Thinking about taking a DNA test to explore your roots or find relatives? This guide explains how ancestry DNA tests work, the pros and cons of each major brand, and how to pick the best DNA test kit. It also includes a price table you can use to check today’s prices before you buy.
At a glance: Choose AncestryDNA if you want the biggest pool of UK and global matches; MyHeritage for budget-friendly cousin matching and strong European coverage; Living DNA if you want fine-grained British Isles breakdowns; FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) for Y-DNA and mtDNA (direct paternal/maternal lines); and 23andMe if you want health + ancestry in one (note privacy considerations below).How ancestry DNA tests work (in simple terms)
- Autosomal DNA tests (the standard kits) look across all your chromosomes. They estimate your ethnic origins and show cousin matches from both sides of your family out to about 4–6 generations.
- Y-DNA (men only) tracks a direct father-to-father line and surname clues. It’s best for surname projects and deep paternal origins.
- mtDNA tracks the direct mother-to-mother line. It’s best for deep maternal origins and ruling in/out specific maternal lines.
Quick price comparison (UK)
Tip: prices change often during seasonal sales. Use the “Check price” links to see today’s offer before you buy.| Brand & Kit | Typical UK price* | What it tests | Best for | Database size (relative) | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AncestryDNA | Sale often £49–£94 | Autosomal | Finding UK cousins; building trees; records integration | Very large | Ancestry offer page |
| MyHeritage DNA | Frequently on sale, often ~£35–£89 | Autosomal | Budget cousin-matching; strong European coverage | Large | MyHeritage DNA |
| Living DNA (Ancestry) | List £99; sale often £69 (+ shipping) | Autosomal | Fine-grained British Isles breakdown | Medium | Living DNA compare |
| FamilyTreeDNA “Family Finder” | List US$79; frequent sales | Autosomal (plus optional Y-DNA & mtDNA) | Serious genealogy; targeted Y-DNA/mtDNA projects | Medium | FTDNA site |
| 23andMe (Health + Ancestry) | Usually £159 | Autosomal (ancestry + health reports) | Health insights alongside ancestry (see privacy notes) | Large | 23andMe UK |
Which test is best for me?
If you want the most cousin matches
Pick: AncestryDNA. Its matching database is the largest, especially strong for the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and Australia. Great if your goal is to find relatives, build a tree, and attach records.If you’re on a budget
Pick: MyHeritage DNA. It’s frequently discounted and has good cousin-matching and European coverage. Pair it with their records and photo tools.If you want the best British Isles detail
Pick: Living DNA. It provides an in-depth British and Irish regional breakdown. Prices vary by kit; the ancestry kit is often discounted during sales.If you’re doing a surname or direct-line study
Pick: FamilyTreeDNA. Their Y-DNA (men only) and mtDNA tests are best for direct paternal and maternal lines; Family Finder adds autosomal cousin-matching. Watch for sale pricing.If you want health + ancestry in one kit
Pick: 23andMe. It combines ancestry with health predispositions, carrier status, traits, and wellness reports. In the UK this is usually the Health + Ancestry kit. Note: see the privacy and data section before you buy.Key features to compare (beyond price)
- Database for matches: Bigger databases help you find more cousins. This is the single most important factor for many people.
- Ethnicity detail: All companies give estimates, but they vary. Living DNA is strong for British Isles sub-regions; others shine in different areas.
- Tools for research: Look for chromosome browsers (FTDNA, MyHeritage), segment data, triangulation, and shared-match tools. Ancestry’s “ThruLines” can suggest how a match links into your tree.
- Record collections: Ancestry and MyHeritage integrate DNA with large historical record sets; useful for building evidence.
- Opt-outs and data control: Check what’s shared by default, how messaging works, and how to delete your data if you change your mind.
Are ancestry DNA tests accurate?
Cousin matching: very useful for spotting relatives and building trees, especially when you and your matches also share family information. The closer the relationship, the more reliable the match.Ethnicity estimates: good as a broad guide, but not exact. Estimates improve over time as companies update their reference panels. Small percentages can move around with updates. Treat them as clues, not proof.Y-DNA/mtDNA: excellent for testing a single paternal or maternal line and for surname projects. They won’t show your full family tree, but they can confirm or exclude a specific direct-line relationship.Privacy, security and your rights (UK-focused)
- Read the privacy policy before you buy. Look for clear controls to opt out of research, matching, and marketing.
- Use strong security on your account (unique password; two-factor authentication).
- Understand law-enforcement policies. Some companies allow uploads to external sites that may be used by law enforcement; others restrict it.
- You can delete your data. UK and EU law give you rights over your personal data. Check how to download your raw data and how to request deletion.
- 23andMe news: The company has faced data-security and financial challenges in recent years. Read the latest updates before buying.
Step-by-step: how to choose the right kit
- Write your goal in one sentence. “Find my father’s side cousins,” “Prove a 19th-century ancestor,” or “Get British Isles detail.”
- Pick the test type. Most people start with autosomal. Choose FTDNA Y-DNA or mtDNA for direct-line questions.
- Go where your cousins are. If family emigrated to the US, AncestryDNA often gives the most matches. If many relatives are in continental Europe, MyHeritage can be strong.
- Check today’s price. Visit the brand’s offer page. Don’t buy at full price if a sale is days away.
- Plan your next tests. After your first results, test key relatives (e.g., one parent, a paternal aunt/uncle, or a grandparent).
What to do when your results arrive
- Start with close matches. Add them to your tree and look for shared surnames and places.
- Build a small, sourced tree. Even 3–4 generations helps the sites suggest links.
- Use shared-match tools. Cluster cousins into maternal and paternal groups.
- Message matches politely. Explain why you’re writing and what you’re looking for.
- Export and keep your raw data safe. Store it securely; don’t upload it to third-party sites unless you’re comfortable with their policies.
Special cases
Adoption or unknown parentage
Start with one or two autosomal tests at the sites with the largest matching databases (AncestryDNA and/or MyHeritage). Build a quick reference tree for any close matches who reply. If a key match is on the paternal side and you’re male, consider a Y-DNA test at FTDNA to target the surname line.Irish, Scottish, Welsh, or English regional roots
Consider testing at both AncestryDNA and Living DNA. Ancestry’s larger match list helps you find cousins; Living DNA adds fine regional detail for the British Isles.Jewish, Italian, Iberian, Balkan, Nordic, or Eastern European ancestry
MyHeritage can be particularly strong for European matches. If budget allows, add AncestryDNA for more matches.Deep paternal or maternal origins
Order a Y-DNA (men) or mtDNA test at FamilyTreeDNA. These are not “cousin finders” like autosomal tests, but they’re powerful for surname studies and one-line questions.Frequently asked questions
Will a DNA test tell me my entire family tree?
No. DNA is one piece of evidence. It finds cousins and suggests where to look. You still need records and family knowledge to build a reliable tree.How long do results take?
Most labs take a few weeks once your sample arrives. Holiday peaks (Nov–Jan) can slow things down.Can I test older relatives?
Yes—and it’s one of the best moves you can make. Test the oldest generation first to capture DNA and stories that would otherwise be lost.Do I need a subscription?
DNA matching is included with your kit. To view many historical records and advanced features, Ancestry and MyHeritage sell subscriptions. You can start without one and subscribe later if needed.Will my data be used for anything else?
Companies set different rules. Some run internal research; some partner with universities or pharma; some allow opt-in only. You can usually opt out and delete your data later.Is 23andMe safe to use?
Many people use it for health + ancestry reports, but read recent news about their data breach and restructuring, then decide if you’re comfortable.Can I upload my raw DNA from one site to another?
Policies change. Some sites accept uploads (free or small fee) at times, then pause them. Check the current rules on the target site before relying on uploads.Will a DNA test affect my insurance?
In the UK, there are voluntary codes for life insurers around genetic tests. Ancestry DNA kits are not clinical tests.Buying tips to save money
- Wait for sales: Black Friday, Boxing Day, Easter, Father’s Day, and Amazon Prime events often have the best prices.
- Bundle smartly: If you’ll do Y-DNA/mtDNA at FTDNA, look for bundles to save on combined kits.
- Factor shipping and add-ons: Some prices exclude shipping, traits, or advanced tools. Check the basket total before you pay.
Ethical considerations
- Unexpected results happen. DNA can reveal surprise parents or siblings. Think through who else may be affected and how you’ll handle contact.
- Get consent. Only submit DNA from people who understand what it means and agree to it.
- Protect living people. Be careful what you publish in online trees; consider making living profiles private.