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DNA Tests review
AncestryDNA logo

AncestryDNA review

Best overall

Autosomal ancestry test with relative matching and Ancestry's family tree tools. People who want to find relatives and build or verify a family tree alongside an ethnicity estimate. We rank it #1 of 7 in our dna tests comparison, with an editorial score of 9.3 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
9.3/10
Our editorial score

AncestryDNA scores highest on Relative matching & family tree tools because DNA matches connect directly to Ancestry's family tree builder and historical records. It also does well on Ancestry detail & tools. It loses some points on Value transparency, since many record and tree features need a separate subscription on top of the kit.

How we score dna tests

Visit site (AncestryDNA, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#1 of 7
Best forBest overall
Test typesAutosomal (ancestry-focused)
Relative matchingYes; visibility set in privacy settings
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the AncestryDNA site. See the AncestryDNA company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

AncestryDNA is the DNA test from Ancestry, the family history company. It is an autosomal test, which looks at DNA inherited from both parents, and it produces an ethnicity estimate plus a list of DNA matches: people who also tested and appear to be related to you.

The big advantage is the connection to Ancestry's family tree builder and historical records. You can link your DNA results to a tree and use matches to confirm or extend it. Many record-search and tree features need an Ancestry subscription, which is separate from the kit, so check what is included before you buy.

AncestryDNA is focused on ancestry and family history. Review your privacy and matching settings after you activate the kit.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Strong relative matching for family history research
  • Tight integration with family tree and record tools
  • Clear, readable ethnicity reports
  • Matching and research consent can be managed in settings

Cons

  • Many record and tree features need a separate subscription
  • No Y-DNA or mtDNA lineage tests
  • Not a health test

Key features

  • Autosomal DNA test with ethnicity estimate
  • DNA matches with relatives who also tested
  • Links to Ancestry family trees and historical records
  • Privacy settings for matching visibility and research consent

Who AncestryDNA is for

A good fit if

People who want to find relatives and build or verify a family tree alongside an ethnicity estimate.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who mainly wants health reports or a deep paternal or maternal lineage test.

How we scored AncestryDNA

AncestryDNA scores highest on Relative matching & family tree tools because DNA matches connect directly to Ancestry's family tree builder and historical records. It also does well on Ancestry detail & tools. It loses some points on Value transparency, since many record and tree features need a separate subscription on top of the kit.

Our dna tests score weighs ancestry detail & tools (25%), relative matching & family tree tools (25%), privacy & data control (20%), health reports & clarity (15%), value transparency (15%). See the methodology.

AncestryDNA alternatives

  1. #2
    23andMe logo

    23andMe

    Best for health reports

    Ancestry test with optional health and trait reports and opt-in relative matching.

    • Ancestry composition report
    • Maternal and paternal haplogroups
    • Optional health and trait reports (check current tiers)
    • Opt-in DNA Relatives matching
    8.9/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (23andMe, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #3
    MyHeritage DNA logo

    MyHeritage DNA

    Best for family tree builders

    Autosomal DNA test paired with MyHeritage's family tree and record tools.

    • Autosomal DNA test with ethnicity estimate
    • DNA matches linked to family trees
    • Family tree builder and record search (some features need a subscription)
    • Optional health upgrade in some markets (check availability)
    8.6/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (MyHeritage DNA, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #4
    FamilyTreeDNA logo

    FamilyTreeDNA

    Best for paternal and maternal lines

    Specialist in Y-DNA and mtDNA tests for direct paternal and maternal lines.

    • Y-DNA tests for the direct paternal line
    • mtDNA tests for the direct maternal line
    • Family Finder autosomal test with relative matching
    • Surname and regional group projects
    8.4/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (FamilyTreeDNA, opens in a new tab) Read review

Head-to-head

See all 7 DNA tests compared

AncestryDNA FAQ

Does AncestryDNA include health reports?

AncestryDNA is focused on ancestry, ethnicity estimates and relative matching. If you want health reports, compare tests that offer them and check current availability on each site.

Do I need an Ancestry subscription to use AncestryDNA?

The kit gives you your DNA results, ethnicity estimate and matches. Many family tree record and search features need a separate Ancestry subscription. Check what is included before you buy.

Can I hide my AncestryDNA results from matches?

Ancestry provides privacy settings that control whether you appear in DNA matches. Review them after activating your kit and update them at any time.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against AncestryDNA's own website on .