk screener for several genetic diseases and conditions. However, since the company has filed for bankruptcy and the security of the existing DNA data comes into question, we can’t recommend the service.Â
AncestryDNA and 23andMe seem to yield accurate results. While 23andMe’s health reporting is more thorough than AncestryDNA’s, Ancestry has a more extensive database to test against, which could increase the accuracy of the results you get. However, we can’t recommend 23andMe since the company has filed for bankruptcy and it’s unclear what will happen to existing DNA data.
Thanks to its extensive DNA database, AncestryDNA is one of the best DNA tests for accurately assessing ethnicity. Your results will be broken down into an AncestryHealth report and an Ethnicity Estimate report. The ethnicity report is an in-depth look at which regions your ancestors are linked to.
If you want to learn more about your DNA, health or genealogy, then the best DNA test kits are worth it. While they’re a decent chunk of money up front, the best options offer robust results.
When discussing the best DNA kits, data privacy and security concerns must be considered. Some DNA testing companies may share data with pharmaceutical companies and law enforcement agencies. It’s important to consider the risk before volunteering information about your health history and genealogy to any DNA testing company. Also check the company’s data policy before sending in your sample.
Yes, DNA test kits can be used to determine the paternity of a child. All that is required is a sample from the suspected parent and child. Using a test that specifically tests for paternity rather than general insights is best.
No, you do not need to pay a monthly subscription fee to access your test results. However, there is a subscription available for those who want access to advanced features for deeper genealogy research on Ancestry’s site.
Correction, July 3, 2024: A previous version of this story transposed the “who should choose” sections. The error has been corrected.
