Last updated: January 14, 2025
The best DNA tests for ancestry in 2025 include both ethnicity results AND DNA matches. Here are the top DNA test kit options for exploring family history.
Check out this video and keep reading below to discover which DNA test is best for ancestry.
Best DNA tests for ancestry
Taking a consumer DNA test for family history can help you discover more about your heritage and connect with biological relatives. An autosomal DNA test is the most common test to start with. It reveals clues about your family history on both sides of your family for the past 4-6 generations.
DNA tests for family history give you ancestral ethnicity results AND a list of your DNA matches: genetic relatives who have tested with the same company. Testing company websites have tools to help you connect with your matches and figure out how you’re related.
Just remember—the best DNA test kit for YOU is the one that will answer your research question. You’ll find more detailed tips on topics like the best DNA test for different kinds of origins, or finding birth relatives, etc. below.
Best DNA tests for ethnicity
Test with a company that offers the most detailed look at your expected ethnic regions. Or read these specific articles for the best DNA test for:
Best DNA tests for finding birth relatives
Test at the company where your biological relatives are more likely to have tested. That means thinking about a) which companies are selling tests in that part of the world and b) the total size of their testing pool (both reported above). In the U.S., AncestryDNA and 23andMe are the most popular. In the British Isles, AncestryDNA and 23andMe and Living DNA are all popular. In the rest of Europe, look to MyHeritage. In other areas globally, it could be MyHeritage, AncestryDNA (which recently expanded the list of countries where tests are sold) or 23andMe.
Best DNA tests for finding ancestors or building your family tree
Choose a testing company with strong tools for tree-building and exploring your matches (that’s AncestryDNA or MyHeritage).
If, like us, you want DNA results from more than one company, you should know that you can transfer your results to MyHeritage, Living DNA, or FamilyTreeDNA if you test with any of the other companies.
For most people, the best strategy will be to take a test at Ancestry, and transfer your results to MyHeritage. But as you can see, there’s not one-answer-best-fits-everyone for DNA testing! If you’re not sure, see our full reviews of each testing company. When you buy a test, thank you for using our affiliate links above. Your purchase helps support this website at no additional cost to you.
Here are a few things more things to consider before comparing tests at different companies:
- Availability: Consider where you live AND where your DNA relatives may live
- Swab or spit: Learn more about both methods.
- How many testers: More testers = more potential DNA relatives
- Can you transfer your DNA there: Save money! Test at one company, then transfer to others
- Price: The prices listed do not include optional add-ons or shipping. Your purchase using our affiliate links costs you nothing extra but we get a little commission. Thank you!
AncestryDNA
Availability: US, UK, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, South Korea and 119 other countries
How many testers: 25 million+
Ethnicity estimate: 3,000+ ancestral regions and journeys (including specific locales and migration groups, see them all here)
Shared matches tool: Yes, but limited access without a subscription
Family tree tools: Robust tools, available with a subscription, include ThruLines (reconstructs trees for matches with common ancestors) and SideView (assigns matches and ethnicity inheritance to parents even if they haven’t tested)
Can you transfer DNA here? No
Other features: Build your family tree for free, but genealogy research requires subscription. Traits report also available.
Swab or spit: Spit
Price: $99 regular price See current prices for Australia Canada U.K. U.S.
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FamilyTreeDNA
Availability: GLOBALLY (anywhere U.S. Postal Service delivers); does not ship to Sudan or Iran
How many testers: est. 2 million
Ethnicity estimate: 90 geographic regions (see them all here)
Shared matches tool: Yes, called “In common/Not in common”
Family tree tools: None
Can you transfer DNA here? Yes! Here’s how
Other features: Also sells YDNA and mtDNA tests. Join projects to explore connections to surnames, ethnicities, and places.
Swab or spit: Swab
Price: $79 regular price See current price
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MyHeritage DNA
Availability: GLOBALLY except Israel, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, North Korea, Lebanon, Russia, and Syria
How many testers: 8.9 million
Ethnicity estimate: 2,000+ geographic regions and Genetic Groups (specific locales and migration groups, see them all here)
Shared matches tool: Yes, with a subscription or paying an unlock fee
Family tree tools: Robust tools including Theory of Family Relativity (constructs possible tree relationships, with qualifying purchase)
Can you transfer DNA here? Yes! Here’s how
Other features: Build your family tree for free, but genealogy research requires subscription. More DNA tools available when you transfer and pay $29 upload fee.
Swab or spit: Swab
Price: $89 regular price See current price
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23andMe
Availability: US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and more
How many testers: 14 million+
Ethnicity estimate: 2,750+ regions worldwide and high-level haplogroup info (see them all here)
Shared matches tool: Yes, called “Relatives in Common”
Family tree tools: Automated genetic family tree (doesn’t use actual family tree data)
Can you transfer DNA here? No
Other features: Health reports also available
Swab or spit: Spit
Price: $119 regular price See current price
I’ll guide you through this
Our company, Your DNA Guide, helps people along the way in their DNA testing journey. There’s a lot to figure out, and we’re here with you every step of the way. Start with our free Guide to Getting Started with DNA Testing and companion email series.
Get Free Guide to DNA Testing for Family History
