When you take a DNA test for genealogy, it’s more than just getting those test results. Your testing company needs to be able to deliver three essential elements: the people, the trees, and the tools—tools that are going to make your family history journey easier.
So which DNA test is best for genealogy? It depends. It depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your DNA test. But there’s a framework that will help you make the right choices for your specific family history research goals. Let’s explore it together. (And remember–while you may be considering where to take your first DNA test, we recommend you test as many places as you can!)
Here’s a video where I recap what we’re talking about here in this article–but there’s more to dig into below, so keep reading.
How to Evaluate DNA Testing Companies for Genealogy
There are five DNA testing companies that can deliver some level of family history information to you. But as experienced genealogists, you need to evaluate these companies based on what they actually provide beyond the physical DNA test kit. When choosing the best DNA test for genealogy, focus on these three critical elements:
- People. Access to DNA matches—other genealogists who’ve tested, so you can find the ancestors you’re looking for. This is maybe the most important thing for genealogists who are starting out, because in order to make real progress in family history, you have to have the right DNA matches.
- Trees. Access to family trees and genealogical records for your matches. Without this, you’re just looking at a list of genetic relatives with no way to determine how you’re connected.
- Tools. Features that help you find ancestors and make connections with DNA matches. With the right tools come the ease of discovery—some tools are going to make your genealogy research easier than others.
Let’s examine how each DNA testing company for genealogy measures up on these essential criteria. But do remember: If you’re already a genealogy subscriber at Ancestry or MyHeirtage, consider taking your DNA test there, since your subscription will give you access to at least some of the DNA testing company tools you’ll want–and that you’re likely a subscriber there because they have interesting genealogical records/tools/other users for the parts of the world you’re interested in.
People: How Many Genealogists Have Tested? Database Size
AncestryDNA* is BY FAR leading the pack with the most people who have tested in their database, followed by 23andMe (about 10 million fewer), then MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA and then Living DNA (which doesn’t report its testing numbers, and is probably the smallest). More testers generally means more potential matches for your family history research.
But the numbers tell only part of the story for genealogists. It’s also where those testers might be from. While we don’t have data from testing companies about this, we have seen hundreds–even thousands–of genealogists’ DNA results.
MyHeritage DNA has strong representation of people from the Middle East and Scandinavia. Even with fewer total testers than AncestryDNA or 23andMe, MyHeritage may have exactly the populations crucial to your genealogy research if your ancestors came from these regions.
23andMe and Living DNA access different markets than the genealogy-focused companies do (they’re looking for health information, or they have ethnicity curiosity), which means people have tested there who haven’t tested anywhere else. While they may not be interested in genealogy, they are still probably really valuable matches for your family history research.
FamilyTreeDNA attracts people who take the more-specialized mtDNA and/or YDNA tests (more on those in a minute). While their database overall is much smaller, the combined insights provided by those multiple test types for any matches can be very powerful.
Living DNA is the only UK-based company, so you’ll often see people who have tested there that haven’t tested elsewhere. If your ancestors came from specific regions in England, Scotland, Wales, or Ireland, this much-smaller database might yield crucial connections.
If we were awarding badges for database strengths: AncestryDNA gets recognition for largest overall database, MyHeritage for representing populations that other companies don’t cover as strongly for genealogists, FamilyTreeDNA for multiple test types, and Living DNA for UK access.
Family Trees: Essential for Genealogy Research
You won’t get very far with your matches if you don’t have access to family trees. You have to know how these people are related to you, and to do that, you have to know who their people are. Only two companies provide full-featured family-tree building and significant historical records access directly on the testing company website: AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA. While some of these features require a subscription, both companies provide:
- Tools to upload or build your own family tree
- Large collections of genealogical records (subscription required)
- Integration between DNA matches and documentary evidence
- Hints and suggestions connecting your DNA matches to historical records
For experienced genealogists who understand that DNA testing is most powerful when combined with traditional family history research methods, this integration is critical for success.
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DNA Research Tools for Genealogists: Finding Connections Efficiently
The best DNA test for genealogy provides features that help you find ancestors and make connections with DNA matches efficiently.
Here are the key tool types genealogists should understand:
Shared Matches Tool: The Most Powerful Feature
Perhaps the most powerful tool in our entire DNA testing arsenal is what we call the shared matches tool. This tool helps you create a network for your genealogy research. It helps you create, on your own, a group of matches that relate to the line you want to research. The shared matches tool is essential for serious genealogists because it allows you to identify which matches connect to specific ancestral lines in your family tree.
Available at: All five companies, BUT:
MyHeritage DNA: Requires subscription (or previously-available unlock fee) for full access
AncestryDNA: Basic access included; advanced features may require subscription
Shared Matches of Matches (SMoMs): Next-Level Genealogy
Next in power to the regular shared matches tool is what I call the “shared matches of matches” tool, abbreviated as SMoMs (each testing company calls it something different). The SMoMs tool goes one step beyond the shared matches tool and helps you see not just how you are related to other people, but how they are related to each other. This is quickly becoming a very essential part of the genealogy research process. Understanding how your matches connect to each other—not just to you—can reveal family structures and help you break through brick walls in your family history.
SMoMs Available at: AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA (Requires subscription at both places for full access)
Tree Connection Tools
Really powerful tools can connect your DNA matches’ trees to each other so you can see better how you are related to them. These are really, really powerful tools for genealogists and give you an excellent head start in helping you figure out how you might be related to other people on your match list. While you need to verify the connections, these automatic tree connection features can help you identify much more quickly your most recent common ancestor shared with your matches.
Available at: AncestryDNA (ThruLines), MyHeritage DNA (Theory of Family Relativity)
Chromosome Browsers (optional)
A chromosome browser is a way for you to physically identify the pieces of DNA you share with other people. But mostly you don’t need one to do good genetic genealogy, unless of course you happen to have endogamy, which is the process of marrying within the same family, culture, or region over and over again. Then a chromosome browser can become really helpful for genealogy. For most genealogists, most of the time this isn’t necessary, but it is kind of a fun nice-to-have.
Available at: 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA, FamilyTreeDNA
Autoclustering Tools (optional)
Autoclustering is a way for the testing company to gather a group of matches they think might be related to each other. Like any automated tool, autoclustering can sometimes give you a head start in your genealogy research. But unless you are really good at understanding exactly what it means, sometimes these auto tools can kind of lead us astray.
Available at: MyHeritage DNA, FamilyTreeDNA
Expert DNA Test Recommendations for Genealogists
So again, if we’re looking at this comparison and we’re asking ourselves which is the best DNA test for genealogy, I will have to go with either AncestryDNA or MyHeritage DNA.
Here’s why: The tree tools are essential. The access to seeing the shared matches of matches (SMoMs) is quickly becoming a very essential part of this genealogy process. Plus these two databases are really focused on genealogy—they know you, they know your goals, and they want to help you achieve them. Wherever you test,
What About the Other DNA Testing Companies?
Each of the other companies has specific strengths worth considering for genealogists:
FamilyTreeDNA offers two DNA test types that no other company provides—essential tools for serious genealogists:
- YDNA testing traces your direct paternal line through generations
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing traces your direct maternal line
These tests are significant for most genealogy researchers and worth pursuing once you’ve established your autosomal DNA foundation. YDNA is particularly valuable for surname studies and breaking through brick walls on your paternal line. FamilyTreeDNA has under 5 million people in their database, but many are dedicated genealogists who are focused on family history research.
23andMe—the second-largest database—includes chromosome browser features that advanced genealogists value. While their tree tools aren’t as robust as Ancestry or MyHeritage, the size of their database means you’ll find matches you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, people test here who aren’t genealogists, which can sometimes help you find relatives who haven’t tested at genealogy-focused companies.
Living DNA has detailed British Isles breakdown for UK family history research. As the only UK-based company, you’ll often see people who have tested there that haven’t tested elsewhere. If your ancestors came from specific regions in England, Scotland, Wales, or Ireland, Living DNA‘s detailed regional analysis can provide insights other companies don’t offer.
Documenting Yourself: An Important Purpose for DNA Testing
As soon as you take a DNA test, you’ve created and shared a genetic record about yourself. You’ve acknowledged that this unique record deserves documentation as part of your regular family history research process. Future generations may have your DNA data to help solve their genealogical mysteries. From this perspective, you really can’t go wrong in choosing a test (as long as you download a copy of your test results, in case that company closes up shop someday).
DNA Testing Strategy for Genealogists
For Most Genealogists
Test with a company that has strong family tree-building tools, powerful SMoMs features, and populations relevant to your genealogy research. That means AncestryDNA or MyHeritage DNA.
Choose AncestryDNA if:
- You want the largest possible match pool
- Your ancestors are primarily from the U.S., UK, or have broad international origins
- You want the most comprehensive genealogical records collection
- You want powerful ThruLines and SMoMs tools
Choose MyHeritage if:
- You have Middle Eastern, Jewish, Scandinavian, or European ancestry
- You want strong representation outside the United States, especially in Europe
- You want excellent Theory of Family Relativity and SMoMs tools
Many serious genealogists test at both to maximize their match pool and access different tool sets.
Transfer Strategy for Maximum Coverage
If you want DNA results from multiple companies (recommended for serious genealogy research), you can transfer your results after testing with AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and/or MyHeritage. (MyHeritage used to accept transfers, but doesn’t now.)
Companies that accept transfers: FamilyTreeDNA and Living DNA
Budget-friendly transfer strategy: Test at AncestryDNA (for combination of largest database and best tools, if you can only afford to pay to test with one company right now), then transfer your results to FamilyTreeDNA and Living DNA to maximize your match pool.
For Finding Birth Relatives
Test where your biological relatives are most likely to have tested—consider both where tests are sold and database size.
In the U.S.: AncestryDNA and 23andMe
In the British Isles: AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and Living DNA (remember you can transfer to Living DNA)
In Europe: MyHeritage DNA
Middle East: MyHeritage DNA
For YDNA and mtDNA Genealogy Research
FamilyTreeDNA is your only option for YDNA and mtDNA testing. These specialized tests are essential for:
- Tracing direct paternal line (YDNA) – valuable for surname studies
- Tracing direct maternal line (mtDNA)
- Breaking through brick walls on specific lines
- Confirming or disproving genealogical theories
Add these tests after you’ve established your autosomal DNA foundation.
For Specific Ethnic Origins in Genealogy
Consider population strengths at each company:
- Middle Eastern, Jewish, or Scandinavian ancestry: MyHeritage excels
- UK family history: Living DNA provides detailed regional breakdown
- Broad international coverage: AncestryDNA, MyHeritage and 23andMe
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Frequently Asked Questions About DNA Tests for Genealogy
Which DNA test is best for genealogy?
For genealogists, AncestryDNA and MyHeritage offer the best combination of large databases and robust family tree tools. AncestryDNA has (by far) the largest database, while MyHeritage excels for Middle Eastern, Jewish, and Scandinavian ancestry research. Both integrate DNA matches with genealogical records and offer powerful SMoMs (Shared Matches of Matches) tools, which are quickly becoming essential for serious family history research. These two databases are really focused on genealogy—they know you, they know your goals, and they want to help you achieve them.
What DNA test do professional genealogists use?
Professional genealogists typically test with multiple companies to maximize their research potential. Most start with AncestryDNA and MyHeritage for their tree-building tools, genealogical records access, and SMoMs features, then add FamilyTreeDNA for YDNA and mtDNA testing to trace direct paternal and maternal lines in their family history work. Testing at multiple companies and transferring results to FamilyTreeDNA and Living DNA helps build the most comprehensive match pool. However, be aware that many advanced features require subscriptions beyond the initial test purchase.
Which DNA test has the most matches for genealogy?
AncestryDNA has the largest database, followed by 23andMe. More testers generally means more potential matches for your genealogy research. However, consider geographic distribution—MyHeritage has strong Middle Eastern, Jewish, and Scandinavian populations that may be more relevant for your specific family history–and family history interest (23andMe customers who tested for health information or ethnicity curiosity may not be as responsive to family history questions). Living DNA, as the only UK-based company, may have matches not found elsewhere for British Isles genealogy.
Can I use DNA test results for building my family tree?
Yes. AncestryDNA and MyHeritage provide the strongest family tree tools for genealogists, including access to billions of genealogical records, automatic tree connection features (ThruLines and Theory of Family Relativity), SMoMs tools to understand match relationships, and integration between DNA matches and documentary evidence. This integration is what makes DNA testing most valuable for serious genealogy research—you can connect genetic matches directly to documented ancestors in your tree. Note that full access to tree tools typically requires a subscription beyond the initial test purchase.
Should genealogists test with multiple DNA companies?
Yes, professional genealogists recommend testing with multiple companies to expand your match pool and maximize your chances of finding key relatives. The best strategy for family history research is testing at AncestryDNA (for the combination of the largest database + best tools), then transferring raw DNA data to FamilyTreeDNA and Living DNA to access their unique populations. Note that MyHeritage is also an excellent place to test, but does require a subscription even for accessing the basic shared matches tool. Additionally, consider adding FamilyTreeDNA’s YDNA or mtDNA tests for direct lineage genealogy research on specific family lines. All testing companies help you document yourself and create a genetic record for future generations.
How do I choose between AncestryDNA and MyHeritage for genealogy?
Choose AncestryDNA if you want the largest possible match pool for your genealogy research, especially if your ancestors are from the U.S. or British Isles. Consider MyHeritage if you have Middle Eastern, Jewish, Scandinavian, or continental European ancestry (although Ancestry also has excellent tools for the latter two populations). Both offer excellent SMoMs (Shared Matches of Matches) tools, which are quickly becoming essential for genealogy. Many family history researchers test at both companies to maximize their match potential and access different tools and record collections, since these two databases are so focused on genealogy.
What’s the difference between DNA testing for ancestry vs genealogy?
“Ancestry” typically refers to ethnicity estimates and broad heritage (where your ancestors came from geographically). “Genealogy” refers to family history research—identifying specific ancestors, building family trees, and connecting with cousin matches to extend your documented lineage. The best DNA tests for genealogy focus on three essential elements: the people (DNA matches), the trees (access to family trees and records), and the tools (features like SMoMs that help you understand relationships). Ethnicity estimates are interesting, but for serious genealogy research, DNA matches, family tree integration, and powerful research tools are what matter most.
What are SMoMs in DNA testing for genealogy?
SMoMs stands for “Shared Matches of Matches,” a most powerful tool in DNA testing for genealogy. While regular shared matches show you which DNA matches you have in common with another person, SMoMs go one step beyond and show you how your matches are related to each other—not just how they’re related to you. This helps you understand family structures and create networks of matches that relate to specific ancestral lines you want to research. SMoMs are quickly becoming a very essential part of the genealogy process. Currently available at AncestryDNA and MyHeritage (both require subscription for full access).
Can I transfer my DNA results between testing companies?
Yes, but with limitations. FamilyTreeDNA and Living DNA accept DNA data transfers from other testing companies, allowing you to access their databases without taking another test. This is a cost-effective way to maximize your match pool for genealogy research. However, AncestryDNA and 23andMe have never accepted transfers, and MyHeritage has stopped accepting transfers. The best strategy is to test at a company with strong tools (like AncestryDNA), then transfer to FamilyTreeDNA and Living DNA to expand your matches and access unique populations.
Ready to Use Your DNA Test Results for Genealogy?
Whether you’ve already taken a DNA test for genealogy or you’re about to test for the first time, the real family history work begins after you receive your results. Most genealogists don’t realize how much their DNA can actually tell them about their ancestors—they look at their ethnicity estimate once or twice and never explore their hundreds (or thousands!) of cousin matches.
Don’t let that happen to you.
As soon as you test, you’ve created a record—a record that needs to be shared and documented. And then EXPLORED! It can help link you to other people who can help solve your family history mysteries. That’s where we come in–you need to know what to do next with your DNA!
Get our actionable tips for turning your DNA test results into real genealogical discoveries—strategies that will help you move from raw genetic data to documented ancestors in your family tree. We’ll show you exactly how professional genealogists use DNA matches, what to do first with powerful tools like SMoMs, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that waste hours of research time.
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