What is 23andMe?
One of the major consumer DNA testing companies, headquartered in California, U.S.A. Best known for its health reports (an optional purchase) and enormous testing pool, second only to AncestryDNA. Founded in April of 2006, 23andMe became the first company to begin offering autosomal DNA testing for ancestry, pioneering the saliva-based testing medium that is still used today.
How Much Does a 23andMe Test Cost?
23andMe offers three different service packages at various prices, so it’s up to you to decide which package fits your budget! The three packages are as follows:
Ancestry + Traits Service — $199
Includes 23andMe Ancestry Reports (Including Ancestry Composition, Haplogroups, and even Neanderthal Ancestry!), DNA Relative Finder, and an Automatic Family Tree Builder. Also includes 30+ genetic traits which while unrelated to ancestry are still fascinating to discover.
Health + Ancestry Service — $299
This package contains everything mentioned in the previous section, but also includes a Health Predisposition Report, Carrier Status Reports, Wellness Reports, and even a Family Health History Tree. While these services aren’t particularly useful for genetic genealogy (unless you’re interested in the ways different genetic traits are passed down in your family tree) but nonetheless are interesting and useful things to know.
23andMe+ Membership — $299 + $69 one-year prepaid membership
As before, this package includes everything already outlined in the previous package. The only difference between this option and the previous is the membership feature which grants users access to advanced filtering for DNA Relative Finder and up to 3500 more DNA relatives (according to the website). If you purchase the membership, you’ll also have access to premium reports and features throughout the year. Read more about 23andMe+.
Further Reading
“How Accurate is 23andMe? Ancestry and Ethnicity” – By Diahan Southard
“Get Started on 23andMe: Login and FAQ” — By Kelli Jo Bergheimer
“23andMe v AncestryDNA: Which is Better?” –By Kelli Jo Bergheimer
Want to know more about your DNA journey? Let me be your guide! Check out my book Your DNA Guide – The Book for the ultimate do-it-yourself manual for using DNA in family history available online in paperback and ebook.