Choosing a DNA Test: What You’ll Learn and What to Watch Out For

Image of the author

By Ben Carter

Updated June 16, 2025
Blog Section Image
In-Depth Look

Choosing a DNA Test: What You’ll Learn and What to Watch Out For

The world of at-home DNA testing has exploded, offering unprecedented insights into our heritage and health with just a simple saliva sample. But as the options multiply, so do the questions. You're not just buying a product; you're unlocking personal information. Understanding the nuances, from the cost to the data privacy, is crucial before you choose a kit. This guide will walk you through what to expect, what to look for, and how to make an informed decision that's right for you.

The Core Question: How Much Is a DNA Test?

The price of a DNA test can vary significantly based on the type of information you're seeking. The most common kits are for ancestry, and their standard price is typically around $99. However, companies frequently run promotions, especially around holidays, where you can find these kits for as low as $49-$59. This is the entry point for most people.

If you want more than just ancestry, combined 'Ancestry + Health' kits are the next tier up, usually priced between $199 and $249. These provide everything the basic kit does, plus reports on genetic health risks, carrier status for inherited conditions, and wellness traits. For more specialized testing, like legal paternity tests or comprehensive medical sequencing, costs can rise to several hundred or even thousands of dollars, reflecting the need for medical-grade processing and professional oversight.

Beyond the Price: What Will You Actually Learn?

An ancestry report is the foundation of most consumer DNA tests. You'll receive an ethnicity estimate, breaking down your genetic heritage into percentages from various regions around the world. You'll also get access to a list of 'DNA relatives'—other users in the database who share DNA with you, allowing you to potentially find and connect with distant cousins. The specificity and accuracy of these results depend heavily on the size and diversity of the company's reference database.

Health and wellness reports offer a different layer of insight. These can screen for your genetic predisposition to certain conditions like Type 2 Diabetes or Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. They can also tell you if you are a 'carrier' for genetic conditions that you could pass on to your children, such as Cystic Fibrosis. While these reports can be empowering, they are not a medical diagnosis and should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Buyer Beware: Critical Factors to Watch Out For

Before you buy, it's essential to look past the marketing and consider the fine print. Your genetic data is highly personal, so understanding the company's privacy policy is paramount. Look for clear statements on how your data is stored, who can access it, and whether it will be shared with third parties like pharmaceutical companies. You should always have control over your own data.

Also, be aware of potential hidden costs. While the initial kit price might be low, some companies charge extra for shipping or offer subscription models to access more detailed traits or ongoing updates. Ensure you understand the total cost before committing. Finally, remember the emotional component. Uncovering family secrets or unexpected health information can be life-altering, so be prepared for any possibility.

Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing a DNA test is a personal journey. By understanding the costs, the potential discoveries, and the critical privacy considerations, you can select a service that aligns with your goals. Whether you're building your family tree or taking proactive steps for your health, the right test can be a powerful tool. Now that you understand the landscape, the next step is choosing the right kit. To see how the top services stack up on price, accuracy, and privacy, explore our comprehensive review of the best DNA tests on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of a paternity test for a child depends on its purpose. For at-home, informational use, kits typically range from $100 to $200. If you need a legally admissible result for court purposes, which requires professional sample collection and a strict chain of custody, the price increases to between $300 and $500. The higher cost reflects the additional verification and documentation required for legal proceedings.

Featured Reviews

Carousel Logo image
DNA Test Kits

What Will Your DNA Really Reveal?

Discover if FamilyTreeDNA is the right choice for your ancestry journey. Our expert FTDNA reviews cover its unique Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal tests.

Carousel Logo image
DNA Test Kits

Are At-Home DNA Tests Accurate?

Explore comprehensive Living DNA reviews. Discover its accuracy, features, and how it compares for ancestry and family history. Is Living DNA the right test for you?

Carousel Logo image
Subscription Vitamins & Preventive-Health Kits

Rootine: Vitamins Based On You?

Discover if Rootine's personalized vitamins, based on DNA, blood, and lifestyle data, are the right choice for your health goals. Our in-depth Rootine review covers features, benefits, and considerations.

Carousel Logo image
DNA Test Kits

A Smart First Screening Step?

Explore our in-depth LetsGetChecked colon cancer test review. Learn about accuracy, cost, and who benefits most from this at-home screening option.

Carousel Logo image
DNA Test Kits

Is Your DNA Data Really Safe?

Explore our comprehensive SelfDecode reviews. Discover how its DNA analysis, lab tests, and AI-powered reports help you optimize health and wellness.

Carousel Logo image
Subscription Vitamins & Preventive-Health Kits

Are Hum Vitamins Worth It?

Discover in-depth HUM Nutrition reviews. Learn about their vitamins and supplements, benefits, potential downsides, and if they're right for you. Consumers Best helps you decide.

Carousel Logo image
Subscription Vitamins & Preventive-Health Kits

Health Answers Sent To You?

Explore in-depth Everlywell reviews. Discover if Everlywell's at-home health tests offer the convenience and insights you need. Learn about features, costs, and who it's best for.

Stay up to date with the Latest Consumers Best Picks

The use of brand names and/or any mention or listing of specific commercial products or services herein is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by Consumer's Best or our partners, nor discrimination against similar brands, products or services not mentioned.

Advertising Disclosure: Consumer's Best is a free online resource that operates an advertising-supported comparison service. We may receive monetary compensation when a sponsored product or service is displayed on our site or when you click on certain links contained herein. Such compensation, together with our ranking process which uses advanced AI to analyze public data and the geographic availability of a product, can influence the placement, prominence, and order in which products appear within our listings. Although we endeavor to present a broad spectrum of financial and credit-related offerings, Consumer's Best does not purport to include every product or service available in the marketplace. All products are presented without warranty. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institution's Terms and Conditions. The information, including pricing, that appears on this site is subject to change at any time.