Maximising Success With Autosomal DNA
Which Test Should I Buy?
Autosomal DNA is by far the most popular type of DNA test but which testing company should you use? Do you need to test at all the companies or is there a "right" company for you? If you are not sure what type of DNA you should be testing see my useful guide on the Types of DNA.
Not sure which company to test with?
Here are some top tips to maximise your chances of success.
Max Your Matches
In order to maximise the chance of finding relatives using autosomal DNA data you need to have most matches available. You can achieve this by having your DNA data on as many of the websites as possible. The main autosomal DNA testing websites are currently Ancestry DNA, My Heritage, Family Tree DNA, Living DNA and 23andMe. Plus GEDMatch accepts uploads of DNA data from testing carried out at the testing companies.
Stretch Your Budget
If funds are not an issue you can buy separate DNA tests at all five of the major DNA testing companies. However, you do not have to! Most of the testing companies will accept uploads of DNA data tested elsewhere. So you can test at Ancestry and upload to My Heritage, Family Tree DNA, Living DNA and GEDmatch by only paying for a single test (uploads are usually free but there is often a small fee to unlock useful tools).
DNA Testing Strategy
Ancestry has by far the largest database. My Heritage can be useful for those with European heritage. In most cases I suggest paying for the test at Ancestry and uploading data to My Heritage, Family Tree DNA, Living DNA and GEDmatch. If budget allows I would usually recommend taking a separate test at 23andMe (though 23andMe are having some difficulties at the moment). In all cases read the Terms & Conditions and be sure that you are happy with how your data will be handled and used before you upload.
Downloads and Uploads
The table shows which companies accept uploads of data
| Company | Accepts uploads? |
|---|---|
| Ancestry | No |
| 23andMe | No |
| My Heritage | Yes |
| Family Tree DNA | Yes |
| Living DNA | Yes |
| Gedmatch | Yes |
Get help with your DNA test
The advice given on this page may be more suitable for those who have already taken a test and are comfortable navigating the various parts of the websites mentioned. I include the advice here because these are things you can do yourself for free if you want to. If it all seems too confusing then don't worry, help is at hand. I can handle all of this for you and get started on an action plan towards achieving your genetic genealogy goals.
Consult a Professional Family Historian
As an experienced family historian and qualified scientist, I hold a unique perspective on family history research. I combine the knowhow and logic of the science world with the passion and experience of a traditional genealogist. With friendly and professional support, discovering your ancestors will truly be a pain-free and fun process.
Testimonials
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Richard, Somerset
"During the time that Karen has been doing research on my Suffolk ancestors I have been very impressed with Karen's professional research and the informative and detailed reports and copies of old documentation. She has also provided many ideas for additional research."
Frederick, London
“I gave Karen lots of garbled emails trying to rely on past family memories and threw in many red herrings but she remained patient and professional throughout her research. It was a relief to hand over this research knowing it would be done in a methodical way and the written reports were useful”.
Michelle
“Thanks, Karen, for dealing with my DNA enquiry. The report that I received was comprehensive, very well presented and was easy to follow. I also appreciate the guidance and advice about the further research that I could do. I would certainly recommend your service and would not hesitate to get in touch again.”
Ian Riley, West Yorkshire
Tips & Tricks for Family Historians
Are you new to family history research and looking for advice? Are you interested in learning more about genetic genealogy? Check out my blog where I share insights and more from my own family history journey.
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