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Sarah Bradshaw

AncestryDNA Test Kit Review

Updated: Mar 25, 2023


We tested the AncestryDNA kit recently. From pricing, to reporting insights, we'll provide all the information you need to know before you buy.


Table Of Contents

Overview

Reporting



Overview

AncestryDNA is a leading provider of at-home DNA testing kits for genealogy and ancestry purposes. Their main product, the AncestryDNA kit, provides a detailed analysis of a person's ethnic origins and connects them with potential relatives through Ancestry's vast database.


AncestryDNA no longer supports their health reporting since the winter of 2020, so if you are looking for a health option, you are better off reading our reviews of the Best DNA kits for Health


Products and Pricing

There are three options available for purchase all which include different offerings:

  • $99 - Genetic Ethnicity

  • $119 - Genetic Ethnicity + Traits

  • $149 - Genetic Ethnicity + 3-month Ancestry® World Explorer

Sample Collection

To start the process, customers receive a kit with a pre-paid label to return a saliva sample to their lab. After creating an account and completing a lengthy questionnaire, reports are available in about 6-8 weeks.


Genetic Ethnicity

AncestryDNA's genetic ethnicity reports provide an in-depth analysis of a person's ethnic origins based on their DNA. The company's analysis is based on over 700,000 markers in a person's DNA, which are then compared to the DNA of people from around the world to determine the person's ethnicity. The reports provide information on a person's ancestry, including their ethnic percentages and the regions of the world where their ancestors likely lived.


AncestryDNA's reports are designed to provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of a person's ethnic background, and can help them gain a deeper understanding of their ancestry and personal history. Additionally, the reports are updated regularly as AncestryDNA continues to expand its database, providing users with the most up-to-date information about their ancestry.


Historical Timeline and Ancestral Movements

Included in the Genetic Ethnicity product, is AncestryDNA's Historical Timeline and Ancestral Movements report. This provides a visual representation of a person's ancestry and how it has changed over time. The reports show where a person's ancestors likely lived and the migratory patterns of those ancestors, which can provide insight into the historical events that shaped their ancestry.

Image taken from AncestryDNA's site

These reports can be a valuable tool for genealogists and those interested in learning more about their personal history and how it has been shaped by historical events and migratory patterns.


Ethnicity Estimate and DNA Matches

AncestryDNA's Ethnicity Estimate and DNA Matches reporting are two key features of their ancestry reporting service. The Ethnicity Estimate report provides a detailed analysis of a person's ethnic origins, including the regions of the world where their ancestors likely lived and their ethnic percentages.


The DNA Matches report provides information on potential relatives who have taken the AncestryDNA test and match the person's DNA, allowing users to connect with long-lost relatives. and build their family tree. These two reports work

together to provide a comprehensive overview of a

person's ancestry and personal history.


Traits Reporting

AncestryDNA's Traits reporting provides information on physical characteristics that are influenced by a person's DNA, such as eye color, hair color, and freckling. This report is an add-on to the standard AncestryDNA test and provides users with a fun and interactive way to learn about the traits that make them unique.


The Traits report is a valuable tool for individuals who are interested in learning more about the genetic factors that influence their physical appearance and personal characteristics.


Compare Traits

AncestryDNA's Compare Traits reporting is a feature that allows users to compare their physical traits to those of their DNA matches. The report provides information on how a person's traits compare to those of their relatives who have taken the AncestryDNA test, including differences in eye color, hair color, freckling, and other physical characteristics.


The Compare Traits report can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of the genetic factors that influence traits, as well as provide insight into the traits that are common among their relatives. Additionally, this report can be a fun and interactive way for users to learn more about their DNA and the traits that make them unique.


Traits Around the World

AncestryDNA's Traits Around the World reporting provides information on the distribution of specific physical traits, such as eye color, hair color, and freckling, among the populations of the world. The report shows the frequency of these traits in different regions, allowing users to see how their own traits compare to those of people from different parts of the world.


image taken from usatoday.com

This report provides a unique perspective on the genetic diversity of the world and can be a valuable tool for individuals who are interested in learning more about the physical characteristics that are common among populations around the world. Additionally, this report can provide insight into the genetic factors that influence physical appearance and help individuals understand the diversity of their own ancestry.


World Explorer

AncestryDNA's World Explorer membership is a subscription service that provides users with access to a range of premium features and services, including advanced DNA analysis, expanded historical records, and access to the company's network of genealogists. With this membership, users can delve deeper into their ancestry, connect with distant relatives, and build a more complete picture of their family history.


The World Explorer membership provides users with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of their ancestry, making it a valuable tool for genealogists and individuals who are interested in learning more about their personal history.


Conclusion

In conclusion, the AncestryDNA testing kit is a valuable tool for individuals who are interested in learning more about their ancestry and personal history. With its comprehensive ethnicity estimate, DNA matches, and historical timeline and ancestral movements reports, AncestryDNA provides users with a detailed analysis of their ancestry and how it has changed over time.


The add-on traits reports and world explorer membership offer additional ways for users to delve deeper into their ancestry and personal characteristics. Overall, AncestryDNA is a comprehensive and user-friendly service that provides valuable insights into one's ancestry and can be a valuable resource for genealogists and individuals alike.



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