Key Takeaways:
😊 Autosomal DNA testing is the best option for adoptees to find birth parents or close biological relatives.
🧬 Autosomal DNA testing analyzes chromosomes that do not determine gender but can help find genetic matches up to 7 generations back on both maternal and paternal sides.
✅ AncestryDNA and 23andMe are among the most accurate and in-depth DNA testing services with large user databases, helpful research tools, and multiple genetic testing options.
🌐 Other popular DNA testing services include FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritage, and GEDmatch, each offering unique features for tracing ancestry and connecting with DNA relatives.
📚 DNA testing, along with genealogical research tools, provides adoptees a greater chance of discovering their biological family members, ancestral heritage, genetic traits, and more.
If you’re an adoptee looking to find unknown biological relatives but don’t know where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we will go over which DNA testing resources are most likely to deliver the answers to those comprehensive genetic questions you’ve been asking. If you want a short answer, you should search between these two companies: Ancestry vs 23 and Me.
If you want to find out which is the best DNA test according to my research:
Which is the most accurate DNA test?
According to my ethnicity calculation (based on Principal Component Analysis), my family tree research, and database size investigation, currently (2023), the best DNA testing company is:
About DNA Testing and What it Offers
While DNA testing won’t always provide the answers that adoptees are looking for, it can help you trace your biological roots in ways that no other resources can. There are 3 main types of DNA testing: Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA analysis. The best DNA test to take for finding your birth parents or other close biological relatives is an autosomal DNA test.
Autosomal DNA and DNA with Shared Relatives
Autosomal DNA testing analyses the autosomes in your cells. Autosomes are chromosomes that do not determine your gender but can influence numerous other genetic traits. Both men and women can take an autosomal DNA test. These tests can help you match with relatives up to 7 generations back on both your birth mother and birth father’s side.
Autosomal testing can offer you several DNA matches. Through these matches, you will be able to more easily trace your birth parents. It is important to choose an autosomal DNA testing service that will offer you both a high number of genetic matches as well as accuracy with close relative matches.
Your biological father and mother share DNA with their other relatives. Discovering who these relatives are can help you determine your parentage through shared match tracing.
Best Public DNA Services for Finding Your Birth Parents
• AncestryDNA is the most accurate and in-depth testing service available to the public. They have an extensive user database of 16 million clients. They also boast an in-depth user-friendly platform, multiple genealogy tools, and impressive overall consumer ratings.
• 23andMe
Another good option for tracing your family tree and discovering biological relatives is 23andM. They also have a large user database (10 million) and multiple helpful research tools. They offer not only autosomal DNA testing but Y-DNA and mtDNA testing as well, however, it isn’t important for your investigation.
Other Popular DNA Testing Services
• FamilyTreeDNA
It offers 3 types of DNA testing, including autosomal DNA testing. They have a user-friendly interface and offer various genetic research tools.
• MyHeritage
This international company offers ancestry tracing and potential DNA relative matches.
• GEDmatch
This service has a minimalistic interface platform but does offer free raw DNA data uploads which may help you find your DNA relatives.
Connecting with your birth family members through the use of DNA testing is currently more possible than it has ever been. Those who have been adopted or have unknown natural parentage can use a variety of genealogical research tools and DNA testing to discover who their biological family members are, where their ancestors descended from, what genetic traits they are most likely to possess, and more.
Throughout his career, Andras Kovacs has developed a deep understanding of DNA and its applications in genealogy and genetic testing. He has helped thousands of individuals uncover their ancestral heritage, using cutting-edge DNA analysis to trace family lineages and reveal connections across generations.