If you are one of the many people who are considering purchasing a home DNA test kit, you probably know that it can be somewhat confusing to figure out which is best for you. There are several you can choose from, and each offers different types of information based on your unique genetic makeup.
Fortunately for you, this article aims to break down five of the most popular DNA tests that you can take at home so you can narrow down your options and find the ideal test for what you want to know. It will detail the information that Ancestry, 23andme, MyHeritage, Living DNA, and FamilyTreeDNA provide you with.
1. Ancestry
Ancestry is one of the most well-known DNA testing companies, and it is typically the top choice for those who want to learn more about their heritage since they have the largest number of DNA samples to make genetic comparisons with.
Their DNA test usually costs $99 USD, or about $126 CAD, but there are several times throughout the year when they lower the price significantly, usually around holidays. Although most people use Ancestry’s DNA test to get a closer look at their ethnic background, you can also purchase a breakdown of your traits, which is around an additional $25 CAD.
To provide your sample, you must fill a tube up to a specific line with your saliva. This is a quick and painless way to provide your DNA information to the company. You should avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes before giving your sample.
2. 23AndMe
The home DNA test kit you can get through 23AndMe is another very popular option. Although the test displays ethnicity information, most of the appeal for taking this test comes from the vast details it provides you with about your genes in regards to your health, including your risk for ten different ailments.
You can get both the ancestry and health report for $199 USD, or roughly $253 CAD, or you can buy only the ancestry report for $99 USD, or around $126 CAD. This company also has sales every so often, so you should be able to get it for less than this if you keep checking.
Similarly to Ancestry’s DNA test, you must provide a sample of saliva by filling up a tube to a certain line. You must avoid eating or drinking anything for a half hour prior to providing your sample.
3. MyHeritageDNA
This DNA test is typically $89 USD, or a little under $113 CAD. The test offers information about your ethnic background using more than 2,100 reference regions worldwide, and it also provides you with 25 trait reports at no additional cost to you.
Along with that, similar to other DNA tests such as Ancestry, you will be linked to other test participants who are related to you. To provide your DNA, all you need to do for this test is a simple cheek swab.
4. Living DNA
With the company Living DNA, you have two options to choose from as far as a home DNA test kit goes. You can purchase the health report, which will run you $79 USD, or about $101 CAD, or you can get a combination of both the health and ancestry reports for a flat $99 USD, which is roughly $126 CAD.
With this DNA test, you will get the most information with your ancestry report, as the company is still working on improving their wellness report. Similar to the MyHeritageDNA test, you only need to swab the inside of your cheek to provide the company with your genetic information.
5. FamilyTreeDNA
FamilyTreeDNA offers four different DNA test options, including a maternal and paternal test to explore each of your parents’ genetic information in more depth, a general ancestry report based on all of your DNA information, and a combination report showing both your ethnic background and traits related to your health.
The paternal test examines the Y-DNA, which means that it can only be used by males, and it costs $119 USD (about $152 CAD). The maternal test involves sequencing your whole mtDNA genome, and it is the priciest option, coming in at $159 USD, or around $203 CAD.
The combination option for receiving an ancestry and health report costs $119 USD, which is roughly $152 CAD, and the ancestry report alone comes in at $79 USD, or around $101 CAD.
For this test, you need only swab the inside of your cheek to provide FamilyTreeDNA with your genetic information.
Conclusion
It should be clear that the DNA test that is ideal for you should be determined based on the amount of money you are willing to spend and what specific information you wish to receive, whether it is mainly your ethnic background you would like to take a look at or information about your health.
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