Learning about your genetics and ancestry is easier than ever. All you need to do is choose from the many DNA ancestry tests available online, receive your kit and send back the required DNA samples. The last step is a short wait for your results to arrive digitally. A DNA test allows you to learn more about your heritage, health, genetic conditions, family history and potential genetic matches that may connect you with long-lost relatives.We tested popular DNA testing services, paying close attention to their prices, reputations, privacy policies, methodologies and the information the results offer. Here are the best DNA tests you can try from the comfort of your own home. Watch this: Here's how genetic genealogist CeCe Moore finds potential criminal suspects 07:39 Editor's note: Since this article was published, 23andMe has experienced a data breach, subsequent lawsuit, board members resigning and layoffs amidst financial struggles, but you can delete your account and data. You can also read more about the brand's current privacy and security policy here. Our Picks Best DNA test for historical research AncestryDNA View details $99 at Ancestry View details Best DNA test for intermediate users FamilyTreeDNA View details $79 at FamilyTreeDNA View details Best DNA test for beginners 23andMe View details $199 at 23andMe View details Table of Contents What is the best DNA test overall?Since DNA testing is personal to everyone, the best test overall will depend on your preferences and reason for wanting a DNA test. We evaluated the following tests based on price, offerings, methodologies and more, but it's important to do your due diligence to research a company's current policies to make sure they align with your needs.Read more: Ancestry vs. 23andMe: Which DNA Testing Kit is Best for Tracing Your Family History? Best DNA tests of 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $99 at Ancestry $99 at Amazon Pros Access to genetic counseling resources Next-generation sequencing service for screening for heart disease, some cancers and blood disorders You can download your full DNA results profile You can upload the raw data into other tools Partnership with FamilySearch.org, a genealogical records site run by the Mormon church Cons Privacy information not as granular as others The results aren't diagnostic Not FDA approved $99 at Ancestry $99 at Amazon AncestryDNA's service is particularly well suited for leveraging an introductory DNA analysis into deep historical research to build out a family tree. The basic DNA kit serviceprovides you with an "ethnicity estimate" derived from its proprietary sequencing techniques. It's noteworthy that the company's genetic testing, which is outsourced to Quest Diagnostics, is distinct from that of most other companies, which use paternal Y chromosome and/or maternal mitochondrial DNA methodologies, and less is known about the particular criteria it uses.AncestryDNA says its database contains more than 18 million profiles, making it the largest of all the DNA test kit services. The company also maintains a powerful tool for searching through hundreds of historical document databases, but any substantive research will quickly bring you to a paywall.An entry-level membership provides access to more than 6 billion records in the US and includes a free two-week trial. The World Explorer membership broadens your access to the company's 27 billion international records. The All Access tier includes unlimited access to Ancestry's historical and contemporary database of more than 15,000 newspapers and military records from around the world. $79 at FamilyTreeDNA FamilyTreeDNA offers all three types of DNA tests: autosomal DNA, Y-DNA and mtDNA. It's the sole company to own and operate its own testing facility, The Houston-based Gene-by-Gene genetic lab.The user interface is a bit more complicated than what you'll find on other sites, but FamilyTreeDNA provides the most complete suite of introductory tools of any provider we tested. For each type of test, you're presented with matches, a chromosome browser, migration maps, haplogroups and connections to ancestral reference populations, information about mutations and a link that lets you download your raw data.The company's entry-level Family Finder package costs $79. The test results provide information about your ethnic and geographic origins, identify potential relatives and offer access to the company's massive DNA database. There is also a Maternal Ancestry test for $159, Paternal Ancestry for $199 and a Paternal Ancestry in Great Detail package for $449.