Ranking Criteria Explained
Each of our reviews incorporates a multitude of criteria, adding or subtracting from the company’s final placement on our list. However, there is a narrower set of the most important requirements that every company must satisfy in order to be taken into consideration.
Our primary test-related criteria include test variety, quality, and accuracy, as well as the number of genetic markers checked. We further take into account staff competency, certifications and accreditations, and partnerships with relevant institutions, all of which combined indicates whether the company in question is a reliable choice.
The second subset of primary criteria focuses on factors that shape customer experience and satisfaction. These include turnaround times, the quality of user support, the company’s privacy policy, and pricing. We also inspect whether the company is taking part in any research projects relevant to the field of genetic science.
Lastly, charity work is our final and unofficial criterion. It doesn’t affect the rankings severely, but we still like to point out if the company is going an extra mile to give back to those in need. Read more about the best sibling DNA tests on the market in our mini-reviews below.
Our Top Picks
When looking for the best DNA tests to fit your budget, your personal goals, and the overall scope of your genetic exploration, researching all the available options is of paramount importance. Whether you are just interested in satisfying your curiosity or embarking on a serious DNA-related quest, the following mini-reviews will familiarize you with the top at-home testing solutions currently on the market.
EasyDNA
With offices in 35 countries around the world, EasyDNA has performed over 300,000 relationship DNA tests so far.
Its Sibling DNA test inspects 21 genetic markers and offers 99.9999% accuracy. The DNA testing provider offers 3 different tests for determining siblingship, including Siblings DNA Test (299$), X Chromosome Test (399$), and Y Chromosome Test (299$).
The Siblings DNA Test can be used to determine whether two or more individuals are biologically related or not. If a genetic match is established, the results will identify them as either half or full siblings. As we already mentioned, the test checks 21 DNA markers for matches. In most cases, potential siblings want to know whether they share the same father or not. Note that this test is only performed when potential siblings of different sex are tested. The turnaround time depends on too many factors to give an accurate estimate in advance.
The X Chromosome Test is performed when two or more potential female siblings are processed for matches. It examines 10 genetic markers, comparing XX chromosome pairs across all test subjects. The average turnaround time for this test is 14-21 business days. Female siblings most commonly undergo this test to discover whether they share a biological father. It should be noted that the test is only viable if the potential siblings have different mothers. If that’s not the case, the mother’s DNA sample is required in order to perform the test. The X Chromosome Test can also be performed with DNA samples of the paternal grandmother and her granddaughters.
The Y Chromosome Test (299$) establishes a shared father between two or more male individuals. Alternatively, it can determine a common paternal ancestor. Besides oral swabs, this test also accepts discreet DNA samples (used toothbrushes, handkerchiefs, blood stains, semen, and other objects). The average turnaround time is 5-7 business days.
Live Well Testing
Live Well Testing acts as an e-commerce division of Confirm BioSciences. With such a corporate giant behind it, the company can offer the most elaborate DNA testing solutions on the market.
Its portfolio features both legal and non-legal versions of the sibling DNA test. The Sibling DNA Home Buccal Test Kit (249.99$) is designed to provide accurate results only for your curiosity’s sake. Thus, its final results will not make for a court-viable document. The highlights of this test include all 23 genetic markers checked, 99.9999% accuracy of the test, results on siblings, half-siblings, and unrelated, online results plus a colored hard copy upon request, user support always available for any potential questions, at-home sample collection, and lab costs included in the price, as well as a strict privacy policy.
The Sibling DNA Home Legal Buccal Test Kit (349.99$) offers the same service, accuracy, and turnaround time as the non-legal version of the test. The main difference is that its results provide you with court-viable proof of siblingship. This is the route to take if you see a potential court proceeding in the future (regarding social benefits, pension, will/estate…) or you need it for your immigration application. If you simply want to satisfy your curiosity, there’s no need to opt for this iteration of the test.
As far as the test subjects are concerned, the legal test variant demands some extra steps. The sample collection process cannot be performed at home. Instead, it has to be performed by a licensed expert (usually a doctor or a nurse) within a certified institution (usually a hospital or a medical clinic). Once established, the chain of custody mustn’t be broken; otherwise, the DNA sample will be rendered void and unusable. Keep in mind that legal DNA testing always costs more than the non-legal variant.
For legal reasons, DNA test kits cannot be sent to the state of New York. On the other hand, Live Well Testing accepts DNA samples from both the US and abroad.
DDC
The most modern DNA testing company currently available, DDC has executed over 2 million relationship DNA tests since it was established. It features a state-of-the-art proprietary lab with robotics processing technology, numerous relevant accreditations, including CAP, AABB, CLIA, ANAB, NATA, and the Ministry of Justice, and highly competent staff, as well as accurate reports and free consultations to help you choose the best DNA test for you, without any obligation to purchase. Every DNA test is done twice and an expert Ph.D. oversees every procedure and reviews your test results. Payment plans are available upon request.
Its Sibling Test (395$) is described as a paternity test when the father’s DNA sample is unavailable. The test determines whether the test subjects are half/full siblings or not related at all. The Sibling DNA test results can be used for any number of purposes, ranging from immigration visa application to social security benefits.
The test compares 35 genetic markers, which is the highest number on our list by far. This means the results will have a more accurate percentage of relation probability. The average turnaround time is not specified due to the high potential of test intricacy, but it usually takes around a week to get the results, depending on the number of individuals involved.
Paternity Depot
Paternity Depot offers the most budget-friendly DNA testing options on the market, with the fastest turnaround times available.
The company has performed over 300,000 DNA tests in its proprietary ISO 17025 certified lab, with 99.9999% accuracy. It accepts discreet DNA samples alongside standard buccal swabs. Convenient as it may be, this raised a couple of red flags with us, as nowhere on their site does it say that the person being tested has to know anything about it. As you can imagine, this opens up a slew of opportunities for underhanded endeavors. We would definitely like to see an appropriate disclaimer on the site in the near future.
Paternity Depot’s Sibling Test (199$) is around a hundred dollars cheaper than the tests offered by the competition. For an extra 50$, you can also add a chain of custody form to your test and make your results court-viable. Note that shipping is not free, so you can expect to add an extra 8$ (regular mail) or 20$ (express) to the price.
Choosing The Best Sibling DNA Test For Your Needs
Sibling DNA tests are a very versatile tool in determining the existence of several biological relationships. You can establish or exclude paternity, identify mutual paternal ancestors/relatives, and find out whether you and other specific individuals are half/full siblings or not related at all.
When it comes to choosing the best sibling DNA test for you, it can be a bit of a daunting task. There are a lot of providers out there and finding the “right” one can feel like searching for the Y chromosome in a female mitochondrial signature. That’s where our guide can help.
All of the companies featured on our list are good choices for different user needs. For example, if you want a company that provides a massive amount of various products, Live Well Testing will meet even the pickiest of demands. EasyDNA should be your top choice if you’re worried about shipping options and immediate support in your country. DDC is designed for people looking for surgical accuracy and Paternity Depot will definitely meet you halfway if budget is a problem.
As we said, you only need to define your situation and what are you looking to get out of the sibling DNA testing experience. Our comprehensive guide to the best sibling DNA tests will take care of the rest.