Best DNA Tests for Ancestry and Health of 2026

Consumer DNA tests all start the same way: you send in a saliva or cheek-swab sample and get an online report. What differs is what the company does with that sample. Some focus on ethnicity estimates and finding relatives, some add health and trait reports, and a few specialize in deep paternal or maternal lineage.

We ranked seven well-known tests sold in the US, including two whole genome sequencing services, on ancestry detail, matching and tree tools, privacy controls, health report clarity and how clearly they explain what you pay for. Kit prices, sales and membership plans change often, so check the current terms on each company's site before you buy.

Buying guide: how to choose

Decide what you want to learn

Start with your goal, because it narrows the choice quickly.

• Ethnicity and relatives: an autosomal test from a company with a large matching network, such as AncestryDNA or MyHeritage DNA.
• Health and traits: a test that offers optional health reports, such as 23andMe.
• One family line in depth: a Y-DNA or mtDNA test from FamilyTreeDNA.
• British or Irish regional detail: Living DNA.

Autosomal, Y-DNA and mtDNA explained

An autosomal test reads DNA inherited from both parents and is the basis for ethnicity estimates and most relative matching. It is most useful for relatives within the last several generations.

A Y-DNA test follows the direct paternal line and needs a Y chromosome. An mtDNA test follows the direct maternal line and can be taken by anyone. These tests reach much further back along one line but say little about your other branches.

Check privacy before you spit

Read the privacy policy before you send a sample, not after. Look for separate consent for research, the option to download and delete your data, whether your sample is stored or destroyed, and how law enforcement requests are handled.

Ownership can change, too. 23andMe's ownership changed in 2025, which is a reminder to revisit your settings whenever a company you have tested with is sold or restructured. Read our DNA privacy guide.

Kit cost versus subscriptions

The kit is usually a one-time purchase, but some companies tie their most useful features to subscriptions. Family tree records, advanced matching tools and some health updates can sit behind a recurring plan.

Before checkout, check what the kit alone includes, whether a trial converts to a paid plan, and how to turn off auto-renewal. Kit prices also drop during sales, so check the current price on each site.

Treat results as estimates

Ethnicity percentages depend on each company's reference panels and methods, so two companies can give the same person different results, and your own results can change after an update. Relative matches are generally more concrete than ethnicity estimates.

Health reports are not a diagnosis. Talk to a doctor or genetic counselor before acting on one. Read more in how accurate DNA ancestry tests are.