Best At-Home Paternity Tests For 2020
You’re probably not having the best time in life if you’re shopping around for home paternity tests.
Assuming that’s why you’re reading this article, you’ll want to know the best brands and why it’s becoming increasingly more popular to opt for the at-home alternatives.
There’s no doubt that having them performed in a hospital setting provides better conditions and professionalism, but this isn’t something that circumstances would allow for all families.
In reality, paternity tests often need to be discreet and being able to carry one out at home affords a lot of people this advantage.
At-home tests are simple to do and likely easier to conceal than a trip to the local doctor.
And just like tests performed in a hospital, the DNA will be sent to licensed laboratories and returned within a few weeks. Carrying out the first part at home means you can keep things private and avoid spending too much on the whole process.
When selecting a brand for your paternity test, there are a few key features you’ll want to look out for.
Always be sure to pick one that offers accurate results, rapid delivery times, and uses, ideally, an AABB-accredited laboratory.
Price is also a factor for some people and if you’re looking to save some money in the process, make sure to weigh up these important features against a price you can actually afford.
After comparing the brands available for 2020, the three best names in at-home paternity testing are HomeDNA, Who’zTheDaddy, and FullGenome.
Given their commitments to discretion and fast delivery times, you’d be hard-pressed to find a brand that’s better. Keep reading to see what makes them the best at-home paternity tests this year.
Top Three At-Home Paternity Test
Like all companies, these brands have their pros and cons, but they can all offer precisely what they claim to: an accurate, at-home paternity test.
Though there are a few small differences, like on pricing, any of these brands can help you stay on budget while getting the important information you need for life to continue.
HomeDNA
Price: $164.00
In the last 24 years, HomeDNA has helped millions of people understand more about their lives and heritage.
Specializing in all types of DNA testing, from ancestry to dog identification, HomeDNA partners with some of the industry’s leading brands for trusted and accurate sampling.
With nothing more than a quick cheek-swab, HomeDNA can have your results back in the same day and can deliver them via email or post. It even lets you track the progress of your sample just like any other package.
What sets apart HomeDNA is that unlike most other companies, it actually has its own in-house laboratory.
It also destroys DNA samples and never sells them on to third parties. One of the biggest fears with these companies is the misuse of your DNA, but HomeDNA customers can rest assured.
The HomeDNA paternity test requires a simple cheek swab from the child and potential father.
The test also includes one for the biological mother, though this is optional. For an additional fee, customers can pay for the same-day results or alternatively wait for up to two days. Results can be sent via post or email and all samples can be tracked up to arrival at the laboratory.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free shipping
- Same-day results
- Doesn’t sell data to third parties
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Doesn’t update results
Who’zTheDaddy
Price: Home Test - $130 / Legal Test - $380
Who’zTheDaddy offers professional DNA testing with 99.9% accuracy every time.
Having been in business for nearly a decade, it provides a host of reliable DNA testing services and comes accredited by AABB and international standards.
Who’zTheDaddy’s prices start at around $100 for most tests and if you’re prepared to pay more, you can also get legal testing which can be used in court for cases on immigration, paternity, and more.
All sample results are guaranteed within four days and are conveniently downloaded from their customer portal.
Just like HomeDNA, Who’zTheDaddy also has its own laboratory, so the time between posting your sample and getting your results is always really quick.
The site has plenty of resources for understanding the tests and how to perform them, and if you run into any problems, they have a responsive support team that’s available over the phone, email, and live chat.
Who’zTheDaddy offers several options for paternity testing, including non-invasive prenatal and legal testing.
It searches 21 genetic markers to ensure the most accurate results and with free delivery, it makes its services accessible to everyone. It commits to turning round results in as little as three days and can test a range of different DNA samples.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- All done in-house
- Accurate results
- Free delivery
Cons
- Not as well affiliated
Full Genomes
Headquartered in Maryland, Full Genomes has been a leading DNA sequencing institution since it opened its doors in 2013.
Having sequenced thousands of genomes for customers in the past, the brand has become one of the most trusted sources for this technology.
From whole-genome sequencing to analyzing Y-Bam files, Full Genomes’ services are truly comprehensive and likely can’t be found elsewhere.
The company’s founders are well known in the genetic genealogy community, so you can rest assured your DNA is in good hands.
Full Genomes paternity testing, though slightly more expensive, comes with almost 100% accurate results and is guaranteed to have quick turnaround times.
By accessing your results through their customer portal, your information remains private and for your eyes only.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- DNA sequencing
- Works with leading brands
- Provides specialized sequencing
Cons
- Doesn’t provide its own services
- Doesn’t have its own laboratory