7 best dna genealogy testing

DNA genealogy testing, often referred to as genetic genealogy or DNA ancestry testing, is a branch of genetic testing that uses DNA analysis to help individuals trace their family history and genealogical connections.It involves the use of genetic information to explore and discover one's ancestry, distant relatives, and genetic heritage. Here's what you need to know about DNA genealogy testing:

Types of DNA: There are several types of DNA used in genealogy testing:
- Y-DNA: This DNA is passed down from father to son and is used to trace direct paternal ancestry. It helps identify common male-line ancestors and can be used to explore surname origins.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Passed from mother to all of her children, mtDNA testing helps trace direct maternal ancestry. It can provide insights into the maternal lineage.
- Autosomal DNA (atDNA): This type of DNA is inherited from both parents and contains information about both sides of a person's family tree. Autosomal DNA tests are the most common for genealogical purposes.
Testing Companies: Various DNA testing companies offer genealogy tests. Some well-known companies in this field include AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA, and FamilyTreeDNA. These companies provide test kits that allow individuals to submit DNA samples for analysis.
Genealogical Information: DNA genealogy testing can provide a range of genealogical information, including:
- Ethnicity Estimates: These estimates provide insights into a person's ancestral origins, often breaking down ethnicity into regional or population group categories.
- Relative Matching: DNA tests can identify genetic relatives who have also taken the same test, allowing individuals to connect with cousins, second cousins, and more distant relatives.
- Family Trees: Some DNA testing companies offer tools to build and expand family trees based on genetic information and shared DNA matches.
- Deep Ancestry: Advanced DNA testing can provide information about ancient ancestry, migration patterns, and even Neanderthal DNA.
Use in Genealogical Research: DNA genealogy testing can complement traditional genealogical research methods. It can help break through brick walls in family tree research, confirm relationships, and discover unknown branches of the family.
Limitations: It's important to understand the limitations of DNA genealogy testing. DNA results provide estimates and probabilities, and they are most accurate when combined with traditional genealogical research. Additionally, privacy considerations and data sharing policies of testing companies should be carefully reviewed.
Books and Resources: There are many books and online resources available to help individuals learn about DNA genealogy testing, how to interpret their results, and how to incorporate DNA findings into their family history research.

DNA genealogy testing has revolutionized the field of genealogy by providing individuals with access to their genetic heritage and connecting them with relatives they may not have known existed. It has become a valuable tool for both amateur and professional genealogists in uncovering their family histories.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dna genealogy testing on the market

The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy (Second Edition)

Based on 914 reviews Check latest price

Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA

Based on 553 reviews Check latest price

The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are

Based on 210 reviews Check latest price

Who We Are and How We Got Here

Based on 870 reviews Check latest price

The Genealogist's Guide to Y-DNA Testing for Genetic Genealogy

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

MyHeritage DNA Test Kit - Ancestry & Ethnicity Genetic Testing

MyHeritage

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Discover your ethnic origins and find new relatives with a simple cheek swab DNA test. It takes only 2 minutes and you’ll receive your results in 3–4 weeks.
Get a detailed ethnicity breakdown from 42 regions around the world and pinpoint your origins among 2100+ geographic regions, revealing the paths your ancestors traveled over generations. Results are delivered via a fun, animated experience.
Huge global database enables matching to relatives all over the world based on your DNA. MyHeritage is the #1 service for European DNA matching.
Uses the highest technological standards and privacy measures, all for an affordable price. You are the sole owner of your data and all of your information is encrypted. Offers exceptional customer support.
Make the most of your DNA results when you combine them with a MyHeritage subscription. Access advanced DNA features, build your family tree, and search billions of historical records to discover your unique family history.

User questions & answers

Question:	how accuracy is this test
Answer:	I feel it’s pretty accurate. I had the test done with Ancestory first and thought I’d do the My Heritage to see how they compared. They were very close in most all. A couple differences but nothing major. I do trust the accuracy.
Question:	How many people can I use it on
Answer:	Hi, the test is for one person. I hope that helps. Kind regards, Shlomi - MyHeritage Support team.
Question:	do I have to pay a subscription fee to access information
Answer:	If you are not a registered user at MyHeritage, you need to create a free account once you ordered and received your kit, in order to activate it. This is done in only a few steps, that are explained in the package you will receive. Once registered, you will be able to track your order after it arrived back at our lab with your sample, and later on view your personal ethnicity report and DNA matches. The DNA Matching is a free feature, which allows you to be matched to other people who share DNA with you and are likely related to you. If you are facing a brick wall in your genealogy research, you can use DNA Matching to find new relatives and to learn new information about your ancestors. *Please note however, that some of the additional features may require a paid subscription. For more information about our DNA services, we recommend to take a look at the FAQs in our Help Center by clicking below: https://www.myheritage.com/help-center#/path/DNA/MyHeritage-DNA-Test/
Question:	Are the swab samples being destroyed after the results are posted
Answer:	As per our Terms & Conditions, users may request their DNA sample to be destroyed. We can only do so after the results are uploaded - destroying a DNA sample at the lab will not affect the online results. However, once a DNA sample is destroyed, there will be no option to retest the sample. Usually, one vial is for safekeeping which we can use, for example, if we decide to upgrade the chip for testing in the future.

Product features

Ethnicity Estimate

A comprehensive percentage-based breakdown of your ethnic origins, based on 42 supported regions

DNA Matches

Find new relatives and achieve breakthroughs in your research based on shared DNA

Family Tree Integration

Combine your DNA results with a subscription to access advanced features that are seamlessly integrated with online family trees

Activate your kit online

Swab your cheek — it takes just 2 minutes

Mail your sample to our lab

Receive your results in 3–4 weeks

Why choose us?

Trusted by millions worldwide

Available in 42 languages
Robust and diverse DNA database
Largest database for European DNA matching
Pinpoint your origins among 2100+ geographic regions

Gain new insights with innovative features

Discover your ethnic origins through an engaging, animated reveal experience and learn more about the regions your ancestors came from through an interactive map
Trace your relationship to your DNA Matches by exploring Shared Ethnicities, Shared Ancestral Places, and more advanced DNA features
Connect with new relatives all over the world and discover fascinating new details about your family origins

Your privacy is our top priority

You are the sole owner of your DNA data and can delete it at any time
MyHeritage has never sold, licensed, or shared data with any third parties, and will never do so without your explicit consent
MyHeritage is the only company that has pledged never to sell data to insurance companies