23andMe vs. AncestryDNA: Expert Review
Have you taken a DNA test already? Here’s how you can download your raw DNA data files from 23andMe, Ancestry, and MyHeritage so that you can upload them to sites like Genomelink and get more value from the same DNA test.
Comparing Two Leading Genetic Testing Services for Family History and Health
Are you researching DNA tests and trying to decide between AncestryDNA and 23andMe? Both are well-known testing services with unique features. They can help you learn about your family history, understand your genetic information, and discover certain health conditions.
This guide compares their DNA test kit options, pricing, trait reports, and more. By the end, you will know which collection kit fits your goals. This is true whether you want to build a family tree or look into genetic health risks.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Consider Genetic Testing?
- A Quick Look at Each Testing Service
- Key Differences (Simplified Table)
- Pricing and Value
- Cost Comparison Table
- Deep Dive: Ethnicity, Family History, and Genealogy
- Health Reports and Increased Risk Insights
- Database Size and DNA Matching
- Turnaround Time and the Saliva Sample Process
- Privacy, Personal Data, and Security
- Making Your Decision: Which DNA Testing Kit Is Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts and Call to Action
1. Introduction: Why Consider Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing services are more popular than ever. Many people want to find their family roots. They want to grow a bigger family tree. They also want to know if they have a higher risk for certain health problems.
With a simple DNA sample—often gathered via a saliva sample—you can see where your ancestors lived, find distant relatives, and check any noteworthy health reports.
Two major names in this field are AncestryDNA and 23andMe. Each offers a testing kit you mail back for analyzing, after which you see your genetic data. These results can reveal your ethnic makeup and, in some cases, show health conditions or carrier status for specific diseases.
2. A Quick Look at Each Testing Service
AncestryDNA
- Focus: Strong emphasis on family history and genealogy.
- Core Features:
- Ethnicity estimates for 100+ global regions.
- Large user database (~25 million people) for DNA matching.
- Integrates with historical records (subscription needed for full access).
- Offers an add-on trait report, but no full health reports.
23andMe
- Focus: Merges ancestry insights with health reports.
- Core Features:
- Detailed breakdown for 2,000+ regions.
- Maternal and paternal haplogroups for deeper genetic insights.
- Carrier status and genetic health risks in the Health + Ancestry plan.
- Trait report included in both Ancestry-only and Health + Ancestry kits.
Both services use an autosomal method (they analyze most of your inherited DNA). However, 23andMe stands out by also assessing certain health conditions.
3. Key Differences
4. Pricing and Value
Both companies frequently run sales during major holidays. Below is the standard pricing:
AncestryDNA
- Standard Cost: $99 (often discounted to $59–$79).
- Includes: Ethnicity breakdown, DNA matching, and a basic trait report if you pay extra.
- Family History Records: Require a separate subscription (old census data, Freedmen’s Bureau, etc.).
23andMe
- Ancestry + Traits: $99.
- Health + Ancestry: $199 (includes many health reports).
- Premium Membership (23andMe+): Optional add-on for advanced reports and updates.
5. Cost Comparison Table
6. Deep Dive: Ethnicity, Family History, and Genealogy
To research your genetic information for a detailed family history, consider:
AncestryDNA
- One of the biggest genealogical archives.
- Connects your DNA matching results with relevant family records.
- Useful for building an extensive family tree or tracing ancestors across centuries.
23andMe
- Known for a highly detailed ethnicity breakdown, often finding tiny traces from specific regions.
- Offers basic family tree tools and a relative-finder feature.
- No subscription for historical documents (fewer archival records in-platform).
If family history is your main passion, you might lean toward AncestryDNA because of its record database. For detailed ethnicity info without monthly fees, 23andMe still excels in that area.
7. Health Reports and Increased Risk Insights
If you’re worried about genetic health risks, 23andMe is the top pick:
23andMe Health + Ancestry ($199)
- Screens for conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, late-onset Alzheimer’s, and specific cancer variants (like BRCA1/BRCA2).
- Shows carrier status for conditions like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.
- Offers “Wellness” tips on traits like caffeine sensitivity or exercise responses.
AncestryDNA
- Focuses on ancestry.
- No built-in health conditions reports, though you can buy a simple trait report (e.g., earwax type).
- For deeper medical insights, you’d have to export your genetic data to a third-party service (this takes extra steps).
8. Database Size and DNA Matching
- AncestryDNA: ~25 million users.
- Excellent for identifying distant cousins (third or fourth cousins).
- More participants often results in more meaningful family connections.
- 23andMe: ~15 million users.
- Still a large network.
- Many users join for a mix of ancestry and health.
To maximize your chances of locating unknown relatives worldwide, AncestryDNA may have an edge.
9. Turnaround Time and the Saliva Sample Process
Both DNA test kit options rely on a saliva sample:
- Collection Kit: You get a small tube in the mail.
- Spit into the Tube: Follow the guidelines (don’t eat or drink beforehand).
- Mail It Back: Use the prepaid envelope.
- Wait for Results:
- AncestryDNA: Typically 6–8 weeks (sometimes 4–5 weeks).
- 23andMe: Often 3–5 weeks, occasionally faster.
10. Privacy, Personal Data, and Security
AncestryDNA
- You choose how visible your personal data is.
- Only shares data with law enforcement if legally required.
- Lets you delete your sample and account on request.
23andMe
- Lets you opt in or out of research that uses de-identified data.
- Suggests two-factor authentication for protection.
- Lets you remove your data anytime.
Both say they keep your genetic data private unless you grant permission.
11. Making Your Decision: Which DNA Testing Kit Is Right for You?
Consider these questions when choosing between AncestryDNA and 23andMe:
- Do you need a massive archive for family trees?
Pick AncestryDNA to explore historical records, Freedmen’s Bureau archives, or immigration documents.
- Do you want health reports and genetic risk details?
Pick 23andMe for an all-in-one approach, featuring in-depth disease risk insights.
- How important is a big matching network?
AncestryDNA has about 25 million users, often leading to more matches.
- Does a precise subregional breakdown matter to you?
23andMe can pinpoint ethnicity down to 0.1%, which is great if you love fine detail.
- Are you okay with a subscription?
AncestryDNA requires paid membership for full document access.
23andMe charges more upfront (Health + Ancestry) but doesn’t require a genealogical subscription.
By weighing these points, you can decide which service suits you best. AncestryDNA is strong for deep family history, while 23andMe stands out for combining ancestry with health conditions data.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
- How accurate are these tests?
They examine hundreds of thousands of genetic markers with more than 99% accuracy. Your ethnicity percentages can change slightly if the reference panels update.
- Can I upload my raw data elsewhere?
Yes. Both allow raw data downloads, which you can upload to third-party sites. Keep in mind privacy and personal data concerns.
- Do any tests show my increased risk for diseases?
Only 23andMe offers official health reports (with some FDA clearance). It covers things like Type 2 Diabetes risk or BRCA variants.
- Is my data private?
Both AncestryDNA and 23andMe claim to keep your genetic information safe. You can opt out of research or set privacy preferences. Always read each service’s current policy.
13. Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Choosing between AncestryDNA and 23andMe depends on your top priorities. Do you want to build a deep family tree, or do you prefer both ancestry and health reports?
- AncestryDNA is excellent for digging into archives and building a rich family history.
- 23andMe is perfect for ancestry plus a thorough look at genetic health data in one place.
Take the Next Step
- Visit Their Official Sites: Check AncestryDNA or 23andMe for current promotions.
- Get Your Kit: Buy a DNA test kit, follow the instructions, and mail back your saliva sample.
- Discover your roots.
- Learn about your ethnic background.
- Connect with relatives.
Remember, these tests are just the start of your journey. Your genetic testing results can spark new family connections and highlight health issues to watch for. They can also deepen your sense of heritage. Whichever route you take, you’re making a meaningful step toward understanding your genetic information on a whole new level.
Good luck with your DNA tests, and enjoy exploring your family’s unique story!
