DNA test
comparison tool
Compare DNA testing companies side by side. See how they stack up on pricing, methodology, turnaround time, privacy, and key features.
| Feature | 23andMe | AncestryDNA | Nebula Genomics | MyHeritage DNA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Consumer DTC | Consumer DTC | Whole Genome | Consumer DTC |
| Price Range | $99-$199 | $99 | $299-$999 | $89 |
| Test Type | Genotyping (SNP array) | Genotyping (SNP array) | 30x Whole Genome Sequencing | Genotyping (SNP array) |
| Turnaround | 3-5 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
| Health Reports | Yes (FDA-authorized) | No (ancestry only) | Yes (extensive) | Yes (limited) |
| Ancestry Reports | 2,000+ regions | 1,800+ regions | Deep ancestry (WGS) | 2,114 regions |
| DNA Matching | Yes (opt-in) | Yes (25M+ database) | No | Yes (6.5M+) |
| Genealogy Tools | Basic family tree | Best-in-class | None | Excellent |
| Raw Data Download | Yes | Yes | Yes (FASTQ, VCF, BAM) | Yes |
| Privacy Rating | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Best For | Health + ancestry combo | Genealogy, DNA matching | Privacy, deep health insights | European ancestry |
Key differences explained
Genotyping vs Whole Genome Sequencing
Genotyping (23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage) reads 600K-700K specific positions. WGS (Nebula, Dante Labs) reads all 3 billion base pairs, capturing rare variants and providing data that can be re-analyzed as science advances.
Bottom line: Genotyping is sufficient for ancestry and common health insights. WGS is better for comprehensive health analysis and future-proofing.
Why database size matters
Larger databases mean more DNA matches. AncestryDNA's 25M+ users means most testers find thousands of matches. Smaller databases mean fewer matches, especially for underrepresented ethnicities.
Strategy: Test with the largest database (AncestryDNA), then upload raw data to other platforms.
How to make your choice
Family history
AncestryDNA for the largest match database and family tree tools. Supplement with MyHeritage for European records.
View ancestry picksHealth insights
23andMe for FDA-authorized health reports at consumer pricing. Nebula or Dante Labs for comprehensive WGS health analysis.
View health picksBoth health and ancestry
23andMe Health + Ancestry offers the best combined package at $199. Pair AncestryDNA with Nebula WGS for maximum depth.
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