Best DNA Test Providers in 2025: Compared by SNP Count & Raw Data Quality
Not all DNA tests are equal. If you plan to upload your raw DNA file to third-party tools like EchoDNA, the number and quality of SNPs in your file directly affects the accuracy of your ancestry analysis. We break down every major provider so you can choose the right test.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our FamilyTreeDNA link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why SNP Count Matters for Third-Party Analysis
SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) are the individual genetic markers that consumer DNA tests measure. More SNPs means more data — and more data means more accurate results when running analyses like:
- Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) — requires high-density, evenly distributed markers
- Admixture / ancestry breakdown — more SNPs improves resolution of population clusters
- Ancient DNA matching — more overlap with reference populations means better matches
- Trait predictions — specific SNPs needed for each trait prediction
In general, more SNPs = better third-party results. Below we compare all four major providers.
Approximate SNP Count Comparison
* SNP counts are approximate and vary by chip version and kit batch.
FamilyTreeDNA
Best Overall for Raw DNA Quality
SNP Count
~700,000
Highest SNP count of any consumer test
Chip
Illumina Global Screening Array (GSA)
Price (approx.)
~£79
Strengths
- Highest SNP density — ~700,000 markers
- Best raw file compatibility with third-party tools
- mtDNA and Y-DNA tests available
- No subscription required to access raw data
- Strong genealogy matching database
Weaknesses
- Smaller relative matching database than AncestryDNA
- Interface feels dated
Our Verdict
FamilyTreeDNA's Family Finder test produces the highest-density raw DNA file of any mainstream consumer test. If you want the best possible third-party analysis — including the most accurate ROH calculations, admixture breakdowns, and ancient DNA matching — FTDNA is the clear winner on raw data quality.
AncestryDNA
Largest Matching Database
SNP Count
~650,000–730,000
Variable by chip version
Chip
Illumina OmniExpress / GSA (version dependent)
Price (approx.)
~£79
Strengths
- Largest DNA matching database — 25M+ customers
- Good SNP density on newer chips
- Excellent for finding distant cousins
- Easy to use interface
Weaknesses
- Raw data requires login to download — extra steps
- Older chip versions have lower SNP density (~600K)
- No Y-DNA or mtDNA testing
Our Verdict
AncestryDNA excels for relative matching due to its massive database. Raw file quality is good on newer kits, making it a solid choice for third-party analysis. The main drawback is you'll need to go through their settings to export your data.
23andMe
Best for Health Reports
SNP Count
~600,000–650,000
Lower on v5 chip
Chip
Custom Illumina array (v4/v5)
Price (approx.)
~£99–£179
Strengths
- Best in-house health and trait reports
- Polished, consumer-friendly interface
- Haplogroup assignment included
Weaknesses
- v5 chip has notably fewer SNPs (~600K)
- Health subscription required for full reports
- Recent financial difficulties raised data concerns
- Raw file compatibility with some tools is reduced on v5
Our Verdict
23andMe has great native health reports but their v5 chip reduced SNP density, which impacts third-party analysis quality. If you're primarily uploading to EchoDNA, the lower SNP count means slightly less precise ROH and admixture results compared to FTDNA or newer AncestryDNA kits.
MyHeritage
Good Value Budget Option
SNP Count
~690,000
Comparable to FTDNA on newer kits
Chip
Illumina GSA
Price (approx.)
~£49–£69
Strengths
- Good SNP density on current chip
- Often heavily discounted
- European matching database is strong
- Raw DNA download is straightforward
Weaknesses
- Smaller global matching database
- Less detailed native ancestry reports
- Some users report chip inconsistencies across batches
Our Verdict
MyHeritage offers good value with a competitive SNP count. It's a solid choice if you're buying primarily to get a raw DNA file for third-party analysis and want to minimise cost.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Provider | SNPs | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FamilyTreeDNA | ~700K | ~£79 | Raw data quality ⭐ |
| AncestryDNA | ~680K | ~£79 | Family matching |
| MyHeritage | ~690K | ~£49 | Budget / Europe |
| 23andMe | ~620K | ~£99+ | Health reports |
Already Have a DNA File?
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