We’ve all heard the buzz about DNA tests you can take at home, like 23andMe and AncestryDNA. But have you tried one yet? These tests have become quite the conversation piece because they deliver eye-opening information about your genetic makeup and family tree, with some showing whether you’re predisposed to certain health conditions.
So if you or someone else is hoping for one of these DNA kits this holiday, check out the deals and helpful information below.
How Do DNA Home Tests Work?
DNA home tests let you trace your roots to discover exactly which parts of the world your ancestors came from, find out unique traits about yourself, connect with long-lost relatives and even get health reports that warn if you’re at risk for certain genetic conditions or diseases.
There are countless stories out there about people finding new family members and being surprised by their true ethnic origins. Plus, these tests are crazy simple to use: All you have to do is spit in a tube or swab your cheeks and ship the sample back to have your genomes analyzed.
How Many People Have Taken a DNA Home Test?
For years now, DNA home tests have been very popular. They’re given as presents for weddings, birthdays and even featured in chart-topping pop songs (looking at you, Lizzo). In fact, according to an estimate by the MIT Technology Review, more than 26 million people had taken a DNA home test. Which has only made them more accurate because the tests work by analyzing and comparing similarities in the genetic makeup of those who participate.
If the trend continues, more than 100 million people will have taken an at-home DNA test by 2021. Whoa!
How Much Do DNA Home Tests Cost?
Most DNA home testing kits cost around $99, but you can often find deals online during Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday that bring that down to $59 or less. Regardless, unless you’re going for an extensive test that also includes a health screening by a medical professional, you should expect to stay somewhere in the $79 range—unless your kit is discounted like the ones below.
The 5 Best Black Friday Deals on DNA Home Tests
MyHeritageDNA – $89 $36 during their Black Friday sale
By just sending in a cheek swab, you’ll get results in four to six weeks that will tell you all about your family’s ethnic origins. MyHeritageDNA claims to have the largest network of international family trees, which is ideal for those trying to connect with distant relatives. MyHeritageDNA is one of the most popular, budget-friendly DNA home tests on the market but does not include a health screening with their reports.
AncestryDNA – starting at $99 $59
The popular AncestryDNA test by Ancestory.com uses a simple saliva swab that you pop in the mail. With over 6 million users to date, this is the largest and most diverse database of any DNA testing company and is the best for building a deep, specific family tree. You’ll get results in six to 10 weeks, with an option to pay $10 more for a complete genetic trait analysis (which comes with added free gift wrapping!).
23andMe – starting at $199 $99
23andMe sends you a combined ancestry and health report that gives great insight into things other tests don’t offer—like if you’re at risk for certain conditions or diseases. This feature has made it an immensely popular DNA test but also more expensive. 23andMe results include a thorough DNA ancestry report that tells you origin percentages down to as little as 0.1% and matches you to 31 different populations worldwide. Expect results in six to eight weeks.
Living DNA – $99 $59
Living DNA offers multiple DNA home tests at various price points. The least expensive is the DNA Starter Kit, which includes your global ancestry report, DNA matches and sample nutrition and fitness reports. Simply send in a saliva swab and get results in six to eight weeks.
Other packages are more intense. Living DNA’s Full Ancestry Kit (on sale for $79) gives you a more-advanced report about your family’s roots for DNA matching. They also offer a DNA Wellbeing Kit (on sale for $99) that helps you understand your body’s response to fitness and nutrition, plus a combined Ancestry & Wellbeing Kit for $149 (discounted from $179). So, lots of options here!
You can purchase all these DNA home tests directly from each company’s website, or find them at retailers like Target. Hope you find out something good!
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