DNA testing companies
Here is a list of genetic genealogy resources including testing, books, and more. This list will be updated as new resources become available. If you have a resource you’d like to add, contact us at the Commonalities Project.
Ancestry If you haven’t tested your DNA yet, start here. Ancestry maintains the largest testing database, dramatically increasing your chances of finding family connections. Their integrated family tree builder seamlessly links DNA matches to genealogical records, and their digitized historical document collection is unmatched for building comprehensive family histories.
23andme With the second-largest user database, 23andMe serves as an ideal complement to other DNA tests. Beyond standard ancestry analysis, the company offers optional health and trait reports, providing insights into genetic health predispositions alongside your genealogical discoveries.
MyHeritage MyHeritage hosts the third-largest DNA database and continues expanding rapidly. The platform is particularly popular among European testers, making it invaluable for connecting with relatives in countries where DNA testing is permitted. Their extensive collection of digitized international records strengthens research capabilities beyond North America.
FamilyTreeDNA While FamilyTreeDNA maintains a smaller database than competitors, it offers specialized testing unavailable elsewhere. The company provides multiple levels of Y-DNA testing for paternal lineage research and mtDNA testing for maternal lines. Their detailed haplogroup analysis helps trace your ancient ancestral migration patterns thousands of years into the past.
GEDmatch This free third-party platform allows users to upload raw DNA data from any testing company for cross-database comparison. GEDmatch provides advanced tools including one-to-many matching, one-to-one segment comparison, X-DNA analysis, relationship probability calculators, and admixture projects—making it essential for serious genetic genealogy research.
Books
The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine T. Bettinger will help you better understand DNA tests and how to interpret the results. This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing the right test to analyzing your matches and building evidence-based conclusions. Whether you’re just starting your DNA journey or looking to deepen your understanding, Bettinger’s clear explanations make complex genetic concepts accessible. Don’t have time to read? You can also find it on Audible!
Genetic Genealogy in Practice, by Blaine T. Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne gives you practical, easy-to-understand information that can be applied to either your personal research or understanding the research that someone else does for you. They delve into Y-DNA, X-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA by analyzing the testing and application of these tests and the conclusions one can draw from them. The book uses real-world case studies to demonstrate methodology, making it invaluable for both beginners and experienced researchers. It’s structured as a workbook with exercises that help you apply concepts immediately to your own family mysteries.
DNA and Cold Case Resolution
Othram Some people may be looking for family members who were victims of crimes or unidentified individuals who died without identification. Forensic DNA testing is revolutionizing how these cases are solved, helping to identify victims and connect them with their families after years or even decades.
Founded by David Mittelman in 2018, Othram specializes in forensic-grade genome sequencing that can extract usable DNA from extremely degraded samples—cases where traditional DNA testing methods fail. The company estimates there are 50,000 to 75,000 unidentified human remains in the United States alone, representing families still searching for answers about missing loved ones.
Othram is revolutionizing how forensic cases are solved, justice is served, and families are mended. Their advanced sequencing technology has helped solve cold cases dating back decades, giving closure to families who never stopped searching. They work with law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and coroners across the country to bring cutting-edge DNA technology to cases that were previously unsolvable.
You can help by submitting a DNA test directly to Othram’s DNA Solves program. Your DNA data will be used to assist law enforcement, helping them solve crimes and identify victims. By contributing your genetic information, you become part of a network that can help bring missing persons home and give names back to the unidentified.
For those interested in the intersection of genetic genealogy and cold cases, Othram has partnered with Websleuths.com through its DNA Solves program to enhance efforts in solving cold cases and identifying unknown victims. Websleuths.com com is an online community dedicated to investigating unsolved crimes and missing persons cases. Together, these organizations combine crowdfunding, volunteer DNA data, and cutting-edge forensic genomics to bring closure to families and justice to unresolved cases.
The DNA Detectives Founded by CeCe Moore, The DNA Detectives is your community for all your genetic genealogy questions or needs. They offer DNA tests, assistance, media consulting, educational conferences and videos featuring some of the world’s most qualified genetic genealogy experts and much more.