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HomeDNA Testing Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.1 / 5 (Excellent)
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HomeDNA is an online genetic testing company owned by the DNA Diagnostics Center, where they send their collected samples. The company was founded to enable DNA Diagnostics Center to market a product to consumers that they could use in the comfort of their own homes. HomeDNA tests are all done by teams of experts in a fully-accredited laboratory with advanced technology and robotics to ensure accuracy.

How is HomeDNA rated?

Breakdown

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

Overall Rating: 4.1 / 5 (Excellent)

HomeDNA is an excellent choice for those looking to get an extremely detailed look at how their DNA came to be. The company's multiple DNA tests mean customers have flexibility when choosing what exactly they care about seeing. Its tests are somewhat on the pricier side, however. The basic test is $199. HomeDNA's most affordable test, which costs $69.99, is much more bare bones in comparison. Customers should also keep in mind the company's more or less average reputation online, and the existence of situations where HomeDNA might share personal information and test data.

HomeDNA Testing Features

Testing Features - 4 / 5

HomeDNA's basic test is autosomal, uses 80,000 genetic markers to analyze your DNA, and tracks down both mother and father lines to tell customers how their DNA came to be. For those more interested in a specific line, they also offer Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. All of HomeDNA's tests include cheek swabs, and samples are tested by their parent company, DNA Diagnostics Center. Results are available in six weeks for their basic test, and between three to eight weeks for others.
DNA Testing Features
Autosomal
Y-Chromosome
Mitochondrial
Time for Results
Within six weeks
Collection Method
Cheek Swab
Company Does Own Testing
Yes

HomeDNA Results Analysis

Products & Services - 4 / 5

HomeDNA ancestry tests look through a massive 41 gene pools and more than 1,000 reference populations to give customers the most precise analysis of their DNA as possible.
Size of Database
Undisclosed
Number of Geographical Regions Identified
41 gene pools
Identification of Relatives
No
Number of Ethnicities Identified
Over 1,000 reference populations

HomeDNA Other Services

Online Resources - 4.5 / 5

HomeDNA's ancestry tests feature a comprehensive migration map that shows how the DNA of a customer's last few ancestors traveled and mixed with that of other populations. Also, one of HomeDNA's tests includes a health report on top of its ancestry features. Aside from that, the company provides no other additional services.
DNA for Medical Purposes
No
Mobile App
No
Family Tree Creator
No

Migration Information

GPS Origins®, HomeDNA's flagship product, calculates the migration routes that your ancestors’ DNA took, using large circles to represent uncertainty and smaller circles for higher confidence in each geographical region. The test provides maternal and paternal migration routes with precision targeting—sometimes down to the village or town level.

HomeDNA Pricing

Cost & Availability - 4 / 5

There are several versions HomeDNA's flagship product, GPS Origins®. Their basic kit is $199.00, making it one of the higher-priced DNA test of its kind in the market.
Basic Kit Price
$199.00
Discounts and Offers
Coupons and promo codes are available for most HomeDNA products.

Cost of Add-ons

GPS Origins® Ancestry Test | African Edition - $199.00 GPS Origins® Ancestry Test | Asian Edition - $199.00 DNA Origins® Maternal Lineage - $69.00 DNA Origins® Paternal Lineage - $69.00 HomeDNA™ Starter Ancestry Test - $69.00 Vitagene® Health Report + Ancestry - $99.00

HomeDNA Reputation

Reputation - 4 / 5

HomeDNA is a BBB accredited business and has a B rating with them. However, they have no consumer reviews, and only 5 complaints on the page. HomeDNA has no Trustpilot page, but its parent company DNA Diagnostics Centers does have a score of 4.6 there.
BBB Rating
B
Number of BBB Positive Reviews
0
Number of BBB Negative Reviews
0
Date Collected
2018-03-15

HomeDNA Privacy

Privacy & Security - 4 / 5

HomeDNA does not state for how long they keep any DNA samples or data extracted from them. The company clearly states that it does not sell any consumer information to third-parties, but it does provide affiliates, business partners, and its service providers with data under certain circumstances. They may also disclose a customer's information if the law requires it, or if they feel it protects the rights or property of DDC, or users of their services.
Time Company Holds Data
Undisclosed
Disclosure to Third Parties
Yes
Encryption/Web Security
HomeDNA uses a variety of industry-standard security technologies and procedures to help protect information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Despite these measures, customers should know that it cannot fully eliminate security risks associated with information and mistakes may happen.

Company Profile

Full Name
HomeDNA Testing
Company Website
Headquarters
DNA Diagnostics Center 1 DDC Way, Fairfield, OH, 45014

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Customer Comments & Reviews

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Lee M
3/18/2023
Never would I recommend this company. I bought their Ancestory DNA test kit on clearance for around $15 when it is normally around $70. When opening the box all you get is instructions, two test swabs and a return envelope. In all, problaby about .50 cents worth of product. Then you learn that after you send it in, you have to pay for the actual testing and results which are NOT included in the price of the kit. Their website is NOT set up clearly to navigate nor user friendly. After paying for the test it was months before the results were ready. I was very disappointed as it only showed percentages of geographical population groups and a world map pinpointing two areas. I know... Read More


alystar.oneill
7/30/2020
I would not use these people again. You can not upload the DNA "results" to any other site. You don' really get your DNA profile results. They say examples are "such and such" but you do not get anything but the general "where is your family from" but no actual DNA profile results. Plus my husband and I had almost the exact "results!" Yeah, I think this company is a hoax!!!!!!.


L
Lilly
9/5/2018
I sent my first sample in April 2018, they lost the sample and they sent me a brand new one to redo the sample.It’s been 3 months since I sent my second sample to your lab.I keep calling and asking for the results. In my last contact someone named Craig told me to be patient 10 days ago and asked me to give him 2-3 days to follow up .He promised to email me in 2-3 days!!! How would you rate your business if you were in my shoes? I’m very very very disappointed and I want my money back. Lilly



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