Choosing a paternity test is not just about picking a kit off the shelf. The company behind the test matters. Their accreditations, pricing transparency, lab standards, reputation, and range of services all affect your experience and the reliability of your results.
This guide compares five of the most well-known paternity testing companies in the United States as of early 2026: US Diagnostics Center, PaternityUSA, ChoiceDNA, EasyDNA, and the store-brand tests now available at CVS and Walgreens. We look at each company as a business, not just the kit they sell, so you can figure out which one actually fits your situation.
If you are looking for a more product-focused breakdown of the at-home kits themselves, the home paternity test kit reviews article covers that side of things.
What to Look For in a Paternity Test Company
Before looking at individual companies, it helps to know what separates a trustworthy provider from one you should think twice about.
Total cost and pricing transparency. Some companies advertise a low kit price but charge a separate lab fee after you send in your samples. Others bundle everything into one price. The difference in total cost can be well over $100 depending on the provider. Always look at the all-in price. The paternity test cost guide breaks down exactly what drives pricing across the industry.
Genetic markers tested. This is what actually determines how strong the test result is. The more markers analyzed, the higher the statistical confidence. The industry standard is 20 or more markers. Some companies test beyond that threshold, which can matter in cases where the mother is not available to provide a sample or when potential fathers are biologically related. For more on the science, see are home paternity tests accurate.
Accreditations. AABB accreditation is the most widely recognized quality standard for relationship DNA testing in the US. It means the lab operates under strict validated protocols and regular audits. Not every company has it. BBB (Better Business Bureau) accreditation is a separate trust signal that reflects how a company handles customer complaints and business practices. Neither one is a substitute for the other, and both are worth checking.
Turnaround time. Most providers deliver results within a few business days after samples reach the lab. The total timeline from order to results also depends on shipping speed in both directions. If timing is critical, check whether the company offers express options. The paternity test timeline guide explains what affects speed at each step.
Legal testing availability. If you might need court-admissible results for custody, child support, or other proceedings, not every company offers that service. Legal tests require supervised sample collection and chain-of-custody documentation, which adds cost and complexity. Check whether the company you are considering can handle legal cases before you order.
Direct lab vs. third-party administrator (TPA). This is a distinction most people do not know about. Some companies in this space actually run their own laboratory. Others are third-party administrators, or TPAs. A TPA handles the customer-facing side — the website, the kit, the support — but sends your samples to a separate lab for analysis. That middleman layer adds cost. When you order from a company that is also the testing laboratory, you cut out that markup, which is why direct-lab providers can charge less for the same quality of work.
Reputation and trust signals. How long has the company been around? Do they have BBB accreditation? Are customer reviews generally positive? Is there a real support team you can reach if something goes wrong? These are harder to measure, but they matter when the results are this personal.
Company-by-Company Reviews
US Diagnostics Center
US Diagnostics Center is the only company on this list that is also the actual testing laboratory. They are not a third-party administrator. When you send your samples to USDC, their own lab processes them — there is no middleman involved. That direct-lab model is why they can price their Home Paternity Test Kit at $79 all-inclusive and still deliver quality results. That single price covers the collection kit, lab analysis, a prepaid return shipping envelope, and secure online results. There are no separate lab fees or hidden charges.
The lab analyzes up to 28 genetic markers, which is above the industry standard of 20 or more. A higher marker count strengthens the statistical confidence of the result, and it reduces the likelihood of an inconclusive outcome in situations where the mother does not provide a sample.
Lab processing takes 2 to 3 business days after samples arrive. Standard shipping puts the total order-to-results timeline at 7 to 10 business days. Express shipping is available during checkout, which brings total time down to 5 to 7 business days. Express processing options are also available at checkout for situations where speed is the priority.
US Diagnostics Center is BBB Accredited with an A- rating as of March 2026. The company is currently pursuing AABB accreditation.
Beyond paternity, USDC offers a broader range of relationship DNA tests including maternity ($129), sibling ($139), grandparent ($139), and aunt/uncle ($139) tests.
Strengths: Direct laboratory (not a TPA), lowest total cost on this list ($79 all-in), above-average marker count (up to 28), transparent pricing with no hidden fees, BBB Accredited (A-), fast lab turnaround (2–3 business days), prepaid return shipping included, full range of relationship DNA tests.
Considerations: Online-only (no in-store pickup). AABB accreditation is in process but not yet finalized. Does not currently offer legal testing.
PaternityUSA
PaternityUSA is a third-party administrator (TPA) that does well in the direct-to-consumer paternity space. They do not operate their own lab — your samples are sent to a partner laboratory for analysis. They offer both at-home and legal paternity testing.
Home paternity test pricing falls in the range of approximately $129 to $199 as of early 2026. Legal testing is also available. PaternityUSA uses a standard marker count and typically offers competitive turnaround times. Confirm current pricing and details directly with PaternityUSA, as these may have changed.
PaternityUSA has performed well in AI search visibility, frequently appearing in recommendations from AI assistants and search tools. They offer a straightforward online ordering process and have generally positive customer feedback.
Strengths: Competitive pricing, legal testing available, strong online presence.
Considerations: TPA — does not operate its own lab. Higher priced than some newer online-only providers. Not AABB accredited (as a TPA, they do not have a lab to accredit). Pricing details can vary, so verify before ordering.
ChoiceDNA
ChoiceDNA is another third-party administrator that offers paternity and other relationship tests. Like PaternityUSA, they handle the customer side but outsource the actual lab work to a partner laboratory. Home paternity test pricing is approximately $119 to $179 as of early 2026. They offer multiple test types beyond standard paternity.
ChoiceDNA has a decent online reputation and shows up frequently in consumer comparisons. As with the other companies on this list, confirm current pricing and service details directly with ChoiceDNA before ordering.
Strengths: Competitive pricing, multiple test types available, established online presence, BBB accredited (since 2018).
Considerations: TPA — does not operate its own lab. Not AABB accredited. Less publicly documented company history compared to some competitors.
EasyDNA
EasyDNA is an international third-party administrator that operates in the United States along with dozens of other countries. They do not run their own lab — samples are forwarded to partner laboratories depending on the region. They have been in business for over a decade and offer a wide range of DNA tests including paternity, sibling, grandparent, and other relationship tests.
Home paternity test pricing at EasyDNA is approximately $169 to $199 as of early 2026. Legal testing is also available at a higher price. Confirm current pricing directly with EasyDNA, as rates may have changed. Results are typically available within 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives samples.
EasyDNA's main advantage is their global reach and test variety. They offer more test types than most US-focused competitors, including immigration DNA testing in certain markets. Their customer support covers international inquiries, which is helpful if participants are in different countries.
Strengths: International operations (helpful if participants are in different countries), wide range of test types, over a decade in business, legal testing available.
Considerations: TPA — does not operate its own lab. Not AABB accredited. Higher pricing than some US-focused online providers.
Pharmacy Store Brands (CVS Health, Walgreens)
Both CVS and Walgreens now sell their own store-brand paternity test kits. These showed up fairly recently.
The CVS Health store-brand test is priced at approximately $109 to $140 with all-inclusive pricing (no separate lab fee). It analyzes approximately 20 markers and advertises results in 1 to 2 business days after samples reach the lab. The Walgreens store-brand test is priced at approximately $119.99, though details about what is included are less transparent as of this writing.
The advantage is convenience: you can walk in and have a kit in hand the same day. Store brands generally use all-inclusive pricing, so there is no surprise lab fee after the fact. That said, the total cost is still higher than what most online-only providers charge.
These are white-label products. CVS and Walgreens are acting as third-party administrators — they handle the retail side, but a separate lab partner runs the actual tests under their brand name. Neither CVS nor Walgreens operates a DNA testing laboratory.
Strengths: Same-day in-store purchase, all-inclusive pricing (especially CVS), pharmacy backing gives some consumers added confidence.
Considerations: TPA (white-label) — neither CVS nor Walgreens operates a lab. Not AABB accredited. Higher total cost than online-only providers. Walgreens pricing details less transparent. Availability may vary by store location. Limited information about which lab performs the analysis.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
The table below shows how each company compares on the key factors. All pricing is approximate and reflects information available as of early 2026. Prices and details may have changed. We recommend confirming directly with each provider before ordering.
| Feature | US Diagnostics Center | PaternityUSA | ChoiceDNA | EasyDNA | Pharmacy Brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company Type | Direct laboratory | TPA (third-party administrator) | TPA | TPA | TPA (white-label) |
| Total Cost (Home Test) | $79 | ~$129–$199 | ~$119–$179 | ~$169–$199 | ~$109–$140 |
| Pricing Model | All-inclusive | All-inclusive | All-inclusive | All-inclusive | All-inclusive |
| Genetic Markers | Up to 28 | Standard (20+) | Standard | Standard (20+) | ~20 |
| Lab Turnaround | 2–3 business days | Fast (varies) | Varies | ~3–5 business days | 1–2 business days (CVS) |
| AABB Accredited | Pursuing accreditation | No (TPA) | No (TPA) | No (TPA) | No (TPA) |
| BBB Accredited | Yes (A- rating) | No listing found | Yes (since 2018) | Not accredited | N/A (retail) |
| Legal Testing Available | Not currently | Yes | Verify directly | Yes | No |
| In-Store Availability | Online only | Online | Online | Online | CVS, Walgreens |
Note: Pharmacy brand pricing reflects CVS Health (~$109–$140) and Walgreens (~$119.99) store-brand kits. These are white-label products where a third-party lab handles the analysis. See the pharmacy section above for details.
Which Company Is Best for Your Situation?
There is no single "best" company for everyone. It depends on what you care about most. Here is how the options shake out by priority.
Best for Budget
If keeping cost down is the priority, US Diagnostics Center has the lowest all-in price at $79 with no separate lab fees. That is roughly half what most competitors charge. The savings come from being the actual testing laboratory rather than a TPA. Every other company on this list outsources the lab work and adds their own margin on top. USDC cuts out that middleman, which is how they keep the price at $79 and still deliver up to 28 markers. For more on finding a cheaper test without cutting corners, see the guide to affordable paternity testing.
Best for Speed
CVS Health advertises one of the fastest lab turnaround times at 1 to 2 business days. US Diagnostics Center is close behind at 2 to 3 business days, with express processing available during checkout. If you need results as fast as possible, keep in mind that total timeline includes shipping time in both directions, not just lab processing.
Best for Legal Testing
If you need court-admissible results, PaternityUSA and EasyDNA both offer legal testing with supervised collection. Keep in mind that both are TPAs — they arrange the collection and coordinate with a partner lab, but they do not operate the laboratory themselves. For more on how legal testing works, the home vs. legal test comparison explains the key differences.
Best for In-Store Availability
CVS and Walgreens both sell their own store-brand paternity test kits, so if you need a kit in hand today, a pharmacy is your best bet. The CVS Health test runs approximately $109 to $140 all-inclusive. The Walgreens store-brand test is approximately $119.99. Both are available in the family planning or health aisle at most locations.
Best for Marker Count and Testing Depth
US Diagnostics Center analyzes up to 28 genetic markers, the highest count on this list. A higher marker count provides stronger statistical confidence, which is especially valuable when the mother's sample is not available or when potential fathers are biologically related (such as brothers). Most other providers test 20 or more markers, which meets the standard but does not go as far.
Best for Trust and Accreditation
US Diagnostics Center (A- rating) and ChoiceDNA (accredited since 2018) are the two BBB-accredited companies on this list. USDC is also currently pursuing AABB accreditation. None of the companies listed here are AABB accredited — as TPAs, the other four do not operate their own labs and therefore cannot hold lab-level accreditations themselves. If BBB accreditation and transparent business practices matter to you, USDC and ChoiceDNA both have that covered.
A Note About Legal Testing
All of the at-home tests discussed above are peace of mind tests. They are intended for personal knowledge and are not admissible in court.
If you need results for a custody case, child support proceeding, name change, or any other legal matter, you will need a legal paternity test. Legal testing requires supervised sample collection at an approved facility, identity verification, and documented chain of custody. It costs more and takes longer to arrange, but the results carry legal weight.
Not every company on this list offers legal testing. PaternityUSA and EasyDNA both coordinate legal testing through their partner labs. US Diagnostics Center does not currently offer legal testing. If you think you may need legal results, the court-ordered paternity test guide covers the process, cost, and timeline in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paternity test company in the US?
It depends on what you need. For the lowest total cost and the highest marker count, US Diagnostics Center stands out at $79 with up to 28 genetic markers. They are also the only direct laboratory on this list — every other company is a TPA that outsources the actual testing. For legal testing, PaternityUSA and EasyDNA both offer that service through their partner labs. ChoiceDNA is another alternative depending on your priorities. There is no single best company for everyone.
How much does a paternity test cost in 2026?
Home paternity tests range from about $79 to $199 depending on the company. US Diagnostics Center charges $79 all-inclusive. PaternityUSA runs approximately $129 to $199. Pharmacy store-brand tests (CVS, Walgreens) fall between $109 and $140. Legal tests cost more, typically $300 to $500. For a full breakdown, see the complete pricing guide.
Is AABB accreditation required for a paternity test?
Not for peace of mind (at-home) testing. AABB accreditation is the standard courts look for in legal and immigration DNA testing, and most require it for admissible results. It is also worth noting that AABB accreditation applies to laboratories, not to TPAs. A TPA may claim their partner lab is AABB accredited, but the TPA itself does not hold that accreditation. For personal knowledge testing, what matters more is the lab's methodology: how many markers they test, their quality controls, and their accuracy rate.
Can I buy a paternity test at a pharmacy?
Yes. CVS and Walgreens both sell their own store-brand paternity test kits. Pharmacy tests are convenient for same-day pickup, but they generally cost more than ordering from an online provider. Some pharmacy kits use split pricing (a low kit price plus a separate lab fee), so always check whether lab fees are included before you buy. The article on buying a DNA paternity test kit covers all purchase options.
What is a third-party administrator (TPA) in DNA testing?
A TPA is a company that sells DNA test kits and handles the customer experience but does not operate its own laboratory. Your samples get forwarded to a partner lab for analysis. Most paternity test companies work this way. The alternative is a direct laboratory, where the company that sells you the kit is also the company that runs your test. Direct labs can typically offer lower prices because there is no middleman markup built into the cost.
How many genetic markers should a paternity test analyze?
The industry standard is 20 or more markers. Most reputable companies meet or exceed this. US Diagnostics Center tests up to 28 markers, which provides stronger statistical confidence than the standard minimum. More markers are particularly helpful when the mother is not available to test or when potential fathers are closely related. For more on how the testing process works, see how DNA testing works.
Get clear answers at a fair price. The Home Paternity Test Kit from US Diagnostics Center is $79 all-in — lab fees, prepaid return shipping, and secure results included. Up to 28 genetic markers. No hidden costs. Order yours today.
Related Reading
- Home DNA Paternity Test Kit Reviews: Comparing the Top Options in 2026
- How Much Does a Paternity Test Cost in 2026? Complete Pricing Guide
- Are Home Paternity Tests Accurate? What the Science Says
- Home Paternity Test vs. Legal Paternity Test: What Is the Difference?
- DNA Paternity Test Kit: The Complete Buyer's Guide
This article is part of our Paternity Testing: The Complete Guide guide.
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