Family Tree DNA Reviews

(based on 41 reviews)

166 of 335 people found this review helpful

I would not use Family DNA again. The length of time in receiving the product, expectations of what I would receive and technical problems with the web site and links to other recommended sites were the major reasons I cannot honestly recommend this product. I really wish I could have. The length of time should be provided during the ordering process and I would suggest giving the worst case scenario for processing orders. When you make an inquiry, the company's email response was timely, but it did not generate a timely resolution. I read the negative reviews and I wanted to give the service the benefit of the doubt so I ordered the product. Plus the endorsement of the product is by someone that I respect. The low end of the product is like a starter kit. You get information you can use, but just like the kit lens you get with a nice camera, in order to get better pictures you will have to upgrade. I would suggest marketing this product closer to the consumer's expectations and you will not get these types of complaints. The value and price and perception don't... (Read the full review)

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.

151 of 276 people found this review helpful

I ordered a Family Tree DNA test kit (Family Finder) in January, 2015 and received the results in mid February 1015.

I was shocked when the results were received. I was very anxious to get the results as I have been doing family research for more than 20 years - this has been very important to me as I was adopted and have spent a great deal of time putting facts together through information received from my birth family. I have quite a bit of Native American ancestry (from two different tribes). I kept checking their website - I never received an e-mail that my results were in. I was looking forward to verifying my ethnic results as well as seeing the matches. When I looked at it, I could not believe the results were for my DNA. Not one percent of Native American ancestry - the results stated mostly European ancestry - and stated a percent of Jewish ancestry. I know these people and where they were from and there isn't anything remotely that seems to show they would have Jewish ancestors based on their history and where they were from. ... (Read the full review)

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.

183 of 322 people found this review helpful

Like many other reviews posted here, my experience with FTDNA has not been good.

Results from my pending test (Y-DNA) have been delayed three times (with the possibility of further delays). My test was ordered in November of 2014 (when a sale price was offered), and still no results have been returned to me, three months later. I used the "contact us" form on the FTDNA website to inquire about the delay, but received no response.

The bottom line is FTDNA's testing is slow, they are indifferent to customer concerns, and I will not use them again for any further DNA testing.

If you want my business, you'd better earn it. FTDNA has not.

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.

115 of 241 people found this review helpful

I purchased an add on test (Y-67) in mid December and the latest posting says results should be available in mid March. This is the second postponed results date. And I have to log on to the site to find this out. They don't notify you. The first test (Y-37) produced very odd results, perhaps an extra marital event, and I paid for a QC retest of the sample which showed the same outcome they said. Since the surname group for my line is inactive, I decided to pay for testing of additional markers to see if I could find a match somewhere.

I tried to call customer service to learn why there was now a second delay and after holding for 45 minutes, I was dumped into a voice mail box and told to leave an email contact. At this point I don't know if the original sample is useable or if the delays are due to volume of tests. I used this company originally based on recommendations of the highest chance of result matching-- in other words the size of their database. Now I don't have a match and my surname group will not respond to... (Read the full review)

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.

163 of 323 people found this review helpful

FTMDNA is Super Slow. They promise one date, then repeatedly move the delivery date back, and back, and back again. I am still waiting. You could circumnavigate the earth on a raft; travel to Mars; or build a new Egyptian pyramid in the time it takes them to do a single DNA test ---the type of tests that law enforcement agencies have done in one week.

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.

175 of 346 people found this review helpful

It is supposed to take 8 weeks to get your DNA results. It took me over 16 weeks and then I wasn't notified when the results were posted. I have found matches in my Haplogroup with the same name on the internet, but they are not in my Familytreedna matches. I was hoping to bridge the brick wall, but I don't see that happening. I would recommend trying someone else for your DNA tests.

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.

217 of 382 people found this review helpful

I previously tested with FTDNA so, when I had the opportunity to sign up for their "Big Y" test (the supposed ultimate Y DNA test) I paid the $600 and was told to expect results in August. The website told me I was part of Batch 574.

After I was patiently waiting for results for about five weeks, FTDNA quietly sent a new sample kit to my PO box without informing me. Apparently they felt my previous sample was not good enough so I needed to provide a new one. I returned the sample and have never received an update. My inquiries were met with no updates, no answers and claims that they have no record of my test.

The website still tells me I am part of Batch 574 and that my results are expected in 1-2 weeks, the same as it has for nearly a month now.

So, let me sum up what FTDNA will give you for your hundreds of dollars:

- a test kit
- an estimated date for results

If you have the same experience as me, you will get nothing else. No results, no update on your results, no real response to your inquiries, only... (Read the full review)

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.

192 of 364 people found this review helpful

I have worked with several dna companies, and never with one as SLOW as Family Tree DNA. My original results were due in late February, then they were 'delayed' to early April, then to late April. Now, I am told end of May.

The company NEVER directly contacts me to inform me of their tardiness. Instead, I have to search myself to find out the new date. Poor customer service at Family Tree DNA.

They have sent partial information, but the complete package - What I paid for - has been put off, and off, and off....

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.

186 of 346 people found this review helpful

Like the others or perhaps more so I spent over $600 for the initial tests with enhancements and then more to do the Y testing. There have been results galore but they are useless. The product is difficult if not almost impossible to utilize. A few individuals contacted me through the website, genealogy professionals who offered a "fee for service" arrangement to help me interpret and trace my ancestry. I was engaged in other activities that I never took any of them up on their offers. Now, in retrospect, I consider the raison detre for the whole product is to collect information for the National Geographic Genographic Project not to help the individual obtain any understanding of his/her lineage, not his/her pedigree. The goal is laudable but the testing should be offered for free, just as it was for many who were tested in Queens NY in the National Geographic wonderful film. I have always held the National Geographic Society in high esteem but this a scam no matter how they are affiliated is a sham and a con. there are no good points.

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.

206 of 394 people found this review helpful

Was easy to process and relatively timely response. Information provided is almost meaningless though and was not worth the time to do.

In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree DNA to a friend.