Cheapest DNA Testing Kits Sold Online

Last updated April 09, 2024Written by human, not by AI

Thanks to the rise of home DNA kits, what was once a form of technology reserved for those with greater means is now available and affordable to almost everyone. Several companies offer low-cost DNA testing kits, with prices varying according to the company and the services offered. Many DNA test kits require a one-time payment, however, if a person wishes to access additional or more advanced features, additional lab fees or subscriptions may be required.

To get the best kit at the best price, you must first understand all of the information about DNA testing kits. So, here are the cheapest DNA testing services that provide the best value for money; they're all concerned with ancestry and various aspects of health, personality, or well-being. Learn how much each service provided by the companies listed below will cost you, as well as how to make the most of your brand-new DNA testing kit.

Index

#1FamilyTreeDNA

FamilyTreeDNA

Pros

  • The cheapest autosomal test kit
  • No subscription fees
  • Able to test Y-DNA, mtDNA, and Autosomal DNA
  • One in-house laboratory

Cons

  • Long processing time
  • Weak privacy protection
  • Ethnicity results can be quite broad

 FamilyTreeDNA is one of the best DNA testing kits, especially for paternity testing, because it allows you to explore both of your parent lines. FamilyTreeDNA offers four different DNA tests: Family Finder, Family Finder + myDNA Wellness, Paternal Ancestry (Y-DNA), and Maternal Ancestry (mtDNA). The latter two tests can aid in the identification of surname lines, living relatives, and ancient migration routes. They can also answer questions about maternal line relatedness. Find your position on the world's largest mtDNA Haplotree, which is the quickest way to learn about the human journey and the genetic relationships between people, near and far.

The time it takes to receive your results depends on how many kits are being processed at the same time and the type of kit you used, but generally speaking, you can expect results in 2-4 weeks for the basic Family Finder kit. You should expect to wait up to six and eight weeks for the Paternal and Maternal Ancestry tests, respectively. The entire process can take more than two months on average, but it also depends on the country from which you are returning the kit.

The pricing structure of FamilyTreeDNA is very straightforward, with separate prices for each package. The Family Finder DNA kit is the cheapest, costing as little as $79 plus shipping. The Paternal Ancestry test (Y-DNA) is $119, while the Maternal Ancestry test (mtDNA) is $159. Uploading raw DNA data from a previous test with another provider, such as 23andMe or MyHeritage, can help you save money. Uploading is free for basic results, but you must pay a small fee to unlock the features.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:2-8 Weeks

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

Family Finder
Ancestry only
Price:
$ 79.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Family Finder + myDNA Wellness
Ancestry + Wellbeing kit
Price:
$ 119.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Paternal Ancestry
Y-37 DNA kit
Price:
$ 119.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Maternal Ancestry
mtDNA kit
Price:
$ 159.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Paternal Ancestry
Y-11 DNA kit
Price:
$ 249.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Paternal Ancestry
Big Y-700 DNA kit
Price:
$ 449.00
Shipping:
$9.95

#2MyHeritage

MyHeritage

Pros

  • Relatively affordable
  • Extensive historical records database
  • Offers free MyHeritage DNA upload to find matches
  • Large database of European populations

Cons

  • Tricky sample collection process
  • Only autosomal DNA testing
  • Many features require a subscription

The MyHeritage test analyzes your DNA to verify your ancestors' geographic and ethnic origins, as well as the opportunity to make new connections with potential relatives. The ancestry test, which draws from reference populations from 42 ethnicities and 2,114 genetic groups, should be a good choice for you if you want an accurate and detailed breakdown of where you came from. And when it comes to ancestry tests, MyHeritage is one of the most well-known companies.

You must order a kit online and provide a cheek-swab sample to take MyHeritage's DNA test. The sample can then be returned to the MyHeritage DNA lab for analysis. A person can expect to receive their results, which are available online, within 4 weeks, according to the company. However, not everyone can order a MyHeritage DNA test, and the service isn't available in all countries. You should check to see if the test is available in your country before purchasing.

One of MyHeritage's best features is that their Basic plan, which allows you to create a family tree with up to 250 family members, is completely free. The MyHeritage DNA test kit costs $89 plus shipping unless you order two or more kits, in which case there are no shipping fees. You'll need to sign up for a paid subscription to access the company's massive database of historical records and other premium records, which can be pricey. Furthermore, by paying an additional $120 for the health upgrade, you can learn whether you have genetic predispositions to certain diseases, but we recommend sticking to what MyHeritage does best — providing excellent ancestry tests.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:3-4 Weeks

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

MyHeritage DNA kit
Ancestry only
Price:
$ 89.00
Shipping:
$12.00
MyHeritage DNA Health Upgrade
Genetic risk and carrier status reports
Price:
$ 120.00
Shipping:
$12.00

#323andMe

Pros

  • Short processing time
  • Provides detailed ancestry reports
  • Reports on potential Neanderthal genetics
  • Fun and interesting interactive features

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Stores your information into a database
  • Was disapproved by FDA for a period

The ancestry & traits Service from 23andMe helps you understand who you are, where your DNA comes from, and your family history. They analyze, compile, and distill your DNA information into Ancestry Composition, Ancestry Detail Reports, Traits, Haplogroups, and Neanderthal Ancestry reports. They also offer a DNA Relatives tool, which allows you to connect with relatives who share similar DNA, as well as an automatic 'Family Tree' builder. The 23 pairs of chromosomes in your DNA are referred to as 23andMe.

In terms of security, however, 23andMe currently maintains a DNA database of over 5 million people. That makes it the world's second-largest of its kind today. When you submit your saliva for analysis, you are providing data that can be stored indefinitely. You obtain information that is critical to your health or family history, but you also create an additional identity risk for yourself because information can always be hacked. And it comes at a cost.

When working with 23andMe for genetic profiling, a single test costs $99. You must pay for both tests if you want to receive both pieces of information from your kit. That means you'll have to pay $200 plus sales tax and platform fees to get your health and genetic profile reports. That's a lot of money, and considering you're paying a company to obtain and store data about your DNA, it's definitely something to consider.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:3-4 Weeks

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

Ancestry kit
Ancestry Test
Price:
$ 99.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Health + Ancestry
Ancestry and Health Test
Price:
$ 199.00
Shipping:
$9.95
23andMe+
1 Year Subscription
Price:
$ 29.00
Shipping:
-

#4LivingDNA

LivingDNA

Pros

  • Affordably priced
  • In-depth geographic reporting
  • Paternal & maternal ancestry
  • Access to fitness-related medical information

Cons

  • Long wait time
  • No free shipping options available
  • Small pool of gene data outside of Europe

LivingDNA is a comprehensive and reasonably priced testing kit for tracing your ancestry back thousands of years. LivingDNA also has family tree software, and the DNA matching with family networks feature will assist you in building your family tree using machine learning. DNA testing is outsourced to a lab in Denmark, but all other operations are carried out in the United Kingdom. Because it's the only major genetic genealogy company that keeps all of your data in Europe, the company is a good choice for anyone concerned about privacy and data security.

Although it originally only offered an ancestry DNA test, LivingDNA now also offers a health and wellness test. There are three LivingDNA tests to choose from, so you can get wellness and ancestry insights on nearly any budget. The $119 Full Ancestry kit provides unrivaled worldwide ancestry results that can pinpoint your DNA, spanning over 150 regions around the world. The Health & Wellbeing kit (priced at $149) will assist you in understanding the role genetics plays in your lifestyle choices by adjusting your diet and exercise. You can also get the Wellbeing & Ancestry kit (for $199), which includes both detailed ancestry and wellbeing insights.

Prices are reasonable, but if you don't wish to pay for a new test, you can always upload your raw data for free. This will include you in the matching database and provide you with a basic continental-level ancestry breakdown. Unfortunately, LivingDNA doesn't offer shipping options, and it takes a long time to complete your DNA profile. These two discouraging facts overshadow the company's overall excellent service, which is a shame.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:6-8 Weeks

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

Full Ancestry Kit
Ancestry only
Price:
$ 199.00
Shipping:
$24.95
Wellbeing Kit
Wellbeing only
Price:
$ 149.00
Shipping:
$24.95
Wellbeing+Ancestry Kit
Wellbeing and Ancestry
Price:
$ 199.00
Shipping:
$24.95

#5InsideTracker

InsideTracker

Pros

  • Some plans allow users to upload past results
  • Offers both DNA and blood testing
  • Short processing time
  • Easy to understand results

Cons

  • Prices can be expensive
  • No health recommendations
  • Accepts raw data from two companies only

InsideTracker combines cutting-edge research in blood biometrics and genetic testing with game-like personal goal-setting to assist you in determining what your body is inclined to do and optimizing its functionality. It's one of the few services that provide both DNA and blood testing for both short and long-term health insight, with scientific explanations that are simple to access and understand. The website is extremely comprehensive, and their app allows you to see everything at a glance, which is extremely convenient. However, aside from being expensive, this service has several flaws.

InsideTracker doesn't offer personalized health advice based on your DNA. There's also no way to follow up or set goals or make recommendations for lifestyle changes. The turnaround time for DNA results is 4 to 6 weeks, and you can also choose to upload your 23andMe or AncestryDNA raw file to gain access to InsideTracker's DNA reports. However, this is a limited option, as DNA tests are only available in the United States and Canada.

Lab tests range in price from $119 to $589, with the option of adding DNA insights. The cheapest plan allows you to upload your blood results and get an in-depth analysis, whereas the $249 plan includes a nutritionist and personal trainer who will make precise changes to your diet and exercise. The most expensive kit on the site costs $589 and provides the most in-depth understanding of your body's health. These prices are quite high, and when compared to other companies, where tests are available internationally, InsideTracker is a significant investment.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:4-6 Weeks

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

DNA Results Upload
DNA test not included
Price:
$ 29.00
Shipping:
$0.00
Blood Results Upload
Up to 43 biomarkers, blood test not included
Price:
$ 119.00
Shipping:
$0.00
Essentials
13 biomarkers, blood test included
Price:
$ 189.00
Shipping:
$0.00
InnerAge2.0
Up to 17 biomarkers, blood test included
Price:
$ 249.00
Shipping:
$0.00
DNA Kit
DNA test included
Price:
$ 249.00
Shipping:
$0.00
Immunity
25 biomarkers, blood test included
Price:
$ 269.00
Shipping:
$0.00
Home Kit
7 biomarkers, blood test included
Price:
$ 299.00
Shipping:
$0.00
Shalane Flanagan Panel
Over 20 biomarkers, blood test included
Price:
$ 399.00
Shipping:
$0.00
Ultimate
Most comprehensive, 43 biomarkers analyzed
Price:
$ 589.00
Shipping:
$0.00
The Complete Picture
43 Biomarkers blood & DNA tests included
Price:
$ 799.00
Shipping:
$0.00
A Year of InsideTracker
43 Biomarkers, blood test included
Price:
$ 1999.00
Shipping:
$0.00

#6ClarityX

ClarityX

Pros

  • Short wait time
  • Genetic Testing for Medication Response
  • Clinical guidance from the FDA
  • Response to mental health medication

Cons

  • Prices can be very expensive
  • No family tree DNA software
  • Only available in the US

The ClarityX Medication Response test explains how your DNA affects your medications. The ClarityX test assists your doctor in prescribing more genetically optimal medications while avoiding medications that may cause side effects, are less likely to work, and may result in future hospitalizations. If you've had trouble getting on the right medication, if you've tried medications that didn't work for you, or if you've had negative side effects from medications in the past, the test can help.

ClarityX employs the highest industry-rated medical DNA collection kits that are simple to use and specifically created to keep patients' samples clean. ClarityX also processes DNA tests in only nationally CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories, ensuring that the results meet federal accuracy and validity standards. Thanks to ClarityX's genetic testing for ADHD medication, the test can even eliminate the annoying process that people with ADHD go through. In short, this company provides a wide range of services, but they come at a cost. And it's not small.

ClarityX's DNA testing kits are among the most expensive on the market in terms of price. The ClarityX Mindwell Test costs $399, and the ClarityX Max Rx Test costs $499. Furthermore, their service is only available in the United States. However, keep in mind that this is the only way to truly understand not only your health but also your mind, and it'll help you understand how your DNA can affect your medications.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:7-10 Days

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

ClarityX Mindwell
Complete roadmap to your medications
Price:
$ 399.00
Shipping:
$0.00
ClarityX Max Rx
Which medications will work best for you
Price:
$ 499.00
Shipping:
$0.00
A Comparison of DNA Testing Kits
FamilyTreeDNAMyHeritage23andMeLivingDNAInsideTrackerClarityX
Processing time2-8 Weeks3-4 Weeks3-4 Weeks6-8 Weeks4-6 Weeks7-10 Days
Types of tests
FamilyTreeDNA Test
Y-DNA Test
mtDNA Test
Health Testing
How DNA sample is obtained
Saliva Sample
Cheek swab Sample
Feces Sample
Family Tree Software
Imports From Other Software
Export Results

Affordable DNA Testing Kits

Testing your DNA is one of the simplest and most exciting ways to take control of your health. This, however, comes at a cost. While the majority of comprehensive cheap DNA tests cost between $100 and $500, some companies that specialize in specific traits can sell their products for less than $100. To name a few topics, these DNA tests cover ancestry, health, exercise recommendations, and disease predisposition.

These DNA tests provide more meaningful information, but you will also have peace of mind knowing that your sensitive data is being handled with care by these companies. Sometimes sequencing your DNA with a reputable party and utilizing other companies' free or reduced raw DNA upload options is the best way to obtain the most information.