DNA
DNA Testing: A General Guide
DNA testing has become a powerful tool in genealogical research, helping to uncover ancestral connections across multiple generations. While much of the focus is on autosomal DNA (atDNA), there are other types of DNA tests available, including Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Y-DNA tests the direct paternal line. Since the Y chromosome is passed from father to son, this test can trace your paternal ancestry back through multiple generations. Y-DNA is only available for males, as females do not carry the Y chromosome. This test is ideal for exploring the paternal lineage.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) traces the direct maternal line. Both men and women inherit mtDNA from their mother, but only women pass it down to their offspring. This test can help you explore your maternal ancestry over several generations, although it’s more suited to deep ancestral connections rather than recent generations.
Autosomal DNA (atDNA) provides a broader picture of your ancestry. This test examines DNA inherited from both parents, covering all ancestral lines. It’s the most commonly used test and is suitable for finding relatives up to 5-7 generations back. Autosomal DNA testing is available for everyone and is best used for finding close to distant relatives across all branches of your family tree.
Which DNA Testing Company Should I Use?
There are several DNA testing companies offering genealogy services, each with its strengths. Here’s an overview of the major players:
Family Tree DNA (FTDNA)
FTDNA remains a popular choice for genealogists, especially in Australia and New Zealand. It offers all three types of DNA tests (atDNA, Y-DNA, and mtDNA) and provides access to a large international database. FTDNA also hosts numerous surname and geographical projects, making it an excellent option for more specialized research. Additionally, you can upload raw data from other testing companies for free to access their matching tools.
AncestryDNA
AncestryDNA has the largest consumer DNA database, which makes it an excellent choice for cousin matching. Its tools for building family trees and integrating DNA results with traditional genealogical research are unmatched. However, it lacks advanced features such as a chromosome browser. Still, for sheer database size and family tree integration, AncestryDNA is hard to beat.
23andMe
Known for both ancestry and health insights, 23andMe offers an autosomal DNA test that includes basic Y-DNA and mtDNA results. While it provides a large database and excellent ethnicity estimates, it is more geared toward health information. For genealogical purposes, its features are somewhat limited compared to competitors.
MyHeritageDNA
MyHeritage offers one of the most affordable DNA testing options and is known for its strong presence in international markets, particularly Europe. While its database is smaller than AncestryDNA’s, it offers useful tools like a chromosome browser and is particularly good for those with European ancestry.
Living DNA
If you have British or Irish ancestry, Living DNA excels in providing detailed regional breakdowns of your heritage. Its coverage of the British Isles and Europe is highly specific, and it offers basic Y-DNA and mtDNA results along with its autosomal test. However, its database is smaller than those of AncestryDNA or MyHeritage, meaning fewer relative matches.
Raw Data Uploads
Most companies allow you to download your raw DNA data and upload it to third-party sites like GEDmatch or other testing platforms (e.g., Family Tree DNA or MyHeritage) for further analysis. This can extend your research capabilities and help you find additional matches across multiple databases.
As DNA testing companies regularly update their algorithms and databases, your ethnicity estimates and match results may change over time. Keep this in mind as you explore your ancestral connections.
Y-DNA tests the direct paternal line. Since the Y chromosome is passed from father to son, this test can trace your paternal ancestry back through multiple generations. Y-DNA is only available for males, as females do not carry the Y chromosome. This test is ideal for exploring the paternal lineage.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) traces the direct maternal line. Both men and women inherit mtDNA from their mother, but only women pass it down to their offspring. This test can help you explore your maternal ancestry over several generations, although it’s more suited to deep ancestral connections rather than recent generations.
Autosomal DNA (atDNA) provides a broader picture of your ancestry. This test examines DNA inherited from both parents, covering all ancestral lines. It’s the most commonly used test and is suitable for finding relatives up to 5-7 generations back. Autosomal DNA testing is available for everyone and is best used for finding close to distant relatives across all branches of your family tree.
Which DNA Testing Company Should I Use?
There are several DNA testing companies offering genealogy services, each with its strengths. Here’s an overview of the major players:
Family Tree DNA (FTDNA)
FTDNA remains a popular choice for genealogists, especially in Australia and New Zealand. It offers all three types of DNA tests (atDNA, Y-DNA, and mtDNA) and provides access to a large international database. FTDNA also hosts numerous surname and geographical projects, making it an excellent option for more specialized research. Additionally, you can upload raw data from other testing companies for free to access their matching tools.
AncestryDNA
AncestryDNA has the largest consumer DNA database, which makes it an excellent choice for cousin matching. Its tools for building family trees and integrating DNA results with traditional genealogical research are unmatched. However, it lacks advanced features such as a chromosome browser. Still, for sheer database size and family tree integration, AncestryDNA is hard to beat.
23andMe
Known for both ancestry and health insights, 23andMe offers an autosomal DNA test that includes basic Y-DNA and mtDNA results. While it provides a large database and excellent ethnicity estimates, it is more geared toward health information. For genealogical purposes, its features are somewhat limited compared to competitors.
MyHeritageDNA
MyHeritage offers one of the most affordable DNA testing options and is known for its strong presence in international markets, particularly Europe. While its database is smaller than AncestryDNA’s, it offers useful tools like a chromosome browser and is particularly good for those with European ancestry.
Living DNA
If you have British or Irish ancestry, Living DNA excels in providing detailed regional breakdowns of your heritage. Its coverage of the British Isles and Europe is highly specific, and it offers basic Y-DNA and mtDNA results along with its autosomal test. However, its database is smaller than those of AncestryDNA or MyHeritage, meaning fewer relative matches.
Raw Data Uploads
Most companies allow you to download your raw DNA data and upload it to third-party sites like GEDmatch or other testing platforms (e.g., Family Tree DNA or MyHeritage) for further analysis. This can extend your research capabilities and help you find additional matches across multiple databases.
As DNA testing companies regularly update their algorithms and databases, your ethnicity estimates and match results may change over time. Keep this in mind as you explore your ancestral connections.
