๐ฌ๐ง EN โพ
The choice of provider depends mainly on the size of their database (a larger database means a higher probability of matches) and the geographical representation of test subjects. The main providers are:
Ancestry DNA: The largest provider (over 24 million test subjects), with the most users from the USA. For the European market, they use a warehouse in Ireland, which reduces customs complications.
23andMe: Formerly a large provider (over 14 million test subjects). The company went bankrupt in 2025 and was acquired by Regeneron. We currently do not recommend testing with this provider; existing users are advised to download raw data and delete their account.
MyHeritage DNA: Very popular in Europe (9 million test subjects). The advantage is easy shipping within the EU, which reduces costs and postal complications. This was my first test.
FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA): A medium-sized provider (2 million test subjects), which is unique because in addition to the autosomal test (Family Finder), it also offers specialized Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. A great advantage is that you can later order additional tests on the same sample without resubmitting. The disadvantage, however, is logistics, as shipping from and to the USA often causes customs complications.
A significant difference among providers is the availability of a Chromosome Browser, which allows for more precise analysis of matches and triangulation of shared DNA segments. AncestryDNA does not have it, MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA do.
For comparing matches between different providers, the free tool GEDmatch is available, where you can upload raw data and find common matches with people who tested with another provider.
FTDNA allows importing raw data from AncestryDNA or MyHeritage for a small additional fee. This is an excellent option to access the FTDNA database and its advanced features (including Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroups) without resubmitting a sample to the USA. Details about the Y-DNA haplogroup are described on the Y-DNA page.