Best Genetic Tests of 2026
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Genetic tests are a type of medical test that examines a person's DNA to determine if they have any genetic mutations or predispositions to certain diseases. These tests can provide valuable information about a person's health and help them make more informed decisions about their lifestyle and medical care. Genetic tests can also be used to identify inherited conditions in families and help individuals understand their risk of passing on these conditions to their children. While genetic testing can be a powerful tool, it is important for individuals to understand the limitations and potential risks of these tests before undergoing them.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Genetic Tests
AncestryDNA + Traits Test
Discover your DNA story with AncestryDNA + Traits Test by following a few simple steps. In roughly six to eight weeks, you can explore how your genes might have influenced a range of appearance, sensory, fitness, nutrient, and other personal characteristics with 35+ of your most interesting traits. You can also get a more precise ethnicity estimate with greater geographic detail and in-depth historical insights that connects you to the places in the world where your story started. With an Ancestry subscription, you can combine what you learn from your DNA with over 100 million family trees and billions of records for more insight into your genealogy and origins. When you send in your DNA test kit, Ancestry employs industry-standard security measures in all stages of the process, work to protect your data, and give you control over it—with data encryption, secure databases, and easy-to-use controls.
AncestryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test
Discover your DNA story and ancestry with AncestryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test. In a few simple steps, activate your DNA kit online and send the sample to the lab for analysis. Get an ethnicity estimate with greater geographic detail, in-depth historical insights, and side view technology to show the ethnicities passed down from each parent. Combine the DNA results with an Ancestry subscription for access to millions of family trees and billions of records, and build your own family tree. AncestryDNA protects your privacy with industry-standard security measures and secure databases.
5Strands Food Intolerance Hair Test Kit
The 5Strands Food Intolerance Test helps you discover which foods might be causing uncomfortable symptoms like headaches or bloating by analyzing your body's reaction to a wide range of foods. This test covers 658 common food items across 14 categories, giving you a thorough look at potential triggers. It’s simple to use—just register your kit online, collect a small hair sample, and send it to the lab with prepaid shipping. You’ll get your results in just 4 days, clearly showing which foods you should avoid or limit. This makes it easier for you to create a diet that supports your digestive health and eases symptoms.
23andMe Ancestry + Traits Service DNA Test Kit
Discover your ancestry to the 0.1% across 2000+ geographic regions with the 23andMe Ancestry + Traits Service DNA Test Kit. Opt-in to DNA Relative Finder to connect with people who share your DNA, and automatically build your family tree. Get personalized trait reports from 30+ reports that uncover how your genes make you unique. The process is simple and easy, all from home with no blood or needles required. Your data is encrypted, protected, and under your control.
HomePaternity DNA Paternity Test Kit
The HomePaternity DNA Test offers a simple way to confirm biological relationships from the comfort of your home. It uses cheek swabs to collect DNA samples from both the child and the possible father, making sample collection easy and non-invasive. You’ll benefit from fast results, as the kit includes a prepaid FedEx overnight return shipping, and results are typically ready within 1-2 days after the lab receives the samples. This test provides high accuracy by examining up to 34 genetic markers, giving you over 99.999% confidence in the results. The process is straightforward and reliable, helping you get clear answers quickly and conveniently.
23andMe Health + Ancestry Service
Discover more about your health and ancestry with the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service. This at-home DNA test kit provides personalized genetic insights and tools that can help you make informed decisions about your health. The health features include reports on your genetic predispositions to certain health conditions, wellness insights based on your DNA, and carrier status reports for inherited health conditions. The simple and easy testing process involves collecting a saliva sample using the provided kit and sending it back to the lab. Your data is private and protected, ensuring that you are in control of what you want to learn and share.
AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit
AncestryDNA Test Kit offers a unique DNA experience by revealing your origins in over 2,600 global regions and connecting you with living relatives. With a 3-month "World Explorer" membership, access billions of family history records. By combining DNA results with an Ancestry subscription, you can build your family tree and explore millions of family trees and records online. Get precise ethnicity estimates with detailed geographic information and see matches by parental side using SideView technology. Your data is protected with industry-standard security measures.
Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit
The Genetrace DNA Paternity Test offers a straightforward way for you to confirm a man’s biological relationship to a child. It covers all lab fees and shipping, so you won’t face unexpected costs. The test delivers secure and private results quickly, usually within 1-2 business days after the lab receives your samples. Collecting your DNA is simple and painless, using mouth swabs—no needles or doctor visits needed. You just send the samples back with the prepaid envelope, making the whole process easy and convenient for you.
Wisdom Panel Complete Cat DNA Test
The Wisdom Panel Cat DNA Test gives you a detailed look into your cat’s background by identifying over 70 breeds and populations, helping you understand your pet better than ever. It also screens for 45 genetic health conditions, so you can spot potential risks early and get expert advice from veterinary genetics specialists if needed. You’ll learn about 25+ physical traits, revealing why your cat looks the way it does and how to care for its unique features. Plus, knowing your cat’s blood type prepares you for emergencies like blood transfusions, offering peace of mind for your pet’s wellbeing.
MyHeritage DNA Test Kit: Genetic Testing for Ancestry & Ethnicity
The MyHeritage DNA Test Kit offers a high-resolution breakdown of 42 ethnicities and pinpoints your origins among 2,114 geographic regions, revealing the paths your ancestors traveled over generations. The simple cheek swab can be collected at home and results are delivered via a fun, animated experience within 3-4 weeks. The huge global database enables DNA matching to relatives all over the world, and the highest privacy standards ensure that you are the sole owner of your data and all of your information is encrypted. Combining your DNA results with a MyHeritage plan allows access to advanced DNA features and billions of historical records as you build your family tree and discover your family history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What can be detected with genetic testing?
Genetic testing can detect various conditions, including Down syndrome, Huntington's disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, phenylketonuria, colon (colorectal) cancer, and breast cancer. These tests analyze an individual's genetic makeup to identify specific genetic mutations or variations associated with these conditions.
2. What are 2 common types of genetic testing?
Two common types of genetic testing are molecular tests and chromosomal tests. Molecular tests examine changes in one or more genes, while chromosomal tests analyze whole chromosomes or long lengths of DNA to identify large-scale changes. Additionally, gene expression tests can determine which genes are turned on or off in different types of cells.
3. Is there a genetic test for Ehlers Danlos syndrome?
For rarer forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, genetic tests on a blood sample can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. However, for the most common form, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, there is currently no genetic testing available.
4. What are 7 genetic disorders?
Some examples of genetic disorders include albinism, Angelman syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, Apert syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cystic fibrosis (CF), and Down syndrome. These disorders are caused by genetic mutations and can lead to various physical and intellectual disabilities.
5. What Cannot be detected in a genetic test?
Genetic testing can provide limited information about an inherited condition. It cannot determine if a person will show symptoms of a disorder, the severity of the symptoms, or the progression of the disorder over time. Other factors, such as environmental influences, can also play a role in the development and manifestation of genetic disorders.
6. What is the most common genetic testing?
Newborn screening is one of the most common uses of genetic testing. Almost every newborn in the U.S. undergoes genetic testing for several genetic diseases as part of early detection and intervention efforts. This widespread screening aims to identify potential genetic conditions early on to initiate appropriate medical care and support.
7. What is the most specific genetic test?
Genome sequencing is considered the most comprehensive and specific genetic test. It examines an individual's entire DNA sequence, providing detailed information about their genetic makeup. By analyzing all of a person's DNA, genome sequencing can identify specific genetic variants or mutations associated with various conditions or diseases.
8. Is Ehlers-Danlos inherited from mother or father?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can be inherited through autosomal recessive inheritance, specifically for kyphoscoliotic EDS. In this case, the faulty gene responsible for the condition is inherited from both parents. Each child of these parents has a 1 in 4 chance of developing the condition.
9. Can 23 and me detect Ehlers-Danlos?
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing services like 23andMe and Ancestry.com are not suitable for diagnosing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder. These tests typically analyze a limited number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and do not provide information on pathogenic genetic variants associated with these conditions.
10. What are the top 10 most common genetic disorders?
Some of the top 10 most common genetic disorders include Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Fragile X syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Triple-X syndrome, Turner syndrome, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. These disorders result from genetic abnormalities and can lead to various physical and developmental challenges.
11. What are the top 5 most common genetic disorders?
Some of the top 5 most common genetic disorders include Down syndrome, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and sickle cell anemia. These disorders are caused by genetic mutations and can have significant impacts on an individual's health and quality of life.
During our genetic test research, we found 24 genetic test products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 865,585 customer reviews through our big data system to write the genetic tests list. We found that most customers choose genetic tests with an average price of $116.93.
The genetic tests are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of genetic tests, including AncestryDNA, 5Strands, 23andMe, HomePaternity, Genetrace. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 825 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Elisa Drew is a really professional copywriter specializing in baby products with five years of experience working as a pediatrician once. She has published a series of baby books purchased by over thirty thousand people in the United States.