23andme vs Ancestry: Which Dna Test Is Right for You?
Ever wondered where you come from? The answers might be closer than you think. Exploring your family history and uncovering your genetic heritage is easier than ever thanks to at-home DNA testing kits.
Two of the biggest names in the game are 23andMe and AncestryDNA. Both offer fascinating insights into your ancestry and health, but they have key differences that might make one a better fit for you than the other. Choosing between them can feel overwhelming, so let’s dive in.
This comparison will break down everything you need to know about 23andMe and AncestryDNA. We’ll explore their features, pricing, accuracy, and more to help you decide which service best suits your needs and interests. Get ready to unlock the secrets of your past!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 23andMe | Ancestry |
|---|---|---|
| Ancestry Composition | Yes | Yes |
| DNA Matches | Yes | Yes |
| Traits Reports | Yes | Limited |
| Health Reports | Yes | No |
| Wellness Reports | Yes | No |
| Family Tree Building | Yes | Yes |
| Ethnicity Estimate | Yes | Yes |
| Chromosome Painting | Yes | Yes |
| DNA Relative Matching | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
| Living DNA | No | No |
| User Privacy | High | High |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
DNA Testing & Analysis
- 23andme: Offers comprehensive DNA testing, analyzing over 1,500 genetic variants. It provides detailed ancestry reports and health predisposition reports, but the health reports require a separate subscription and can be complex to interpret.
- Ancestry: Provides DNA testing with a focus on ancestry, analyzing over 700,000 genetic markers. Its ancestry reports are generally considered user-friendly and offer a vast database for matching, but the health component is less extensive.
- Winner: 23andMe
Ancestry Reports & Features
- 23andme: Focuses on providing detailed ancestry reports with a global breakdown and provides features like DNA relatives and haplogroup analysis. Results are often updated, but can sometimes lack the precision of larger databases.
- Ancestry: Boasts a large database with billions of records and offers features like family tree building, historical record access, and DNA matching. This wealth of records is a major advantage for finding relatives, but can be overwhelming.
- Winner: Ancestry
Health Reports
- 23andme: Offers health predisposition reports for a wide range of conditions, including carrier status and wellness reports. The health reports have FDA authorization, but the information may require consultation with a healthcare professional for full understanding.
- Ancestry: Offers limited health reports, focusing more on ancestry and less on specific health predispositions. It partners with third-party providers for health reports.
- Winner: 23andMe
Family Tree Building Tools
- 23andme: Provides basic family tree tools and DNA relatives matching. The tools are less comprehensive than those offered by ancestry.
- Ancestry: Offers robust family tree building tools, allowing users to create, share, and collaborate on family trees. It also provides hints based on its vast record database.
- Winner: Ancestry
Database Size & Record Access
- 23andme: Offers access to its database of DNA relatives, which is smaller compared to Ancestry. Limited access to records outside of DNA relatives.
- Ancestry: Has the largest database of historical records, providing access to billions of records, including census data, birth certificates, and more. This is a significant advantage for genealogical research.
- Winner: Ancestry
Privacy & Data Security
- 23andme: Provides clear privacy policies and allows users to control their data sharing options, including anonymization. Reports data breaches in a timely manner.
- Ancestry: Employs measures to protect user data, but has faced scrutiny regarding data sharing with third parties. Users should review the privacy settings carefully.
- Winner: 23andMe
User Experience & Interface
- 23andme: Offers a user-friendly interface with clear and concise reports. The website is easy to navigate, and the information is presented in an accessible manner.
- Ancestry: The interface is generally user-friendly, though the sheer volume of information can sometimes be overwhelming for new users. The site is well-designed.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Subscription Model
- 23andme: Offers different kits with varying features, with health reports requiring an additional subscription. Prices are generally competitive.
- Ancestry: Offers DNA testing kits and a subscription-based model for accessing historical records. The subscription costs can be significant, especially with add-ons.
- Winner: 23andMe
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ancestry Research & Family Tree Building | Ancestry |
| Health Reports | 23andMe |
| DNA Matching | Ancestry |
| Traits Reports | 23andMe |
| Ease of Use | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Dna Testing: Both 23andMe and AncestryDNA use DNA testing to analyze your genetic information and provide insights into your ancestry and traits.
- Ancestry Reports: Both services offer detailed ancestry reports that estimate your ethnic origins and the regions your ancestors came from.
- Dna Matching: Both platforms allow you to connect with DNA relatives and build your family tree by matching your DNA with others in their database.
- Family Tree Building Tools: Both services provide tools to help you build and manage your family tree, allowing you to record and organize your family history.
- Dna Data Privacy: Both companies provide privacy controls and options for users to manage their data.
23 And Me Vs Ancestry Buying Guide
Test Options
23andMe and AncestryDNA offer different test options. 23andMe focuses on health and ancestry, providing detailed health reports alongside ancestry results. AncestryDNA primarily centers on ancestry, boasting the largest DNA database for potentially more precise ethnicity estimates and broader family tree building tools. Your choice hinges on your priorities: health insights or comprehensive family history research. Consider what information you value most when deciding.
DNA Testing Process
Both companies use a simple at-home saliva collection kit. You spit into a tube, seal it, and mail it back to the lab. Processing times vary, typically taking several weeks. Each company provides online portals to track your sample’s progress. Be patient, as the analysis involves complex genetic sequencing. The results are delivered online, allowing you to access your reports and interact with your data.
Ancestry Features
AncestryDNA excels in family tree building. It offers extensive record databases, including census records, birth certificates, and marriage licenses, to help you build your family tree. Their hints feature suggests potential relatives and records to explore. AncestryDNA also provides a large user base for connecting with relatives. This feature is particularly helpful for those seeking to connect with living relatives and build a more complete family history.
Health Features
23andMe provides valuable health reports, including genetic predispositions to various diseases and carrier status information. This can inform your healthcare decisions and help you understand potential health risks. The health reports are reviewed by geneticists and physicians. However, interpret the results with a medical professional. Consider consulting your doctor to discuss the implications of your genetic health results.
Privacy Considerations
Both companies prioritize user privacy but have different policies. Understand how your DNA data will be stored, used, and potentially shared. Review their privacy policies carefully to understand your rights and the company’s practices. Consider how sensitive your data is to you, and choose the company whose privacy practices align with your comfort level. You can also control the visibility of your profile and data.
Cost Comparison
The cost of DNA tests varies, with occasional sales and promotions. Compare the prices of the basic ancestry tests and the health and ancestry bundles. Consider the value of the features offered by each company relative to their price. Factor in any subscription fees for premium features. Evaluate the overall cost, including potential subscription fees, to make an informed decision based on your budget and needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 23andMe If…
- You are interested in health and wellness reports in addition to ancestry information.
- You want detailed trait reports.
- You are looking for a more comprehensive set of health-related genetic reports.
- You want a user-friendly platform with a focus on both ancestry and health.
Buy Ancestry If…
- You are primarily focused on building a family tree and connecting with relatives.
- You want access to a vast historical record database.
- You are interested in a large database of DNA matches.
- You want to explore detailed historical records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of DNA test do they use?
Both 23andMe and AncestryDNA use autosomal DNA testing. This type of test analyzes your autosomal chromosomes, which are inherited from both parents, providing a broad overview of your ancestry. This allows them to estimate your ethnicity and connect you with relatives. It’s a commonly used method for ancestry testing due to its comprehensive nature and ability to trace ancestry across generations.
How accurate are the ethnicity estimates?
Ethnicity estimates are not perfect and should be viewed as estimations. They are based on comparing your DNA to reference populations. Both companies continually refine their algorithms and reference datasets, improving accuracy over time. Variations can exist due to the limitations of reference populations and the complexities of human migration. Consider ethnicity estimates as a starting point for further research.
How long does it take to get results?
Typically, it takes both companies approximately 4-8 weeks to process your DNA sample and deliver results. This timeframe can vary depending on lab workload and other factors. You will receive email notifications at different stages of the testing process. Patience is crucial, as DNA analysis involves complex laboratory procedures and data processing, which require time.
Can I upload my DNA data from one company to the other?
While AncestryDNA doesn’t allow direct uploads of raw DNA data from other companies, 23andMe allows uploads from other services. However, the functionality and features available after uploading might be limited. You will have to check the limitations of each company. Consider comparing the features offered before uploading from one service to another.
What if I don’t want to share my DNA data?
You have control over your DNA data. Both companies provide privacy settings that allow you to manage how your data is used and shared. You can choose to opt out of DNA matching, research projects, and other features. Review the privacy policies carefully and adjust your settings based on your comfort level. Understanding your privacy options is critical.
Can I find living relatives through these services?
Yes, both companies offer DNA matching features that can connect you with relatives. You’ll be able to see shared DNA segments and potentially contact those individuals. The size of the databases increases your chances of finding relatives. Communication and collaboration with potential matches are key to exploring shared ancestry and building your family tree.
What happens to my DNA sample after the results are delivered?
Both companies store your DNA sample for a certain period, following their respective privacy policies. You can request the destruction of your sample. However, keeping the sample allows them to potentially improve their services. Review the specific storage policies and options provided by each company. Consider your long-term preferences before deciding whether to request sample destruction.
Final Verdict
Both 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer valuable insights into your ancestry. AncestryDNA excels in family tree building and connecting with relatives, while 23andMe provides comprehensive health reports. The best choice depends on your priorities. If you value detailed health information and are less focused on family tree building, 23andMe might be better. For extensive family history research and connecting with living relatives, AncestryDNA is likely the better choice.
Winner: AncestryDNA