A comprehensive review of popular DNA testing kits has found Ancestry to be a standout option for those interested in family history and genetic traits. The review, which involved months of testing multiple kits, highlighted Ancestry's ease of use, interactive website, and extensive family tree builder.
The Ancestry kit requires a simple saliva sample and provides ethnicity estimates. The reviewer noted that while their Irish and English heritage remained consistent across tests, Ancestry showed more varied Scandinavian percentages. The platform also offers 65 genetic trait insights, including coriander aversion, risk-taking tendencies, and pet ownership likelihood, with the reviewer finding around 60 per cent accurate.
A key feature is the family tree builder, which uses Ancestry's vast database of public records. The reviewer was able to trace their Irish roots back to great-great-grandparents in the mid-1800s, uncovering previously unseen photographs and records. The subscription fee was deemed worthwhile for this service.
In contrast, MyHeritage took about two months to process results and uses a cheek swab, but postage is not included. While the kit includes a basic subscription, more detailed results require a monthly fee, with the ultimate package costing £229 per year.
Overall, the review concluded that DNA tests can provide a deeper understanding of heritage and identity, but patience is required as results typically take around four weeks, with some taking up to two months.
