One of the more common questions that I get is: What’s the best DNA testing option?
Here are multiple options with the pros and cons listed so that you can choose what is right for your situation and location.
Genetic Lifehacks has no affiliation with any of these companies.
Please do your own due diligence before you order from any company.
Consider these when choosing a DNA test:
- Privacy: Don’t trust their advertising; read the actual privacy policy—especially the section on genetic data.
- Downloadable data: Make sure the company offers downloadable access to your full genetic raw data.
- Control of your data: Check to see whether you can delete your genetic data and personal data from their website.
- Customer support: Check reviews to see how the company handles customer complaints. Reddit is a good source for finding out what customers think of the company.
- Continual costs: Some genetic testing companies are moving to a model where they charge you monthly or yearly to store your genetic data.
Tip: If the company offers a downloadable data file, the same raw data is usually available whether you buy the cheapest option or a more expensive package. For example, on 23andMe, the raw data is the same no matter which package you choose.
DNA sequencing companies:
The following companies offer direct-to-consumer DNA testing. Most of these offer a type of microarray sequencing that gives you access to a raw data file containing around 650,000 – 700,000 SNPs.
How much of what is on Genetic Lifehacks is covered by the different tests?
Many genetic testing companies produce a raw data file that contains a list of SNPs unique to that company. Most contain around 650,000-700,000 SNPs in their data files.
Heads up: AncestryDNA raw data files changed around the beginning of March 2026. The raw data includes about half of what it used to, and i doesn’t cover what is on Genetic Lifehacks very well. Test results from prior to March 2026 cover much more of what is on Genetic Lifehacks.
Everything currently covered on Genetic Lifehacks is found in either 23andMe v4/v5 or AncestryDNA data files (prior to 3/2026). Depending on which company and version of raw data, the coverage included on Genetic Lifehacks varies as follows:
| Percentage of SNPs covered: | |
| Testing Company | Approx. % of GL SNPs Covered |
| 23andMe v5 | 67% |
| 23andMe v4 | 79% |
| AncestryDNA | 78% ***prior to 3/26 44% – new data files March 2026 |
| SelfDecode Raw | 77% |
| MyHeritage | 60% |
| Functional Genomics Analysis | 69% |
| StrateGene | 69% |
| TellMeGen | 64% |
Combining two data files can give you more coverage on Genetic Lifehacks.
| Combination of Raw Data Files | |
| Testing Company | Approx. % Covered |
| 23andMe v5 + AncestryDNA (prior to 3/2026) | 92% |
| AncestryDNA + MyHeritage | 88% |
23andMe
23andMe was one of the first direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies. They offer ancestry information, DNA relatives, and health reports (additional). To sequence their data, 23andMe uses Labcorp, located in the U.S. 23andMe recently went through a bankruptcy and reorganization a couple of years ago. In the end, the original 23andMe founder took the company back private with no changes to the privacy policies or the product. They still offer the same test kit, downloadable raw data file, and the ability to delete your data from their site after you download it.
| Website: | https://www.23andme.com/ |
| Price: | Regularly $99, but with frequent sales |
| Raw Data: | Yes. It may take a day to get access to the raw data file. |
| Delete data? | Yes, under Settings. |
| Extra fees: | Raw data is stored for free. Additional packages are offered with health reports or consultations with health professionals. The most basic package is all that you need for the raw data file. |
| Privacy Policy: | 23andMe privacy information. Note that survey questions are for research studies. Understand what you are doing when you opt-in to the surveys and research. |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | Yes, covers about 80% of Genetic Lifehacks SNPs |
tellMeGen
The company was founded in 2014 and is located in Spain. Its sequencing laboratory is Eurofins Genomics, Denmark.
| Website: | https://www.tellmegen.com/ |
| Price: | $94.99 for microarray (Starter), $319+ for whole genome (Ultra) |
| Raw Data: | Yes, download instructions on the website. ** Note that the Ultra package (whole genome) now comes with a CSV file download option that will work on Genetic Lifehacks |
| Delete data? | Yes. Covered by GDPR regulations on deleting personal data as well as genetic data. |
| Extra fees: | Raw data is stored for free. Additional packages are offered with health reports. |
| Privacy Policy: | TellMeGen Privacy Policy |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | Yes |
MTHFR Genetics – UK/Europe
This UK-based company offers genetic testing and reports at a reasonable price. The raw data file is similar to 23andMe v4 data, and their privacy policy is strong.
UK and EU only. For UK and EU customers, there are no import fees, and return shipping is free in the UK.
| Website: | https://mthfr-genetics.co.uk/DNA/ |
| Price: |
£134.00
|
| Raw Data: | Yes – download instructions |
| Delete data? | Yes. Will delete your data upon request. |
| Extra fees: | Raw data is stored for free. |
| Privacy Policy: | Privacy Policy |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | Yes |
AncestryDNA
AncestryDNA is a well-recognized company with millions of users. It uses a third-party testing lab (Quest) in the US for sequencing data.
| Website: | https://www.ancestry.com/dna/ |
| Price: | Regularly $99, but with frequent sales |
| Raw Data: | Yes (download instructions) |
| Delete data? | Yes, instructions on their website |
| Extra fees: | Raw data is stored for free. Packages offered with memberships for Ancestry.com for genealogy information |
| Privacy Policy: | AncestryDNA privacy information. |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | Yes, new data file covers about 60% of Genetic Lifehacks SNPs — older data files (prior to March 2026 cover more) |
MyHeritage
MyHeritage is an ancestry-focused website that started offering its DNA service in 2016. MyHeritage uses Gene By Gene, a genetic testing facility in Houston, Texas, to sequence data for US-based clients.
| Website: | https://www.myheritage.com/dna |
| Price: | Regularly $89, but with frequent sales |
| Raw Data: | Yes, download instructions on their website. **MyHeritage data files changed in January 2026. The files work, but data accuracy is currently unknown |
| Delete data? | Yes, instructions on their website |
| Extra fees: | Raw data is stored for free. Packages offered with memberships for MyHeritage for genealogy information |
| Privacy Policy: | MyHeritage privacy information. |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | Yes. ***Note that MyHeritage transitioned to 2X (low quality) whole genome sequencing in early 2026. The accuracy of the new data is unknown at this point. |
SelfDecode
SelfDecode is using AI to generate reports and imputes SNPs from standard genetic sequencing. Note that the raw data download is the actual sequenced data and not the imputed data. The downloadable raw data file is similar to a 23andMe raw data file.
| Website: | https://selfdecode.com/ |
| Price: | $437 (Test kit available for $99 without reports, but you have to request the raw data file via email – they do offer a cheek swab test for someone who can’t produce enough saliva.) |
| Raw Data: | Yes, download instructions on the website. |
| Delete data? | Yes, but you have to email their customer support to request it. |
| Extra fees: | $119/year membership Additional health reports are available for purchase, as well as options for uploading your blood lab data. |
| Privacy Policy: | SelfDecode privacy policy – be sure to read the part about how they use your genetic data as “aggregated” information |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | Yes – raw data file covers about 83% of SNPs on Genetic Lifehacks |
FamilyTreeDNA
FamilyTreeDNA is owned by Gene by Gene. They offer ancestry information and DNA relatives. The samples are processed and stored in their laboratory.
| Website: | https://www.familytreedna.com/ |
| Price: | $79 for family ancestry test **announced changes to the data file coming in March 2026; not sure what happened |
| Raw Data: | Depends on the package purchased |
| Delete data? | You have to email their customer support to request it. |
| Extra fees: | Other genealogy packages are available |
| Privacy Policy: | Privacy policy |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | No for the Y-DNA, Yes for the Family Finder option |
Whole Genome Testing
Whole genome testing gives you more details on your genetics, including rare mutations. The drawback is that the data file is very large and in a format that is more difficult to work with. The file formats that you get from a whole-genome company will not work out of the box with Genetic Lifehacks. You will need to convert the whole genome file – Here are instructions with multiple options on how to do it. The plus side to whole genome testing is that once you’ve converted your file to work on Genetic Lifehacks, it will cover everything on this site.
Sequencing.com
Sequencing.com was founded in 2013 by Dr. Brandon Colby, MD. It offers whole-genome testing as well as many different third-party apps.
| Website: | https://sequencing.com/products/purchase-kit |
| Price: | Usually $399 for standard turnaround; does go on sale |
| Raw Data: | Yes, download instructions on the website. |
| Delete data? | Yes, email their customer support to request |
| Extra fees: | $39 + per month for different membership levels and access to their genome report viewer (optional) |
| Privacy Policy: | Privacy policy – be sure to read the section on AI chat integration and your data being used on ChatGPT |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | Yes. You can download a .txt file similar to 23andMe v5 data (covers 80% of SNPs on Genetic Lifehacks) or you can convert the Sequencing.com VCF file to work on Genetic Lifehacks (free, covers everything). |
MyNucleus
While now promoting IVF and baby testing, MyNucleus also still offers a whole genome test that they refer to as the Nucleus Health DNA Test Kit.
| Website: | https://mynucleus.com/ |
| Price: | $499 for 30x plus an annual membership of $39/year to see results and store data. |
| Raw Data: | Yes. Submit a request and get access to the whole genome file. |
| Delete data? | Yes |
| Extra fees: | $39/year to see your results and store your data. $99 for Genetic Counseling |
| Privacy Policy: | Privacy policy Read carefully. They are aggregating data about you from third-party sites. They share personal data with business partners and affiliates. From the policy: “We may collect, store, and use personal data that is linked or reasonably linkable to you and that identifies your past, present, or future health status or mental health status, as may be applicable “ |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | Nucleus now offers a VCF file download. Use the Genetic Lifehacks Nucleus VCF converter (free for members, fills in everything on Genetic Lifehacks). |
DNA Complete
As of Jan 2025, Nebula Genomics transitioned to a new company called DNA Complete. Please check reviews.
DNA Complete offers a 1X test called Essentials that is not recommended for use on Genetic Lifehacks. For whole-genome testing, a 30X or higher quality is needed.
| Website: | https://dnacomplete.com/ |
| Price: | $495 for 30X (sale price is always $495) |
| Raw Data: | Yes, .CRAM download available |
| Delete data? | not sure |
| Extra fees: | $195/year membership fee |
| Privacy Policy: | Privacy policy Be sure to understand that they have surveys and optional research opt-ins. |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | If you convert the file using WGSExtract |
Dante Labs
Dante Labs is a European-based whole-genome sequencing company. *** Please check reviews before buying.
| Website: | https://us.dantelabs.com/ |
| Price: | $399 for 30x |
| Raw Data: | Yes, .CRAM download available |
| Delete data? | Yes |
| Extra fees: | $295 for three years or $12.90/mo for data storage |
| Privacy Policy: | Privacy policy Be sure to understand that they have surveys and optional research opt-ins. |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | If you convert the file using WGSExtract or a VCF conversion service |
Companies with NO Raw Data Download
Some companies will not give you access to your genetic test data. These tests will not work on Genetic Lifehacks.
CRI Genetics – No raw data
CRI Genetics was founded in 2017 and is a smaller company than the ones listed above. It is not focused on genealogy, but rather gives you the composition of your ancestry plus traits.
| Website: | https://www.crigenetics.com/ |
| Price: | $129 for Ancestry plus Traits report |
| Raw Data: | No, there is no option to download your data. |
| Delete data? | Yes, upon request |
| Extra fees: | Other report packages available |
| Privacy Policy: | Privacy policy |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | No |
GeneSight – No raw data
GeneSight offers pharmacogenomics testing and reports on how your genes interact with medications. The company is part of Myriad Genetics. The tests are analyzed at its in-house lab.
| Website: | https://genesight.com/ |
| Price: | The testing is ordered by your doctor and billed through insurance. They state they will notify the customer if the cost exceeds $330. The reports are intended to demonstrate how genetics may impact drug interactions. |
| Raw Data: | No, there is no option to download your data. |
| Delete data? | Unknown |
| Extra fees: | No |
| Privacy Policy: | Genesight’s privacy information. |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | No |
MaxGen – No raw data
| Website: | https://maxgenlabs.com/ |
| Price: | $349 – test plus methylation report |
| Raw Data: | No, there is no option to download your data. |
| Delete data? | Unknown |
| Extra fees: | Additional reports are extra |
| Privacy Policy: | https://maxgenlabs.com/policies/privacy-policy (Can’t find a link to their DNA privacy policy – you may want to ask for it before ordering) |
| Works on Genetic Lifehacks? | No |
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