About AncestryDNA
AncestryDNA uses a home saliva sample to estimate your ancestral origins and connect you with DNA relatives. The basic kit includes a few traits; a genealogy subscription unlocks additional tools. It does not provide genetic-health screening.
Activate your kitMail your saliva sampleExplore origins and DNA matches
Offering
AncestryDNA Kit
$108.95
one-time
Ancestry and basic DNA matching
Three traits; no health-risk reports
Saliva DNA test for ancestral origins, DNA matches and three basic traits. No health-risk reports.
What’s included
Included
Ancestral Origins; DNA Matches
Traits
- Hereditary cancer assay scope
- Not included in the itemized ancestry/limited-traits purchase; no health-report gene assay or variant count applies. Underlying autosomal genotyping is not whole-gene health screening.
- Inherited heart assay scope
- Not included in the itemized ancestry/limited-traits purchase; no health-report gene assay or variant count applies. Underlying autosomal genotyping is not whole-gene health screening.
- Carrier screening assay scope
- Not included in the itemized ancestry/limited-traits purchase; no health-report gene assay or variant count applies. Underlying autosomal genotyping is not whole-gene health screening.
Before you buy
- Before collecting
- Follow the kit instructions. Brush teeth or use mouthwash 30 minutes before collection, then avoid food, drink, smoking and gum.
- Transplants
- Contact support if you received a bone-marrow or stem-cell transplant; donor DNA can affect results.
Results
Report
An example of the ancestry breakdown and regional map.
Official illustration- Results
- Ancestral-origin estimates, DNA matches and the basic traits included with the kit.
- Download
- Download genotype text in a ZIP through verified account access. DNA-match lists cannot be exported.
- Timing
- Usually within six weeks of lab receipt
Collection
Activate the kit, collect saliva at home and send it using the prepaid return mailer.
Reviews
What people praise
Helpful support when you get stuck
Customers praise patient staff who explain account features and walk through problems step by step, helping them continue their family research when something is confusing.
A rich family-history resource
Reviewers enjoy exploring a large collection of records and family connections, describing an approachable website that keeps giving them new information about their ancestors.
Stories
An AncestryDNA customer
Finding a father after 39 years
An AncestryDNA kit from his wife eventually connected this customer with a paternal cousin who helped identify his father. After years of searching and a delayed reply, they met by video call and began speaking every day.
reddit.comAn AncestryDNA customer
Connecting with a birth mother
Adopted as a child, this customer ordered AncestryDNA to learn about his background and found his biological mother among his closest matches. A newly discovered cousin helped them connect for an hour-long phone call, followed by a welcoming response from his birth family.
reddit.comThings to know
- Genealogy tools can cost extra.
Core DNA results remain available without a genealogy subscription; advanced tools are separate.
- External research is optional.
External research is optional, and DNA matching uses your sharing choices.
- A guardian manages a child’s kit.
Adults register their own kit; a parent or legal guardian manages a minor’s test.
Alternatives
African Ancestry · MatriClan
Traces one direct maternal African lineage rather than estimating ancestry across multiple family lines.
Est. $309CRI Genetics · Health + Ancestry
Adds genetic wellness reports to ancestry; matching depends on the CRI package rather than the standard AncestryDNA network.
$109.87FamilyTreeDNA · Family Finder
Another genealogy-matching service, using its own Family Finder database rather than Ancestry’s family-history platform.
$48.95Living DNA · Ancestry
Ancestry-only kit; no health reports.
Est. $99.95FAQs
Does this test assess health risks?
No. AncestryHealth was discontinued. This kit supplies ancestry and limited trait results, not disease-risk, carrier or medication reports.
Do I need a membership?
No for core ancestry results, basic matching and three traits. Full Traits and advanced genealogy tools can require another purchase or a renewing membership.
What happens after membership cancellation?
Core DNA results and three traits remain in a free account. Paid records and advanced tools become unavailable after expiry; previously purchased Traits can remain accessible.
Can I download my DNA?
Yes, genotype text in a ZIP after account verification. This is not whole-genome sequence data, and match lists cannot be exported.
Can I delete my data and sample?
Request DNA-data deletion and sample destruction separately. Legal retention, existing research and copies other users kept can limit removal. Deleting results does not cancel a membership.
Can I return the kit?
For a US direct purchase, request a refund and return the kit within 60 days of ordering, less $15 processing and shipping. Taxes on nonrefundable charges are also not refunded.


