Best At-Home DNA Testing Kits of 2022 (2023)

Best At-Home DNA Testing Kits

Best At-Home DNA Testing Kits

• Cost: $999
• No. of States Available: 50
• Time for Results: 12–14 weeks

Nebula Genomics offers 100% DNA sequencing with its Deep Whole Genome Sequencing kit, along with access to genetic experts and new reports as they’re released, plus powerful privacy tools to keep your data private.

Deep Whole Genome Sequencing from Nebula Genomics costs $999 but regularly goes on sale. Shipping is free, but an additional subscription—at $25 per month, $150 per year, or $275 for lifetime access—is required.

For a less expensive option that doesn’t offer full genome sequencing, you can choose the Basic Genome Sequencing plan for $299. Or for optimal accuracy, select Ultra Deep Whole Genome Sequencing for $2,999.

The Deep test provides a wealth of information about your ancestry, geographical origin, living relatives, health risks, and more—with new reports added weekly. The subscription also allows you to receive direct support from geneticists, and Nebula has put several safeguards in place to help keep your genetic data private.

After receiving your test kit (which can be ordered online through the Nebula website), you’ll need to collect and return your cheek swab DNA sample. Nebula test results are actually read at a lab in the European Union, so it can take up to 14 weeks to receive your results.

Nebula Genomics has a 4.2 rating from Trustpilot, but some reviewers say that it’s difficult to parse the most important details from the overwhelming amount of information they receive from their full DNA sequencing.

It’s our best overall choice because, despite the price, because it offers full DNA sequencing, ongoing access to new reports, and access to geneticists, along with prioritizing customer privacy.

• Cost: $228
• No. of States Available: 50
• Time for Results: 3–5 weeks

For locating ancestors, the 23andMe+ Membership offers full access to all of 23andMe’s health and ancestry features, plus advanced search options to help you narrow down your relatives and ancestors using a number of filters.

The 23andMe+ Membership costs $228 total for the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service as well as a one-year membership to premium features. Standard shipping costs $9.95 and takes three to six business days. The health portion of the test may be eligible for FSA or HSA reimbursement.

This option provides more than 150 health and ancestry-related reports offered by 23andMe, plus access to premium reports (like high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease) and expanded ancestry filtering features.

You can order your kit directly on the 23andMe website. Once you receive it, you’ll need to activate your kit, collect your saliva sample, and return the test. 23andMe utilizes Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified and College of American Pathologists (CAP)-accredited labs. Your results will be available in three to five weeks.

23andMe has an app for iOS and Android where you can order tests, activate your tests, and view your results as well.

Some reviewers question the accuracy of their 23andMe results, and over the years there have been many concerns about privacy and data protection. Regardless, it can be helpful for finding ancestors thanks to the numerous ancestry-related reports and search features it offers.

• Cost: $350
• No. of States Available: 50
• Time for Results: 10–21 days

The Invitae Genetic Health Screen investigates up to 147 genes to assess your potential genetic risk for cancer, heart disease, and certain inherited conditions. It also offers genetic counseling with an expert once you receive your results.

The Invitae Genetic Health Screen costs $350 with free shipping and also requires a physician referral. You can get one from an Invitae doctor or from your provider. Invitae accepts HSA/FSA funds for payment.

In addition to providing a clear breakdown of your genetic disease risk, you will receive a complimentary one-hour genetic counseling session once you receive your results.

You can order your test directly on the Invitae website. It requires a saliva sample, and once your sample has been returned to the lab, you can expect your results in 10–21 days, which you’ll be able to view online. You can then schedule a one-hour genetic counseling session with an Invitae genetics expert at no extra charge.

Many reviewers express frustration about billing and insurance issues with Invitae, but overall, Invitae’s Genetic Health Screen is a great DNA test for general health given the large number of genes tested, along with the included genetic counseling.

• Cost: $199
• No. of States Available: 50
• Time for Results: 6–8 weeks

AncestryDNA Traits + All Access Membership is the best for family trees because the company offers an online family tree creator and database, along with its Ancestry Family History Learning Hub.

The AncestryDNA Traits + All Access Membership is roughly $199 and provides ancestry information, reports on 37 genetic traits, and includes a three-month Ancestry membership. Shipping is $9.95.

Your test can be ordered directly from the Ancestry website or app (available for iOS and Android). You need to activate it online or in the app before returning the test. It requires a saliva test, and once you return your sample, you should receive your results in six to eight weeks.

You can view your results online or in the app, build your family tree, reach out to relatives (or anyone else on Ancestry), view “hints” about your lineage to help expand your tree, and more, either online or in the app.

Ancestry has mostly favorable reviews, but some reviewers say that the subscription may not be worth the fee for the capabilities that it provides. Regardless, if you’re just getting started building your family tree, the Family History Learning Hub, family tree builder, and contact features on Ancestry make it an ideal way to dive into genealogy.

• Cost: $89
• No. of States Available: 50
• Time for Results: 3-4 weeks

The MyHeritage DNA Test offers a snapshot of your genealogy, health, and personal traits for less than $100.

The MyHeritage DNA Test costs $89 plus $5 shipping. Its optional subscription provides extra features for $129-$299 per year (depending on the tier you select).

The test offers a basic snapshot of your ancestry and lineage. Additionally, the premium features allow you to connect with other MyHeritage members and view the family trees of people who are DNA matched with you. You can also upgrade to a health test for an extra fee to receive genetic health data.

You can order the test kit directly from the MyHeritage website. You’ll need to activate your kit online and then collect a cheek swab sample. After returning your samples, your results will be available in three to four weeks. To ensure accuracy and consistency, MyHeritage employs CLIA- and CAP-accredited labs.

The MyHeritage app for iOS and Android allows you to edit your family tree, review DNA matches, and research your genealogy using the MyHeritage network.

Reviewers are generally pleased with MyHeritage, especially for the price but say the results aren’t as reliable as some other companies. At less than $100, however, the basic MyHeritage DNA Test is a great low-cost option if you want to learn more about your lineage.

Article Sources

1. Medline Plus. What are the benefits and risks of direct-to-consumer genetic testing?

2. Medline Plus. What is genetic ancestry testing?