Best DNA Test for Adoptees

By Dr. Brandon Colby MD, a physician-expert in the fields of Genomics and Personalized Preventive Medicine.

As we have mentioned in the DNA and Adoption article previously published, they go hand-in-hand. DNA is the one tie that adoptees have to their biological parents. This makes it possible for them to learn a great deal of information about their family history, genetics, and even help them find their biological parents and relatives.

This article seeks to help adoptees find the best DNA test to not only identify their birth parents but learn about their ethnicity and health risks.

DNA Tests for Adoptees

Genealogists have been helping adoptees with their genetic genealogy research for many years. Over the last few years, the search for a birth mother or father has become much easier. Unfortunately, with so many DNA testing companies entering the industry, it can be difficult to know which are the best DNA tests for adoptees.

DNA testing companies have expanded rapidly over the last few years. Many people who are interested in getting a DNA test struggle to choose the best one. The following are some of the most popular ones, and then the best DNA test for adoptees.

AncestryDNA

The AncestryDNA test is usually the first choice for many adoptees. They have one of the largest databases of DNA in the consumer genetic testing space.

Adoptees looking to find their birth family may want to consider using AncestryDNA. The autosomal DNA test is easily performed at home with a purchased test kit. Simply spit into a test tube and send it to the lab. Within a few weeks, the results are uploaded to the site where you can see who has similar DNA matches.

23andMe

Another popular DNA testing company is 23andMe. They have a large DNA database.

The reason some people say 23andMe has the best DNA test for adoptees is that they offer health information in addition to ancestry. The health information is not meant to be used for diagnostic purposes.

For adoptees looking for information about their ethnicity and basic health information, 23andMe may be the best test for them. However, there is another DNA test that adoptees should consider.

2026 update: 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025. Following a court supervised sale, substantially all of its assets were acquired by the TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit founded by 23andMe co-founder Anne Wojcicki, in July 2025. Current customers can still access their data, and it is advisable to review the current privacy terms under the new ownership.

FamilyTreeDNA

FamilyTreeDNA is a recommended genetic testing company by the organization Considering Adoption. The DNA test they offer explores the maternal line and the paternal line of the biological family.

FamilyTreeDNA is different in that they offer genetic experts to consult with and provide a community of other adoptees who are searching for their birth families and information on their family history. The support is what draws many people to the site, despite their capability to provide as many genetic matches as competitors.

FamilyTreeDNA members receive a list of email addresses based on their DNA test results. This list may include many potential family members. Some adoptees have been able to find their biological parents, siblings, and even distant relatives such as great-grandparents.

With the information they receive, adoptees can then reach out when they feel comfortable doing so.

MyHeritage

This is another DNA testing company similar to the others already mentioned. They use the same type of DNA test. The test results are then compared to the people in their database to find biological relatives and common ancestors.

Those who are interested in using MyHeritage to find biological relatives should consider reading our MyHeritage review.

Sequencing

The best DNA test for adoptees is Sequencing's whole genome sequencing.

Whole Genome Sequencing

The whole genome sequencing test provides information on:

• Health
• Ancestry
• Personality
• Fitness
• Wellness
• Weight loss
• ...and much more.

The cost is comparable to other DNA testing companies, but the value is much greater.

Where genotyping tests from companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA read less than 0.1% of your genome, whole genome sequencing reads 100% of it, across all of your over 30,000 genes. That means far more information can be derived from the DNA sample. It is perfect for adoptees who want to learn as much as possible about what they inherited from their biological parents.

Whole Genome Sequencing

Sequencing's whole genome sequencing service is the next level in DNA testing and is truly the best DNA test for adoptees.

With 100% of the genome tested, the data provides as much information as currently possible about a person's genetic makeup.

One of the most common questions received about whole genome sequencing for adoptees is how it is helpful in finding biological parents or an adopted sibling. The answer is that the DNA data can be downloaded and uploaded to other DNA testing companies, such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and GEDmatch.

Downloading DNA raw data from Sequencing is very easy, and so is the uploading process to other DNA testing companies.

The incentive in choosing Sequencing is that the DNA data can easily be used with any of the apps in the Partner Marketplace, with many free ones to choose from.

How to Buy the Best DNA Test for Adoptees

DNA testing companies such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage sell their DNA testing kits on Amazon and their own websites. For those interested in more value from their investment with whole genome sequencing, visit Sequencing's whole genome sequencing page.

Once you receive your DNA testing kit, swab your cheek and send the sample back to the lab. Within just a few weeks you will have the results, and then you can use the raw DNA data with any of the apps or on other sites to find your birth parents and other close relatives.

Interested in learning more? Read How to Find a Biological Father Through DNA.

About the Author

Dr. Brandon Colby MD is a US physician specializing in the personalized prevention of disease through the use of genomic technologies. He is an expert in genetic testing, genetic analysis, and precision medicine. Dr. Colby is the founder of Sequencing and the author of Outsmart Your Genes.

Dr. Colby holds an MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, and a degree in Genetics with Honors from the University of Michigan. He is an Affiliate Specialist of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), an Associate of the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), and a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).