Advertiser disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click links to partners on this site. This doesn't affect our editorial scores. How we make money
DNA Tests review
Living DNA logo

Living DNA review

Best for British and Irish roots

Ancestry test known for detailed regional breakdowns within Britain and Ireland. People with British or Irish roots who want more regional detail than a country-level estimate. We rank it #6 of 7 in our dna tests comparison, with an editorial score of 7.8 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
7.8/10
Our editorial score

Living DNA scores well on Ancestry detail & tools for its regional breakdowns of British and Irish ancestry and its maternal and paternal lineage context. It scores lower on Relative matching & family tree tools because its matching network is smaller and it lacks the record tools of the family history platforms.

How we score dna tests

Visit site (Living DNA, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#6 of 7
Best forBest for British and Irish roots
Test typesAutosomal, maternal and paternal lineage
Relative matchingYes, opt-in; smaller network
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

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

Overview

Living DNA is a privately owned, UK-based DNA testing company known for breaking down British and Irish ancestry into sub-regions rather than a single country label. If your family has roots in Britain or Ireland, that extra regional detail can be more useful than a broad estimate.

Results also include maternal lineage information and, for people who inherited a Y chromosome, paternal lineage information. Relative matching is available, but the pool of testers is smaller than on the largest US services.

Living DNA also sells wellbeing kits that report on areas such as fitness and nutrition responses. Review the company's current privacy policy and consent options, and check the site for which reports and upgrades are currently offered.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Regional detail for British and Irish ancestry
  • Lineage context included with ancestry results
  • Simple one-time kit model (check current upgrades)

Cons

  • Smaller relative-matching network
  • No family tree record tools
  • Less useful if your roots are mainly outside Britain and Ireland

Key features

  • Autosomal ancestry test with regional breakdowns
  • Sub-regional detail for Britain and Ireland
  • Maternal and paternal lineage reports
  • Relative matching (smaller network)
  • Optional wellbeing kits (check current options)

Who Living DNA is for

A good fit if

People with British or Irish roots who want more regional detail than a country-level estimate.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone whose main goal is finding many relatives or building a records-based family tree.

How we scored Living DNA

Living DNA scores well on Ancestry detail & tools for its regional breakdowns of British and Irish ancestry and its maternal and paternal lineage context. It scores lower on Relative matching & family tree tools because its matching network is smaller and it lacks the record tools of the family history platforms.

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.

Living DNA alternatives

  1. #1
    AncestryDNA logo

    AncestryDNA

    Best overall

    Autosomal ancestry test with relative matching and Ancestry's family tree tools.

    • 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
    9.3/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (AncestryDNA, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #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
  3. #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

See all 7 DNA tests compared

Living DNA FAQ

Is Living DNA good for British ancestry?

Living DNA is known for breaking British and Irish ancestry into sub-regions. Like all ancestry results, these are estimates that may change as reference data is updated.

Does Living DNA offer relative matching?

Yes, Living DNA offers relative matching, but its network of testers is smaller than the largest US services, so you may see fewer matches.

Does Living DNA include paternal lineage?

Living DNA reports maternal lineage for everyone and paternal lineage for people who inherited a Y chromosome. Check the site for current report details.

Sources and fact check

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