HomeDNA VS The Genealogist

UPDATED Oct. 2024
Table Of Contents+
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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. The Genealogist and HomeDNA 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 The Genealogist and HomeDNA, allowing you to make an optimal and fully personalized choice.

The Genealogist
Genealogy plus Family Tree DNA portfolio
VS
HomeDNA
All DNA tests in one place

Highlights

The Genealogist
The Genealogist is a genealogy-centered website operated by Genealogy Supplies (Jersey) Limited and partnered with Family Tree DNA in order to complement its service with ancestry DNA testing.
  • Offers an extensive list of genealogical sources and data sets
  • Family Tree DNA testing portfolio, staff, and processing lab
  • Solid privacy & security policy and worldwide shipping
  • Price: $142.43
  • Shipping:
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:

Compare Features

The Genealogist
Tests
Sample Collection Type
Genetic Markers Checked
Geographic Regions Covered
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
Research Participation
Raw Data Upload
Raw Data Download
Technology
Privacy and Security
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

Compare Ratings

The Genealogist
FINAL RATING
9.1/10
Scope Of DNA Test(s)
Test Processing Times
Privacy & Security
Value For Money
Overall Experience
HomeDNA
FINAL RATING
8.6/10
Scope Of DNA Test(s)
Test Processing Times
Privacy & Security
Value For Money
Overall Experience

Compare User Reviews

The Genealogist
  • Submitted By RLF on 09/21/2018
    I'm an American. I subscribed to the The Genealogist UK based on glowing online reviews like those found here. I'm truly baffled by the praise this website receives. The only resource that was of even marginal pertinence to me was the PCC wills. I was able to glean a few useful bits from those. But, other than that, I was disappointed by their other paltry offerings. For example, they will link to articles in books and journals, but those are already available for free through: Google Books, HathiTrust, and Archive.Org. Even their births, marriages and deaths are free at Familysearch. I was really hoping they would have wills and other local county records that simply can't be found outside of the UK. Another example: I learned through my research that the Hertfordshire Archives have wills that aren't covered by the PCC records or available in printed form or online. This is also true of most other English counties. There is a wealth of county probate information locked away in these records. These are the sort of records I need to see to do adequate research. This is what I was hoping to find at the Genealogist. If they do not offer these there's no point is spending my money here. One final point -- I think that there may be many researchers who, when they see what is offered here, go away with the impression that that is all there is. Nothing could be further from the truth.
  • Submitted By Alex Miller on 12/28/2017
    Tell me if I'm missing something here but isn't family tree dna cheaper like a lot??
  • Submitted By Indiana George on 11/18/2017
    I ordered from the Genealogist website, I get notification my fam. tree dna account is ready, my credit card says something else... What's going on here guys?!
  • Submitted By Jean Patrick on 10/12/2017
    Great service! Took a while to get the final results but that didn't diminish the overall experience for me.
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.

Winner

The Genealogist is a website under the corporate umbrella of Genealogy Supplies (Jersey) Limited dedicated to genealogical research and complemented with ancestry DNA testing. The genetic piece of the puzzle is provided by none other than Family Tree DNA. Read more about this promising partnership in our in-depth review of The Genealogist and its services.

* 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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