Genealogy DNA kits sold by companies such as Vitagene and 23andMe – who we compare in this article - collect DNA samples from either a person’s saliva or a swab of the inside of their cheek. Their labs then examine the customer’s DNA for genetic information and to offer insights on that customer’s ancestry.
Meet the DNA Test Providers
23andMe
23andMe uses multiple software, hardware and physical security measures to protect the computers where it stores customer data. It also stores personal information and genetic data in separate locations, as per the industry’s security standards. It only includes customer data in its research with the customer’s consent.
Detailed reports full of genetic information
Doesn’t offer detailed health predictions
First company to offer DNA kits
Family tree data isn’t very comprehensive
Saliva-based genetic testing in 2007
Offers option of contacting DNA relatives
Vitagene
Vitagene is an emerging player in the DNA testing business, offering 3 tiered packages from a basic $49 package up to a detailed $149 package. In terms of delivery, Vitagene is very similar to 23andMe. Your DNA collection kit arrives within 3-5 days, although there isn’t an express shipping option. The kit will include instructions on how to provide a sample, which you will then to send back to the lab in a prepaid mailer. For the $49 health report, simply upload your existing DNA data (from 23andMe or AncestryDNA), complete a short lifestyle questionnaire, and you will receive your results within 1-2 weeks.
Like 23andMe, Vitagene places a lot of importance on security measures. It stores customer results and DNA samples without their name or other identifying information. As per the industry standard, it also destroys physical DNA saliva samples after analysis.
Offers multiple pricing tiers
Some complaints of health reports being generic
Health report is a cheaper option
Smaller database than some of its competitors
Features
When comparing the 2 providers, 23andMe stands out as the winner due to the sheer number of features. 23andMe’s service is built around its DNA report, which is one of the most comprehensive and detailed on the market. On the other hand, Vitagene offers a bunch of other features that some people might find handy – including a simple health report.
23andMe’s package offers a DNA report that includes the following features:
- Ancestry composition plus analysis of how your DNA relates to other regions
- Haplogroups allow you to trace your genealogy to specific individuals from more than 1,000 years ago
- Share & compare function - share reports with family and friends
- Neanderthal ancestry – find out how much of your DNA comes from Neanderthals
- Your DNA family, including where these newfound relatives of yours live
- A DNA relative finder, to get in touch with distant relatives who agree to be contacted
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Sample 23andMe Ancestry report
Vitagene offers its customers the following:
- Ancestry breakdown - percentage breakdowns of your ancestry across different regions
- Detailed diet report
- Customized food plan
- Detailed fitness plan
- Tailored supplement plan for your DNA and lifestyle
- Most expensive package includes a month’s worth of supplements based on your DNA findings.
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Sample Vitagene Ancestry report
Winner: 23andMe
Pricing
Although Vitagene offers the cheapest package at $49, 23andMe offers the best value when comparing the two companies’ $99 packages. Vitagene’s $49 health report is only available to those with existing DNA data from – and here’s the catch – 23andMe or AncestryDNA. Its $99 package includes a DNA test kit and ancestry report, as well as a health report. For its most expensive package, the $148 Wellness Bundle, it offers a health and ancestry report, plus 1 month of 4 personalized supplements.
Winner: 23andMe
Speed of Results
If speed is your priority, Vitagene wins out. Vitagene promises to make your results available on your online dashboard within 4-6 weeks of receiving your sample. 23andMe takes longer, and it is committed to making your report available on your online account within 6-8 weeks.
Winner: Vitagene
Detail of Results
What 23andMe lacks in speed it makes up for in sheer detail. As mentioned in our features comparison: 23andMe offers a comprehensive, readable report of your ancestry and DNA, including your origins and DNA composition, with a breakdown between 150 different regions around the world. On the other hand, Vitagene’s service is angled towards consumers who are more interested in health data, and therefore its DNA report is noticeably lighter on details.
Winner: 23andMe
Size of Database
As one of the largest players in direct-to-consumer DNA genealogy, 23andMe can draw on a database of more than 3 million genotyped customers worldwide. This gives it a strong advantage over its competitors, as it has a lot of data to draw on when assessing the genealogy of new customers, and it can more easily match you up with distant relatives from around the world. Vitagene doesn’t disclose the size of its database, but as it is a newer player in the market – it’s reasonable to assume its database is smaller than 23andMe.
Winner: 23andMe
The Verdict
23andMe wins out in a comparison of DNA and ancestry analysis, as it offers the most comprehensive services on the market.
If you’re interested in both a detailed ancestry breakdown and a health report, then you might want to consider using both companies: start with the 23andMe DNA testing kit for $99, which gives you a detailed breakdown of your genealogy; once you get your results, sign up for Vitagene’s $49 health report, and upload your 23andMe DNA results to Vitagene’s online system to get your results. This combined method costs $149, and delivers the best of both worlds – comprehensive DNA analysis, and a tailored health plan.
