FamilyTreeDNA
DNA tests for tracing family lines across autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA.
FamilyTreeDNA sells consumer DNA tests aimed at ancestry and genealogy research, including autosomal matching, direct paternal-line Y-DNA, and direct maternal-line mtDNA. Results can be used to find genetic relatives, view ethnicity and haplogroup information, and connect DNA evidence with family-tree work through partner integrations and group projects.
Why it stands out
- Offers autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA testing in one genealogy-focused service rather than only broad ethnicity estimates
- Y-DNA product ladder supports both basic surname checks and advanced paternal-line research
- mtDNA test sequences the full mitochondrial genome instead of only lower-resolution markers
- Project system gives researchers a way to collaborate around surnames, haplogroups, and regions
- Tree-linking options with WikiTree and MyHeritage help connect genetic matches to documented genealogy
Good to know
- DNA kits are paid products, and higher-resolution Y-DNA tests can be substantially more expensive than entry-level autosomal testing
- Y-DNA testing applies only to genetic males, so paternal-line research may require testing an appropriate male relative
- Autosomal matching is framed around roughly the last five generations; deeper lineage questions usually require Y-DNA or mtDNA
- Match usefulness depends on who else has tested and agreed to participate in the relevant database
Under the radar: If you are pursuing a surname or haplogroup question, look for a relevant Group Project after testing; project administrators and grouped results can make lineage patterns easier to spot than browsing matches one by one.
Photos
Genetic genealogists investigating a paternal, maternal, or surname-line brick wall can choose a DNA test matched to that lineage. Start with autosomal testing to find relatives across multiple branches of a recent family tree. Use Y-DNA tests to compare direct paternal lines in surname or lineage studies. Use mtDNA testing to explore a direct maternal line and compare with maternal-line matches. Connect DNA results to WikiTree or MyHeritage to make match relationships easier to interpret.
Autosomal Family Finder test for relative matching and ancestry composition estimates Y-DNA options from entry-level STR testing to Big Y-700 for high-resolution paternal-line research Full mitochondrial genome mtDNA testing for maternal-line haplogroups and matches Separate matching databases for autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA results Integrations with WikiTree and MyHeritage plus surname, haplogroup, and geographic group projects
Alternative listings
Visual tools for turning DNA matches into family-history clues.
Genealogy & family-history researchDNA Painter helps genealogists interpret DNA match information through chromosome maps, relationship calculators, and family-tree-based probability tools. Users can map shared DNA segments to known ancestors, explore possible relationships from shared centimorgan amounts, and build visual pages for direct ancestors.
0 votesVisit siteAn autosomal DNA kit tied into MyHeritage’s genealogy tools.
Genealogy & family-history researchMyHeritage DNA is a consumer ancestry test that estimates ethnic origins and connects users with genetic relatives. The DNA product is integrated with MyHeritage’s family tree builder, historical-record search, and optional subscription features for deeper genealogy research.
0 votesVisit site
Similar sites elsewhere
- AncestryDNA — ancestry.com
- 23andMe — 23andme.com
- MyHeritage DNA — myheritage.com
- Living DNA — livingdna.com
1 of 5