23andMe vs Ancestry:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Ancestry had more branded searches than 23andMe among DNA test kit brands worldwide. Ancestry had about 450,000 branded searches, while 23andMe had 301,000. Ancestry made up 50% of all DNA test kit brand searches we track, and 23andMe accounted for 33.5%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about DNA test kit brands, Ancestry appeared in all four answers and 23andMe in three. Ancestry was mentioned before 23andMe in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Ancestry, about 50% more searches than 23andMe
Who does AI mention more?
Ancestry, mentioned in every answer we collected
Who does AI recommend more?
Ancestry, named ahead of 23andMe in every answer
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Top DNA test kit brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and one Google AI Overview, Ancestry appeared in all four answers. 23andMe was mentioned in three out of four: in all three ChatGPT answers, but not in the Google AI Overview. Ancestry was listed before 23andMe in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
- Ancestry1st
MyHeritage2nd
23andMe3rd
FamilyTreeDNA4th
Living DNA5th
Nebula Genomics–
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- Ancestry4 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
- FamilyTreeDNA4 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
- 23andMe3 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
- MyHeritage3 of 4Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
- Living DNA1 of 4Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
- Nebula Genomics0 of 4Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
See every answer about DNA test kit brands
4 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which DNA test kit should I buy?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best DNA test kits?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best DNA test for finding out my ancestry?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“dna test”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“dna test kit”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 22, 2026.
Is 23andMe or Ancestry more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for 23andMe and Ancestry by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all six DNA test kit brands we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for Ancestry, 23andMe. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Ancestry | 23andMe | FamilyTreeDNA | MyHeritage | Living DNA | Nebula Genomics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 38.5% | 47.1% | 6.3% | 6.3% | 1% | 0.69% |
| Nov 2025 | 37.9% | 46.4% | 6.2% | 7.6% | 1% | 0.83% |
| Dec 2025 | 42.8% | 42.8% | 5.8% | 7% | 0.94% | 0.77% |
| Jan 2026 | 46.4% | 37.9% | 6.2% | 7.6% | 1% | 0.83% |
| Feb 2026 | 42.2% | 42.2% | 6.9% | 6.9% | 0.93% | 0.76% |
| Mar 2026 | 45.8% | 37.5% | 7.5% | 7.5% | 0.82% | 0.82% |
| Apr 2026 | 45.6% | 37.3% | 7.5% | 7.5% | 1% | 1% |
| May 2026 | 50.7% | 33.9% | 6.8% | 6.8% | 0.91% | 0.91% |
| Jun 2026 | 51.5% | 34.5% | 6.9% | 5.7% | 0.76% | 0.62% |
| Jul 2026 | 50.1% | 33.5% | 6.7% | 8.2% | 0.74% | 0.6% |
| Aug 2026 | 54.2% | 29.7% | 7.3% | 7.3% | 0.98% | 0.53% |
| Sep 2026 | 50% | 33.5% | 8.2% | 6.7% | 1.1% | 0.49% |
How has the 23andMe and Ancestry comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- The lead changed hands once in the 12 months ending September 2026: Ancestry took it in January 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, 23andMe’s share of searches among DNA test kit brands worldwide moved from 47.1% to 33.5%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 550K to 301K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Ancestry’s share of searches among DNA test kit brands worldwide moved from 38.5% to 50%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 450K.
How did search popularity change for DNA test kit brands worldwide in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, 23andMe gained share of searches among DNA test kit brands worldwide, from 29.7% to 33.5%.
In September 2026, Ancestry lost share of searches among DNA test kit brands worldwide, from 54.2% to 50%.
How are branded searches counted?
3 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using 23andMe’s and Ancestry’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
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