What DNA test should one have?
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What test to take is a common question.
But first, this is a surname web site, which means that you're looking for your paternal line back as far as possible. For that, one must have the Y-DNA test to determine your genetic male line and all others who descended from the same male ancestor many generations ago. For a Y-DNA test, the best bargain is the Y-DNA37 test. Y-DNA67 and Y-DNA111 are more expensive and provide greater detail of matches, but the Y-DNA37 test nails a match. And the only place to obtain the Y-DNA testing is Family Tree DNA. They do have periodic sales.
For general purpose DNA testing, there is autosomal
testing. It is for both male and female, and "shotgun" matches in all
directions. It matches one to actual people. There are many
web sites that cover DNA testing and many are confusing and many contradictory.
I provide below two of the better web sites for DNA information and where to
test. But again, this is a surname site, and for surnames one should use
the Y-DNA37 or higher test, and one can only obtain that at
Family Tree DNA.
The Family Tree DNA web site also has much information.
In brief, for paternal testing, use Family Tree DNA. They are the
only company in the USA that does Y-DNA testing. The tests aids in
confirming your documentation that you are descended from Walter b 1608.
For "shotgun testing" in all directions, male and female, use Ancestry DNA,
which uses the autosomal "shotgun" matching. Not because it is
better, but rather due to aggressive advertising, they have a larger database
for autosomal matching purposes . Family Tree also has autosomal testing,
which they call "Family Finder". If one can do autosomal testing with both
AncestryDNA and Famly Tree DNA, that further increase chances of useful
matching. ,
https://www.dnatestingguides.com/blogs/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-genealogy/ (Submitted by by Mae Richards)