The Best DNA Testing Kits

DNA Tests‍

Home DNA test kits are a hugely popular way of tracing your heritage, getting in touch with your ancestry, and even identifying family traits and potential health markers to keep an eye on!

However, there are millions of DNA tests to choose from, some significantly more reliable (and affordable) than others. 

Best10Scout has launched a dedicated DNA testing review team to showcase the best options out there and explain what to expect for the price.‍

Choosing a Reliable DNA Testing Service

Before you buy any DNA test kit, it's essential to determine what's involved in the cost and the scope of the report you will receive back.

Some test kits provide a wealth of data to help you understand the story behind your DNA, whereas others focus on a limited range and won't be useful if you're researching your family history.

Examples include:

• Heritage DNA tests to tell you more about who you are and where your family originates! There are basic services (which might vaguely indicate a continent) and others that are hugely precise.
• Community DNA tests are even more exact and may help you connect with other test participants who share common genes!
• Health risk DNA testing is valuable for people without any idea of the prevailing conditions in their families. It can help identify things in your genetic code that might make you more susceptible to specific illnesses - and take preventative steps to avoid them.
• Family planning DNA tests are designed to find out whether you have genes that you might pass onto children, both positive and negative.

One factor to point out is that DNA tests are a private testing process and aren't suitable to resolve any issues around paternity or family connections.

Those tests are usually only available with the consent of all parties and won't be legally valid without it.‍

What to Expect From a Home DNA Test Kit

If you haven't taken a DNA test before, it's important to do your research before placing an order.

Some DNA tests rely on cheek swabs, and others request a blood sample, so make sure you're comfortable with the testing process before proceeding.

It's also essential to look into the costs.

Typically, you'll get a simplified testing package with the option to add further reports. You won't normally need to submit additional samples but can expand the detail in the information you get back.

The key is to consider why you're interested in a DNA test and check out independent reviews to find the companies offering the highest accuracy in that area, with the quickest turnaround and the most competitive cost.

Timescales also vary.

You might be looking at anything from a week to a month before receiving your results, so if you want to speed up your investigations, compare the turnaround times before you commit.‍

Finding Value for Money DNA Tests

With so much interest in our health, ancestry and family history, there are countless DNA test kits out there.

Still, as we've mentioned, some aren't accurate enough to be of benefit, and others command extremely high prices.

The best way to ensure you choose a reliable, trustworthy DNA test that delivers precise reports is to consult the Best10Index.

Our independent reviewers try every service first-hand to get a firm idea about the quality of the test, how the process works, and whether the results are worth paying for.

For access to the best DNA test kits in the UK, please visit our rankings for a fast-track solution!