How Much Is A DNA Test? Costs For Ancestry, At-Home Testing, & More Compared

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DNA test swap and tube on paper (Caption: How Much Is A DNA Test?)

Are you curious about your family history? Do you have questions about paternity? Are you concerned about potential genetic health issues? 

These can all be potentially answered by a DNA test, which are all the rave these days. But are they affordable?

What Can A DNA Test Tell Me?

DNA testing is the most accurate way to learn more about yourself and your family. It can help you find out where your ancestors came from, discover new relatives, or even uncover health risks that may be in your genes. And all it requires from you is a quick cheek swab

We’re taking a closer look at the different types of DNA testing available today, and what you’re likely to pay. Would you like to know more?

Factors That Affect The Cost Of A DNA Test

Before we dive into the details and costs of DNA testing, it’s important to note these factors that will play a role in what ultimately comes out of your wallet:

  1. The cost of a DNA test will vary depending on what type of test you’re getting and how many people are being tested.
  2. There’s no such thing as a ‘standard’ price for a DNA test because each company has its own pricing structure. 
  3. You may get discounts when ordering multiple tests at once. For example, some companies offer a reduced rate for family testing or a combination of tests for one person. 

Basically, there is no definitive answer to the question of pricing. We will, however, unpack the most common DNA tests requested to give you an idea of the costs. More on that in a bit. 

Choosing Your DNA Test

The type of DNA test you choose to take will depend on what you’re looking for. The associated costs will vary widely based on the type of test you need, so we recommend you familiarize yourself with the types of DNA tests on the market.

DNA Costs Comparison Table

Here’s some top DNA testing providers features, pricing, and more compared.

1st: Ancestry DNA2nd: Family Tree DNA 3rd: 23andMeAfrican AncestryGPS Origins by HomeDNALiving DNAMyHeritage DNAVitagene
Visit WebsiteVisit WebsiteVisit WebsiteVisit WebsiteVisit WebsiteView on AmazonVisit WebsiteVisit WebsiteView on Amazon
Test TypeSaliva sampleCheek swabSaliva sampleCheek swabCheek swabCheek swabCheek swabCheek swab
Best ForIdentifying Relatives Advanced Genealogical Research & Identifying RelativesDisease Risk Screening & Ethnicity EstimatesAncient African AncestryEarly Migratory PatternsAdding DNA to Your Online Family Tree
Database Size10+ Million1+ Million5+ Million30,000+n/an/a1.4+ Millionn/a
Find Familial MatchesCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Ethnic Geographical Regions500+241,000+n/an/a804225
Price$99$79$99 or $199$299 Check Amazon for availability $99$79 $149.00
Shipping$9.95$9.95$9.95FreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Results In6-8 Weeks4-8 Weeks6-8 Weeks6+ Weeks6 Weeks10-12 Weeks3-4 Weeks4-6 Weeks
Autosomal DNACheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
In-depth mtDNACheckmarkMaternal haplogroup results onlyMaternal haplogroup results onlyMaternal haplogroup results onlyMaternal haplogroup results only
In-depth Y-Chromosome CheckmarkPaternal haplogroup results onlyPaternal haplogroup results onlyPaternal haplogroup results onlyPaternal haplogroup results only

Find out more about each of these providers in our comprehensive DNA testing provider comparison.

The most popular DNA tests performed are paternity and ancestry tests. For some examples of companies that specialize in different types of tests, we cover additional providers below and provide specific pricing examples (pricing at time of writing and subject to change).

Paternity Test Cost Examples

In addition to the companies compared above, here are some more providers specializing in paternity testing.

Genetrack US offers a private paternity home test kit for $99 for a father and child test and $139 for a father, mother, and child. They will perform a test for a family of seven, including six children and one father for $504. Should you require a legal paternity test, this starts at $230 with an additional $100 ($50 per person) for a professional collection and witnessing service. 

DNA Family Check offers the same service at the same price of $99 although this is currently showing as a discounted rate from $180. Results take 1 – 3 days from the date the swabs are returned to the lab, and they claim 99,99% accuracy giving a conclusive result.

For an in-depth comparison of the best genealogy software online, please take a look at our article on the topic.

How Much Does a DNA Test Cost for Siblings?

Sibling tests are also available in a private home kit form and are just as simple and non-invasive as paternity tests.

Genovate currently offers DNA sibling tests starting from $159 for two siblings, and $340 for three siblings and a mother. They also offer a super quick turnaround time of 1 – 3 days, an online status check, and the peace of mind knowing that they run the tests twice for absolute accuracy.

How Much Do DNA Health Tests Cost?

Dynamic DNA Labs offers a range of proactive health tests. These tests range between $99 – $129 and cover information on weight management, mood and behavior, skin disorders, predisposition to health risks, and more. 

Circle DNA has a comprehensive health test aimed at those seeking information on preventative health. For $349.30 they provide 36 cancer risk reports, 73 disease risk reports, and 6 brain health reports.

Who Are The Best DNA Testing Providers?

Just think, not even a couple decades ago were we able to peek inside our bodies and come away with answers to some of life’s biggest questions. If you would like to know more about the providers mentioned in this article, we recommend reading our best DNA test coverage to see winners, features, pros, cons, and consumer feedback.

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Disclaimer: the information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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