NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- We’ve all seen the commercials and have at least wondered about purchasing that DNA kit to see what exactly it tells us about ourselves. Are they worth it and will it truly shock you with its results?
We decided to put the two leading DNA testing kits to the test: 23andMe and Ancestry.com.
Both work the same way: your DNA is extracted from a specimen. In these cases, it's your saliva. Both websites then allow you to track the progress.
Let's compare the basics between the two kits. 23andMe came back with results online in about three weeks, while Ancestry took about five weeks. Both kits will cost you $99 and both services provided background into my DNA.
23andMe stated most of what I already knew, that I am mostly Greek -- 83% to be exact -- with some surrounding heritage from North Africa, Italy, and Turkey.
But it also surprised me with a few extra features, at no extra cost. For example, based on my DNA, I am 44% more likely to be able to wiggle my ears or 29% less likely to have perfect pitch when singing... that part is right on!
The amount of Greek in my DNA differed between tests; Ancestry said I was 62% Greek and the rest was a broad makeup from the Middle East. Ancestry also has a service that connected me with others who shared my DNA.
So why were the two test results different? Ancestry has a larger DNA pool to compare samples with. The greater the size of the gene pool, the more in-depth and more leads there are to narrow down your ancestors and your family/DNA origin.
All in all, both kits offer a unique insight into you. I highly recommend giving it a go!