What we liked
Pros
- The only major provider of Y-DNA and mtDNA deep tests
- Surname and haplogroup research projects
- Long-standing genetic genealogy community
Keep in mind
- Its autosomal matching database is far smaller than Ancestry's; use it as a complement, not a replacement.
Score breakdown
FamilyTreeDNA pricing in 2026
FamilyTreeDNA starts at $79. Free option: projects community. As with most services in this category, the advertised rate typically assumes annual billing — check the renewal price and current promotions before committing.
Who is FamilyTreeDNA for?
FamilyTreeDNA is our pick for deep lineage (y-dna & mtdna) testing. FamilyTreeDNA is the only major provider of deep Y-DNA and mtDNA testing — the tool for tracing paternal and maternal lines back centuries, with surname projects run by an established genetic-genealogy community.
How FamilyTreeDNA compares
Our top-rated dna testing pick overall is AncestryDNA (9.6/10). Also consider 23andMe (9.2/10). See the full dna testing comparison for all 6 ranked services side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — FamilyTreeDNA scores 8.4/10 (Very Good) in our independent testing and ranks #4 of 6 in our dna testing comparison. It stands out as the pick for deep lineage (y-dna & mtdna) testing.
FamilyTreeDNA pricing starts at From $79. Free option: Projects community. Check current promotions on their site, as introductory rates change frequently.
The strongest alternatives are AncestryDNA (9.6/10) and 23andMe (9.2/10). See our full dna testing comparison for all 6 ranked options.