The best home DNA testing kits: 23andMe, AncestryDNA, more - CBS News

2022-08-13 05:14:49 By : Malik Zhu

CBS Essentials is created independently from the CBS News staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Want to know more about your heritage and family origins? Consider taking an at-home DNA test to learn more about your ancestry, genetics and health. Keep reading to find the best home DNA testing kits for you, your family and even your pets. 

Top products in this article

23andMe ancestry + health DNA test, $199

Embark breed and health DNA test for dogs, $139 (reduced from $199) 

Home DNA testing kits have grown popular over the last several years. These kits typically require a painless cheek swab or saliva sample. Mail your sample to a lab and get a report with your DNA results. The most affordable DNA tests are focused on ancestry. For an added fee, you can find DNA tests that include disease predisposition and carrier status to help you learn about genetic factors that could impact you and your family's health.

DNA testing is a great way to learn more about your own background. It's also a fun family activity that will help you understand your heritage. We've even found DNA tests for pets.

We've compiled the best and top-rated home DNA testing kits for you below.

Check out the top home DNA testing kits available on Amazon, according to user reviews.

23andMe is one of the most popular home DNA testing brands. The brand is named after the 23 pairs of chromosomes that make up your DNA. After collecting your saliva sample for the test and mailing it in, you should have results in five to six weeks. The results include more than 80 personalized reports that provide insights on your ancestry, genetic traits and family origins.

23andMe ancestry + traits DNA test, $99 

If you want to learn about your health in addition to your ancestry, check out this test from 23andMe. With this test, you can get more than 150 reports on your ancestry and genetic health information. These reports include your predisposition to Type 2 diabetes, late-onset Alzheimer's disease and celiac disease, and your carrier status for more than 40 illnesses, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and Tay-Sachs disease.

23andMe ancestry + health DNA test, $199

The AncestryDNA genetic test is an at-home test connected to the popular website Ancestry.com. You collect a saliva sample to mail back to a testing lab. Results take approximately six to eight weeks and include information on ethnicity, including historical insights on your family's ancestry. 

The MyHeritage DNA testing kit can be completed with a simple cheek swab. Once the sample has been sent in and tested, customers receive a breakdown of their DNA results with information on their ethnicities, family origins and genetic matches. MyHeritage tests for 42 ethnicities and claims it can pinpoint your origins among 2,114 geographic regions.

This advanced DNA kit tests for ancestry, wellness, personal traits, hereditary diseases, predisposition to complex diseases and pharmacological compatibility. Results take four to six weeks and include more than 400 reports that will be regularly updated at no extra charge.

TellmeGen advanced DNA test, after coupon $127 (reduced from $149)

Your pup doesn't have to be left out of the fun. Get testing kits for the whole family by adding a dog home-DNA kit. 

If you have a rescue pup, then you'll definitely want to checkout the Embark breed identification kit. Send your dog's saliva to the Embark labs and learn more about your dog's breed and genetic makeup. Knowing your dog's breed or mix of breeds can provide important insights into behaviors, care needs and possible health concerns.

Embark breed identification DNA test for dogs, $99 (reduced from $109) 

Get even more data with the Embark breed and health testing kit. The test results includes more than 210 reports on health risks, genetic conditions, and actionable insights on how to care for your dog based on your results.

Embark breed and health DNA test for dogs, $139 (reduced from $199) 

Curious about your cat's genetic makeup? Use this home DNA test to find the breed of your cat and obtain a health and dental report that includes test results for 115 health and trait markers.

Basepaws cat DNA test, $109 after coupon (reduced from $129)

First published on July 20, 2022 / 8:00 AM

FBI agents seized several sets of records of various classified levels from Trump's home in Florida.

Four people were in critical condition.

Fetterman suffered a stroke days before the primary in May.

One of the laws slated to take effect allows potential relatives of an embryo or fetus to sue abortion providers for up to $20,000 within four years of an abortion.

Watson is accused of harassing or assaulting women during massage therapy sessions.

A new analysis from the Penn Wharton Budget Model finds that wealthier taxpayers will bear the brunt of the impact.

Some investors believe inflation may have peaked, allowing Federal Reserve to be less aggressive with hikes.

Gov. Newsom warns plant's power is needed for reliable energy, but questions over earthquake safety and more loom.

Produced by Amazon-owned studio MGM, the show aims to follow the mold of "America's Funniest Home Videos."

Hiking and biking trails, pedestrian corridors and vehicle brides are getting an influx of federal funds.

FBI agents seized several sets of records of various classified levels from Trump's home in Florida.

Fetterman suffered a stroke days before the primary in May.

A new analysis from the Penn Wharton Budget Model finds that wealthier taxpayers will bear the brunt of the impact.

Called the Inflation Reduction Act, the bill passed the House in a 220 to 207 party-line vote, days after it cleared the Senate in 51 to 50.

U.S. Reps. Adam Schiff, Michael McCaul, Brian Fitzpatrick and more will appear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" this Sunday.

One of the laws slated to take effect allows potential relatives of an embryo or fetus to sue abortion providers for up to $20,000 within four years of an abortion.

Polio has been detected in New York City's wastewater, suggesting further circulation of the virus. The city's health department is urging pediatricians to immediately identify and schedule appointments for children who are behind on their polio immunizations. Elaine Quijano shares more details.

A case of polio was identified in Rockland County, New York, and now the virus has been detected in New York City's wastewater.

Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Ray Luján reflect on their experiences recovering from strokes.

Last month, the New York Health Department reported the nation's first case of polio in almost a decade, in Rockland County, north of New York City.

The attacker was randomly shooting at people, including at children, state TV reported, quoting witnesses.

The family of the 60-year-old imprisoned by Russia over medical marijuana says this is "the last opportunity to save his life."

A woman in the group stranded between Greece and Turkey says the island is "full of snakes, scorpions, and a lot of insects," and they're struggling to survive.

The 75-year-old author was stabbed in the neck and in the abdomen, officials said during a Friday evening press conference.

Vultures are targeted by poachers because they draw unwanted attention to their illegal activities.

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. has been suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The family filed a petition saying the records contain video and audio interviews with relatives in the immediate aftermath of Judd's death.

The district attorney said once she receives all necessary reports, she and her team will make a charging decision.

Produced by Amazon-owned studio MGM, the show aims to follow the mold of "America's Funniest Home Videos."

"On behalf of not just our family, but I think Australia needs it," Newton-John's niece Tottie Goldsmith said this week.

About 36% admitted they spend too much time on social media and 54% say it would be somewhat hard to give it up.

CNET editorial director Dan Ackerman joins "CBS Mornings" to share tracking devices and apps that can help people find lost things. He discusses trackers that can find a parked car or glasses as well as a smart lock to help keep track of keys and even pets.

While many EVs qualify for tax credits under inflation bill, no cars sold today likely would get the full $7,500 rebate.

Programmable thermostats and smart lights can help consumers' lower energy bills.

The U.S. Labor Department has released its latest Consumer Price Index for July 2022. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger joins "CBS Mornings" to break down what this means for prices and the economy.

Men find 88 distinct prints left by a mixture of adults and children on what is now the Utah Test and Training Range​.

For more than 75 million Americans living out West, snow melt from the Sierra Nevada is a major source of water. However, the mountain range's snowpack is shrinking, down an average of 23% since 1955. Roger Bales, professor of engineering at the University of California, Merced, joins CBS News to discuss what this could mean for California's water future.

In a part of space far, far away, two galaxies joined together to form one of the universe's most spectacular events – a galactic merger with streaming stars and chaos. And scientists say the stunning images are a preview of what's to come for the Milky Way.

"Hopefully downstream we will find the Thames, but at the moment, it's gone," said one tourist who had come, hoping to see the origin of the iconic English river.

The powerful greenhouse gas traps 80 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide does.

The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., has been plagued by problems related to clergy sex abuse in recent years.

The FBI did not specify what that information was, but said it "did not contain a specific and credible threat."

Author Salman Rushdie was stabbed Friday by a man who stormed the stage as he was beginning a lecture in New York. Rushdie, whose work has previously led to threats, underwent surgery for his injuries. Nikki Battiste reports.

New details are emerging about the suspect who was killed after attempting to breach the FBI's field office in Cincinnati, Ohio. His social media posts indicate he was at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, and he appeared to be a dedicated supporter of former President Donald Trump. Jeff Pegues has the latest.

Salman Rushdie, the author whose writing led to death threats from Iran in the 1980s, was stabbed Friday as he was about to give a lecture in western New York, authorities said. The 75-year-old author was stabbed at least once in the neck, and once in the abdomen, and is still in surgery, officials said during a Friday evening press conference. Watch the press conference here.

Scientists suspect the tangled object is likely pieces of shredded Dacron netting from the Perseverance itself.

"Dueling gravitational forces will trigger bursts of intense stellar formation and wildly distort their once-majestic structures," researchers said.

All over the globe, the Sturgeon moon gave viewers one last supermoon before 2023.

Etienne Klein apologized for misleading some Twitter followers with his "scientist's joke."

South Korea's first moon mission will search for ice in permanently shadowed polar craters.

An anonymous letter writer terrorizes a small town, threatening to expose their rumored dark secrets.

Inside the case against Steven Pankey, a former political candidate who was tried for the kidnapping and murder of a Colorado 12-year-old.

These colleges come with a hefty price tag

CDC data reveals which U.S. state has the highest rate of drug overdose-related deaths per 100,000 residents.

An inside look at the puzzling disappearance of the Florida millionaire

The FBI seized 11 sets of classified documents when it conducted the search on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate earlier this week. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan discussed the details of the search warrant, which was unsealed Friday.

Both parties are keeping a close eye on a crucial Pennsylvania race that could tip the balance of power in the Senate. Democratic Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman is running against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz. On Friday, Fetterman held his first rally since suffering a stroke in May. CBS News reporter Sarah Ewall-Wice has details on how the rally went.

Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper spoke exclusively with CBS News' Catherine Herridge after it was announced that the warrant to search Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home would be unsealed. Esper discussed the former president's handling of classified information, and U.S. relations with China and Iran.

Evidence of polio has been found in New York City's wastewater, weeks after a case was discovered in nearby Rockland County. Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Michigan Medical School, joins CBS News to explains the threat of the virus and steps people can take to protect themselves.

A federal judge has unsealed the search warrant that authorized the FBI search of former President Donald Trump's Florida home. The document reveals highly-classified documents were recovered from Mar-a-Lago, and indicates it's part of an investigation into possible violations of the Espionage Act. CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa reports, and then criminal defense attorney Joseph Tully joins CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge with more on the significance.

Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.