Q: Should I test at both companies?

For casual users, one test is usually enough . For in-depth research, using multiple databases may produce the best results. This is because each company has its own database of DNA matches, so testing with multiple companies increases your chances of finding relatives. So, if you’re serious about genealogy, testing with both services can be worthwhile.

Question 1

Which one is cheaper: 23andMe or AncestryDNA?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking to get information about your ancestry, 23andMe (starting price: $99) and AncestryDNA (starting price: $99) are priced the same. Therefore, you will need to base your decision on what each ancestry DNA test kit offers and what you are specifically looking for.

Essentially, 23andMe’s DNA reports cover more topics and go into more detail than AncestryDNA. However, AncestryDNA has the added advantage of enabling you to construct an online family tree (for free) that you can populate using the company’s vast historical and DNA databases (for an added fee).

You can also check out some of the other best ancestry DNA kits if neither one provides you with all the data you want.

Question 2

Who should choose 23andMe over AncestryDNA?

Accepted Answer

23andMe’s reports offer DNA health testing for your genetic risk and carrier status for several conditions. 23andMe’s ancestry report explores your maternal and paternal haplogroups and your Neanderthal ancestry; AncestryDNA’s report does not.

Question 3

Who should choose AncestryDNA over 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

If your family genealogy is important to you, AncestryDNA is a better option. This is because AncestryDNA not only has many more people’s DNA in its database, but also many more historical genealogy records.

Question 4

What features does AncestryDNA provide that 23andMe does not?

Accepted Answer

Both 23andMe and AncestryDNA provide a free online tool for constructing your family tree. However, while 23andMe lacks the ability to access a vast online genealogy database to expand your family tree, AncestryDNA excels in this aspect. With the world’s largest DNA database and a huge historical genealogy record database, AncestryDNA proves highly beneficial in locating a substantial number of living and deceased relatives to incorporate into your family tree.

Question 5

Is 23andMe safe after the data breach?

Accepted Answer

23andMe is now operational under new ownership after the data breach and subsequent bankruptcy in 2025. The company says its data protection policies remain in place, but some customers are understandably cautious after the 2023 data breach that exposed information from millions of accounts. Overall, 23andMe is still a legitimate service, but if long-term stability and genealogy tools are your priorities, AncestryDNA may feel like the safer choice.

As far as privacy is concerned, both 23andMe and AncestryDNA allow you to control how your data is shared. You can also delete your genetic data entirely if you decide you no longer want it stored online.

Question 6

Which test is more accurate?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy often depends on your background. Both companies provide reliable ethnicity estimates, but they may perform differently depending on the region your ancestors came from. If your ancestry is well documented in historical records, AncestryDNA may provide more information, but if you want to track your ancestry farther back, 23andMe explores your maternal and paternal haplogroups and your Neanderthal ancestry.

Question 7

Should I test at both companies?

Accepted Answer

For casual users, one test is usually enough. For in-depth research, using multiple databases may produce the best results. This is because each company has its own database of DNA matches, so testing with multiple companies increases your chances of finding relatives. So, if you’re serious about genealogy, testing with both services can be worthwhile.

Question 8

Why are my ethnicity results different on 23andMe and AncestryDNA?

Accepted Answer

It’s completely normal to get different ethnicity percentages from 23andMe and AncestryDNA. Even though both companies analyze your DNA in similar ways, they use different reference populations and algorithms to estimate your ancestry.

Ethnicity reports are best thought of as estimates rather than exact measurements. Each company compares your DNA to its own database of samples, so your ancestry may be labeled differently depending on which service you use.

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