With so many DNA companies out there, it can be confusing when you’re trying to choose one that fits all of your needs. So, how do CRI Genetics vs 23andMe compare against each other, and what other alternatives should you consider when it comes to your health? Read on to learn more about their products, prices, and reports!
CRI Genetics vs 23andMe Overview
- Neither CRI Genetics nor 23andMe accepts raw DNA data from other companies.
- CRI Genetics offers a limited scope of health reports.
- Both companies only offer generic health recommendations.
- 23andMe has a history of partnering with pharmaceutical companies to provide access to customers’ genetic data.
- 23andMe is available worldwide, but CRI Genetics only ships DNA kits to five countries.
About CRI Genetics and 23andMe
CRI Genetics has been around since 2017, founded by molecular geneticists Alexei and Larisa Fedorov. They are based in Santa Monica, California. If you want to learn more about this company, read this comprehensive CRI Genetics review.
23andMe was one of the first direct-to-consumer DNA companies out there, founded in 2006 by molecular biologists Anne Wojcicki and Linda Avey. They are also based in California, boasting 10 million users in their database. Read this 23andMe review for more information about this company.
CRI Genetics vs 23andMe: How do they compare?
Here, we’ll discuss what CRI Genetics and 23andMe have in common, and where they differ.
DNA test & Raw DNA data
CRI Genetics analyzes 520,000 SNPs to generate their reports, while 23andMe looks at a little over 600,000 SNPs. Keep in mind CRI Genetics’ DNA kits can be shipped only to the United States, United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada.
On the other hand, you can get a DNA test from 23andMe from anywhere in the world. With 23andMe, you can choose between purchasing the DNA test + reports (one-time), or paying a yearly fee to become a member and receive new updates.
Neither CRI Genetics nor 23andMe allows you to upload your raw DNA data. This means that if you had your DNA tested before, you’ll still need to pay for a new test and wait for your results, which can take up to 8 weeks.
- Read More: Top 10 Sites To Upload Your Raw DNA Data
Ancestry reports
Both CRI Genetics and 23andMe offer ancestry testing. 23andMe analyzes your ancestry across 45 different populations and 1,500+ ancestral locations.
CRI Genetics provides you with an ancestry timeline going back up to 50 generations. It should be noted that many customer reviews from CRI Genetics raise doubts about the accuracy of the ancestry results.
Health reports
CRI Genetics’ Health Reports include only a limited number of topics, which are:
- Allergies
- Nutrition
- Vitamin
- Traits
- Weight Loss (separate purchase)
Each report will give your probability of developing a trait or condition but only includes a handful of rudimentary recommendations. You also can’t easily find these inputs from CRI Genetics, as they don’t have a designated section in the report.
Unlike CRI Genetics, 23andMe has a wider variety of health reports. While they only offer 15 health and wellness reports if you choose not to sign up to be member, you’ll also receive over 40 carrier status reports.
Similar to CRI Genetics, 23andMe also doesn’t focus on helping you counteract the bad effects of your genes. Instead, what you’ll receive from these companies is limited to how likely you are to develop a trait or condition, along with some generic and brief recommendations.
By signing up to become a 23andMe+ member, the company claims you’ll receive access to new reports and features throughout the year. In total, 23andMe offers 32 DNA wellness reports currently.
If you’re interested in personalized recommendations based on your genes to help you optimize your health, you should look elsewhere, as these companies do not provide much guidance on what to do with your DNA results.
You can upload your DNA file to websites such as SelfDecode for free to discover your genetic predispositions and personalized health recommendations based on your genes.
Prices
With 23andMe, you can choose between the following options:
- Ancestry + Traits: $99
- Health + Ancestry: $199
- 23andMe+ Membership: $169 + $29/year
CRI Genetics offers the prices listed below:
- Ancestry: $99
- Ancestry + Health: $199
- Allergy + Health: $199
- Weight Loss: $99
- Weight Loss + Health: $199
It’s worth noting that many CRI customers complain about extra costs added at checkout and overbilling, so you should pay close attention to your purchase if you choose this company.
Privacy
CRI Genetics claims that they do not pass on any personally identifiable information to third parties. However, they use anonymous genetic data for research purposes. By accepting the required Data Consent Agreement, you’re allowing CRI to add your data to their database. As a result, your anonymized information may be published in journals.
When you erase data from the website, it isn’t automatically deleted from their research project. You must contact the company directly to have it completely removed.
Unlike CRI Genetics, 23andMe had some controversies in the past about how they handle consumer data. Notably, 23andMe had a partnership with the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline to grant them exclusive rights to mine their customer data for drug targeting.
Alternatives to CRI Genetics and 23andMe
CRI Genetics and 23andMe can both offer you a complete package, as in you’ll receive both ancestry and health insight from these companies. However, the information regarding your health is very limited and you won’t get recommendations specific to your DNA.
How much the health reports from these companies will help you is still debatable. If you’re interested in improving your overall well-being with a gene-based approach, you should look for a company specializing in precision medicine, such as SelfDecode.
You can get started with SelfDecode by uploading your DNA file for free to learn about your genetic predispositions and discover personalized diet, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations based on your DNA.
Unlike CRI Genetics and 23andMe, SelfDecode goes beyond merely highlighting your genetic predispositions. When you upload your DNA for free to SelfDecode, you’ll receive wellness and traits reports and a lab analyzer tool for insights into over 1,500 lab markers. SelfDecode’s reports also provide personalized and prioritized diet, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations based on your genes.
For users who need a DNA kit, SelfDecode offers two options:
SelfDecode also offers cutting edge ancestry analysis with in-depth ethnicity percentage breakdown, as well as a color-coded map that can help you easily discover where you’re from. You’ll be able to trace your maternal lineage back through the ages, learning where they started in the world, and the journey that they took to get to where you are today. Ancestry Insights is only available with a SelfDecode DNA kit.
CRI Genetics vs 23andMe comparison
| SelfDecode | CRI Genetics | 23andMe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalized & holistic health recommendations | Yes | No | No |
| Genes & gene variants analyzed | Up to 83 million genetic variants | ~520,000 SNPs | ~600,000 SNPs |
| Products | Free DNA analysis, DNA testing, wellness reports, lab test analyzer, personalized recommendations based on DNA and labs, ancestry | DNA testing, ancestry, traits, and wellness reports | DNA testing, ancestry, traits, and wellness reports |
| Raw data upload | Yes | No | No |
| Raw data download | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost (USD) | Free DNA upload
Plans from $99-$249 |
$99 – $199 | $99 – $199+ |
Conclusion
The question of how CRI Genetics vs 23andMe compare against each other is pertinent, as they are both similar in offering you information about health and ancestry. However, for truly personalized recommendations regarding your overall well-being, there are more comprehensive options out there.
With these companies, you’ll be left wondering what steps to take after receiving your results, as neither will provide guidance on how to counteract the negative effects of your genes. If you’re interested in optimizing your health based on your DNA, you should check out SelfDecode.
SelfDecode analyzes up to 83 million genetic variants (up to 1 million+ per wellness report), giving you the most accurate health & ancestry data based on your genetics.
You can get started by uploading your DNA for free.
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