Since its launch in 2012, AncestryDNA has become one of the top DNA testing companies in the US and the world, providing specific and never-before-seen information about people's roots. However, if you want to account for cost and accurate family trees, you may want to consider other options.
January 2, 2023
AncestryDNA has a powerful matching feature, making it sometimes a bit overwhelming to sort through all the information it offers.
So, in this article, we discuss 5 of these AncestryDNA alternatives to help you learn more about your genealogy, highlighting their features and who they are best for.
» Want to learn more about your genealogy? Check out our top 10 picks for the best DNA testing sites and services.
MyHeritage DNA - Best for finding distant relatives
LivingDNA - Best for deep ancestry research
OneGreatFamily - Best for tracing ancestral trees
Findmypast - Best for researching ancestors
Legacy Tree - Best for uncovering information about family genealogy
A genealogical platform for research on ethnicity and ancestry
Best for: Finding distant relatives and revealing ethnic background
Starting price: 14-day free trial, ~$7.42 p/m charged at $89 annually
MyHeritage DNA is a genealogical platform that helps you find distant relatives and stands out for its ability to trace a family's roots through autosomal DNA tests. It works based on proofs that show that you can determine your ancestry using DNA samples.
Most African-Americans wonder about their roots because they likely have ancestors from different parts of Africa. If this sounds like you, you can use MyHeritage DNA to accurately research your African American roots and help you connect with distant relatives worldwide with the results. If finding distant relatives is most important to you in a DNA test kit, then you should try these MyHeritage alternatives.
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A DNA testing company that focuses on DNA analysis and ancestral research
Best for: Finding information about your family's history and well-being
Starting price: No free trial, from $119 for a starter kit
As one of the cheapest DNA testing kits, LivingDNA conducts laser-focused and tailored research into your ancestry, using autosomal DNA testing for genealogical research.
In addition to offering ancestral reports in different biogeographical zones, LivingDNA also provides family tree-building features to help you connect with DNA relatives. This process takes on average about 6-8 weeks (at most, 12 weeks), after which you can track your results online through your LivingDNA account.
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» Preserve your cultural heritage by researching your African-American roots.
An online family tree builder for organizing family history
Best for: Building accurate family tree builders and tracing ancestry trees
Starting price: 7-day free trial, from $14.95 monthly
With over 190 million ancestors' names in its database, OneGreatFamily is one of the best family tree builders. It is also the world's largest family tree. With OneGreatFamily, you'll get accurate results when tracing your ancestral roots.
Although they only give you genealogical information about your ancestral roots, it's still a reliable family tree guide to genetic genealogy. It creates a giant family tree by merging yours with other existing family trees on the platform. DNA matching is the primary basis for this process. This way, you can connect with DNA relatives on the platform.
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UK-based online genealogy service for tracing ancestry
Best for: Conducting ancestral research and finding long-lost relatives
Starting price: 14-day free trial, from $14.95 monthly
Findmypast is an online genealogy research platform that centers on the British and Irish populations. It has over 2 billion digitized ancestral records and is one the best platforms for researching ancestors and long-lost relatives. It uses the 1921 census report and the birth, death, and marriage index to provide information about past relatives.
Findmypast is perfect for DIY genealogical research, and if you're interested in tracing your genealogy using the census, they provide all the necessary resources. The best part is that you can also build a family tree using free resources on the site while you research.
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» First time researching your ancestry? Learn more about the best tips for genetic genealogy beginners.
A team of genealogical researchers focusing on family histories
Best for: Uncovering information about family history
Starting price: $1,200-$10,800
Unlike the others, Legacy Tree is a team of expert genealogists researching your family history using your DNA test results. Due to the quality of service they provide, they own the record of being one of the highest-rated research companies around.
They have access to the world's largest family history library. So they match your DNA test results with existing data in this library to uncover your family's past. In addition, Legacy Tree personalizes and tailors the research process to your family, improving the results' accuracy.
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Aside from its complex database and overwhelming matching features, there are a few other reasons to choose these alternatives over AncestryDNA.
Although AncestryDNA's family tree builder is free, you can only add ancestors you know, making it limited for genealogical research. Whereas with alternatives like OneGreatFamily, you can better build a family tree connecting you with DNA relatives.
AncestryDNA offers extensive family-matching features. However, AncestryDNA only conducts autosomal DNA tests, so you cannot use it for in-depth ethnicity research. Other companies like LivingDNA take it further with autosomal mtDNA and Y-DNA tests, which are resourceful for ethnicity research.
Although AncestryDNA has features to help you find ancestors, sometimes results are vague. Alternatives like Findmypast help you find past relatives down to their addresses instead of limiting your search to towns.
AncestryDNA is resourceful and one of the market's best DNA tests for genealogical research. However, you may want to seek other alternatives for better and more streamlined results.
So, Legacy Tree is your best bet if you want more personalized results. Also, choosing MyHeritage DNA is advisable if you're African American, while LivingDNA works great for the British population.
» Learn more about preserving your family history.
Margaret Etudo is a medical writer specializing in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and various medical fields, with a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree in progress at the University of Lagos. Her experience includes crafting articles for top10.com, WebMD, and Medical News Today, where she exhibits her ability to simplify complex topics in areas like respiratory, mental, and sexual health. Margaret makes it her mission to break down complex medical information for the everyday reader.
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