HomeDNA VS Family Tree DNA

UPDATED Apr. 2024
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After making the initial decision to explore your ancestry and genetic origins, you are faced with a multitude of nuances, separating one ancestry DNA testing company from the next. HomeDNA and Family Tree DNA are both excellent choices for the task at hand, but one will certainly come out on top once you identify your specific needs and expectations. Their services, although high-quality and professional, differ in small but important aspects, even though they seemingly do the same thing. Our comparison will help you spot those differences between HomeDNA and Family Tree DNA, allowing you to make an optimal and fully personalized choice.

HomeDNA
All DNA tests in one place
VS
Family Tree DNA
The most in-depth ancestry insights

Highlights

HomeDNA
HomeDNA was founded by DDC as a multi-purpose platform for ancestry, health, and animal DNA testing. The company provides a broad spectrum of 100% accurate and error-free testing solutions.
  • State-of-the-art testing facility with robotics technology
  • Multitude of genetic tests with quick turnaround times
  • Highly skilled scientific team and effective user support
  • Price: $39.00
  • Shipping:
Family Tree DNA
Family Tree DNA is a product of several industry giants aiming to build the ultimate DNA testing enterprise. They offer the greatest number of separate tests alongside cutting-edge technology.
  • The widest array of different DNA tests on the market
  • Free updates of your test results after the initial order
  • Free transfer of raw data from AncestryDNA & 23andME
  • Price: $79.00
  • Shipping:Worldwide

Compare Features

HomeDNA
Tests
HomeDNA Ancestry
Sample Collection Type
swab
Genetic Markers Checked
100
Geographic Regions Covered
4
Ancestral Makeup Report
Paternal Lineage
Maternal Lineage
Neanderthal Percentage
Native American DNA Coverage
Jewish DNA Coverage
Cousin matching
Database Size
Family Tree Integration
Chromosome Browser
Health Report
Average Result Time
2-4 Weeks
Research Participation
Raw Data Upload
Raw Data Download
Technology
STR/13 CODIS loci
Privacy and Security
HomeDNA only collects the data required to provide its services and will never disclose it to any third parties, including online marketing services. Data storage is based on HIPAA rules and regulations
Family Tree DNA
Tests
Family Tree DNA offers the following ancestry DNA testing solutions: - Family Finder - Y-DNA - mtDNA Depending on the test, your final report will include information about your autosomal ancestry as well as direct paternal and maternal lineages.
Sample Collection Type
Mouth Swab
Genetic Markers Checked
690,000
Geographic Regions Covered
22 Worldwide Regions
Ancestral Makeup Report
Paternal Lineage
Maternal Lineage
Neanderthal Percentage
Native American DNA Coverage
Jewish DNA Coverage
Cousin matching
Database Size
500,000
Family Tree Integration
Chromosome Browser
Health Report
Average Result Time
4-10 Weeks
Research Participation
Raw Data Upload
Raw Data Download
Technology
Illumina OmniExpress
Privacy and Security
With each Family Tree DNA test kit, you get a unique ID number you should use to access your final report. This means that not even the company's staff will know your identity while processing your sample and generating your report. Additionally, Family Tree DNA follows the standards set by The European Commission's Directive on Data Protection, so your personal data will never be stored, sold, leased or shared with third parties.

Compare Ratings

HomeDNA
FINAL RATING
8.6/10
Scope Of DNA Test(s)
Test Processing Times
Privacy & Security
Value For Money
Overall Experience
Family Tree DNA
FINAL RATING
9.6/10
Scope Of DNA Test(s)
Test Processing Times
Privacy & Security
Value For Money
Overall Experience

Compare User Reviews

HomeDNA
  • Submitted By Nicholas Watson on 09/05/2018
    The kit is very easy to use and I managed to collect my sample in under a minute following the instructions. I’ll post an update here once I receive my results regarding the accuracy. The user support could be a bit quicker, though, but at least the answers I received were very knowledgeable instead of something generic I usually get from companies like this one.
  • Submitted By Edward Allen on 08/21/2018
    I was always fascinated with history of different parts of the world and how people who live there now aren’t originally from those parts. HomeDNA test showed some results I already suspected it would, but also gave me a lot of information I wouldn’t dream of. Highly recommend it to everyone interested in their family history and origins.
  • Submitted By Jodah Davidson on 05/25/2018
    I spent 70 bucks on the "HomeDNA™ Starter Ancestry Test." My results consisted of an animation that highlights hot-spots that they claim I originate from. "91% European" with Tunisia indicated as my top European region. First off Tunisia isn't European, it's North African.... Secondly, I have at best trace North African ancestry that is around 1% on 23andMe. They also claim I'm 3% Mexican and 6% East Asian from Thailand, both are totally incorrect, and wildly inaccurate. Their test doesen't even allow for raw data download. So in closing, "HomeDNA™ Starter Ancestry Test," is a total ripoff and about as accurate and helpful as a free ancestry app or a 5$ dollar app on many sites.
  • Submitted By Ann Rice on 08/21/2017
    Great service and quick results with just a ton of information.
Family Tree DNA
  • Submitted By tonni chinn on 11/11/2019
    I had My mother my aunt and Me, I have found this site is very difficult to navigate and get any use ful information form the test we have done ( $+ 1,000.00) an constant up selling. of Which I would Neved use this sit again. There are Much better sites easy to use and with more information
  • Submitted By Lisa Rollins on 04/02/2019
    My boyfriend and I mailed in our Family Tree DNA results together on same day. My boyfriend rec'd notice from FT DNA about 1 week later that his kit was rec'd and he got his test results back in about 3 weeks. It took about 3 or 4 weeks for FTDNA just to send me notice that my kit was received and after two (2) months, I still have not gotten any results back. I had to contact them as I received no word or any explanation. I asked for a refund as I do not trust results at this point and I was told that my kit was just caught up in a "general delay" and they "don't do refunds". Why it took my boyfriend 3 weeks and here I am 9 weeks later... still waiting in SC.
  • Submitted By Laurie Bates on 04/02/2019
    I sent my DNA in which was received on Feb. 25, the timetable for my results was March, then their was a delay posting and they would not get to my DNA for processing until April 1-15. Now today, April 2, there is a posting that there is another delay with dates to get to my DNA for processing is April 15 - April 30. What is up with these delays? I tried their chat at 11:30am, and found them off line. I have never seen such run around for DNA testing, this is not my first time. With their chat off and these delays, I'm thinking I got taken to the cleaners with this one. No legit company comes up with such delays going out past 60 days and turns off their chat during listed business hours. So from my experience, don't spend money for something that will just be delayed over and over. I am extremely disappointed. I have to list at least 1 star in order to post, otherwise, there would be minus stars.
  • Submitted By ARCADIO DE JESUS on 01/25/2019
    I have done testing with 23andMe, Ancestry an and FTDNA, and believe me, there isn't any way, that 23andMe and Ancestry can compare, with FTDNA. If you test your DNA with FTDNA, and you give them the ok, they will send it to National Geographic for more testing.

Winner

Family Tree DNA is a clear-cut winner for anyone aiming at far-reaching research. The abundance of tests and bundled packages - alongside innovative tools and a widespread community - offers in-depth ancestry insights and relative-matching possibilities. Learn all about the service in our comprehensive Family Tree DNA review.

* All the prices on this website are subject to change without notice. While we put a great deal of effort into making sure that all the prices are accurate, one or more products may have outdated prices. Please visit the specific product’s official website for exact prices.
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