The Best Ancestry DNA Testing Companies

Ancestry DNA testing is playing an increasing role in genealogical research. An easy-to-take DNA home test could solve a family puzzle, establish connections to 'new' relatives (past and present), estimate ethnicity and more. As well as verifying your family heritage work to date, genetic genealogy may help resolve a seemingly dead end in your tree.   

Relationship predictions are based on the amount of shared DNA, which is measured in centimorgans (cM); top matches are generally those sharing 30 cM or more. The larger the ancestry DNA testing company's database size, the greater the chance of making connections. Your 'raw data' can be downloaded and then uploaded to other testing companies to find more matches; not all accept uploads and those who do have different procedures, plus terms & conditions - some are free, others charge an unlocking fee. 

Importantly, there are three different types of Ancestry DNA tests:
Autosomal DNA - For tracing back maternal and paternal lines five or six generations. 
mtDNA (Mitochondrial DNA) - For deep tracing of the direct maternal line. 
Y-DNA (Y Chromosome DNA) - For deep tracing of the direct paternal line. Only males can take this test.

How much is a DNA test?

Ancestry DNA tests range from £35 to hundreds of pounds, depending on how deep you want to explore. Note: Many companies frequently offer discounted rates.

DNA Testing Companies - Six Choice Sites

AncestryDNA

Biogeographical regions: Over 1,500
Database size: Over 23 million
Test type: Autosomal DNA 
Sample method: Saliva 
Result time: 6-8 weeks

EasyDNA

UK easyDNA.co.uk
Test types: mtDNA, Y-DNA, GPS Origins
Sample method: Swab
Result time: 4-6 weeks

FamilyTreeDNA

US familytreedna.com 
Global regions: 90
Database size: Over 800,000 for Y-DNA
Test types:  Autosomal DNA, mtDNA, Y-DNA
Sample method: Swab
Result time: 2-8 weeks (depending on test type)

HomeDNA

UK homedna.com/uk 
US homedna.com 
HomeDNA offers at-home DNA testing and paternity tests to help you learn more about your ancestry, health & beauty, and even your pets.
Test type:
Sample method: Saliva
Result time: 6 weeks

IGENEA

Europe igenea.com 
iGenea is a European-based ancestry and genetic genealogy service that includes pinpointed information on ancient tribes.
Test types: Autosomal DNA, mtDNA
Sample method: Saliva
Result time: 6-8 weeks

LivingDNA

livingdna.com
Global regions: 150, including 72 in Africa and 19 in Britain.  The only company to provide percentage breakdowns for British counties and regions.
Database size: Over 300,000 
Test types: Autosomal DNA, mtDNA, Y-DNA 
Sample method: Saliva 
Result time: 6-8 weeks

Further analysis of your DNA results