AncestryDNA
- Largest DNA network, so the best chance of spotting shared relatives
- Often on sale, especially around holidays
- Easy raw-data download that works with our check
The big three, compared.
| Kit | Best for | Health reports | Raw data download | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AncestryDNA Our pick for most couples | The biggest DNA database, so the best relative matching. Frequently on sale. | Optional add-on | Yes | See price |
| 23andMe If you also want health reports | Ancestry plus optional health and trait reports. Changed ownership in 2025. | Yes, on higher tiers | Yes | See price |
| MyHeritage DNA If your family is outside the US | Strong in Europe and Israel, with good international family-tree tools. | Optional add-on | Yes | See price |
Checking whether you're siblings? Read the sibling DNA test guide. FamilyTreeDNA files work with our check too. Prices change weekly, so we link to each brand's current offer instead of listing prices that go stale.
How to download
your raw DNA file.
This is the file our check uses. It's a zipped text file, usually 5 to 25 MB. Menus move around, but it's always under settings.
AncestryDNA
- Go to DNA, then Settings
- Under Actions, choose Download DNA data
- Confirm the link in your email
23andMe
- Open your profile Settings
- Find 23andMe Data
- Request and download your raw data
MyHeritage
- Go to DNA, then Manage DNA kits
- Open the kit's menu
- Choose Download
FamilyTreeDNA
- Open your Family Finder results
- Choose Download Raw Data
- Pick the build 37 file
Got both files?
Drop both into the free check and get one answer in seconds. It runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
DNA kit questions.
Which DNA test is best for checking if two people are related?
Any of the big three works, because what matters is the raw data file. AncestryDNA is usually the best value and has the largest database. Both partners do not need to use the same company if you compare files with us.
Can two people use different DNA test companies?
Yes. Companies only match you against their own customers, so an Ancestry user and a 23andMe user will never see each other. Upload both raw files to us and we compare them directly.
How long do DNA test results take?
Usually 4 to 8 weeks from when the lab receives your sample.
How do I download my raw DNA data?
AncestryDNA: DNA, then Settings, then Download DNA data. 23andMe: Settings, then 23andMe Data. MyHeritage: DNA, Manage DNA kits, then Download. FamilyTreeDNA: Autosomal DNA results, then Download Raw Data.
Is a DNA test kit a good couples gift?
It's become a popular one. Two kits, two spit tubes, and one very definitive answer to "wait, are we related?"
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy a kit through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which kit we recommend: we pick based on database size, price and whether the raw data works with our check.