Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

23andMe vs Celebs

23andMe 4.8★ · Free to download 75
Winner 23andMe
Celebs 4.4★ · Free + IAP 30

Choose 23andMe for a more reliable and informative genetic testing experience.

Full reviews: 23andMe · Celebs

23andMe generally offers a more comprehensive and satisfying experience for users interested in genetic testing and ancestry information. In contrast, Celebs faces significant criticism for its monetization strategy, which frustrates many users.

Head to head

features edge: 23andMeR2R20R56R61
23andMe Users appreciate the depth of genetic and ancestry information provided by 23andMe, with many noting the interesting insights and updates they receive R2R20R56.
Celebs Celebs users express frustration over the lack of free features, as the app requires payment to access its main functionality R61R70.
ease of use tieR15R18R17R41
23andMe While some users find 23andMe's app complicated and slow R15R18, others appreciate its user-friendly design R17R41.
Celebs Celebs users consistently mention the app's confusing payment structure and limited access to features without payment .
reliability edge: 23andMeR1R19R55R70
23andMe 23andMe has received a mix of positive and negative reviews, with users questioning the accuracy of results R1R19R55, but many still find it informative R20R56.
Celebs Celebs users frequently report issues with the app's functionality and the necessity to pay for basic features R70.
price/value edge: 23andMeR4R10R5R20
23andMe 23andMe's pricing is viewed as high by some R4R10, but many users feel they receive good value for the information provided R5R20.
Celebs Celebs users are largely dissatisfied with the perceived value, feeling misled by the app's free claims R61.
support edge: 23andMeR17R22R43R81
23andMe 23andMe users have mixed experiences with customer service, with some praising the ease of account recovery R17 while others report issues R22R43.
Celebs Celebs users express frustration with the lack of support and clarity regarding payments R81.
Pick 23andMe if

You want detailed genetic and ancestry information and are willing to pay for quality insights.

Pick Celebs if

You are looking for a fun app to see celebrity look-alikes and don't mind paying for premium features.

Evidence note: While 23andMe has some negative reviews, they are often countered by positive experiences, indicating a more balanced view. Celebs, however, has a strong negative sentiment regarding its payment structure, suggesting many users feel misled.

Frequently asked

What is the cost of 23andMe?
The cost of 23andMe's genetic testing service is typically around $100, with additional fees for premium features R12R21.

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. [R2] 23andMe 5/5 · US Fun and interesting: Love seeing updates like new relatives. Break downs of your heritage. I have yet to pay for more info.
  2. [R20] 23andMe 5/5 · US Very interesting and useful: I am very pleased that I purchased this test. There is a lot of useful and interesting information. I don't regret it at all. And new information keeps coming in.
  3. [R56] 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
  4. [R61] Celebs 1/5 · US I used to have this app: I deleted this app cuz it's just money money money [̲̅$̲̅(̲̅ιοο̲̅)̲̅$̲̅]
  5. [R15] 23andMe 3/5 · US Slow on the test: This step takes 1-2 weeks usually going on week 3…. Staff accordingly with your Amazon supper sales
  6. [R18] 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
  7. [R17] 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.
  8. [R41] 23andMe 5/5 · US Very fast and interesting: I’m a geography lover who is mixed, but knows enough about inheritance and family history to know that everything that 23 and me said was totally plausible! It came in less than fifteen days for me from when arriving at the lab, and I got my kit for only thirty bucks on Facebook marketplace! I don’t have the subscription but I still like it.
  9. [R1] 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
  10. [R19] 23andMe 1/5 · US Doesn't tell much....: Can look for hours. Believable? Idk. Hardly any relationships recorded. Probably should use a different more popular app.
  11. [R55] 23andMe 1/5 · US U guy’s suck: You guys suck results are very broad with no specifics every thing says NOT DETECTED. So expensive for the information I got. Wish I would gone with ancestry instead
  12. [R70] Celebs 1/5 · US Horrible: Ok this is absolutely ridiculous because to even use the dang thing you need a subscription or a “fReE tRiAl” but like come on nobody’s gonna pay a subscription for this dumb app.
  13. [R4] 23andMe 1/5 · US Results: Paid $200 and all I got back is info for surveys and ads for more tests.
  14. [R10] 23andMe 1/5 · US Do not use 23 and me: They take your money and give nothing!
  15. [R5] 23andMe 5/5 · US Good tool: Really gets the info that you need and wanted. Thanks!!
  16. [R22] 23andMe 2/5 · US So-Called Security: Why isn’t the two-step verification via email enough? Why am I being bothered to set up MORE verification through some app or texting just to see the information I already paid for? It used to be enjoyable to review 23andMe, now it’s a pain. I don’t want to set up the verification app nor give my cell number. What if a user like my father doesn’t have those things? Grrrr
  17. [R43] 23andMe 1/5 · US You have to provide payment to view your results, even though you have a membership: Customer service just runs you in circles, would not resolve.
  18. [R81] Celebs 1/5 · US Scammed: This was supposed to be a free trial and as soon as I downloaded it I was charged $14.99, immediately asked for a refund by email and no one has responded. Had I known it was gonna charge for the download I would have never done it! Not worth $14.99.
  19. [R12] 23andMe 3/5 · US Family: I dislike that I have to get Premium to find what I really need to know.
  20. [R21] 23andMe 3/5 · US It’s just an add for their premium service: You now have to pay for services that once were included

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store