Choosing a DNA provider

Which DNA test should I buy for a Spoke DNA report?

If you already have a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, Living DNA, or FamilyTreeDNA, start with that file. If you need a new kit, check that it includes a downloadable raw autosomal DNA file, then compare the total cost and current terms in your country.

Choose my report All guides

Free browser file check

Already have the file to hand?

Check file fit (optional) to check the file header, format, and a marker sample on your device. Your genome is not uploaded or retained. This does not confirm full marker coverage or analyse your health, and you can choose a report without doing it.

This check is optional. If you still need your file, follow the raw DNA download steps. You can choose a report before retrieving it.

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, use that file rather than buying another kit. You can choose a Spoke report before retrieving the download.

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 when you can download the original file from the kit manager account.
Living DNA and FamilyTreeDNA can be useful, but individual files still need compatibility checks before analysis.

If you are buying only for Spoke

For someone starting from scratch, compare providers that supply a downloadable raw autosomal DNA file. Include shipping, country availability, trial or subscription terms, and the total price. A provider's ancestry report or health bundle is a separate purchase consideration; neither guarantees that its raw file will pass Spoke's coverage checks.

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. The exact file is checked after secure upload and cannot enter analysis until it passes. If the file is already to hand, the optional browser check can offer earlier reassurance.

The simple rule

Start with the file you already have.

Buy securely. Upload when ready.

Show me how to download it

Already tested?
Use that file first. Buying another kit may add cost without adding useful coverage.
Starting from scratch?
Choose a suitable provider by total cost and raw-data access, then check the downloaded file.

Provider options

Choose on practicality, not brand prestige.

Spoke checks the file itself, so an expensive provider package is not automatically a better input.

MyHeritage

An existing downloadable file

Check raw-data access and the total cost in your country before ordering. Keep a download from an existing kit rather than buying another by default.

Visit provider

23andMe

Using a file you already have

A suitable raw-data export can work well. You usually do not need its most expensive interpretation package for Spoke.

Visit provider

AncestryDNA

Using an existing ancestry file

A practical option if you have already tested for family history. Download the raw file when you are ready to upload it.

Visit provider

Living DNA

An existing downloadable file

Can be useful when the raw autosomal file is available. Individual coverage is confirmed after secure upload.

Visit provider

FamilyTreeDNA

An existing downloadable file

Can be suitable, depending on file type and marker coverage. Let the fit check confirm the next step.

Visit provider

Prices, shipping, availability, subscriptions, and download policies can change. Check the provider's current terms before buying.

What matters

Three checks before you choose.

Can you download the raw autosomal DNA file?
The downloadable file matters more to Spoke than the provider's own report bundle.
What is the real total cost?
Include delivery, country availability, and any trial or subscription terms.
Does the downloaded file pass the fit check?
Chip version, format, and marker coverage can vary even within the same provider.

Common questions

A few useful distinctions.

Is MyHeritage better than 23andMe or AncestryDNA for Spoke?

Not necessarily. Provider prices and packages change. For Spoke, the important question is whether your exact raw DNA download has suitable format and marker coverage 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.

Editorial receipt

Scope, sources and supporting material

This guide can help with

Whether an existing consumer raw DNA file is the sensible first input.
What to check before buying a new consumer DNA kit.

This guide cannot answer

Which provider is cheapest in your country today.
Whether an individual file has sufficient coverage before the fit check.

Primary sources

Accessing your raw genetic data, 23andMe
Downloading DNA data, Ancestry
Download MyHeritage raw DNA data, MyHeritage
Download Living DNA raw data, Living DNA
Download Family Finder data, FamilyTreeDNA

Original Spoke artifact

Raw DNA download instructions

A provider ledger comparing raw-data access, practical fit, and the checks that matter before buying.

Use an existing downloadable file before buying another kit.
Compare total cost and raw-data access, not the report bundle.
Use the optional browser check for early reassurance; the uploaded file receives the final compatibility decision.

Choose first, upload when ready.

Choose and buy the report that fits your question. Secure upload, explicit consent, and authoritative compatibility checks come before analysis.

Choose my report Explore a sample

Which DNA test should I buy for a Spoke DNA report?

Already have the file to hand?

Use the file you already have first

If you are buying only for Spoke

What not to overpay for

Why Spoke still checks every file

Start with the file you already have.

Already tested?

Starting from scratch?

Choose on practicality, not brand prestige.

MyHeritage

23andMe

AncestryDNA

Living DNA

FamilyTreeDNA

Three checks before you choose.

Can you download the raw autosomal DNA file?

What is the real total cost?

Does the downloaded file pass the fit check?

A few useful distinctions.

Scope, sources and supporting material

This guide can help with

This guide cannot answer

Primary sources

Original Spoke artifact

Related reading

Choose first, upload when ready.