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23andMe vs. Vitagene: Which DNA Test Kit Is Better?

Top10.com Staff
23andMe vs Vitagene
DNA testing kits have become more popular than ever, thanks to their affordability and convenience. Previous genealogical testing was expensive and inconvenient. Today the picture is completely different, and for around the cost of a week’s food shopping for 1 person, consumers can purchase a home DNA testing kit.

Genealogy DNA kits sold by companies such as Vitagene and 23andMe – who we compare in this article - collect DNA samples from either a person’s saliva or a swab of the inside of their cheek. Their labs then examine the customer’s DNA for genetic information and to offer insights on that customer’s ancestry.

Meet the DNA Test Providers

Best for
Insight into personal traits
Health insights and supplemental care
Sample collection type
Saliva sample
Cheek swab
Average time to results
6-8 weeks
4-6 weeks
Ethnicity estimates
45 worldwide populations
25 global regions
Tests offered
Genealogy, autosomal, Y-DNA, mtDNA
Autosomal, health
Family/cousin matching
Yes
No
Health screening
Yes
Yes
Price
$99
$99

23andMe

23andMe uses multiple software, hardware and physical security measures to protect the computers where it stores customer data. It also stores personal information and genetic data in separate locations, as per the industry’s security standards. It only includes customer data in its research with the customer’s consent.

Pros
Cons

Detailed reports full of genetic information

Doesn’t offer detailed health predictions

First company to offer DNA kits

Family tree data isn’t very comprehensive

Saliva-based genetic testing in 2007


Offers option of contacting DNA relatives


Vitagene

Vitagene is an emerging player in the DNA testing business, offering 3 tiered packages from a basic $49 package up to a detailed $149 package. In terms of delivery, Vitagene is very similar to 23andMe. Your DNA collection kit arrives within 3-5 days, although there isn’t an express shipping option. The kit will include instructions on how to provide a sample, which you will then to send back to the lab in a prepaid mailer. For the $49 health report, simply upload your existing DNA data (from 23andMe or AncestryDNA), complete a short lifestyle questionnaire, and you will receive your results within 1-2 weeks.

Like 23andMe, Vitagene places a lot of importance on security measures. It stores customer results and DNA samples without their name or other identifying information. As per the industry standard, it also destroys physical DNA saliva samples after analysis.

Pros
Cons

Offers multiple pricing tiers

Some complaints of health reports being generic

Health report is a cheaper option

Smaller database than some of its competitors

Features

When comparing the 2 providers, 23andMe stands out as the winner due to the sheer number of features. 23andMe’s service is built around its DNA report, which is one of the most comprehensive and detailed on the market. On the other hand, Vitagene offers a bunch of other features that some people might find handy – including a simple health report.

23andMe’s package offers a DNA report that includes the following features:

  • Ancestry composition plus analysis of how your DNA relates to other regions
  • Haplogroups allow you to trace your genealogy to specific individuals from more than 1,000 years ago
  • Share & compare function - share reports with family and friends
  • Neanderthal ancestry – find out how much of your DNA comes from Neanderthals
  • Your DNA family, including where these newfound relatives of yours live
  • A DNA relative finder, to get in touch with distant relatives who agree to be contacted
23andMe report

 Sample 23andMe Ancestry report

Vitagene offers its customers the following:

  • Ancestry breakdown - percentage breakdowns of your ancestry across different regions
  • Detailed diet report
  • Customized food plan
  • Detailed fitness plan
  • Tailored supplement plan for your DNA and lifestyle
  • Most expensive package includes a month’s worth of supplements based on your DNA findings.

Vitagene report

 Sample Vitagene Ancestry report

Winner: 23andMe

23andMe 23andMe Order Kit

Pricing

23andMe
Price
Ancestry Service
$99 20% off
Ancestry Service + Health
$199 20% off
Shipping & Handling - Standard
$9.95
Expedited Shipping
$36.95
Shipping & Handling - Global
Varies per country


Vitagene
Price
Health Report
$49
Health Report + Ancestry
$99
Wellness Bundle
$148

Although Vitagene offers the cheapest package at $49, 23andMe offers the best value when comparing the two companies’ $99 packages. Vitagene’s $49 health report is only available to those with existing DNA data from – and here’s the catch – 23andMe or AncestryDNA. Its $99 package includes a DNA test kit and ancestry report, as well as a health report. For its most expensive package, the $148 Wellness Bundle, it offers a health and ancestry report, plus 1 month of 4 personalized supplements.

Winner: 23andMe

23andMe 23andMe Order Kit

Speed of Results

If speed is your priority, Vitagene wins out. Vitagene promises to make your results available on your online dashboard within 4-6 weeks of receiving your sample. 23andMe takes longer, and it is committed to making your report available on your online account within 6-8 weeks.

Winner: Vitagene

Vitagene Vitagene Order Kit

Detail of Results

What 23andMe lacks in speed it makes up for in sheer detail. As mentioned in our features comparison: 23andMe offers a comprehensive, readable report of your ancestry and DNA, including your origins and DNA composition, with a breakdown between 150 different regions around the world. On the other hand, Vitagene’s service is angled towards consumers who are more interested in health data, and therefore its DNA report is noticeably lighter on details.

Winner: 23andMe

23andMe 23andMe Order Kit

Size of Database

As one of the largest players in direct-to-consumer DNA genealogy, 23andMe can draw on a database of more than 3 million genotyped customers worldwide. This gives it a strong advantage over its competitors, as it has a lot of data to draw on when assessing the genealogy of new customers, and it can more easily match you up with distant relatives from around the world. Vitagene doesn’t disclose the size of its database, but as it is a newer player in the market – it’s reasonable to assume its database is smaller than 23andMe.

Winner: 23andMe

23andMe 23andMe Order Kit

The Verdict

23andMe wins out in a comparison of DNA and ancestry analysis, as it offers the most comprehensive services on the market.

If you’re interested in both a detailed ancestry breakdown and a health report, then you might want to consider using both companies: start with the 23andMe DNA testing kit for $99, which gives you a detailed breakdown of your genealogy; once you get your results, sign up for Vitagene’s $49 health report, and upload your 23andMe DNA results to Vitagene’s online system to get your results. This combined method costs $149, and delivers the best of both worlds – comprehensive DNA analysis, and a tailored health plan.

Overall Winner: 23andMe

23andMe 23andMe Order Kit

Top10.com Staff
Top10.com's editorial staff is a professional team of editors and writers with dozens of years of experience covering consumer, financial and business products and services.