Why You Can Trust CNET Should You Buy a DNA Test Kit on Prime Day?
Find out if DNA test kits from brands like 23andMe or AncestryDNA will be included in Amazon Prime Day's discount frenzy.
Short answer: it depends. The base-level DNA kits from 23andMe and AncestryDNA should have some solid Prime Day deals, and we think they'll be worth it for $90 or less. FamilyTreeDNA test kits will also see a big price drop, and will definitely worth the money. However, some other brands and more premium kits and bundles will likely remain at full price.
Should you buy a DNA test kit on prime day?
Amazon Prime Day will run from July 12 through the 13th this year, and you can expect significant discounts on a ton of products across the site. Prime Day will likely feature discounts on DNA test kits from name-brands like 23andMe, AncestryDNA and MyHeritage that will be worth the wait if you've been looking to buy.
For the basic 23andMe test kit, we saw record low prices during Prime Day in 2021 and 2020. They consistently stayed low until earlier this year in April when prices shot back to their MSRP. That said, if past Prime Days are any indication, the base DNA test kit should see a return to its reduced price over the holiday. The higher ticket DNA kits from 23andMe like the Premium Membership Bundle, on the other hand, may not be marked down.
According to FamilyTreeDNA, Amazon will be discounting its Family Finder DNA test kits to the low-price of $49, while the premium Family Finder DNA wellness kit will drop from $119 to only $59.
DNA test kits from AncestryDNA were marked down much more regularly throughout the year, including on Prime Day. So, depending on the kit you're looking for, Prime Day may be a good time to purchase.
As for the other brands offered on Amazon, they historically haven't been discounted on Prime Day, so we wouldn't hold our breath for them.
DNA test kit price tracking
The base 23andMe Ancestry Plus Traits Service kit was at its highest on July 10, 2020 at $99.99. The price was at its lowest on Amazon on June 28, 2021 at $87.17.
The base Genetic Ethnicity AncestryDNA kit price shot to its highest on March 16, 2022 for $99, where it currently remains. The kit's price was at its lowest on August 5, 2021 for only $43.03. Often throughout this year, however, prices were marked down to around $60.
The hope is that we see similar price markdowns during Prime Day for both DNA testing companies.
The test kit from MyHeritage DNA hit a record low of $49 on November 25, 2018, but has remained at its highest of $79 since December of 2020. We think the odds are lower for a MyHeritage DNA test kit discount based on trends, but it may be worth it to see what they have to offer.
Which DNA test kit should I buy?
With multiple brands to choose from, it may be difficult to determine which DNA test kit is right for you. Here's a breakdown of what each one offers.
23andMe Ancestry Plus Traits
- Ancestry reports
- DNA relative finder
- Automatic family tree builder
- Trait reports
Ancestry DNA Genetic Ethnicity
- Ethnicity estimate
- DNA relative finder
- Ancestral reports
- Story Scout (collection of ancestor passports, marriage certificate, etc.)
FamilyTree DNA
- Ancestry report
- Connect with DNA relatives
- Chromosome painter
- Ancient origins report
MyHeritage DNA
- Ethnicity reports
- DNA match finder