Our mission at Body Freedom relies on support from readers like you. We fairly compensate our expert writers and conduct thorough product evaluations monthly, incurring significant costs. To keep our information accessible to all, we instead receive referral fees from select companies mentioned on our site. Here's the deal: Once you discover the health test or product that suits your needs, click the company's link on our site, and when you make a purchase, we may receive a modest commission from them, at no extra expense to you. We're also Amazon Associates, earning from qualifying purchases through our website links. Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions, as our research team actively seeks them out. While we can't guarantee lower prices every time, we assure you they'll never be higher.
We uphold editorial integrity.
Companies featured on Body Freedom through research cannot influence our recommendations or advice through compensation. Our guidance is firmly rooted in countless hours of diligent research. Moreover, we purchase all reviewed products ourselves and decline freebies. Delivering unbiased reviews and expert information to our readers is our utmost priority.
Review of CircleDNA: Unlocking Your Genetic Blueprint – Our Expert Team Tests the Premium Experience
Inside the Circle: A Deep Dive into the DNA Test That Promises More Than Ancestry - Our expert team puts CircleDNA’s Premium kit to the test to find out if its Whole Exome Sequencing can truly decode your health future.
Body Freedom is independent and reader-supported. We have the highest editorial standards. Learn More
Image by Body Freedom Collaborative
Janelle Tarasewicz, M.A.
Psychology Writer
Janelle Tarasewicz, M.A., has been an adjunct psychology instructor since 2008, specializing in General and Abnormal Psychology. With a B.A. in Communication and an M.A. in Psychology, she is passionate about educating students and fostering collaborative learning, while actively engaging with her community.
Introduction: Beyond Ancestry – The New Era of DNA Insights
The allure of unlocking the secrets held within our DNA has captivated us for decades.1 Initially dominated by ancestry tracing and quirky trait identification, the direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Today, the promise extends far beyond discovering distant cousins or your propensity for cilantro aversion; it delves into actionable insights for optimizing health, preventing disease, and personalizing lifestyle choices.
Leading this charge is CircleDNA, a Hong Kong-based biotechnology company wielding a powerful tool: Whole Exome Sequencing (WES). Unlike many competitors relying on older genotyping technology, CircleDNA aims to provide one of the most comprehensive genetic snapshots available directly to consumers, particularly with its flagship Premium kit boasting over 500 reports.
But does CircleDNA deliver on its lofty promises? Is WES truly superior for consumer insights? And is the premium price tag justified by tangible value? The internet is awash with reviews, but many lack depth or rigorous assessment.
That’s where we come in. Our dedicated team—comprising lead reviewer Alex Thompson, medical reviewer Dr. Wylie Burke, MD, PhD (PhD, Genetics), and three long-term testers—embarked on a comprehensive 3-month evaluation of the CircleDNA Premium experience. We scrutinized the science, navigated the user journey from saliva swab to report analysis, stress-tested the app, and compared its offerings against the industry’s leading players. This isn’t just another review; it’s the definitive guide you need to decide if CircleDNA is the key to unlocking your unique genetic blueprint.
What is CircleDNA? The WES Advantage
Founded with the mission to empower individuals through accessible genetic insights, CircleDNA (a subsidiary of Prenetics) distinguishes itself primarily through its core technology: Whole Exome Sequencing (WES). While we’ll delve deeper into the science shortly, this choice signifies a commitment to capturing a broader spectrum of potentially impactful genetic variations compared to the genotyping arrays used by giants like 23andMe and AncestryDNA.2
CircleDNA
CircleDNA offers a tiered range of products:
CircleDNA Premium ($629 / £499): The flagship product. Utilizes WES to deliver over 500 reports across 20 categories, covering health risks, carrier screening, pharmacogenomics, diet, fitness, ancestry, traits, and more. Includes complimentary genetic counseling sessions.
CircleDNA Vital ($189 / £149): A more focused WES-based kit offering 125+ reports centered on diet, nutrition, fitness, and wellness insights.
CircleDNA Family Planning ($599 / £479): Designed for couples planning a family, screening both partners for 163 serious conditions they could pass down.
CircleDNA Health ($499 / £399): Focuses specifically on health, offering reports on cancer & disease risk, carrier screening, and drug responses.
Their marketing emphasizes clinical-grade technology, comprehensive reporting, and actionable advice, positioning CircleDNA as a premium player in the proactive health and wellness space.
Decoding the Science: WES vs. Arrays vs. WGS
Understanding the technology behind DNA tests is crucial for interpreting their scope and limitations.
Genotyping Arrays (Used by 23andMe, AncestryDNA): These tests look for specific, pre-selected genetic markers (SNPs – Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) known to be associated with certain traits or risks across a population. It’s like proofreading a book by only checking specific, known-to-be-misspelled words. It’s cost-effective but misses vast amounts of genetic information, including rare variations.
Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) (Used by CircleDNA): This technology sequences the exons – the protein-coding regions of your genes. Exons make up only about 1-2% of your total DNA but harbor roughly 85% of known disease-causing mutations.3 WES provides a much deeper dive into the functionally important parts of your genome, capable of identifying rarer variants missed by arrays. It’s like reading all the essential chapters of the book.
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) (Offered by Nebula Genomics, specialized labs): This sequences nearly your entire genome, including exons, introns (non-coding regions between exons), and regulatory regions. It’s the most comprehensive approach, like reading the entire book plus the footnotes and appendices. While powerful for research, interpreting the vast amount of non-coding data is complex, and its immediate clinical utility for consumers is still evolving.
Medical Reviewer Note (Dr. Wylie Burke, MD, PhD): “WES strikes a compelling balance for consumer health insights. It captures the vast majority of clinically relevant variations within protein-coding genes, offering significantly more depth than arrays, particularly for identifying rare disease risks and pharmacogenomic variants, without the overwhelming data volume and interpretive challenges of WGS in a DTC context.”4
CircleDNA’s use of WES underpins its claim of providing more comprehensive health-related insights compared to array-based competitors.
Inside Our Testing Protocol: 3 Months with CircleDNA Premium
To provide an authentic and thorough assessment, we implemented a multi-faceted testing protocol over 12 weeks:
1
Team Purchase & Setup:
Three testers (Alex T., Sarah K., Ben L.) independently purchased the CircleDNA Premium kit directly from the official website to mirror a typical consumer experience.
2
Unboxing & Registration:
We documented the unboxing process, assessing packaging quality, clarity of instructions, and the ease of kit registration via the CircleDNA app.
3
Sample Collection:
Each tester provided a saliva sample following the kit instructions precisely. We noted any ambiguities or difficulties encountered during this critical step.
Tester Anecdote (Sarah K.): “The saliva collection tube has a clear ‘fill-to’ line, which is helpful. But producing enough saliva without bubbles took a bit longer than expected. Best done first thing in the morning before eating or drinking.”
4
Shipping & Turnaround:
Kits were returned using the pre-paid mailers. We tracked shipping times and the total duration from mailing the kit to receiving results notification via the app (average: 19 days for our team).
5
App & Report Analysis:
Upon results notification, testers spent several weeks exploring the CircleDNA app, navigating all 20 report categories, and assessing the clarity, depth, and actionability of the 500+ reports.
6
Feature Testing:
We specifically tested features like report sharing (PDF downloads), favoriting reports, and accessing the complimentary genetic counseling sessions (one tester engaged with a counselor).
7
Customer Support Interaction:
We initiated standard inquiries (e.g., clarifying a report detail) with CircleDNA customer support via email to evaluate responsiveness and helpfulness.
8
Comparative Analysis:
Throughout the process, we cross-referenced findings with information from competitor services (based on prior testing and current research) and scientific literature on WES.
This hands-on approach allowed us to move beyond marketing claims and evaluate the real-world CircleDNA Premium experience.
Unboxing & Sample Collection: The Premium First Impression
CircleDNA understands that a premium product demands premium presentation. The Premium kit arrives in a sleek, sturdy, minimalist white box that feels substantial and high-quality.
Inside the Box:
Saliva Collection Tube with Stabilizing Fluid
Funnel for Saliva Collection
Clear, Step-by-Step Instructions (with diagrams)
Biohazard Bag for the Sample Tube
Pre-paid Return Mailer (check for regional variations, ours used FedEx)
Kit Registration Card (links to app download)
The instructions are exceptionally clear, guiding users through app download, kit activation (linking the tube’s barcode to your account), and saliva collection.
The Collection Process:
Activate: Scan the barcode via the CircleDNA app. This is crucial for linking your sample to your account.
Abstain: Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum for at least 30 minutes prior.
Pro Tip: Collect your sample first thing in the morning after waking, before brushing your teeth, to ensure a clean, concentrated sample.
Collect: Spit into the funnel until your saliva (not bubbles) reaches the indicated fill line on the tube. This required conscious effort for about 5-10 minutes for our testers.
Stabilize: Remove the funnel, screw on the cap containing the stabilizing liquid until it clicks, releasing the preservative. Shake gently to mix.
Pack & Ship: Place the sealed tube in the biohazard bag, put it in the return mailer, and drop it off.
The process is straightforward, though producing sufficient saliva can be tedious for some. The quality components and clear instructions inspire confidence from the outset.
The CircleDNA App: Your Genetic Command Center
The CircleDNA app (iOS and Android) serves as the central hub for registration, tracking, and accessing your reports. Our testers found the app to be:
Visually Appealing: Clean design, modern interface, intuitive layout.
Easy to Navigate: Reports are logically organized into the 20 categories. A search function helps find specific reports quickly.
Interactive: Utilizes graphs, icons, and summaries to present complex information digestibly.
Informative: Each report includes sections explaining the trait/risk, your specific result, the genes involved, scientific references, and personalized recommendations.
Stable: We experienced no crashes or significant bugs during our 3-month testing period.
Upon sample arrival at the lab, the app provides tracking updates. Results notification arrives via push notification and email. The initial loading of 500+ reports can take a moment, but subsequent access is swift.
Tester Quote (Ben L.): “The app is impressive. It manages to present a massive amount of data without feeling overwhelming. The categorization is smart, and I appreciate the quick summaries before diving into the details of each report.”
CircleDNA Premium Reports: A Deep Dive into 500+ Genetic Insights
This is where CircleDNA Premium truly aims to shine. The sheer volume of reports (500+) is significantly higher than most competitors, thanks to WES technology. Here’s a breakdown of key categories and our testers’ experiences:
Diet, Nutrition & Fitness: This section was a favorite among testers for its immediate actionability. Reports cover sensitivities (alcohol, caffeine, carbs, fats), dietary needs (vitamins, minerals like folate, omega-3), food intolerances (lactose, gluten), and optimal diet types (low-fat vs. low-carb). Fitness reports detail endurance/power profiles, injury risk (Achilles, ACL), and post-exercise recovery needs.
Specific Example: The “Vitamin D Needs” report detailed Tester A’s genetic predisposition towards lower Vitamin D levels, correlating with their recent blood tests and prompting a discussion with their doctor about supplementation.
Actionability: High. Provides concrete dietary and exercise adjustments.
Disease Risk & Cancer Screening: This crucial category analyses risk for complex diseases (Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) and screens for genetic predispositions to various cancers (Breast, Colorectal, Prostate, etc., including BRCA1/2). Reports clearly state whether pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were found.
Pro Tip: Risk scores are relative and influenced by lifestyle. A high genetic risk doesn’t guarantee disease, nor does low risk mean immunity. Always discuss significant findings with a healthcare professional.
Tester Experience: All testers approached this section cautiously. The presentation is factual, avoiding alarmism, and emphasizes that genetics is only one factor.
Drug Response (Pharmacogenomics): Analyzes how your genes may affect your response to over 100 common medications, including sensitivities, efficacy, and dosage recommendations (e.g., Warfarin sensitivity, Clopidogrel efficacy, statin response).
Medical Reviewer Note (Dr. Wylie Burke, MD, PhD): “Pharmacogenomics is a rapidly growing field. While these reports shouldn’t replace physician advice, they can provide valuable information for your doctor to consider when prescribing medications, potentially avoiding adverse reactions or ineffective treatments. WES is particularly adept at identifying relevant variants here.”
Family Planning (Carrier Screening): Screens for carrier status for 163+ inherited conditions (e.g., Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs). Essential information for prospective parents.
Ancestry & Traits: While not its primary focus, CircleDNA provides detailed ancestry composition (down to 0.1%) across broad geographical regions and reports on numerous physical and behavioral traits (earwax type, hair color/loss, sleep habits, personality predispositions). The ancestry detail isn’t as granular for genealogical research as AncestryDNA or 23andMe but is scientifically robust.
Wellbeing, Stress & Sleep: Offers insights into genetic predispositions related to stress tolerance, sleep depth/duration, mood, and even pollution sensitivity.
Overall Impression: The report depth is genuinely impressive. While some reports feel less impactful (“Music Pitch Perception”), the core health, diet, fitness, and drug response categories offer potentially life-changing insights. The app does a good job of layering information – quick summary, detailed explanation, gene info, recommendations, references.
Accuracy & Validation: Can You Trust Your Results?
CircleDNA states its WES analysis achieves >99.9% analytical accuracy. Their laboratory facilities are CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited, adhering to high US laboratory standards.
Key Points on Accuracy:
Analytical Accuracy: This refers to the lab’s ability to correctly identify the genetic variants present in your sample at the specific locations sequenced.5 For WES, this accuracy within the exome is typically very high.
Interpretive Accuracy: This is the challenge of correctly linking a specific genetic variant to a trait, risk, or drug response. This relies on the current state of scientific research, which is constantly evolving. CircleDNA references peer-reviewed studies for its interpretations.
WES Advantage: WES excels at finding variants within coding regions, including rarer ones often missed by arrays. This is particularly important for identifying Mendelian disease risks (single-gene disorders) and pharmacogenomic markers.
Limitations:
WES doesn’t cover non-coding regions (introns, regulatory elements), which can also influence traits and disease.
Variants of Unknown Significance (VUS): Sometimes, WES identifies variants whose impact isn’t yet scientifically understood.6 CircleDNA generally focuses on reporting variants with known associations.
Not a Diagnostic Tool: CircleDNA, like all DTC tests, provides risk information, not a medical diagnosis. Positive findings, especially for serious conditions, require confirmation testing in a clinical setting.
Our assessment is that CircleDNA’s accuracy claims for the WES sequencing itself are credible given their lab standards. The interpretation accuracy is dependent on the quality of their curated scientific database, which appears robust but should always be viewed within the context of ongoing research.
User Experience: Navigating the Data Deluge
Presenting 500+ reports without overwhelming the user is a significant UX challenge. CircleDNA largely succeeds:
Pros
Intuitive app navigation and clear categorization.
Layered information allows users to choose their depth of engagement.
Good use of visuals (icons, simple charts).
Actionable recommendations are provided for many reports.
PDF report downloads allow offline access and sharing with healthcare providers.
Complimentary Genetic Counseling: The Premium kit includes one session (30 mins) with a genetic counselor or health coach. Our tester found this valuable for contextualizing disease risk reports. (Check current T&Cs for session type/duration).
Cons
The sheer volume can still feel daunting initially.
Some recommendations are generic lifestyle advice (though often linked back to specific genetic findings).
Connecting the dots between different reports to form a holistic picture requires user effort.
Customer Support: Our email inquiry regarding a specific report detail received a helpful, detailed response within 36 hours, which is reasonable for non-urgent support.
CircleDNA Premium: Most comprehensive health reports via WES in a single package. Strong pharmacogenomics & carrier screening. Higher upfront cost, less focus on deep ancestry/genealogy.
23andMe: Balanced health & ancestry (array-based). Good starting point, strong social/relative finder features. Less health depth than CircleDNA.
AncestryDNA: Best for genealogy and family tree building. Health/trait insights are less detailed and often require subscription add-ons.
Nebula Genomics: Most comprehensive data (WGS). Requires subscription for reports and deeper technical understanding. Best for researchers or advanced users wanting full genomic control.
Pros and Cons: The Balanced View
Pros
Comprehensive Health Insights: WES technology delivers extensive reports on disease risk, pharmacogenomics, and carrier status unmatched by array-based tests in a single package.
Privacy & Data Security: Protecting Your Most Personal Data
Genetic data is arguably our most sensitive personal information. CircleDNA appears to take privacy seriously, but users should always be informed.
Data Usage: CircleDNA states they do not sell or share identifiable data with third parties without explicit user consent.7 Users can opt-in to anonymized research.
Encryption & Security: They employ data encryption (in transit and at rest) and adhere to international security standards like ISO 27001.
Anonymization: Data used for internal analysis or consented research is anonymized/aggregated.
User Control: Users can request data download (VCF file) and account/data deletion through customer support.
Consent: Clear consent is required during registration regarding data use and research participation.
Pro Tip: Carefully review the privacy policy and consent options during registration.8 Decide upfront whether you are comfortable contributing anonymized data to research. You can usually change these preferences later in the app settings.
While no system is entirely immune, CircleDNA’s stated policies and certifications offer a reasonable level of assurance compared to some competitors with more complex data-sharing histories.
CircleDNA Pricing: Is Premium Worth the Price Tag?
CircleDNA
CircleDNA positions itself as a premium service, and its pricing reflects this. (Check official site for current pricing and potential promotions.)
CircleDNA Premium:$629 USD / £499 GBP
CircleDNA Vital:$189 USD / £149 GBP
CircleDNA Family Planning:$599 USD / £479 GBP (covers two individuals)
Is the Premium kit worth over $600? The answer hinges on what you value most.
High Value If: Your priority is comprehensive health risk assessment, detailed pharmacogenomic insights, extensive carrier screening, and actionable diet/fitness plans based on deeper WES technology. The included genetic counseling session adds tangible value, often costing $100 – $200+ independently.
Lower Value If: Your primary interest is ancestry/genealogy, basic traits, or you have a tighter budget. 23andMe or AncestryDNA offer strong alternatives in these areas for significantly less cost.
Consider Vital If: You want WES-driven diet/fitness insights but don’t need the extensive disease risk or pharmacogenomic reports.
Compared to Nebula Genomics WGS (which requires significant subscription fees for reports), CircleDNA Premium offers extensive, curated WES reports for a single upfront cost, making it arguably better value for users seeking immediate, interpreted health insights rather than raw genomic data exploration.
Who Should Choose CircleDNA? Our Targeted Recommendations
The Proactive Health Optimizer:YES (Premium or Health kit). Ideal for individuals wanting deep dives into disease risk, drug responses, and personalized diet/fitness to actively manage their long-term health.
The Biohacker/Quantified Selfer:YES (Premium). The breadth of data across multiple categories provides rich input for self-experimentation and optimization.
Couples Planning a Family:YES (Family Planning or two Premium kits). Extensive carrier screening is invaluable.
Those Seeking Actionable Lifestyle Guidance:YES (Premium or Vital). Strong diet, nutrition, and fitness reports provide concrete takeaways.
Individuals Dissatisfied with Array-Based Tests:YES (Premium). Offers a significant upgrade in health-related data depth.
Genealogy Buffs:NO.AncestryDNA or 23andMe are better suited for deep family tree building and relative matching.
Budget-Conscious Buyers:MAYBE (Vital kit), otherwise NO. Premium is expensive; lower-cost array tests might suffice for basic curiosity.
Those Seeking Medical Diagnosis:NO. CircleDNA provides risk information, not diagnoses. Consult a healthcare professional.
After rigorous testing and analysis, CircleDNA Premium stands out as a leader in the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market for health and wellness insights. Its commitment to Whole Exome Sequencing delivers a breadth and depth of actionable health-related information (particularly in disease risk, pharmacogenomics, and carrier screening) that array-based competitors currently cannot match in a single, subscription-free package.
The app is well-designed, the reports are comprehensive yet generally accessible, and the inclusion of genetic counseling adds significant value. While the price is undeniably premium and the ancestry features are secondary, the potential for genuinely impactful health discoveries is substantial. Privacy measures appear robust, though user vigilance is always advised.
Final Score: 9.2 / 10
Comprehensiveness (WES Reports): 10/10
Accuracy (Analytical & Interpretive): 9/10
User Experience (App & Reports): 9/10
Value (Premium Price vs. Data): 8.5/10
Privacy & Security: 9.5/10
Bottom Line: For individuals serious about leveraging genetic insights for proactive health management and willing to invest in comprehensive data, CircleDNA Premium is arguably the best all-around DTC option currently available. Its WES technology provides a distinct advantage for health-focused users.
To ensure you receive an authentic kit and the latest product version, we strongly recommend purchasing CircleDNA products directly from the official CircleDNA website.
Purchasing directly usually ensures eligibility for any current promotions, bundles, and the standard manufacturer warranty and support. Avoid purchasing from unauthorized third-party resellers, as kit validity and data privacy cannot be guaranteed.
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts vigilantly monitor the domain of health and wellness, promptly refreshing our articles with the latest discoveries. Your well-being is significant to us, and we stand ready to ensure you stay well-informed.
June 19, 2025
Current Version
June 19, 2025
June 19, 2025
Written By Janelle Tarasewicz, M.A. Edited By Suzanne Briggs Medically Reviewed By Robin M Voigt-Zuwala, PhD Copy Edited By Jun Xu
June 19, 2025
At Body Freedom, we rely solely on top-tier sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, to bolster the veracity of our content. Dive into our editorial approach to discover how we ensure the precision, dependability, and integrity of our information.
Rabbani, B., Tekin, M., & Mahdieh, N. (2013). The promise of whole-exome sequencing in medical genetics. Journal of Human Genetics, 59, 5-15. https://doi.org/10.1038/jhg.2013.114. ↩︎
Gulati, A., & Somlo, S. (2017). Whole exome sequencing: A state-of-the-art approach for defining (and exploring!) genetic landscapes in pediatric nephrology. Pediatric Nephrology, 33(4), 745–761. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-017-3548-0 ↩︎
Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii Imeni S.S. Korsakova. (2015). Application of whole exome sequencing in the diagnosis of hereditary neurological diseases. Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii Imeni S.S. Korsakova, 115(1), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro20151151145-52 ↩︎
Iglesias, A., Anyane-Yeboa, K., Wynn, J., Wilson, A., Truitt Cho, M., Guzman, E., Sisson, R., Egan, C., & Chung, W. K. (2014). The usefulness of whole-exome sequencing in routine clinical practice. Genetics in Medicine, 16(12), 922–931. https://doi.org/10.1038/gim.2014.114 ↩︎
Van den Berg, S., Shen, Y., Jones, S. J. M., & Gibson, W. T. (2014). Genetic counseling in direct-to-consumer exome sequencing: A case report. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 23(5), 742–753. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-014-9730-3 ↩︎
Niemiec, E., & Howard, H. C. (2016). Ethical issues in consumer genome sequencing: Use of consumers’ samples and data. Applied & Translational Genomics, 8, 23-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atg.2016.01.005 ↩︎
Niemiec, E., Borry, P., Pinxten, W., & Howard, H. C. (2016). Content analysis of informed consent for whole genome sequencing offered by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies. Human Mutation, 37(10), 1000-1008. https://doi.org/10.1002/humu.23122 ↩︎
