I, like a few of the reviewers on here, opted to do both the Ancestry.com and 23andMe Ancestral DNA tests. In total, I got 4 tests, two for myself, and two for my husband. This review will be a comparison of the process and results from both companies and for both of us, as our experiences with each company were different. It will be long, but full of hopefully helpful information of the pros and cons of both tests and what to expect in regards to results.
We ordered during the Black Friday sale, received the kits on the same day and got them back out the following day.
The results
Basic understanding of the process
In order to have a full understanding of the results, you must understand how they decipher which regions you are from. Both companies have “control” groups for each region that they test for. This means that they have individuals that have a verifiable long standing history within the region, so the company can use their DNA as indentifying markers for said region. How many control participants for each specific region is unknown to us, but if you DNA matches sections of those individuals DNA markers, you are tied to that region. Many DNA markers will overlap between several regions though, so this is where the puzzle completion begins and where your % for each region comes with a range attached to that specific %. For example given 11% Scottish with a probability range of 0-22%. This is how Ancestry.com gives your percentages, while 23andMe gives you a specific percent, attached to the disclaimer that their % is with 50% certainty. This means that they are only 50% confident in the results they are giving. They provide a Raw data slider that allows you to move that to 90% certainty, which changes your region specifics to the broad generalization (as in from England/Irish or Scandinavian to a “broadly European” as they cannot guarantee those regional ties with more than a 50% certainty under most cases. Since their ability to tie you to a specific region is 100% dependant on your DNA matching sections of the DNA within their control group, you are reliant on their control group being vast enough to cover that entire region’s genetic history. Since this is an impossibility, you need to keep in mind that just because they didn’t give you a % within a region you are confident you belong to, or they give you a lower % than you expected for a specific region, does not mean that you do not have that genetic heritage. It simply means that they do not have a large enough control group within that region to get matches to your specific DNA markers with a higher percentage of confidence.
I should also note that both companies state that they will update your results if they get new control group members that tie to your genetic markers that would alter your original %. While I am not sure if they will email you or if you just need to periodically log back in to see if any changes have occurred, but at least it’s good to know that they do update.
The specifics-our experience
The Ancestry.com results came back within 3 weeks of mailing the samples to them. The results were partly what we expected, with some surprising specifics. They provide you with your ancestral (500-1000+ years back) DNA regional %, plus more specific recent (50-300 years) regional ties without percents, as sub-sets of the ancestral DNA. They claim to test for 1100+ regions.
My husband’s results were a more refined % than mine, but I had more recent regional specifics.
He was given: 52% England/NW Europe, with the subsets of Lower Midwest/Virginia Settlers and Tennessee/Southern States Settlers; 21% Scotland; 9% Ireland; 9% Norway; 5% Germanic Europe; 3% Wales; and 1% Eastern Europe/Russia. There were no subsets for the lower % regions, only the 52% one.
My results were 74% England & NW Europe, with the 4 subsets of Yorkshire/East Midland England, The Midlands England (specifically East Midlands/Potteries), Mountain West Mormon Pioneers, and Denmark (specifically Jutland, Zealand, Funen, Lolland, & Faster); 11% Scotland; 6% Germanic Europe; 5% Sweden; and 4% Norway. There were no subsets for the lower % regions, just the 74% one.
The 23andMe samples had postage delays which resulted in the samples sitting in transit “nowhere land” for 3 weeks before being delivered to them, so it took 6 weeks for us to get our results from them. They provide you with your ancestral (1-8+ generations) DNA %, your Maternal and Paternal Haplopgroup, plus your Neanderthal DNA %. They claim to test for 1500-2000 regions, depending on which of their webpages you look at.
My husband’s results were 99.7% European, 99.4% of which was NW European, broken down even further to 96.2% British & Irish, with 10 British and 9 Irish regional connections listed without % specifics. That left 2.1% Scandinavian, 1.1% Broadly NW European, 0.2% Eastern European, and 0.1% Broadly European with no specific regional connections for these. The remaining 0.3% was Sub-Saharan African, specific ties to Southern East African but no regional connections noted. This was a disappointment for my husband, as the results were far less specific (and quite different) than the Ancestry.com results we had received.
My results were 100% NW European, 54.7% of which was British & Irish, with 10 British regional connection listed without % specifics; 23.4% Scandinavian, specifically Denmark with 5 regional connections listed w/o %; 12.1% French & German; and 9.8% Broadly NW European. I was more pleased with my 23andMe breakdown, as it was more specific than the 74% NW Europe that Ancestry.com gave me, and gave me a specific and logical Danish % since my grandfather was 100% Dane born/bred.
As you can see, both companies gave different results, with my husband and I experiencing the opposite of vagueness vs. specific from each company which was interesting. This just shows which company had control subjects that matched our DNA markers better.
My husband viewed the 23andMe results for him to be inaccurate and contradictory to Ancestry.com results, while in reality they are just vague. With claiming to test for almost double the regions as Ancestry.com, he expected more specifics to be provided. Yet more regions tested does not mean more control group subjects to link anyone to these regions with more accuracy. Factoring in the raw data information listed later in this review, and their approach to deciphering your regional connections, we understand that vague isn’t a contradiction, it’s just an indicator of lack of specific connection with greater certainty. The lack of specific mention of Scotland, Norway, and Germany did not mean my husband didn’t have that DNA, it just meant that his viable DNA sample markers did not match the limited control group markers 23andMe had for those regions, resulting in the generalized NW being lumped into Britain/Ireland with 50% certainty.
While Ancestry.com gave me a larger general 74% NW European, they did match the Denmark and Utah Mormon that my grandparents were with full accuracy which was freakishly surprising.
For me, the consolidation of both results gives me a more accurate idea of my ancestral DNA, knowing that the generalized NW European matches those other regions listed including Scandinavia, Germany and beyond.
The report approach
Ancestry.com gives you a far more detailed genetically relevant history of each region you are attached to, which I found to be quite fascinating. There is no simple “print all” button for the reports which was frustrating, but it isn’t difficult to mull through them all to print, just time consuming. They also provide highlighted maps to give you an idea of what each region encompasses, and includes the overlapping regions, where your % buffer comes into play, and a timeline for the subsets. The timeline section shows the migration and maps for each of the time sections.
23andMe gives you a very brief history of each region, with some being only 1 paragraph long. Again, there is no “print all” button, but you can print a summary of the % and traits results in one shot. For the details and specifics, you have to mull through them all to print. Within each region, 23andMe will list if you have a more specific connection, but does not give you any additional history or information of those micro regions. They give a few maps, but not to the extent of Ancestry.com, nor do they list or map the overlapping regions. While it doesn’t take much to figure this out (ie due to the Viking surge era, Scandinavian DNA is present in the Britain/Ireland and surrounding areas, and any boarding region will have automatic overlap), it would be nice to have them listed.
In comparison, the Ancestry.com ancestry reports are better designed and presented.
The raw data
Both companies will provide the raw DNA for all 600k++ markers being extracted. Both provide this data in a zip txt file that is easy to copy and paste into an xls spreadsheet for comparison and review.
Due to the postal delay for 23andMe, the DNA had been degraded, leaving 30k+ DNA markers unidentifiable, being marked as “- -“ instead of the two ACGT alleles that it should be. While that still left approx 600k markers, it did provide less than optimal results, especially for my husband.
While both companies test for well over 600k markers, those markers are not completely the same, and 23andMe were missing 10s of thousands at each chromosome in comparison to Ancestry.com. While we (again) assume this to be due to sample degration thanks to the Postal Service, it is something worth noting since each missing marker means that much less of a % connection to your genetic regions. Personally, we feel with around 100k missing or unidentifiable markers in total, that we should have been offered a retest for improved accuracy. This would hold true for the many thousands who were caught in that same 3 week postal lag, which would result in great profit loss for 23andMe, so thus we are all SOL instead of receiving truly accurate results. Once again, thank you Covid for turning our world upside down.
The Traits
The traits were a bonus, as that was not what we were buying the tests for. We found it interesting that the two companies tested several of the same traits, but yielded different results for them. As both companies gave us about 70% accuracy with the traits section, our suggestion is to just view this as “for entertainment purposes” and not an accurate determination. Quick examples-My husband had tight curly hair until it all fell out in his late 20s. Ancestry.com stated he wouldn’t experience balding and had wavy hair, while 23andMe told him he would/did go bald and that he had straight to slightly wavy hair. For me, Ancestry.com told me I had blond hair, 23andMe told me I had light brown hair, while in reality I have med to dark brown hair. Fun and entertaining to go through, but not what I would say as accurate in the least.
In comparison, the 23andMe trait reports are better, as they provide % breakdown for each likely trait feature (such as a 32% likelihood of light brown hair, 17% dark blond, 12% light blond, 6% dark brown, etc.) which Ancestry.com gave just the likely/not likely results.
Again, it must be noted that they get your traits from the survey of participants that had those same markers as you, so their data on traits is reliant on the answers of past participants and their control group individuals, and nothing 100% scientific or genetic.
Conclusion
Personally, I feel there is value in both companies’ results, and that the information combined together is what gives you a more accurate overall picture of your genetic past. The ideal would be for the companies to merge, giving you a larger control group and consolidated results with greater accuracy. Since that is not likely to happen, I would suggest that if you can afford it, buy both kits. If that is not practical, I would suggest buying Ancestry.com, unless you are more interested in your Neanderthal DNA percentage.
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From the manufacturer
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|---|---|---|---|
| 23andMe Ancestry + Traits Service | 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service | 23andMe+ Premium Membership Bundle | |
| Total Reports | 80+ | 150+ | 180+ |
| Ancestry Reports | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DNA Relative Finder & Automatic Family Tree Builder | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trait Reports | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Health Predisposition Reports* | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Carrier Status Reports* | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Wellness Reports | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Family Health History Tree | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Pharmacogenetics Reports** | ✓ | ||
| New premium reports and features added throughout the year | ✓ |
Disclaimer:
* The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. Health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports which are based on 23andMe research and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks and reporting carrier status. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child's risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk.
**23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetics reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, 2 variants in the DPYD gene and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic and does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. Results for SLCO1B1 and DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. Warning: Test information should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment and does not test for all possible variants that may affect metabolism or protein function. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. Making changes to your current regimen can lead to harmful side effects or reduced intended benefits of your medication, therefore consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding Pharmacogenetics reports, visit 23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics/
Before you can use 23andMe and see your reports, you must agree to 23andMe's Terms of Service (23andme.com/tos) at the time of registration of your 23andMe kit. Your use of 23andMe is further subject to 23andMe's Privacy Statement (23andme.com/about/privacy).
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Customer reviews
SOLVED AN 83+ YEAR MYSTERY OF MY GRANDFATHER'S IDENTITY
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2016
The testing is fairly simple: You receive a test vial (log in and register it on their website) and provide saliva up to the control line. Make sure you don't eat or drink for 30 to 45 minutes before providing your saliva sample. It is best not to brush teeth beforehand since it will wash away valuable DNA and you want to ensure your sample has enough to process. Yes I had a few failed kits in my life and that set us back months of getting results on those kits. Anyway it’s fairly simple to provide the saliva samples. Simple enough I had my 5 1/2 year old done and she was the easiest one to process. Then you place the kit back into included return envelope and wait for about 6 to 8 weeks for it to process. All while keeping tabs of the process online as each step finishes.I have tested both of my parents, my two children, two paternal aunts, my daughter's paternal grandmother as well as myself and two cousins whom I tested to confirm our relationship. If you test at least one parent, you can easily sort matches that are shared with that parent to determine which matches are maternal and paternal. Since both my parents have tested mine literally shows who matches me from each side and my children can sort their matches based on me being tested too.My paternal grandfather died in 1995 and took with him the secret of his past. He had ran away as a young boy and changed his name so we knew him only by the name he had taken. My family always yearned to know more about my grandfather's past but he had endured some sort of trauma or something and for whatever reason chose to never speak of it again. So we grew up only knowing half my father's ancestry - that of his mother.After my grandfather died, I set out on a mission to try to figure out more about his identity. I sent off for birth and school records but hit one dead-end after another trying to prove he was who he said he was. I spent hours going over census data on Ancestry's website, writing to courthouses across the country. The evidence pointed to the conclusion that he was not who he said he was. I had nothing really solid to go by. Until 17 years into chasing cold trails, I discovered ancestry type DNA testing. I figured it wouldn't hurt to order my dad a kit and see where that would take us. If I could just find one close enough match then maybe it would give us a good lead on figuring out my grandfather's real surname.After waiting for what seemed like months (it was actually only about 6 weeks) my dad's DNA was online (on 23andme’s secure site) and accessible along with all his many matches - which were basically cousins at various degrees of distance. It was one cousin (a predicted second cousin) in particular that gave me access to their family tree and actually dove in with me searching for clues that would lead us to my grandfather.Just 6 months into researching my father's DNA, I found my grandfather's family and figured out who he really was. I wanted to ensure that my information was correct and so I contacted the daughters to the man I believed to be my grandfather's brother and offered to test them both. Their test results confirmed they were indeed our 1st cousins. I have since been in contact with close and distant family via this newly discovered paternal side and even obtained a copy of my grandfather's family surname book. His absence was even recorded in the book! I solved an 83+ year mystery and gained a family I longed my entire life to know about. I cannot be more thankful that these tests are available and that it gives us such ability to solve things that seem impossible.Granted this all sounds way easier than it was and in all honesty it took planning and sorting and meticulous record-keeping to rule out my father's maternal matches. I literally mapped my father's DNA and researched every match labeling in an Excel document, which chromosome location that relative fit and what surnames fit within those matches. It’s given me new found respect and interest in knowing about each and every ancestor that left their mark within our DNA. It’s time-consuming, rewarding and addicting. I can say that with all honesty as I now manage 15+ kits on various DNA websites. I tested myself and both parents on 23andme as well as AncestryDNA and Dad was also tested on FTDNA but I met my most useful matches on 23andme. It was on 23andme that I found the best ability to pour over chromosomes - researching every detail I could.Oddly between 23andme and Ancestry their tests show a discrepancy in ethnicity estimates. One shows that my dad has a tiny trace of Native American (23andme) yet AncestryDNA does not show any trace whatsoever of Native American. My son has confirmed Native American and was only tested on 23andme and his percentage came back at nearly exact what is on his BIA blood quantum card. So I lean in feeling more comfortable with 23andme’s ethnicity estimates.IMPORTANT TO NOTE: You can take your raw data (once your DNA is processed) and download it from any of these DNA testing sites and upload them to GEDmatch for free. That site allows you to cross compare matches on there from all the DNA sites. As long as others have their data on their too you can look at those matches and even see where the match is on individual chromosomes, etc. It’s a great tool to utilize along with your DNA testing sites.FINAL THOUGHT: If you are looking to solve a mystery, 23andme is great. If you are looking to just fill in a family tree and you have a paid Ancestry membership or you are willing to pay for it, I would also suggest AncestryDNA. AncestryDNA gives you immediate access to your matches’ trees and you can in turn build on your own tree with the information. But if you are NOT a paid member to Ancestry, their AncestryDNA features are limited. I personally think its poor business practice for Ancestry to force people who already fork over money for the DNA kits to further pay to utilize services that should be totally included within the purchase of the kit. With 23andme, there are no additional hidden usage fees.Whichever one you choose, be prepared to discover a new you.
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2016
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Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2016
I have tested both of my parents, my two children, two paternal aunts, my daughter's paternal grandmother as well as myself and two cousins whom I tested to confirm our relationship. If you test at least one parent, you can easily sort matches that are shared with that parent to determine which matches are maternal and paternal. Since both my parents have tested mine literally shows who matches me from each side and my children can sort their matches based on me being tested too.
My paternal grandfather died in 1995 and took with him the secret of his past. He had ran away as a young boy and changed his name so we knew him only by the name he had taken. My family always yearned to know more about my grandfather's past but he had endured some sort of trauma or something and for whatever reason chose to never speak of it again. So we grew up only knowing half my father's ancestry - that of his mother.
After my grandfather died, I set out on a mission to try to figure out more about his identity. I sent off for birth and school records but hit one dead-end after another trying to prove he was who he said he was. I spent hours going over census data on Ancestry's website, writing to courthouses across the country. The evidence pointed to the conclusion that he was not who he said he was. I had nothing really solid to go by. Until 17 years into chasing cold trails, I discovered ancestry type DNA testing. I figured it wouldn't hurt to order my dad a kit and see where that would take us. If I could just find one close enough match then maybe it would give us a good lead on figuring out my grandfather's real surname.
After waiting for what seemed like months (it was actually only about 6 weeks) my dad's DNA was online (on 23andme’s secure site) and accessible along with all his many matches - which were basically cousins at various degrees of distance. It was one cousin (a predicted second cousin) in particular that gave me access to their family tree and actually dove in with me searching for clues that would lead us to my grandfather.
Just 6 months into researching my father's DNA, I found my grandfather's family and figured out who he really was. I wanted to ensure that my information was correct and so I contacted the daughters to the man I believed to be my grandfather's brother and offered to test them both. Their test results confirmed they were indeed our 1st cousins. I have since been in contact with close and distant family via this newly discovered paternal side and even obtained a copy of my grandfather's family surname book. His absence was even recorded in the book! I solved an 83+ year mystery and gained a family I longed my entire life to know about. I cannot be more thankful that these tests are available and that it gives us such ability to solve things that seem impossible.
Granted this all sounds way easier than it was and in all honesty it took planning and sorting and meticulous record-keeping to rule out my father's maternal matches. I literally mapped my father's DNA and researched every match labeling in an Excel document, which chromosome location that relative fit and what surnames fit within those matches. It’s given me new found respect and interest in knowing about each and every ancestor that left their mark within our DNA. It’s time-consuming, rewarding and addicting. I can say that with all honesty as I now manage 15+ kits on various DNA websites. I tested myself and both parents on 23andme as well as AncestryDNA and Dad was also tested on FTDNA but I met my most useful matches on 23andme. It was on 23andme that I found the best ability to pour over chromosomes - researching every detail I could.
Oddly between 23andme and Ancestry their tests show a discrepancy in ethnicity estimates. One shows that my dad has a tiny trace of Native American (23andme) yet AncestryDNA does not show any trace whatsoever of Native American. My son has confirmed Native American and was only tested on 23andme and his percentage came back at nearly exact what is on his BIA blood quantum card. So I lean in feeling more comfortable with 23andme’s ethnicity estimates.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: You can take your raw data (once your DNA is processed) and download it from any of these DNA testing sites and upload them to GEDmatch for free. That site allows you to cross compare matches on there from all the DNA sites. As long as others have their data on their too you can look at those matches and even see where the match is on individual chromosomes, etc. It’s a great tool to utilize along with your DNA testing sites.
FINAL THOUGHT: If you are looking to solve a mystery, 23andme is great. If you are looking to just fill in a family tree and you have a paid Ancestry membership or you are willing to pay for it, I would also suggest AncestryDNA. AncestryDNA gives you immediate access to your matches’ trees and you can in turn build on your own tree with the information. But if you are NOT a paid member to Ancestry, their AncestryDNA features are limited. I personally think its poor business practice for Ancestry to force people who already fork over money for the DNA kits to further pay to utilize services that should be totally included within the purchase of the kit. With 23andme, there are no additional hidden usage fees.
Whichever one you choose, be prepared to discover a new you.
SOLVED AN 83+ YEAR MYSTERY OF MY GRANDFATHER'S IDENTITY
By Coastal Girl on November 28, 2016
The testing is fairly simple: You receive a test vial (log in and register it on their website) and provide saliva up to the control line. Make sure you don't eat or drink for 30 to 45 minutes before providing your saliva sample. It is best not to brush teeth beforehand since it will wash away valuable DNA and you want to ensure your sample has enough to process. Yes I had a few failed kits in my life and that set us back months of getting results on those kits. Anyway it’s fairly simple to provide the saliva samples. Simple enough I had my 5 1/2 year old done and she was the easiest one to process. Then you place the kit back into included return envelope and wait for about 6 to 8 weeks for it to process. All while keeping tabs of the process online as each step finishes.By Coastal Girl on November 28, 2016
I have tested both of my parents, my two children, two paternal aunts, my daughter's paternal grandmother as well as myself and two cousins whom I tested to confirm our relationship. If you test at least one parent, you can easily sort matches that are shared with that parent to determine which matches are maternal and paternal. Since both my parents have tested mine literally shows who matches me from each side and my children can sort their matches based on me being tested too.
My paternal grandfather died in 1995 and took with him the secret of his past. He had ran away as a young boy and changed his name so we knew him only by the name he had taken. My family always yearned to know more about my grandfather's past but he had endured some sort of trauma or something and for whatever reason chose to never speak of it again. So we grew up only knowing half my father's ancestry - that of his mother.
After my grandfather died, I set out on a mission to try to figure out more about his identity. I sent off for birth and school records but hit one dead-end after another trying to prove he was who he said he was. I spent hours going over census data on Ancestry's website, writing to courthouses across the country. The evidence pointed to the conclusion that he was not who he said he was. I had nothing really solid to go by. Until 17 years into chasing cold trails, I discovered ancestry type DNA testing. I figured it wouldn't hurt to order my dad a kit and see where that would take us. If I could just find one close enough match then maybe it would give us a good lead on figuring out my grandfather's real surname.
After waiting for what seemed like months (it was actually only about 6 weeks) my dad's DNA was online (on 23andme’s secure site) and accessible along with all his many matches - which were basically cousins at various degrees of distance. It was one cousin (a predicted second cousin) in particular that gave me access to their family tree and actually dove in with me searching for clues that would lead us to my grandfather.
Just 6 months into researching my father's DNA, I found my grandfather's family and figured out who he really was. I wanted to ensure that my information was correct and so I contacted the daughters to the man I believed to be my grandfather's brother and offered to test them both. Their test results confirmed they were indeed our 1st cousins. I have since been in contact with close and distant family via this newly discovered paternal side and even obtained a copy of my grandfather's family surname book. His absence was even recorded in the book! I solved an 83+ year mystery and gained a family I longed my entire life to know about. I cannot be more thankful that these tests are available and that it gives us such ability to solve things that seem impossible.
Granted this all sounds way easier than it was and in all honesty it took planning and sorting and meticulous record-keeping to rule out my father's maternal matches. I literally mapped my father's DNA and researched every match labeling in an Excel document, which chromosome location that relative fit and what surnames fit within those matches. It’s given me new found respect and interest in knowing about each and every ancestor that left their mark within our DNA. It’s time-consuming, rewarding and addicting. I can say that with all honesty as I now manage 15+ kits on various DNA websites. I tested myself and both parents on 23andme as well as AncestryDNA and Dad was also tested on FTDNA but I met my most useful matches on 23andme. It was on 23andme that I found the best ability to pour over chromosomes - researching every detail I could.
Oddly between 23andme and Ancestry their tests show a discrepancy in ethnicity estimates. One shows that my dad has a tiny trace of Native American (23andme) yet AncestryDNA does not show any trace whatsoever of Native American. My son has confirmed Native American and was only tested on 23andme and his percentage came back at nearly exact what is on his BIA blood quantum card. So I lean in feeling more comfortable with 23andme’s ethnicity estimates.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: You can take your raw data (once your DNA is processed) and download it from any of these DNA testing sites and upload them to GEDmatch for free. That site allows you to cross compare matches on there from all the DNA sites. As long as others have their data on their too you can look at those matches and even see where the match is on individual chromosomes, etc. It’s a great tool to utilize along with your DNA testing sites.
FINAL THOUGHT: If you are looking to solve a mystery, 23andme is great. If you are looking to just fill in a family tree and you have a paid Ancestry membership or you are willing to pay for it, I would also suggest AncestryDNA. AncestryDNA gives you immediate access to your matches’ trees and you can in turn build on your own tree with the information. But if you are NOT a paid member to Ancestry, their AncestryDNA features are limited. I personally think its poor business practice for Ancestry to force people who already fork over money for the DNA kits to further pay to utilize services that should be totally included within the purchase of the kit. With 23andme, there are no additional hidden usage fees.
Whichever one you choose, be prepared to discover a new you.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2022
