Short answer
If you already have 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, Living DNA, or FamilyTreeDNA, start with that file. If you are buying mainly to create a raw DNA file for Spoke, MyHeritage is often the lowest-cost starting point when on sale, but prices, shipping, and subscription trials change.
Use the file you already have first
Spoke is designed to work from existing consumer raw DNA files where the source, format, and marker coverage are suitable. If you already tested with a common provider, the best first step is usually to download that file and run the fit check.
- 23andMe raw data can work well when the downloaded file has suitable coverage.
- AncestryDNA raw data can work well, especially if you already tested for family history.
- MyHeritage raw data can work well and is often attractive when the kit is discounted.
- Living DNA and FamilyTreeDNA can be useful, but should be checked before payment.
If you are buying only for Spoke
For someone starting from scratch, the practical choice is usually the provider that gives a downloadable raw autosomal DNA file at the lowest current total cost. MyHeritage is often the most cost-effective route when discounted, but check the live price, shipping, country availability, trial terms, and whether raw-data download is available from your account.
What not to overpay for
You do not need to buy a provider's most expensive interpretation package just to create an input file for Spoke. The important thing is the downloadable raw DNA file, not whether the provider also sells ancestry, traits, or its own health reports.
Why Spoke still checks every file
Provider names are a useful guide, but individual files can still differ by chip version, marker coverage, file format, and export quality. Spoke checks fit before payment so an unsupported or low-coverage file does not become a paid report by accident.
Common questions
Is MyHeritage better than 23andMe or AncestryDNA for Spoke?
Not necessarily. MyHeritage is often a good value route if you need to buy a new kit, but Spoke cares most about whether the downloaded file is compatible and useful after checks.
Do I need 23andMe Health + Traits?
Usually no. For Spoke, the key input is the raw DNA file. Provider health reports can be interesting, but Spoke performs its own fit check and interpretation workflow.
Should I choose the cheapest kit available?
Choose the cheapest suitable kit, not just the cheapest headline price. Check shipping, subscription or trial terms, country availability, and whether you can download the raw autosomal DNA file.