BuyPaternityTest vs HomeDNA Paternity: Compared
Published February 8, 2026 · Medically reviewed by the partner laboratory's medical director, AABB-accredited relationship-testing laboratory
HomeDNA (formerly Identigene) sells paternity kits at Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid for $15–$30 — but requires a separate $139–$179 lab fee at mail-in. Real total: $154–$209. BuyPaternityTest is $99 all-in with no hidden lab fee.
The mail-in fee
HomeDNA's shelf price is only for the collection kit. To actually process the samples, buyers mail them in and pay a $139–$179 lab fee. Most first-time buyers don't discover this until they open the kit.
Ready to move forward? Order our $99 at-home test — AABB-accredited, results in 1–2 business days.
Same underlying lab science
HomeDNA uses an AABB-accredited lab, as do we. The science is equivalent. The price difference reflects marketing model (retail + hidden fee vs. transparent all-in).
When HomeDNA still makes sense
If you need a kit tonight and can't wait 1–3 days for shipping, buying HomeDNA at a local drugstore gets you started immediately. Just budget for the $139–$179 lab fee before mailing.