23andMe vs. Ancestry

Curious minds initially made home DNA testing a popular activity but the recent surge in its popularity has now made it a competitive market. I mean, why not? All it takes is a simple vial of saliva. 

There are a multitude of different testing options, each more or less fitting depending on what specific type of information you're interested in assessing. This is something you should define before deciding on a kit. What is most important to me? Ancestry & family history? Health? Relative identification? 

Today, Riffbuddy will look at two of the trailblazers in this genealogical space: 23andMe and Ancestry. 

23AndMe: 

23AndMe currently offers 2 options for its testing. The $99 option just has the ancestry test while the $199 option offers users both the ancestry test and a health component. 

The health component provides information about traits, wellness and even reports on carrier status. For example, the reports can tell you if you have a mutation for specific conditions that could possibly be passed onto your children.  

The ancestry component provides a breakdown of which regions your genes are most closely associated with, halogroups or the genetic population that shares a common ancestor and your Neanderthal history. You can also get access to 23andMe's DNA Relatives tool which can connect you with other users who are close to distant relatives, who have also opted into the tool. How exciting would it be to find out that you have a new relative just one city away? 

See what Riffbuddy users are saying about 23andMe. 

Ancestry:

No health and wellness component offered with Ancestry. Ancestry serves those who are strictly looking for information about their family histories and genealogies and can pinpoint your connections to over 350 regions in the world. 

Their basic $99 kit provides you with a detailed map that includes percentages and estimates of your genetic makeup and also allows you to access their massive database of online records to help you formulate a more comprehensive and accurate family tree. 

See what Riffbuddy users are saying about Ancestry. 

Riffbuddy have given you a brief synopsis of two of the most popular DNA testing kits, but there are many, many other options available. Be sure to check out what real consumers are saying about 23andMe, Ancestry and other DNA testing kits on Riffbuddy.com