23andMe is reviving its DNA-based health related testing, doubling the price for a kit from $99 (US Dollars) to $199.
The autosomal DNA test from the two other major genetic genealogy testing companies, FamilyTreeDNA and AncestryDNA, remains $99.
The frustration in using 23andMe for genealogy is that a lot of consumers tested their DNA for health purposes, not genealogy. You choose which part you wish to participate in- genealogy or health or both- but family researchers are plagued with DNA cousins with no interest in communicating who posited themselves in the genealogy pool.
The effect of this price increase may drive genealogy DNA customers away from 23andMe to one of the other companies. If you are serious about finding relatives, your DNA needs to be at all three companies anyway. But frustration will increase as more people test for health and not genealogy, artificially increasing the genealogy pool available at 23andMe.
Jody,
ReplyDeleteI want to let you know that your blog is listed in today's Fab Finds post at http://janasgenealogyandfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2015/10/follow-friday-fab-finds-for-october-23.html
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks Jana!
ReplyDeleteSo I ordered the test at $199 and it said health results would now be available. But I log on today and it's $99 and says doesn't include health reports... What's the story????
ReplyDeleteI purchased a kit after the price increased to $199 and said it now would provide health reports. Now I log onto 23andme today and it is $99 and says doesn't include health reports. What is the story????? Thank you!
ReplyDelete$199 is the price in the United States- I just looked at 23andMe.com.
ReplyDeleteIn some other countries, the price remains $99 if health reports are not permitted.
What country are you in?
Well, it's a business and it continues to stay afloat for whatever reason.
ReplyDelete23andMe could do the genealogy part much better.