At-home DNA testing has become a popular way for people to explore their heritage and health. By analyzing a simple saliva sample, companies provide a detailed look into a person’s genetic blueprint. In this competitive market, two names stand out: 23andMe and Ancestry. Both services offer a window into the past and potential health insights, but they cater to different primary interests.
Comparing Ancestry and Ethnicity Estimates
A primary feature of consumer DNA tests is the ethnicity estimate, which breaks down a user’s ancestry into geographic percentages. Both companies compare your DNA against their own proprietary reference populations—curated DNA samples from people with deep roots in specific parts of the world. The size and composition of these reference panels influence the results, which is why your percentages may differ between tests.
23andMe provides a granular breakdown, analyzing your DNA across more than 2,750 geographic regions. This high level of specificity is reflected in features like its “Ancestor Locations,” which can pinpoint more recent ancestral connections. The company continually refines its reports to provide finer detail for customers, which can be particularly useful for connecting to specific provinces or cities their ancestors may have lived in.
Ancestry, while using fewer regions (over 1,800), leverages its massive user database to offer its “Genetic Communities” feature. These are groups of AncestryDNA members connected through their DNA because they descend from a population of common ancestors. This feature is less about ancient origins and more about identifying the migration paths of your recent ancestors, such as early settlers in a particular part of North America.
Analyzing Health and Wellness Reports
The primary distinction between the two services is their approach to health and wellness reporting. 23andMe is a leader in this domain, offering a range of reports reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This followed a multi-year effort to validate its reports for clinical and scientific accuracy after the FDA initially halted sales in 2013.
The result is a Health + Ancestry service that provides several FDA-authorized reports. Carrier Status reports identify if a person carries genetic variants for inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. Health Predisposition reports assess genetic risk for conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. 23andMe also received FDA authorization for direct-to-consumer reports on cancer risk for certain variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
In contrast, Ancestry’s health offering is more limited and does not carry the same level of FDA authorization. After discontinuing its AncestryHealth service, its health-related information is primarily focused on “Traits.” This feature provides insights into how genes may influence physical characteristics like hair color and freckles, but it does not provide the actionable health risk information found in 23andMe’s reports.
Relative Matching and Family Tree Integration
For users focused on genealogy and building a family tree, the size of a service’s DNA database is a significant factor. Ancestry holds an advantage with a user database of approximately 25 million people compared to 23andMe’s 15 million. A larger database increases the probability of finding relatives, which is the goal for those trying to break through “brick walls” in their family history.
Ancestry’s platform is designed to integrate DNA results with its vast genealogical resources. The service links DNA matches to its database of historical records, including census data and marriage licenses. This integration allows users to build robust family trees with system-provided hints. Accessing these historical records requires a separate subscription, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for genealogical discovery.
While 23andMe has a DNA Relatives feature, its tools for genealogical research are less comprehensive. The platform allows you to find and connect with genetic matches and includes a basic family tree builder, but it lacks an integrated database of historical records. The service does offer unique insights, such as reports on maternal and paternal haplogroups and Neanderthal ancestry.
Cost and User Interface Comparison
The cost for 23andMe and Ancestry is tiered based on the level of detail you seek. A basic ancestry-focused test from either company is priced around $99, though sales are common. The main price difference emerges when health reports are included, as 23andMe’s combined Health + Ancestry service is priced around $199.
An ongoing cost to consider is Ancestry’s subscription model. While the DNA test is a one-time purchase, accessing the full suite of historical records for family tree building requires a monthly or annual subscription. 23andMe offers an optional “Premium” membership for additional reports but does not require a subscription to access its core results.
The user experience on each platform reflects its core focus. 23andMe’s interface is clean and scientific, presenting data in a modern, easy-to-navigate format that highlights both ancestry and health findings. Ancestry’s interface is built around genealogical discovery, with tools that are heavily integrated with its family tree and historical record search functions.