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Family Tree DNA Testing Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.4 / 5 (Excellent)
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Family Tree DNA is a genetic testing company based in Houston, Texas that offers autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA tests. Their DNA tests are some of the most popular worldwide, and include many additional features such as a chromosome browser, migration maps, and family matching.
 
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How is Family Tree DNA rated?

Breakdown

4.5/5
Products & Services
4.5/5
Privacy & Security
4.0/5
Online Resources
4.6/5
Cost & Availability

Overall Rating: 4.4 / 5 (Excellent)

With an extensive database, wide offering of tests, advanced genotyping technology, and good set of additional features, it's unsurprising that Family Tree DNA is one of the top choices worldwide for genealogical DNA testing. The company's tests fit into just about any budget, and provide some of the fastest and most accurate test results available on the market. Their privacy policy is mostly clear in what they can or can't do with a customer's information, and their reputation online leans towards the positive. We recommend Family Tree DNA for both casual customers and more experienced individuals in the genealogy field.

Family Tree DNA Testing Features

Testing Features - 4.5 / 5

Family Tree DNA has all three types of tests—autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA—available separately or in bundles. Their basic autosomal test will take four to six weeks to display results, while most of their other tests will take from six to eight weeks. They collect samples through cheek swabs and do testing in their own genomics laboratory. Family Tree DNA tests use a microarray chip that includes roughly 696,800 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.
DNA Testing Features
Autosomal
Y-Chromosome
Mitochondrial
Time for Results
Four to ten weeks
Collection Method
Cheek Swab
Company Does Own Testing
Yes

Family Tree DNA Results Analysis

Products & Services - 4.5 / 5

Family Tree DNA has a database of 949,810 entries as of March 16, 2018. They group genetic profiles under several genetic clusters--broad geographical regions--which are then further divided into 24 population clusters such as Iberia and Southeast Asia. They create these clusters with the help of more than 55 reference populations. Family Tree DNA's Family Finder tests can identify third-cousins and closer.
Size of Database
949,810
Number of Geographical Regions Identified
24 population clusters
Identification of Relatives
Yes
Number of Ethnicities Identified
55 reference populations

Family Tree DNA Other Services

Online Resources - 4 / 5

Family Tree DNA does not offer any sort of medical or health-related method of analyzing your DNA. However, their Family Finder tests do provide customers with a family tree feature to expand on their matching program. Furthermore, their Y-DNA and mtDNA tests let customers explore the migration patterns of their ancestors and ancient relatives. Family Tree DNA also has a lively blog and online forum, plus a projects section where users can help each other build a common genetic heritage through surname, lineage, and geographical research.
DNA for Medical Purposes
No
Mobile App
No
Family Tree Creator
Yes

Member Features

  • Online Forum
  • Contact with Other Members
  • Blog

Migration Information

Family Tree DNA lets customers see two kinds of migration information. First, it can show them a migration map of their male and female ancestors through Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. Second, it can show them the amount of autosomal DNA they still carry from ancient European groups, and how those ancestors might have explored ancient migration routes.

Family Tree DNA Pricing

Cost & Availability - 4.6 / 5

Family Tree DNA's flagship DNA test, the Family Finder, is a $79 kit that can be upgraded to include other Y-DNA or mtDNA tests. Their most extensive package, which provides all three types of DNA test, costs $546.
Basic Kit Price
$79
Discounts and Offers
Coupons and promotional codes are available for Family Tree DNA's tests. The company also offers occasional discounts for their Family Finder products.

Cost of Add-ons

Family Finder + Y-37 = $248 Family Finder + Y-67 = $347 Family Finder + mtFull Sequence = $278 Family Finder + Y-67 + mtFull Sequence = $546 Y-37 = $168 Y-67 = $268 Y-111 = $359 myDNA Plus = $89 mtFull Sequence = $199

Family Tree DNA Reputation

Reputation - 4.5 / 5

Family Tree DNA is accredited with the BBB and has an A rating on their page. Although they have more negative reviews than positive, they are mostly the result of small misunderstandings or customers getting undesirable results. On Truspilot, they have an average 5.5 score, but the page is currently unclaimed by the company.
BBB Rating
A
Number of BBB Positive Reviews
4
Number of BBB Negative Reviews
20
Year Founded
2000
Trust Pilot Rating
5.5 out of 10
Date Collected
2018-03-15

Litigation and Regulatory Actions

The company is currently involved in a class action suit that claims consumer personal data was posted by Family Tree DNA on public websites. The case has yet to reach court; Family Tree DNA denies any sort of illegal behavior related to the case's stipulation. Link: https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20170703652

Family Tree DNA Privacy

Privacy & Security - 4.5 / 5

Family Tree DNA does not say for how long they keep your DNA data or samples, but the company will never sell or show third parties a customer's data without consent. It also makes sure personal data is handled safely and through encrypted security channels.
Time Company Holds Data
Undisclosed
Disclosure to Third Parties
No
Encryption/Web Security
Family Tree DNA is committed to the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor and adheres to the Privacy Shield Principles of Notice, Choice, Accountability for Onward Transfer, Security, Data Integrity and Purpose Limitation, Access and Recourse, and Enforcement and Liability. https://www.privacyshield.gov/welcome

Company Profile

Full Name
Family Tree DNA Testing
Company Website
https://www.familytreedna.com
Headquarters
1445 North Loop West, Suite 820, Houston, TX, 77008

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Customer Comments & Reviews

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Brad E
7/20/2023
I took the Test to find out which Ancient European Tribes I share DNA with.. According to the Test, I'm 49% Hunter-Gatherer, 40% Farmer, and 11% Metal Age Invader, and 0% Non European. Pretty cool to know.

Kevin O
12/1/2019
I took a paternal lineage ydna test in 2012 at a low marker number which I upgraded to 67 markers this past year. I am part of a surname project. I know Family Tree does the ydna and Ancestry only does autosomal but it’s discouraging to see 15 million participants on Ancestry and less than a million on Family Tree. It use to be you could upload your results from FamilyTree to Ysearch but that’s no longer an option. Now you can upload to Geni Tree which I did but judging by results it’s not a feature many people take advantage of. I wish these companies would allow more integration of data results as an optional feature. I’m guessing while this is in many people’s interest it’s not in a... Read More

Rostislavs N
5/3/2019
I do not recommend testing with FTDNA. In my case, I have received neither full testing results 9 months after ordering the test nor explanation regarding the delay. Their communication style is awful. I have sent multiple messages and they send either generic replies or just ignore me. I will never order anything from them again.

T
Tina S
4/3/2019
My boyfriend and I sent back our Family Tree DNA kits on the same day. He rec'd notice his kit was received in 1 week and he rec'd his results back in 3 weeks. It took about 3 or 4 weeks just for me to receive an email that my kit was even received. It's been more than two (2) months (approximately nine (9) weeks), and I still have not received any results back. I had to contact them twice, so far, as I had heard no word from them, and I was told my kit was caught in a "general delay". At that point, I had no confidence in any of their findings or results, and I asked for a refund. I was advised they "don't do refunds". Still waiting in SC

Top Rated
Our Partner
  • 3 main tests: the Family Finder (autosomal), Y-DNA, and mtDNA
  • Prices ranging from $79 to $546
  • Results in 4 to 8 weeks
  • Watch a detailed geographic and ethnic breakdown of your ancestors
  • Find out how much autosomal DNA you still carry from ancient European civilizations
  • Compare DNA segments with your genetic matches
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