1. Family Tree DNA - Best For In-Depth Results About Native American Ancestry
FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) has several tests that can help you narrow down if you have Native American ancestry, and can even help you find which side of your family those genes come from.
Offers | - Offers autosomal, mtDNA, and Y-DNA testing options.
- Relative finder through the last five generations.
- Founded in 2000.
- 2 million users.
- Receive your results online in 4 to 8 weeks.
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Price | Prices start at $79 |
Comments | Its standard Family Ancestry kit is an autosomal DNA test that breaks down your ethnic makeup in percentages. |
Editor's Note: The FamilyTreeDNA service has a modest 2 million users, and that means that your matches will be limited to that population.
Bottom Line: Using the basic FamilyTreeDNA autosomal test, you can find out whether or not your genes can be correlated with Indigenous American populations.
Read Family Tree DNA Full Review
2. MyHeritage DNA- Best DNA Test For In-Depth DNA Test And Genealogy Results
MyHeritage DNA confirms your Native American heritage by comparing your DNA against over 40 ethnic groups.
Offers | - Scan your results against 690,000 genetic markers in 42 unique geographic regions.
- Get Your Results Online Within 4 Weeks.
- HG is in Yehuda, Israel.
- Choose From Over 72 Languages.
- Reports can be accessed online or through a mobile app
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Price | DNA Test Kit For Only $59 |
Comments | MyHeritage DNA combines its family history records with genetic testing to construct family trees. |
Editor's Note: The fact that MyHeritage DNA combines family history with DNA test results to give you the best support, makes it a great choice.
Bottom Line: In addition to ancestry, MyHeritage matches users that share genetic sequences. Users can also upload their raw DNA data from other DNA testing companies to match with relatives.
Read MyHeritageDNA Full Review
3. Ancestry DNA - Best For Worldwide Research
AncestryDNA specializes in helping customers trace their genetic roots and find family members.
Offers | - Largest global database of users.
- Over 20 Billion Historical DNA Records.
- Covers 350 Regions Worldwide.
- Average Results Time: 6-8 weeks.
- HQ is in Lehi, Utah, United States.
- Founded in 2012
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Price | DNA testing kit starts at $99 |
Comments | Ancestry is a DNA testing service that began as a family history magazine and book publisher in 1983. |
Editor's Note: Ancestry DNA gets good ratings from customers online. Their in-depth family search tool makes it a good option.
Bottom Line: AncestryDNA allows users to make the most out of their match results and helps individuals in their ancestry-search.
Read Ancestry DNA Full Review
4. Living DNA - Best For Regional Results
Living DNA is a UK-based genetic testing company that offers ancestry and wellness reports.
Offers | - Your genetic makeup will be compared across 150 regions worldwide.
- Shows your recent ancestry from 500 years ago.
- UK-based company.
- Founded in 2012.
- Results take 6 - 8 weeks.
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Price | DNA testing kit starts at $99 |
Comments | Living DNA compares four regions to determine Native American ancestry. These regions are Amazonian, Mesoamerica, Indigenous North America, and Indigenous South America. |
Editor's Note: If you’re looking for a detailed ancestry report, Living DNA is one of the best choices.
Bottom Line: Living DNA is known for its detailed ancestry test reports. From its Ancestry DNA test kit, you will be given an overview of your ancestral line across 150 regions.
Read Living DNA Full Review
5. iGenea- Best For Geology And Ancestry Research
iGENEA collaborates with Family Tree DNA when doing analyses on DNA samples. This collaboration gives them more credibility.
Offers | - Analysis by expert Swiss genealogists.
- Analyze your origins over 100,000 years ago.
- Can take up to 7 weeks to receive your results.
- Includes A Free Consultation with an Expert.
- Offers 3 types of DNA tets - Basic, Premium, and Expert.
- Founded in 2006 and is Swiss-based.
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Price | From 179 EUR to 1299 EUR |
Comments | iGENEA Is Only for Genealogy, Not Health |
Editor's Note: iGenea doesn’t offer DNA-based health and wellness insights to complement its ancestry offerings. This may be a downer for some people.
Bottom Line: iGenea uses an interdisciplinary approach that aims to provide an accurate breakdown of your ethnic makeup. It is connected to the more famous FamilyTreeDNA, which means it uses FamilyTreeDNA’s lab and has access to its database.
Read iGenea Full Review
6. EasyDNA - Best for Tracking Recent Ancestral Migration
Despite being a less well-known DNA testing company, EasyDNA has been in business for more than ten years and has offices around the world.
Offers | - Executed over 300.000 various DNA tests in its lifespan.
- EasyDNA doesn’t allow you to upload raw DNA data from another testing service.
- Offers autosomal, mtDNA, and Y-DNA testing options.
- EasyDNA was established in 2007 in Malta and 2008 in Australia.
- Receive Your Results In 3-5 working days
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Price | DNA Testing Kit Prices Start at $169 |
Comments | EasyDNA only provides an overview and no in-depth results. |
Editor's Note: EasyDNA can be a great option if you want quick results in a short period.
Bottom Line: EasyDNA is another company that offers autosomal, mtDNA, and Y-DNA testing options which means you can confirm your Native American ancestry or determine which side of the family it comes from, depending on the test you choose.
Read Easy DNA Full Review
7. Dynamic DNA Labs - Best For People Who Wants To Prove Paternity or Kinship
Dynamic DNA Labs offers customers several different types of DNA tests. Besides its general ancestry DNA test, Dynamic DNA Labs also offers two tests that tell you specifically if you are biologically related to your father, brother, or siblings.
Offers | - HQ is in Springfield, MO.
- Get results in 2 - 3 weeks.
- Offers three types of family and ancestry tests: two that prove paternity or kinship and one ancestry test.
- Offers Quick Support Response by Email.
- The company was founded in 2018.
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Price | Prices start at $99 |
Comments | According to online reviews, some people have been saying that the results are a bit too vague. |
Editor's Note: When looking at what the company does, I think it can be a great way to find out certain parts of yourself, but other options will give you better insight into these things.
Bottom Line: According to reviews, purchasing the kit is easy, but results are minimalistic and they are lacking customer support.
Read Dynamic DNA Labs Full Review
Nebula Genomics uses Whole Genome Sequencing to give you a comprehensive analysis of your genetic makeup.
Offers | - Offer whole-genome sequencing.
- Dedication to privacy.
- Sequences your entire genome 30 times for accuracy.
- Founded in 2016 in San Francisco.
- Browse through your entire genome with their Genome Browser.
- Results can take up to 13 weeks.
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Price | $299, plus a subscription fee |
Comments | You have total control over your privacy |
Editor's Note: Nebula Genomics provides entire genome results while being more careful with your privacy than other companies.
Bottom Line: Nebula Genomics uses blockchain technology, that allows users to get paid when researchers use their genetic information for medical research.
Read Nebula Genomics Full Review
9. Sequencing.com - The largest DNA app store
Sequencing.com not only offers Ancestry and Health DNA testing but also Ultimate Genome Sequencing, which tests 100% of your genome.
Offers | - Sequencing.com offers whole-genome sequencing, unlike many competitors.
- Data security is important to the company.
- You retain the rights to your data.
- Over 100 analysis apps and reports.
- Access to ongoing insights, rather than one-time reporting.
- Their HQ is in Los Angeles, USA.
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Price | $69 - $399 |
Comments | Sequencing.com can take you beyond what traditional DNA test results can tell you. |
Editor's Note: Sequencing.com is a great option for people interested in taking in-depth research into their genome. This can especially be great with Native American Ancestry since it can be so hard to prove.
Bottom Line: Just like Nebula, Sequencing.com offers a deep-dive into your genome, but what makes it different is that it also offers a wide range of DNA apps users can choose from.
Read Sequencing.com Full Review
10. Vitagene - Perfect For A Healthier lifestyle Through DNA Testing
Vitagene uses genetic analysis to help its customers find the best diet and exercise more effectively.
Offers | - Offers diet and fitness recommendations based on DNA data analysis.
- HQ is in San Francisco, California, USA.
- Founded in 2014 by a neurosurgeon and a businessman.
- Results: 4-6 weeks
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Price | $30 for data upload; up to $249 for DNA testing kits |
Comments | In 2018, the company partnered with Family Tree DNA. |
Editor's Note: While Vitagene focuses on health and diet recommendationsdeep dive, it can still be a great way to find more information about your DNA and ancestors.
Bottom Line: Vitagene’s DNA tests are relatively cost-effective, less expensive than those of other test providers which makes it a great alternative.
Read Vitagene Full Review - the review ends with a link to a dedicated brand review page on our site.
Why Take a DNA Test For Native American Ancestry?
You may be wondering why someone would take a DNA test to prove their Native American Ancestry? Well, there are several reasons why someone would use a DNA test kit to help determine whether they are Native American or not.
This can include:
- People that want to prove they have native American DNA.
- Those who are searching for a sense of belonging to a tribe or nation.
When doing a DNA test, you can prove your connection to Native American ancestry or to the Indigenous Americas region.
How Can A Native American Ancestry DNA Test Change Your Life?
There are a lot of real-life stories out there of people finding out their true identity through DNA test kits. One story that stood out about someone who thought he had Native American Ancestors is the story about Sequoya Yiaueki.
Before doing the DNA test, he thought his father was Susquehannock, a forgotten Indian tribe from Pennsylvania. Then, his sisters did a DNA test, and the results shocked them. A woman came forward as their father's sister and revealed the truth about their DNA. This changed their lives forever.
How To Do A DNA Test For Native American Ancestry With A DNA Test Kit
DNA testing works by taking a closer look at the chains of DNA that you have. The fact is, throughout generations, DNA chains will change and reshuffle, but there will always be segments that remain the same. People with the same DNA segments are related on some level. A DNA Testing kit, will take your DNA sample and compare it to the results in their database.
To Take A DNA Test Sample, Just Follow These Steps:
Step 1: Visit the clinic website of your choice, and answer a few questions about yourself.
Step 2: Now order the DNA Testing Kit.
Step 3: When the DNA kit arrives, you can collect your DNA sample.
Step 4: After you collected your sample, register it on the website.
Step 5: Now it is time to send your sample back, and wait for the results.
Native American Ancestry - What Types of DNA Tests Are There
Finding out about your Native American ancestry can be an easy process. Take a look at the various types of Native American DNA tests that will reveal your heritage.
This is the test that will check your autosomal chromosomes, or rather the first 22 pairs. It will be able to positively identify or deny any Native American heritage you might have, but will not be able to pinpoint the exact family line which contains Native American genes.
- Mitochondrial testing (mtDNA)
This type of DNA test will search your maternal line. With this test, you can go as deep as around 25 generations or 10,000 years. It is a great idea to take an mtDNA test if you think someone in your maternal line may have been Native American.
This is a somewhat limited DNA test, as it is only available to males. It searches the Y chromosome. If the haplogroup is either C or Q, this means that your ancestor is highly likely to have come from Native Americans who were in the Americas before European contact.
What You Can Expect To Learn In Your DNA Test Results
Now the question might be, what exactly will you learn when doing an at-home DNA test? Well, most of the kits warn that testing your DNA can lead to surprising or life-changing results. So it is important to prepare yourself mentally.
You may learn the following facts when doing a Native American Ancestry DNA test:
- Uncovering your Native American genetic traits.
- Find new cousins and family members.
- What part of the USA your Native American ancestors are from.
- Learn about genetic illnesses.
- Learn about your genetic makeup and what foods you should eat to be healthy.
Summary
Lots of people wonder if they have Native American ancestors. If you are one of them, a DNA test can help confirm your suspicions and possibly point you in the right direction. You can do further research after you have done a DNA test. The results of the DNA test can help you unravel the secrets of your family.
