🧪 Which DNA test should I buy?
23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage or FamilyTreeDNA? They do not test the same things. Answer 4 questions and get an honest recommendation.
1. What do you want to find out first?
2. Who will take the test?
3. Where does most of your family live today?
4. Have you already taken a DNA test?
Affiliate links: if you order a FamilyTreeDNA test through these links, Explore Your DNA earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. The other links are plain links: we earn nothing from them, and our advice is the same either way.
The four main tests at a glance
| Test | Best for | Raw DNA file |
|---|---|---|
| AncestryDNA | Finding relatives: by far the largest database, very strong in the US, UK and Australia. | Yes, downloadable |
| 23andMe | Detailed ethnic origins, haplogroups and optional health reports. | Yes, downloadable |
| MyHeritage DNA | Relatives in continental Europe and Israel, family trees. | Yes (no mtDNA in it) |
| FamilyTreeDNA | The only full Y-DNA and mtDNA tests (paternal and maternal lines), surname projects; Family Finder for relatives. | Yes, downloadable |
Every one of these raw files works with all our tools and reports. Already tested somewhere? Most of these companies, and GEDmatch, let you upload your raw file for free to fish in their database too. How to download your raw DNA file.
Already have a raw DNA file?
Whatever company you tested with, your raw file can tell you much more: closest ancient and modern populations, your G25 coordinates, regional Focus reports and haplogroups, explained in plain language.