5 popular DNA test kits

5 popular DNA test kits

Do you ever wonder why you look the way you do? Or, why do you have certain personality traits? Well, answers to these questions and more are encoded in your DNA. Thanks to at-home DNA test kits, decoding your DNA has never been easier and affordable. A DNA test kit can give you a wealth of information about genetics, ancestry, and health. To get the most accurate results, you should buy a test kit from a company that has a large database and uses state-of-the-art technology to find information from your DNA. To help you, here are five of the most popular DNA test kits you can buy right now.

  • AncestryDNA

Ancestry has more than 18 million people in its database, making it the largest database of all the genealogical testing companies as of today. So, if you’re specifically interested in tracing your ancestors, AncestryDNA should be your go-to choice. The ethnicity reports look at location and details from over 1000 regions and give you percentage estimates for each. Your AncestryDNA test results may also be able to tell how your ancestors moved from one region to another over the centuries. Moreover, AncestryDNA even offers you a chance to reach and connect with distant relatives from all over the world.

  • 23andMe

23andMe is one of the most comprehensive DNA testing kits you can find. It looks at more than 2000 regions from across the world and generates over 150 personalized reports that help you find out more about yourself and your roots. Using insights backed by cutting-edge science, the test results can tell you what genetic predispositions you likely have, how your DNA affects your facial features, taste, smell, and lifestyle choices such as diet, sleep, and exercise. It even allows you to opt-in to connect and message with people who share DNA with you. 23andMe also offers a VIP package for people who want to avail of premium features such as priority lab processing and overnight shipping.

  • MyHeritage DNA

If you’re looking for an affordable yet precise and detailed DNA test kit, the MyHeritage DNA test kit is a great option. MyHeritage DNA test result gives you a percentage breakdown of your origin from 42 different ethnicities, including Jewish, Japanese, Italian, and Irish. Plus, it helps you identify the regions your ancestors came from, including the percentage of your DNA that comes from those regions. Their software enables you to easily build your own family tree online by adding your and family members’ names, dates of births, and photos.

  • FamilyTreeDNA

FamilyTreeDNA is one of the very few DNA testing companies that offer dedicated mtDNA and Y-DNA testing. Meaning, you can explore your heritage of maternal and paternal lines independently. The company also prides itself on having the world’s largest database of Y-DNA and mtDNA databases. Also, unlike many other DNA test kits that require your saliva or blood, this kit only needs your cheek swab to dig out information about your ancestry. FamilyTreeDNA software reveals your detailed ethnic and geographic breakdown with its unique visual mapping tool. Plus, it helps you find what amount of your DNA matches with various ancient European groups.

  • Living DNA

Living DNA is one of the fastest-growing personal genomics companies that offer test kits for both ancestry and health. It’s advanced test results can help you trace your ancestry from 80,000 years ago until previous generations. Living DNA is one of the few test kits that can pinpoint your British and Irish ancestry’s exact regions. Furthermore, Living DNA can help you connect with your potential relatives from across the globe.