BEST DEALS ON DNA TEST KITS:
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Embark Dog DNA Test Breed and Health Kit — $159
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23andMe Health and Ancestry Service — $149 with on-page coupon
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MyHeritage DNA Test Kit — $59 with on-page coupon
Some 30 million people had taken an at-home DNA test as of early 2020. That number could be as high as 100 million in the following 24-month period if the MIT Technology Review’s predictions are right.
Success stories like finding a birth parent or discovering that you’re related to a president would make anyone consider adding a DNA test to their bucket list.
Though DNA kits have become increasingly popular gift items year after year, direct-to-consumer DNA testing is still a pretty new concept — one that people may not fully understand. Is it accurate? Is it safe? Should you buy 10 because they’re 50% off for Prime Day and make an easy, unique holiday gift? Apprehension about DNA test kits is sure to make some people hesitate — and that sucks, because finding out the who, what, and where that made you into the person you are is way too awesome to pass up. Read more…
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IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR LITERALLY EVERYONE
23andMe
A consistent top seller, 23andMe is ever-evolving and covers health and ancestry in a digestible manner.
- Tests: Autosomal, mtDNA, Y-DNA, health, traits
- Wait time: 2-4 weeks
$99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR CONNECTING WITH RELATIVES
AncestryDNA
A seamless process from start to finish with a massive genealogical pool and the highest chance for finding family.
- Tests: Autosomal, traits
- Wait time: 6-8 weeks
$99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BUDGET PICK
MyHeritage
The coveted pie chart and a user-friendly website make this kit a breeze for budget-conscious beginners.
- Tests: Autosomal
- Wait time: 3-4 weeks
$79 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR HEALTH
tellmeGen
Hypochondriacs can narrow down concerns to raise to a doctor with this investigation into risks and medication.
- Tests: Autosomal, health, traits
- Wait time: 4-6 weeks
$139 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR SERIOUS GENEALOGY
FamilyTreeDNA
Genealogy buffs will get the most out of their saliva with the best maternal and paternal tracing around.
- Tests: Autosomal, mtDNA, Y-DNA
- Wait time: 6-8 weeks
$79 from Amazon
IMAGE: LivingDNA
BUDGET-FRIENDLY MTDNA AND Y-DNA
Living DNA
A 3-in-1 knockout at a doable price, this is the easiest way to trace both parents’ lines.
- Tests: Autosomal, mtDNA, Y-DNA
- Wait time: 8-10 weeks
$99 from LivingDNA
IMAGE: AfricanAncestry
BEST FOCUS ON AFRICAN HERITAGE
AfricanAncestry
The kit made by POC for POC narrows its sights on indigenous African genetics and ties to modern-day Africa.
- Tests: Autosomal, mtDNA, Y-DNA
- Wait time: 6-8 weeks
$299 from AfricanAncestry
IMAGE: Helix
BEST FOR PEOPLE NEW TO WELLNESS
Helix
This DNA-based health and fitness advice will be fun for the wellness- curious, but not for serious genetics seekers.
- Tests: Autosomal, traits
- Wait time: 4-12 weeks
$190 from Helix
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR DOGS
Embark
Spending as much as 23andMe’s test costs gets you a full look at your dog’s familial and medical history.
- Breed tests: 200+
- Wait time: 3-7 weeks
- Health screening: Yes
- Wolf and coyote test: Yes
$189 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR CATS
BasePaws
Cats and their peculiarities are what cat people love so much — but what breeds give them such personality?
- Breed tests: 21
- Wait time: 4-6 weeks
- Health screening: Optional
$149 from Amazon