With the rise of DNA and ancestry websites, more and more people are taking to finding out their familial relations, ancestral information and genealogy. This has led to the production of accurate, reliable and easy to use home DNA tests for personal results.
This has also led the way for DNA paternity testing that is simple, accessible and dependable.
DNA Paternity testing kits are some of the quickest, easiest and most reliable ways of determining if a child is related to the father or not. These kits are simple to use, have fast results and provide conclusive evidence of paternal relationships, whether that is out of curiosity, for peace of mind, or for court related incidents.
If at any point in life, you or your child’s paternity is in doubt, then you will benefit from using a DNA paternity test. This way, you can gain conclusive evidence to keep your mind at ease or to find out who your real family is.
These types of DNA tests are done with a swab on the inner side of the cheek, packaged into an envelope and sent to the laboratory. Users will then have to register their testing kit, and wait for their results, which usually come in a matter of 1-2 days.
With so many different types of paternity testing kits available, it can be hard to find one that suits your needs. Some are more affordable, discreet and court-admissible if need be.
Our Top Pick
There is a vast range of paternity DNA testing kits available on the market today, and with many promising different levels of testing, accuracy and accreditation, it can be hard to decipher which will be the best to use.
With our list of best DNA paternity tests, there are multiple options that will give accurate information concerning a child’s paternal results, however we have concluded that there is one that comes out on top.
Our very best DNA paternity test is the DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit. This paternity test is conducted within an AABB and ISO 17025 accredited laboratory for reliable results. With this kit, all lab fees are included for 1 father and 1 child, along with the return mailing fee to the laboratory.
The results are tested with 22 genetic markers to draw comparisons between the child and the alleged father’s DNA for more conclusive results. The paternity test ships in completely discreet packaging for privacy, with support from a helpline in a professional and confidential manner.
With a fast turnaround time of just two days, along with reliable and accurate test results, you can depend upon the DNA Direct Paternity Test for a conclusive DNA paternity test.
OUR TOP PICK
Home Paternity DNA Collection Kit
EDITORS CHOICE
DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit
BEST VALUE
My Forever DNA Paternity DNA Test Kit
OUR TOP PICK
Home Paternity DNA Collection Kit
The Home Paternity DNA Collection Kit is accuracy assured, as the company runs every single test two times for improved results. This can give you the confidence you need when it comes to your paternity test.
What is great about Home Paternity is that they promise to test the swab themselves within their own company, involving no third parties in order to effectively safeguard your privacy and personal data.
With all of the lab fees included, this is a highly accurate, easy to use, quality at home paternity DNA testing kit with no hidden costs.
The price to return the swabs to the laboratory is actually included in the cost of the kit for no surprise charges.
With the Home Paternity DNA test kit, the price includes lab fees for one potential father and one child. You can also add the option of more test participants for an extra cost.
By registering your kit online, you will be able to receive extra swabs for further testing or another individual.
Home Paternity also offers a personalized service that you can trust, with constant support and care at every step of the way.
You can also receive online access to your report within a secure portal that keeps your information safe just 1-2 business days after testing.
Pros:
- Samples are tested twice
- Private information is secure
- Results within 1-2 business days
- Lab fees included
- Accuracy assured
- Easy to use
- No hidden costs
Cons:
- Not accredited
EDITORS CHOICE
DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit
DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit utilizes 22 genetic markers for the highest possible accuracy available in a professional and confidential manner.
This paternity testing kit is also AABB and ISO 17025 accredited for a test that you can rely on. In addition, with this paternity test, the lab fees are included for both the father and the child.
The test is conducted via a pain-free cheek swab for sample collection, all in the comfort and privacy of your home. With a discreet and confidential packaging, this paternity DNA test ensures privacy for delicate situations.
With free shipping included to the laboratory, results can come back within as little as 2 business days. With DNA Direct Home Paternity Tests, a discount is also available if a legally binding paternity test is required for your convenience.
Pros:
- Free shipping to laboratories
- 100% accurate
- Discreet packaging
- Lab fees included
- Results in just 2 days
- Uses 22 genetic markers
- Discount available for legally binding tests
- Accredited DNA testing laboratory
- Printable copy of results
Cons:
- Can take longer for results than advertised
BEST VALUE
My Forever DNA Paternity DNA Test Kit
My Forever DNA is a personal DNA paternity test kit that promises 99.9% accuracy and peace of mind.
My Forever DNA’s contracted Lab is located in the US and holds the gold standard in accreditation with AABB accreditation, and annually participates in the College of American Pathologist.
With this test, all lab fees are included for the 1 alleged father and 1 child. In addition, all shipping fees to the laboratory are included with this kit.
My Forever DNA boasts high accuracy using 24 genetic marker tests.
With fast and confidential results, you can be emailed within 1-3 business days after the samples have been received by the lab.
In addition, all results are signed off by the company’s Chief Scientific Officer with over 15 years of experience.
Pros:
- Uses 24 genetic markers
- All lab fees included for father and child
- 99.99% accuracy
- AABB accredited
- Promise fast results in 1-3 days
- Shipping fees included
- Confidential
- Available in kits for personal and court use
Cons:
- Results take longer than 1-3 days
RUNNER UP
Rapid DNA Paternity Test Kit
If you are looking for a DNA paternity test that is fast, safe and reliable, then you will need to try the Rapid DNA Paternity Test Kit. This paternity DNA kit is tested with the most accredited DNA lab in the United States.
The Rapid DNA lab is accredited with AABB, CLIA, CAP, ISO/IEC by ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board for reliable results.
Test with confidence that your results are confidential with securely encrypted online access.
This paternity DNA test comes equipped with all lab fees included for one father and one child, and shipping fees included for the return of your swab to the laboratory.
Rapid DNA promises a fast turnaround time, with the offering of only two business days to receive your results after the samples reach the lab.
What is great about this DNA paternity test is that you can receive email and text notifications every step of the process, to keep calm and supported throughout.
Pros:
- All lab fees included
- Confidential testing
- Most accredited lab testing in the US
- Shipping included to lab
- Fast results in 2 business days
- Text or email notifications every step of the process
- Accuracy guaranteed- tested twice
- Money back guarantee
Cons:
- Can take longer than 2 business days
RUNNER UP
Express DNA Paternity Test Kit
If you are looking for conclusive paternity test results fast, then you will want to try the Express DNA Paternity Test Kit from Alpha Heelix.
This paternity test promises fast, express results with UPS overnight return mail to the lab.
All lab fees are included for one parent and one child, in a US based AABB, ISO 17025, A2LA accredited laboratory.
With an easy to use swab test and a video demonstration included, you can complete this kit with simplicity .
From this paternity DNA test, results are promised within 2 business days with email answers and increased accuracy.
The Express Alpha Heelix paternity test works with 22 genetic markers for up to 99.9% accuracy in your results.
Pros:
- Lab fees included for 1 child and 1 father
- Video demonstration
- Quick results in 2 business days
- Money back guarantee
- 22 genetic markers tested
- 99.9% accuracy
- Free express postage to laboratory
- Accredited laboratory testing
Cons:
- Generally fast results, but not always under 2 days
RUNNER UP
STK’s Paternity Test Kit
The STK Paternity DNA Test kit provides accurate and reliable results with up to 99.9% accuracy by checking 16 genetic markers.
This DNA test verifies paternity with a quick and easy to use cheek swab. The test includes a prepaid envelope and all lab fees included.
This is a personal at home test, however, if you need an additional court admissible test, STK will offer $50 of credit towards it.
You can review your results between 3-5 business days from an accredited ISO 17025 compliant laboratory.
Pros:
- Includes email copy of results and hard copy
- Professional and confidential helpline
- 99.9% accuracy
- Works with 16 DNA markers
- Lab costs included for 1 father and 1 child
- Results in 3-5 days
- Return postage to laboratory included
Cons:
- Results take longer
RUNNER UP
Paternity Depot Paternity Test Kit
If you are looking for one of the cheapest paternity DNA tests on the market, then the Paternity Depot DNA Paternity Test Kit is a great option for you.
With this kit, the lab costs are included for 1 suspected father and 1 child.
This test is easy to use, with just a quick swab test on the inside of the cheek.
With quick results in just 5-7 business days after the laboratory receives your sample, this test can be used to gain accurate results about the paternity of your child.
With an online result page that can be easily accessed, you can find out paternity results quickly and with simplicity.
Pros:
- Low price
- Certified laboratory
- All lab costs included for 1 father and 1 child
- Results in 5-7 days
- Accuracy guaranteed
- Online results
- Discreetly packaged
Cons:
- Takes longer for results than competitors
- Does not state how accurate the results are
- No customer helpline
RUNNER UP
Nirtue Labs Paternity Test Kit
Nirtue Labs offer a cheap, simple and easy to use service to find paternity results.
The Nirtue Labs DNA Paternity Test is done via a cheek swab, with easy to follow instructions and results emailed through a secure portal.
With all lab fees included for one alleged father and one child, this is a cost effective and simple solution to finding the paternity of the child.
However, as this paternity test is much cheaper than other competitors, you will have to pay the mailing fee to send the swabs to the laboratory.
Pros:
- All lab fees included for 1 father and 1 child
- Results are emailed through secure portal
- Inexpensive
- Pre-addressed return mailer to laboratory
- Easy to follow instructions
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Takes far longer than other competitors
- Does not state how many markers are checked
- Separate fee to mail back
Best DNA Paternity Tests Buying Guide
How to find the best DNA paternity test
When trying to find the best DNA paternity test, it is not something you can purchase quickly. As the information given by these tests is paramount in determining the father of a child, it is important that you find the best DNA paternity tests on the market.
To do this, you will have to take a few factors into consideration. Firstly, accuracy is vital in finding the paternal outcome of the test. Most of the best paternity tests boast a 99.9% accuracy rate, however, the best tests will be certified by a trusted agency.
For example, some tests offer the official certification from medical bodies such as the American Association of Blood Banks, which will give you extra confidence in the results.
Additionally, there are so many different types of paternity tests, with a variety of price points. If you are utilizing a paternity test for court proceedings, then we recommend that you invest in a more expensive and reliable option.
For more delicate situations, you may prefer to use a DNA paternity test that is slightly more confidential. If the situation is awkward or uncomfortable, then you may need a DNA test that is able to fly under the radar.
Similarly, you will need a DNA paternity test that is easy and simple to use. Most use cheek swabs to determine the paternity of the child, and offer quick and easy to read results in a matter of days.
Finally, you should check to see how accurate the testing process really is. Although some paternity DNA tests promise 100% or 99% accuracy, it is best to take these with a pinch of salt. Check to see how many genetic markers are compared for more conclusive and accurate results.
In addition to this, some paternity DNA tests will check the results more than one time, this will improve the accuracy and will give you more of a result that you can rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do paternity tests work?
When it comes to DNA, a child will get half of their genetic DNA from their mother, and half from their father. By taking a small sample, usually through the process of doing a cheek swab, you can determine if the DNA matches that of the father.
A DNA paternity test will work by comparing the DNA profile of the child and male individual, or the possible father. As DNA is inherited from both the mother and the father, then naturally, the child will have received some DNA features that replicate the father.
The cheek swab method works by utilizing PCR or polymerase chain reaction which multiplies the small sample of DNA given by the swap over billions of times so that the answer is reliable from just a small section of saliva.
The lab will then usually consider 16-22 DNA fragments from the sample, of which half should match the mother, and the other half should match the father.
You can then compare the child’s DNA with that of the alleged father to determine whether they are related or not.
Can you do a DNA test with just the father?
It may surprise you to find that you can do a DNA test with just the father.
Many at home paternity tests do include swabs for the mother, the father, and the child; it is not actually completely necessary to include the mother’s DNA, but you will need to do both the father and the child’s DNA in order to create a comparison.
How reliable are at home paternity tests?
Many at home paternity tests claim to have around 99.9% accuracy, as they work to examine genetic markers from DNA in order to determine a comparison between two subjects, namely a child and father.
These tests will then work out the odds or the likelihood of the father and child being related.
Some tests are far more reliable than others as they will be completed in an accredited laboratory through multiple tests for more conclusive data and results.
Why would you use a paternity test?
A paternity test can be used to determine the father of a child with almost 99.9% accuracy. This can provide conclusive proof of paternity and answer any questions when it comes to the alleged father of a child.
This could be with a newborn, or in the case of an adoptive child searching for answers about their heritage and genetic family history.
In other instances, using a paternity test can provide evidence of paternity that had previously been alleged. This is useful in court cases where the father of a child may need to keep up on support payments, or to establish custody and immigration rights.
This can give answers when it comes to paternity and genetics concerning health issues or inherited genetic issues.
Using a paternity test can also be a life changing event. It can provide a clear answer, and establish familial connections that were before then undetermined.
Can I purchase a paternity test if I live in New York?
There are very different restrictions when it comes to purchasing a paternity test in New York. The New York State Department of Heath only allows paternity DNA testing to be performed by an approved DNA collector.
This means you are not allowed to perform an at home paternity test yourself without a professional. However, you can purchase a paternity test at a drugstore, but you will have to contact the laboratory first to ensure it is legal and approved before beginning your DNA collection.
This will also have to be requested and accepted by an agent such as a doctor or lawyer as a legal requirement.
In short, you can get a paternity test if you are living in New York, but you cannot purchase an at-home test online to perform yourself.