FamilyTreeDNA
Houston based FamilyTreeDNA has been testing since 2000 and owns the laboratory that runs the samples, which is rare in this trade. It is the only major provider covering all three test types properly: Family Finder for autosomal matching, mtFull Sequence for the complete mitochondrial genome, and Big Y-700 for high resolution paternal work. Big Y results feed the public Y haplotree, one of the largest of its kind, and volunteer surname and haplogroup projects give newcomers an experienced group to join.
This is the address for serious lineage research, particularly surname studies and one name projects. Autosomal transfers from Ancestry, 23andMe and MyHeritage are accepted free, with a small unlock fee for the extra tools. Casual testers may find the interface dated and the terminology heavy, and Big Y sits in a different price bracket from a routine ethnicity kit.
Pros
- Big Y-700 and full mitochondrial sequencing
- In house laboratory with long sample storage
- Hundreds of volunteer run surname projects
- Free autosomal transfers from other firms
- Public Y haplotree open to everyone
Cons
- Interface looks dated next to rivals
- Advanced tests cost several hundred dollars
- Autosomal database smaller than the giants
- Steep learning curve for beginners
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