I Took 5 DNA Tests and Compared Them | Which One Is Best?

UsefulCharts17 minutes read

DNA tests for genealogy and family tree building are compared, with Circle DNA offering detailed health information, Family Tree DNA providing detailed ancestry and relative matching information, and Ancestry.com focusing on ancestry breakdown and access to a large user database. My Heritage offers affordable DNA tests with connections to settler communities like Nova Scotia and caters more to European records and Jewish heritage, while Ancestry is ideal for North American users.

Insights

  • Different DNA test kits like Circle DNA, Ancestry.com, and MyHeritage offer varying services, pricing, and focus areas, catering to diverse needs such as health information, ancestry breakdown, and access to extensive user databases for finding relatives and building family trees.
  • Recommendations for DNA test selection are based on individual preferences and requirements, with Circle DNA suggested for health insights, Ancestry.com for North American records, and MyHeritage for European and Jewish heritage. This tailored approach ensures users can choose the most suitable test based on their geographical background, ancestry interests, and health concerns.

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Recent questions

  • What are the differences between Circle DNA, Family Tree DNA, Ancestry.com, 23andMe, and MyHeritage?

    Matt Baker compares five DNA test kits for genealogy and family tree building. Circle DNA offers basic and premium services, focusing on health information. Family Tree DNA provides autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y chromosome tests for detailed ancestry. Ancestry.com emphasizes ancestry breakdown and access to a large user database. MyHeritage offers an affordable DNA test with ancestry results predominantly from Germany, England, and Ireland, catering more to European records and Jewish heritage.

  • How do DNA tests collect samples for analysis?

    Different DNA tests use various collection methods like swabbing or spitting into a vial. Once the sample is collected, registering it with the provided number is crucial to ensure accurate results. The waiting time for results from any DNA test is typically around a month.

  • What health information can be revealed by Circle DNA's premium test?

    Circle DNA's premium test can reveal health risks for various conditions, carrier status for genetic diseases, and drug response information. This detailed health information can be beneficial for individuals looking to understand their genetic predispositions and make informed decisions about their health.

  • What services does Ancestry.com offer for building family trees?

    Ancestry.com offers a $100 DNA test focusing on ancestry breakdown and a detailed ethnicity report. The platform also provides access to a large user database for finding relatives and aids in building family trees. Additionally, users can access millions of online records for a monthly fee of around $25, making it a comprehensive tool for genealogical research.

  • Which DNA test is recommended for users interested in North American records?

    Ancestry.com is ideal for users interested in North American records, particularly those from the U.S. and Canada. The platform offers detailed ancestry breakdowns and access to a large user database for finding relatives. For individuals outside North America or with Jewish ancestry, MyHeritage may be a more suitable option, offering affordable DNA tests and catering more to European records and Jewish heritage.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Comparing DNA test kits for genealogy purposes.

  • Matt Baker discusses DNA tests for genealogy and family tree building.
  • He compares five DNA test kits: Circle DNA, Family Tree DNA, Ancestry.com, 23andMe, and MyHeritage.
  • Circle DNA's basic service costs $189, with a premium service at $629, focusing on detailed health information.
  • Different DNA tests use various collection methods like swabbing or spitting into a vial.
  • After collecting the sample, registering it with the provided number is crucial to ensure accurate results.
  • Waiting time for results from any DNA test is typically around a month.
  • Circle DNA's premium test revealed health risks for various conditions, carrier status for genetic diseases, and drug response information.
  • Family Tree DNA offers autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y chromosome DNA tests, providing detailed ancestry and relative matching information.
  • Ancestry.com's $100 test focuses on ancestry breakdown, with a detailed ethnicity report and access to a large user database for finding relatives.
  • Ancestry.com's website aids in building family trees and offers access to millions of online records for a monthly fee of around $25.

19:02

Comparing DNA test options for ancestry research

  • My Heritage offers a DNA test using the swab method, priced at $80, making it the most affordable option in the market. They also provide free shipping during sales, revealing ancestry results predominantly from Germany, England, and Ireland, with connections to settler communities like Nova Scotia. The platform offers relative matches, family tree building, and access to online records through a monthly membership, catering more to European records and Jewish heritage compared to Ancestry.
  • Ancestry, focused on North American records, is ideal for U.S. and Canadian users, while My Heritage suits those outside North America or with Jewish ancestry. For health information, Circle DNA is recommended, Family Tree DNA for detailed mitochondrial and yDNA reports, and 23andMe for a mix of health and genealogy insights. Additionally, a separate video will cover a DNA test for cats, appealing to cat owners. Links to these tests and discount codes are available in the description for further exploration and comparison.
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