Family Tree DNA vs. Ancestry DNA vs. 23andMe

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If you’re looking for the top 3 companies for DNA testing kits, Family DNA, Ancestry DNA, and 23andMe, Inc. are your best bets. 

While each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, they can be excellent options when you’re looking for a reliable company to handle your DNA testing.

With that said, if you are thinking of having your genes tested or your lineage traced, here is a comparison of the three DNA companies you can choose from.

Backgrounds

  • Family Tree DNA or FTDNA

Family DNA is a division of Gene by Gene, Ltd, owned by Benette Greenspan, a genealogy specialist. It was founded in 2002 in Houston, Texas, and is considered the oldest company that offers direct-to-the-customer DNA testing kits.

  • Ancestry DNA

Ancestry DNA is based in Lehi, Utah, and it is, by far, the largest commercial DNA testing company in the world. In fact, this company claims to have approximately 16 billion historical records, 3 million paying subscribers, and 18 million sold DNA testing kits. 

This company is a brainchild of Paul Brent Allen and Dan Taggart, who started offering info bases in floppy disks in 1990.

  • 23andMe, Inc.

In 2006, Linda Avey, Paul Cuzensa, and Anne Wojcicki conceptualized genetic testing and interpretation to individuals, now popularly known as 23andMe, Inc. 

Following the footsteps of FTDNA, this company now also offers direct-to-costumer genetic testing services. This biotechnology company is based in Sunnyvale, California. 

 

Benefits of DNA Testing

Before going further to the details of their services, it might be best to know why DNA testing has many advantages. 

In fact, you might be wondering, what do you get from researching your family history? First, many people admit that they get a sense of fulfillment upon learning of their roots. After all, learning about where we come from provides exciting facts.

Aside from this, learning about our ethnicity and ancestry can solidify our personal identities. In fact, knowing where we belong opens up to greater possibilities of connecting with lost roots or lineage. 

Lastly, it provides us with an idea of our health risks through family health records. This way, we can avoid potential issues and live longer and healthier lives. Of course, aside from these three testing companies, you might want to visit the National Archives to start your genealogy research.

 

Family Tree DNA vs. Ancestry DNA vs. 23andMe: A Detailed Comparison

So, to better understand what these three have to offer, you can check out below a comprehensive review of the products and services they offer.

  • Services offered

DNA Ancestry DNA 23andMe Inc
Paternity tracing

Maternity line

Family ancestry

 Ancestry migration tracing Ancestry plus traits 

Health plus ancestry

 

  • Tests

DNA Ancestry DNA 23andMe Inc
genealogy, autosomal, mtDNA Genealogy, autosomal DNA testing for inherited traits, genealogy, and possible congenital disease

 

  • Test Kits and Collection Method

DNA Ancestry DNA 23andMe Inc
With test kit that collects mouth or cheek swab sample Test kit that collects a saliva sample With DNA kits for genetic testing 

 

  • Price range

DNA Ancestry DNA 23andMe Inc
Father’s line test starts from $119 to $499. Prices depend on the option chosen.

mtDNA test cost $159

The Family Finder kit starts at $79

 The total price of a DNA test is a maximum of $99, excluding shipping and additional test kits.

The lowest price is $69.

 Compete ancestry plus traits service costs $129.

Complete health plus ancestry traits service costs $249

 

  • Steps to Order a Test Kit

DNA Ancestry DNA 23andMe Inc
  1. Order and pay test kit online
  2. Do a mouth swab
  3. Mail the kit back with the swab
  4. Results will arrive in 4 to 8 weeks
  1. Order and pay for the test kit
  2. Follow the instruction on the kit and return with the saliva sample
  3. Results will be accessed online in 6-8 weeks
  1. Purchase the kit
  2. Register online through their app
  3. The final report can be viewed online through their mobile app.

 

  • Average Turnaround Time for Results

DNA Ancestry DNA 23andMe Inc
6 to 8 weeks 6 to 8 weeks Not mentioned on their website

 

  • Specialization

DNA Ancestry DNA 23andMe Inc
Finding relatives Family migration stories Genetics and traits

 

  • Database

DNA Ancestry DNA 23andMe Inc
Limited database 17 billion historical records to date 10 million records

 

  • Reference Population

DNA Ancestry DNA 23andMe Inc
18 regions and population clusters worldwide 499 regions across the world 171 regions around the world

 

Pros and Cons

Of course, like with any service, each company has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this case, here’s what the pros and cons are for each company. 

Family Tree DNA 

Pros

  • Traces ancestry way back ancient origins through DNA records found in archaeological digs
  • Use more advanced and extensive matching tools
  • Traces grandparents up to 5 generations 
  • Do both paternal and maternal tests
  • Customers can download their DNA results
  • Saves sample for 25 years
  • Does not charge subscription fees on their website
  • Has chromosome browser

Cons

  • Limited database
  • Becomes most costly as the services upgrade
  • Does not provide health information

 

Ancestry DNA

Pros

  • Has the most extensive and diverse database 
  • Increase possibility to find genetic matches or relatives
  • Does not use the standard Y-chromosome methodology
  • Offers competitively low price
  • Has a free mobile app
  • Has good customer reviews

Cons

  • Does not use raw data from other centers
  • No chromosome browser
  • Does not provide health information

 

23andMe, Inc.

Pros

  • Has FDA approval to screen for genetic conditions and diseases
  • Has health reports that include predispositions, carrier status, wellness, traits, and health action plans.
  • Presents easy to read reports
  • Receives average to good reviews

Cons

  • Lacks strength in ancestry

 

Family Tree DNA vs. Ancestry DNA vs. 23andMe: Which One Is the Best?

Now that you have a detailed description of what they have to offer, you can now choose the right company for you. Of course, when it comes to the best, it will mainly depend on your needs and which company can meet them.

In this case, if you are looking for lost relatives or tracing your lost ancestry, you can go with Family Tree DNA. On the other hand, if you are after your migration history, Ancestry DNA is the right choice. 

Likewise, if you are more concerned about your traits, congenital disease, and health conditions, 23andMe is best.Â