It’s been a minute since we’ve had an update to the database growth chart. At RootsTech last week, I was able to get some new numbers to share, particularly from AncestryDNA and 23andMe.
- The AncestryDNA database will be at 30 million DNA kits “any day now.” It is larger than all of the other genealogical DNA databases combined. If you are in an English-speaking country, this is the place to start your DNA journey!
- 23andMe dropped from about 15 million in October 2024 to a little under 14 million due to a “credential stuffing” attack and consequent bankruptcy. 23andMe has since been acquired by a nonprofit public benefit corporation and continues to offer both genealogical, health, and scientific research services. Approximately 11.1 million users participate in relative matching, and about 8.8 million of those are opted into segment matching via the chromosome browser.
- MyHeritage updates their numbers regularly on their “About” page, so it’s easy to keep tabs on their growth. When we consider only kits that are available for genealogical matching, MyHeritage is a close third behind 23andMe, with 9.6 million kits. MyHeritage is probably your best bet if you live in continental Europe.
- I’m still waiting on updated numbers from FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch. Based on prior growth rates, I project that they’re at about 1.8 million and 2.2 million, respectively. I will update the graph (and this post) when I am able.
