Family Tree DNA vs Home DNA for February 2023

Item: Family Tree DNA vs Home DNA
Rating: 3.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Sunday, February 5th

2023 DNA Testing Kit Reviews

Family Tree DNA

Tests available for family, paternal and maternal ancestry, along with DNA wellness insights
2 million people in the DNA network
Upload your raw DNA data from three other services to get matches here
"A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

Family Tree DNA has expanded its offerings since our last review, partnering with myDNA to give you health and wellness results in addition to their own ancestry service. You may be able to use FTDNA to get those results and recommendations for less money, but customer feedback indicates you won't necessarily be thrilled with the ancestry aspect of these DNA testing kits.

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Home DNA

Six different types of DNA testing kits
Some tests may pinpoint the exact town of your ancestors
Free shipping on all orders
"A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

Home DNA has expanded their DNA test offerings since our last review, allowing customers to explore their maternal or paternal ancestry or to even get in-depth answers specific to their African or Asian roots. However, you'd have to buy several different kits to get both ancestry and health information here, and even then customers say the results aren't as specific as Home DNA's rivals.

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The 10 Best DNA Testing Kits

Where Can You Get the Best DNA Testing Kits?

Direct-to-consumer DNA testing has exploded over the last decade. From popular TV shows that document the ancestry of celebrities to clickbait articles describing the latest "she almost married her long-lost brother!" scandal prevented by a DNA test, it seems like everyone is pretty familiar with the appeal and power of these kits.

There are three main reasons why people buy a DNA test these days. The most common is to explore their heritage. Am I really related to royalty? Did my great-great-grandparents actually come from a small town in Italy? DNA tests can often reveal the answers to such questions. These tests also help people connect with living relatives, from distant cousins overseas to half-siblings and even previously-unknown parents.

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DNA Testing Kit FAQ

Why do people have their DNA tested?

The two most common reasons for testing DNA are to determine one's ancestry and to identify underlying health conditions or predispositions. DNA testing may also be done to determine a child's paternity or detect infidelity.

Does DNA testing require a blood draw?

Fortunately, no. A simple cheek swab or vial of saliva that can be returned by mail is usually all that's required.

How long will it take to get my results?

That depends on the testing service you select. Some companies deliver your results in 1-4 weeks, while others have been known to take a month or longer.

Is DNA testing expensive?

Not necessarily. You'll probably pay somewhere between $59 and $649, depending on how comprehensive your selected test is.

Do I have to pay extra for shipping?

Most of the time, no. DNA test kit prices usually include the cost of delivering the test to your home or office, the return shipping fees to the lab, and the cost of analyzing your sample.

How accurate are the results?

DNA testing protocols are constantly evolving, especially with respect to tracking one's ancestry. Many of the companies use the company Helix to sequence your DNA. The individual companies are then responsible for interpreting the DNA results. You will see some differences between the different testing providers. Also, you may also want to share your results with your healthcare provider, so he or she can confirm any of the health-related results and request additional testing as needed.

Can I use DNA testing to find long-lost relatives?

Possibly, but that will depend on several factors. Not only will your relatives have to choose the same DNA testing platform as you, but both of you will have to set your account permissions to show DNA matches and to allow messages. That being said, thousands of people have connected with previously-unknown family members using many of today's most popular DNA testing providers.

How secure is my information?

That's an important question. Most DNA testing services promise to maintain your privacy by requiring your consent to share your results for matching or research purposes. You'll have to determine your own risk tolerance when it comes to concerns about data breaches, court subpoenas, and other ways your data could be accessed.

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Most DNA testing services allow you to keep that information private, though, if you just want to see your ethnicity breakdown without disclosing yourself to any relatives who might be in their database.

The second reason many individuals choose to buy a DNA testing kit is to get information on health and wellness. Depending on the provider you choose, your results may include basic traits like cleft chin or sensitivity to caffeine, or they may go so far as to tell you if you're a carrier for certain hereditary diseases. These tests can help you be proactive with your health, give your physician more details to guide your treatment, and maybe even prolong your life.

If you've ever watched The Jerry Springer Show, you already know the third reason people buy DNA tests: to prove paternity. That's easier to do when the alleged father is a willing participant in the test, but some companies also offer sibling, half-sibling, grandparent and avuncular (such as aunt/uncle) options that can give you a percentage of likelihood that the individual is related.

You've got lots of options for DNA testing kids. Which one should you buy? These are the factors you should keep in mind as you decide:

Purpose. Why do you want to test your DNA: ancestry, health, or paternity? The answer to that question will automatically narrow down your choices.
Value. What will you get for what you spend? Will your results come in a detailed report or just a vague summary? Are there any other services included with your purchase, like a family tree builder, dietary recommendations, or other guidance?
Additional Costs. Some DNA testing kits have ongoing membership or subscription fees. Be sure you understand what you're getting when you click the "order now" button: many people are angry when they find "unexpected" charges on their credit cards because they didn't read the part that explained the monthly or annual service fees.
Reputation. What do other customers say about their experience with using the DNA test provider? Did they have any issues with getting results in a timely fashion? Does the test deliver what the company promises?

To help you choose the right service to learn more about your health and heritage, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the most popular providers of DNA testing kits on the market today. We're confident that through these tests, you can discover everything you've wanted to know about your genetics!