Ancestry vs 23andMe

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

1. [R3] Ancestry 3/5 · US Traits!?!: I appreciate learning about all the amazing people I’m related too and seeing my tree expand. Since my families don’t know too much where they came from, etc. But the traits we should have a way to let you know you are wrong/incorrect. More than 60% of my traits are incorrect and the parent you base them off is the wrong parent. Being a perfectionist this has been driving me absolutely
2. [R10] Ancestry 2/5 · US Confused: It seems that you have to subscribe to find out anything. My DNA results are in and I have no idea how to view them
3. [R61] 23andMe 1/5 · US Not what I expected: I’d say, all of the Medical report given is just the stupid surveys the app gives to you answer. It’s honestly not ground breaking in my opinion, because you can actually get the same information elsewhere online for free and your primary care doctor. The genetic testing is very basic and generalized. I’d save your money on this test honestly and go with Ancestry instead. Ance
4. [R116] 23andMe 5/5 · US Interesting: I was really impressed with the ancestry side of 23andMe. The genetic breakdown is detailed and specific, going beyond broad regions to show more precise origins. The way everything is presented is clear and easy to explore, turning complex data into something interesting. If you’re curious about your background, the ancestry portion alone makes it worth it, it gives you a much clear
5. [R4] Ancestry 1/5 · US Family trees: Very user unfriendly, not able to change trees at will…
6. [R22] Ancestry 1/5 · US Hard: It’s hard to understand
7. [R60] Ancestry 3/5 · US Hello: I love the site but find it difficult to use
8. [R78] 23andMe 3/5 · US Used to be great, not so much now.: I pay $100/yr to stay updated with heritage and distant family members, but you can’t even manage your app?? I’m lucky to get past the main loading screen, yet now I can’t even see my updated ancestry because it’s stuck “loading”. Did AI take over?? Currently been waiting 10 mins. I’ll probably be cancelling my membership if I can ever log in. Hope I get paid
9. [R1] Ancestry 1/5 · US Ancestry Lost me as my Tree Owner and my DNA: How can Ancestry mess up so badly? I am the tree owner, but now, after 1500+ people on my tree, they lose my DNA AND ME. I AM NO LONGER ON MY TREE that I created??? Wow!
10. [R31] Ancestry 1/5 · US Information deleted: My tree was deleted my dna kit was deleted and now I have no way of tracking my DNA kit
11. [R58] Ancestry 1/5 · US Over 500$ a yr and the app doesn't work right: App constantly crashes , lags and fails to load. Things you shouldn't have to deal with for a subscription this expensive. This app should be flawless with how much these ppl charge. Don't subscribe to this. Do the most you can without paying them. It is not worth the money
12. [R67] 23andMe 1/5 · US Total scam: Go to a doctor for dna testing save like $100.
13. [R14] Ancestry 4/5 · US Disappointed: I have been paying for years, times are harder, I see almost nothing of my trees, why can’t prices go down so people can start working on their ancestry, why can’t you give back to your customers who are having a rough time in this economy
14. [R27] Ancestry 3/5 · US Updates: I don’t care for the last couple of updates. I also, want to express my concerns for the high cost for Ancestry. There are so many other companies with apps that do not have the outrageous price for a $500 year. I think it’s time to drop your prices. Just saying
15. [R51] Ancestry 3/5 · US It’s not just a monthly payment: Did my dna test with ancestry and it took months to get it back! Meanwhile, I’m paying a monthly subscription and then every 3 months I’m charged $99 on top of that, plus if you want to connect with any possible family members it’s another charge! You get charged for every little thing you do! I’m not doing it anymore so I’ve locked my card to ensure that I’m no
16. [R81] 23andMe 3/5 · US It’s just an add for their premium service: You now have to pay for services that once were included
17. [R28] Ancestry 1/5 · US Charge to cancel: Read the fine print carefully. Ancestry memberships are purposefully set up to be confusing, and then you’ll also get to pay $26.60 for the right to cancel your membership. What a joke
18. [R49] Ancestry 1/5 · US Cancel: Too difficult to cancel, easy to sign up.
19. [R77] 23andMe 5/5 · US Great app: Fascinating and if u get locked out of ur account for whatever reason, it’s easy peasy getting it back with their verification process.
20. [R119] 23andMe 5/5 · US DNA testing: Lots of good information