Ancestry DNA

Find roots + relatives. Know what you're sharing.

AncestryDNA

$60-100

Largest database = more relative matches.

Best for matching.

23andMe

$100-200

Health reports + ancestry. Privacy issues recently.

Best for health.

MyHeritage

$50-90

Strong in European matches. Cheaper.

Best for Europe.

FamilyTreeDNA

$80-200

Y-DNA + mtDNA testing. Deep ancestry.

Best for deep ancestry.

LivingDNA

$80-150

British Isles specialist.

Best for UK ancestry.

Why senior generation matters

You're closest to ancestors — most useful generation.
Test parents/aunts/uncles BEFORE they pass.
Older generation reveals branches descendants can't.
Your sample = invaluable family record.
One time test = forever record.

Privacy concerns 2026

23andMe was hacked 2023 — millions exposed.
Most companies share with research (opt out).
Police use these databases — Golden State Killer caught.
Even if you don't test — relative testing reveals you partly.
Insurance can't use (GINA Act protects health insurance + employment, NOT life or LTC insurance).
Read privacy policy before testing.

What you learn

Ethnicity estimate (% by region).
DNA matches — relatives also tested.
Health risks (23andMe — limited).
Migration patterns of ancestors.
Sometimes surprises — adoptions, half-siblings.
Be prepared for unexpected truths.

Maximize results

Best to test on AncestryDNA (largest database).
Upload raw DNA to MyHeritage + GEDmatch (free).
Build family tree on Ancestry.com (free trial).
Send messages to DNA matches.
Wait for sales — often 50% off Mother's Day, Black Friday.

Difficult discoveries

Paternity surprises common.
Half-siblings from sperm donors.
Hidden adoptions.
Different ethnic background than expected.
Talk to family BEFORE testing.
Consider therapy support if processing surprises.
NPE Friends Fellowship — npefellowship.org. Support group.

Free genealogy sources

FamilySearch.org — free, run by LDS Church. Best free resource. USGenWeb — free state-level records. Ellis Island records — free immigration. Library cards often include ancestry.com access at libraries. Free at libraries makes paid Ancestry membership unnecessary for many.