AncestryDNA vs FamilyTreeDNA: Autosomal Dominance vs Y-DNA and mtDNA Depth
AncestryDNA owns the largest autosomal match database. FamilyTreeDNA is the only consumer brand offering dedicated Y-DNA and mtDNA tests for deep-lineage research.
These two tests rarely compete head-to-head for the same buyer. AncestryDNA is the autosomal default for finding cousins. FamilyTreeDNA is the only mainstream consumer brand that sells real Y-DNA and mtDNA tests for paternal and maternal deep ancestry. Many serious researchers end up at both.
At a glance
| Feature | AncestryDNA | FamilyTreeDNA |
|---|---|---|
| Database size | approx 25 to 30 million | approx 2 to 3 million |
| Base autosomal price | $99 (sales near $39) | $79 (sales near $59) |
| Y-DNA test | No | Yes (Y-37, Y-67, Y-111, Big Y-700 ~$449) |
| mtDNA test | No | Yes (mtFull Sequence) |
| Turnaround | 4 to 6 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks (autosomal); longer for Y/mt |
| Accepts free raw uploads | No | Yes (from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage) |
| Health reports | No | No |
The short answer
If matching cousins is the goal, buy AncestryDNA for the database. If you specifically want to trace a paternal or maternal line for surname or deep-ancestry research, FamilyTreeDNA is the only mainstream choice. Many genealogists do both, or buy Ancestry and then upload to FTDNA for free.
Database and matching
AncestryDNA’s roughly 25 to 30 million tested users is the largest matching pool in consumer genetic genealogy. FamilyTreeDNA’s autosomal Family Finder database is much smaller, in the approximately 2 to 3 million range, but FTDNA accepts free uploads from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage, which extends practical match coverage.
FTDNA also runs dedicated Y-DNA and mtDNA databases that AncestryDNA does not have at all. Y-DNA matches at Y-37 to Big Y-700 resolution let you do surname-line and deep-paternal-lineage research that autosomal data cannot support, because autosomal DNA randomizes across generations while the Y chromosome passes from father to son largely intact.
Price and value
AncestryDNA lists at $99 and frequently discounts to $39 during major promotions, plus roughly $9.95 shipping for the first kit.
FamilyTreeDNA Family Finder lists at about $79 and discounts to around $59. The Y-DNA tests run from Y-37 up to Big Y-700 at approximately $449 (frequently on sale). The full mitochondrial sequence is priced separately. FTDNA also accepts free uploads of raw data from Ancestry and others for autosomal matching, with some advanced features behind a small unlock fee.
If you only want autosomal matches, Ancestry is the better value for the database. If you want Y-DNA or mtDNA, FTDNA is the only mainstream option and the price reflects that.
Reports and features
AncestryDNA delivers ethnicity estimates, ThruLines, SideView, and integration with Ancestry’s historical records. No Y-DNA, no mtDNA, no health.
FamilyTreeDNA delivers Family Finder ethnicity estimates, autosomal matching, and the Y-DNA / mtDNA tests it is known for. Y-DNA matching includes haplotype and STR comparison at the chosen marker level, with Big Y-700 covering both SNPs and STRs at the highest resolution. mtDNA testing reports your full mitochondrial sequence and matches against the FTDNA mtDNA database. The interface is dated compared with Ancestry’s, but the data depth on the paternal and maternal sides is unmatched in the consumer market.
Privacy and corporate stability
Both companies are stable as of early 2026. FamilyTreeDNA is owned by Gene by Gene and has its own history with law-enforcement matching policies that buyers should understand; see our privacy pillar for context.
Who should pick AncestryDNA
Pick AncestryDNA if your goal is autosomal cousin matching and you do not need Y-DNA or mtDNA. Pick it if your research focus is the US. Pick it if you want the largest possible match pool from a single kit.
Who should pick FamilyTreeDNA
Pick FamilyTreeDNA if you want to do surname-line Y-DNA research, trace a deep paternal or maternal line, or contribute to one of FTDNA’s many surname and haplogroup projects. Pick it if you already have raw data from Ancestry or 23andMe and want a third database for free uploads.
Verdict
For most first-time buyers, AncestryDNA is the better default. For genealogists who need Y-DNA or mtDNA, FamilyTreeDNA is essentially the only consumer option. The optimal combined play: buy AncestryDNA for the database, then upload your raw data to FTDNA for free and add a Y-DNA or mtDNA test if your research questions need it. See the dna-test-comparisons pillar, the AncestryDNA review, and the FamilyTreeDNA review for more, or compare FTDNA’s Y-DNA depth against 23andMe’s haplogroup labels in familytreedna-vs-23andme-y-dna.