What DNA test should one have?
Back to the home page
What test to take is a common question.
But first, this is a surname web site, which means that you're looking for your paternal line back as far as possible. For that, one must have the Y-DNA test to determine your genetic male line and all others who descended from the same male ancestor many generations ago. For a Y-DNA test, the best bargain is the Y-DNA37 test. Y-DNA67 and Y-DNA111 are more expensive and provide greater detail of matches, but the Y-DNA37 test nails a match. And the only place to obtain the Y-DNA testing is Family Tree DNA. They do have periodic sales.
For general purpose DNA testing, there is autosomal testing. It is for both male and female, and "shotgun" matches in all directions. It matches one to actual people. There are many web sites that cover DNA testing and many are confusing and many contradictory. I provide below two of the better web sites for DNA information and where to test. But again, this is a surname site, and for surnames one should use the Y-DNA37 or higher test, and one can only obtain that at Family Tree DNA. The Family Tree DNA web site also has much information.
The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Genealogy
https://www.dnatestingguides.com/blogs/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-genealogy/ (Submitted by by Mae Richards)