Could epigenetic age testing be the key to slowing down your rate of biological aging?
Sometimes, your outward appearance doesn’t match the inner functioning of your body.
So how do you know if your diet, lifestyle, therapies, and supplements are improving your health and longevity?
Traditional blood labs give you clues but are reactive and only highlight major imbalances.
Epigenetic biological age testing gives you much more comprehensive and actionable insights.
Although new epigenetic age test kits constantly hit the market, many are low quality and potentially counterproductive. Bad data gives you a false sense of understanding.
Want to skip ahead? Jump to the top choices below.
TruDiagnostic TruAge – Best epigenetic test overall
NOVOS Age – Best value epigenetic test
TruMe TruAge Explorer – Best budget epigenetic test
Elysium Index – Best saliva-based epigenetic test
TallyHealth TallyAge – Rising popularity
I’ve studied longevity for years and have consulted with many of the world’s leading experts. I’ve personally used many of these tests.
In August 2025, I created a dashboard comparing my results of 7 top biological age tests.
In this article, I’m reviewing what my research has concluded are the best epigenetic age test kits available. So that you can make the ideal choice for your budget, goals, and lifestyle.
Blood epigenetic tests are most accurate (where testing the same sample twice, you get identical results), while saliva tests can vary by up to 25 years
DunedinPACE has emerged as the 2026 gold standard, measuring pace of aging (how fast you’re aging right now) rather than static biological age, with 56% increased mortality risk for rates above
Outliyr ranked TruDiagnostic TruAge COMPLETE as it offers 1,700+ Epigenetic Biomarker Proxies (EBPs) with 62% greater disease prediction accuracy than traditional labs, plus exclusive DunedinPACE access
Outliyr ranked NOVOS Age as a great choice for its value, providing 4 different reports, including organ-specific ages & telomere data, offering a broader view of system-level aging
Outliyr recommends saliva and cheek swab tests like Elysium Index and TallyHealth TallyAge as more affordable options but typically less accurate, with marked variability
Organ-specific aging is now standard, with SYMPHONYAge and NOVOS Age tracking 11 individual organ system ages revealing that different body parts age at different rates
The Best Epigenetic Age Test Kits Reviewed & Compared
Epigenetic age tests allow you to estimate your biological age to assess how lifestyle, nutrition, and environmental factors influence your aging at a cellular level.
Increasing research, technology, and innovation has evolved these tests over the years.
But your results are only as good as the underlying test technology. Some low-quality tests give up to five year differences from samples taken the same day [R]!
| Product 📦 | Sample Type🩸 | Accuracy 🎯 | # of Actionable Reports 📝 | Best For 🧬 | Price💲 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TruDiagnostic TruAge | Blood | Best | 10+ | Accuracy & transparency | $250-$499 |
| NOVOS Age | Blood | Excellent | 4 | Organ system reports | $349 |
| TruMe TruAge Explorer | Saliva | Great | 1 | Affordability | $149 |
| Elysium Index | Saliva | Great | 10 | Consistent saliva-based tests | $299 |
| Muhdo DNA Transform | Saliva | Good | 5 | Genetic & epigenetic tests in one | $219-$325 |
| TallyHealth TallyAge | Saliva | Good | 1 | Cheek swab tests | $249 |
Let’s compare, contrast, and review the best products.
If you haven’t already used one of the top comprehensive blood panel services like Function Health, that’s usually a better place to start. Only then would I use an epigenetic age testing kit.
TruDiagnostic TruAge COMPLETE
Sample Collection: Blood
Clock Generation: 2nd + 3rd generation
Algorithm: DunedinPACE, OMICmAge, SYMPHONYAge
Data Testing: ~950k CpGs
Platforms: Web
Report Turnaround Time: 2-3 weeks
Available: Global (mostly)
Privacy: HIPAA-compliant
Price: $250-$499 (save 10% using code URBAN)
All longevity experts I’ve consulted agree that TruDiagnostic deserves the #1 spot on this list. It has become the gold standard.
It’s the choice of anti-aging self-experimenter Bryan Johnson (who spends $2M per year on his routine) and powers the entire Rejuvenation Olympics.
TruDiagnostic runs your blood sample through 950,000 loci (locations where DNA expression gets flipped on or off) for unparalleled epigenetic methylation analysis.
The platform then uses machine learning and AI to help you choose the highest leverage part of your health to work on.
Their platform is powered by state-of-the-art 2nd and 3rd generation clocks. Despite the higher price, this gives you great value (actionable accuracy to price).
2-3 weeks after submitting your sample, you’ll receive a detailed 85+ page report which breaks down every factor influencing your biological age. These give you insights into risks and areas to prioritize.
Plus, tips to reverse your biological age.
TruDiagnostic is one of the few companies that use the publicly validated DunedinPoAm algorithm.
Recently, they also partnered with Harvard University to create OMICmAge—the world’s top predictive aging algorithm.
Plus, a partnership with Yale University led to the creation of the SYMPHONYAge algorithm, providing granular aging insights on 11 different organ systems.
TruDiagnostic leads the industry with over 99 percent reproducibility. After all, what good is the data if the same sample yields different results when measured multiple times?
This is the same epigenetic biological age test that the Kardashians used on the season finale of their show [R].
Should you choose to subscribe, you get tests every quarter (four per year) for the same price as two standard tests.
Check out the full TruDiagnostic TruAge review for my experience and detailed reports. I also tested TruDiagnostic’s TruHealth to assess various aspects of my health biomarkers.
To get a snapshot of my biological age, I choose TruDiagnostic because of the full transparency, industry-leading accuracy, excellent actionable reports, and reasonable pricing.
NOVOS Age
Sample Collection: Blood
Clock Generation: 3rd generation
Algorithm: DunedinPACE, Biological Age Clock
Data Testing: ~900k CpGs
Platforms: NOVOS Life App (iOS & Android)
Report Turnaround Time: 4 weeks
Available: US & Canada
Privacy: Anonymized
Price: $349 (save $5 using code URBAN5)
NOVOS is a longevity brand known for selling perhaps the single best comprehensive anti-aging supplement on Earth.
Some people with the slowest rate of biological aging use only this supplement. More recently, they launched an epigenetic age testing kit.
With this comprehensive, all-in-one aging test, you get insights into 150+ biomarkers, across 11 organ systems, resulting in 4 reports.
They also use the more accurate blood samples (as opposed to saliva), and the latest 3rd generation clock. Similar to TruDiagnostic, albeit a bit cheaper and less accurate.
The four reports are: Biological Age, Rate of Aging, Organ Ages, and Telomere Length. Allowing you to break down aging by body system, monitor changes in aging rate, highlight faster aging systems, and more.
For example, the Organ Ages report shows which parts of your body are aging fastest with:
- Inflammation Age
- Hormone Age
- Immune Age
- Heart Age
- Brain Age
- Lung Age
- Metabolic Age
- Musculoskeletal Age
- Blood Age
- Liver Age
- Kidney Age
What I like most about NOVOS is their full suite offering. You can order thorough anti-aging supplement formulas, take their free online age calculator, or upgrade to a powerful epigenetic age test kit.
If you order two or more tests, the price goes down to $299 per kit. Or you can get a year of all their supplements, the Age test, and some bonuses at a significant discount.
NOVOS Age is a high-tech option ideal for those that want accurate yet affordable results from a well-established longevity company.
TruMe TruAge Explorer
Sample Collection: Saliva
Clock Generation: Unknown
Algorithm: Unknown
Data Testing: Unknown
Platforms: Web
Report Turnaround Time: 1-2 weeks
Available: Global
Privacy: Unknown
Price: $149
Biological age testing, specifically epigenetic methylation, is notoriously expensive. A company called TruMe is working hard to change that.
TruMe’s TruAge Explorer makes at-home epigenetic testing quick and simple. Unfortunately, they use the less validated form of testing (saliva) but saliva samples are certainly a bit more convenient.
Just 1-2 weeks after submitting your test, you’ll receive a 20-page report packed with personal recommendations.
With three frequency options, you can easily choose a onetime purchase, quarterly delivery, or shipment every 6 months.
The price difference is negligible, so I recommend starting with a single kit to see if it helps you first.
TruAge Explorer is featured in Forbes, Well+Good, Longevity Technology, Equinox, and more.
All their tests are done in CLIA-certified laboratories. This is one of few companies that also offers genetic DNA Methylation testing too.
ProHealth, a top source for longevity and anti-aging supplements, also features this test on their site. So you can one-stop-shop for the TruAge and use that to build out your longevity supplement regimen.
TruMe TruAge is among the cheapest, fastest, and simplest tests that beginners will find helpful. Note that the accuracy and science powering these tests isn’t known.
Elysium Index Epigenetic Age Testing Kit
Sample Collection: Saliva
Clock Generation: 2nd + 3rd generation
Algorithm: Levine DNAmPhenoAge, Algorithmic Platform for Epigenetic Testing (APEX)
Data Testing: ~100k CpGs
Platforms: Web
Report Turnaround Time: 6 weeks
Available: USA
Privacy: Anonymized
Price: $299
Longevity and biotech startup Elysium made their foray into the biological aging space with their Index product. Elysium originally called it “Phenotypic Age”.
Index results from a collaboration between Elysium and Yale University’s esteemed researcher Morgan Levine.
Elysium uses a custom chip designed by Illumina and runs your sample through their advanced Algorithmic Platform for Epigenetic Examination (APEX) technology.
I rarely like saliva epigenetic testing since there’s little research on it and it appears far less accurate.
The same saliva sample tested multiple times can return biological age differences up to 25 years! Share on XAPEX solves this issue, bringing the “noise” between tests down to ~1 year. Index examines over 100,000 loci (regions of genetic “on and off” switches) and uses this to calculate your biological age.
Six weeks after submitting your Elysium Index test, you receive ten different results including:
- Biological age
- Cumulative rate of aging
- Organ aging (brain, heart, metabolic, immune, and nine total systems)
The pricing has come down tremendously over the years. Just two years ago, this test costed $499. Now, you can get it for nearly half that.
If you prefer the most consistent saliva-based epigenetic biological age test and want to avoid recurring subscriptions, Elysium’s Index is a worthy test.
Muhdo DNA + Epigenetic
Sample Collection: Saliva
Clock Generation: 3rd generation
Algorithm: MuhdoAge
Data Testing: Unknown
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Report Turnaround Time: Unknown
Available: Global
Privacy: Anonymized
Price: £375 or ~$520 (save 10% with code URBAN)
Muhdo is a health testing company that has focused on DNA analytics. As they grew, they eventually compiled a database that allowed them to interpret epigenetic data.
Muhdo offers two tiers:
- DNA (called DNA Health before)
- DNA + Epigenetics (called DNA Transform before)
To capitalize on epigenetic testing, you’ll need the latter.
The service has expanded tremendously.
On the consumer front, they’re working with professional and Olympic athletes. But the bulk of their business is white-labeling their biological age testing services for other companies.
Many of the saliva-based tests actually use Muhdo technology and facilities to process the samples. Share on XAfter submitting your saliva sample and waiting an undisclosed amount of time (uh oh), you’ll get a bunch of “DNA Core Reports” back along with a few epigenetic scores:
- Biological Age
- Eye Age
- Memory Age
- Hearing Age
- Inflammation
I like the Eye Age and Hearing Age. This might be a good service if your lineage struggles with those systems.
This test provided those ages ago, long before the SYMPHONYAge epigenetic algorithm made this popular across the industry.
Although I found their website quite hard to navigate, I did talk to a Director at Muhdo. He assured me that they have a lab and team dedicated to validating and refining their process for maximum accuracy.
If you care about your data, Muhdo is not HIPAA-complaint. They do meet GDPR standards and claim to keep your data safe. One thing I do like, is that follow up Epigenetic Retest Kits cost only $219.
I’d go for Muhdo’s DNA + Epigenetics if you want both genetic and epigenetic reports all in one and don’t mind less transparency than some of the other top picks (or you live in the UK).
TallyHealth TallyAge
Sample Collection: Saliva
Clock Generation: 3rd generation
Algorithm: Cheek Age
Data Testing: ~850k CpGs
Platforms: Web
Report Turnaround Time: 4-6 weeks
Available: USA
Privacy: Unknown
Price: $249
Co-founded by longevity influencer Dr. David Sinclair, Tally Health opened their platform to the public in March 2023.
Unlike the other top picks on the list which use open-source, well-validated clocks, Tally built the tool around their proprietary “TallyAge clock”.
It’s purported to offer actionable lifestyle recommendations to lower your “TallyAge”.
Tally claims that it was trained on “the largest adult, DNA methylation cheek swab commercial dataset ever created”. I haven’t seen many large commercial cheek swab datasets—most use blood.
They do test more methylation (Cpg) sites than many tests, which gives me a little confidence.
These are likely the studies they are referring to [R, R, R].
Most of those recommendations are supplements that they conveniently sell…
This one requires an at-home cheek swab sample. With that sample, they claim to analyze 850,000 DNA methylation sites.
Previously, Tally forced you to commit to a monthly membership (which worked out to $516 to $796 per test).
Now, you can buy a one-time test for $249. Or, sign up for a $129 Tally Health™ Membership and receive a test every six months.
Plus their basic Vitality supplement (Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (1000mg), Quercetin (500mg), Trans-resveratrol (500mg), Fisetin (100mg), and Spermidine (900mcg).
Dr. David Sinclair’s Tally Health is best for people already taking Tally Health supplements—it looks like a decent test, at a reasonable price, and will likely will become popular due to his name recognition.
Other epigenetic tests worth looking into
There are also other tests that hasn’t quite made our list but is worth mentioning. Whether it’s because they’re still climbing up the ranks in the market or there hasn’t been enough solid consensus on their quality yet.
Generation Lab SystemAge
Sample Collection: Blood
Clock Generation: Proprietary epigenetic aging framework
Algorithm: Proprietary biological‑age algorithm
Data Testing: ~850k CpGs
Platforms: Web
Report Turnaround Time: 2-4 weeks
Available: USA
Privacy: Unknown
Price: $499
I came across Generation Lab during the May 2025 Biohacking Conference back in Austin. Their SystemAge boasts analysis of DNA methylation across 19 distinct organ systems, the most out of the list so far.
SystemAge evaluates biological aging across multiple physiological systems, offering a more detailed view of where aging may be accelerating or lagging behind.
It should be noted that they mention having a proprietary aging framework for their clock generation and algorithm. So we won’t know how reliable they’re own algorithm data is or if they’re even building off of the established ones like DunedinPACE.
This is an epigenetic test health optimizers should look into mainly for the extra epigenetic data you’re getting to use as extra insight through multiple organ systems.
How We Ranked These Epigenetic Age Tests
We evaluated each test across five evidence-based categories, prioritizing scientific validity and clinical utility over marketing claims.
- Scientific Validation & Reproducibility (35%) – We prioritized tests with ICC values above 0.95, which indicates the same sample produces consistent results. The algorithms must be validated in peer-reviewed studies showing documented correlations with mortality and disease outcomes. We also evaluated prediction accuracy and whether the company discloses its clock methodology transparently
- Technical Specifications (30%) – Third and fourth generation clocks like PhenoAge, GrimAge, DunedinPACE, and CausAge significantly outperform older algorithms. We favored tests analyzing 500,000+ CpG sites, as more loci enable greater accuracy and expanded future reporting. Blood samples provide superior accuracy compared to saliva due to established validation methods
- Clinical Utility & Reporting (20%) – Top tests document hazard ratios linking their results to specific disease outcomes. We prioritized organ-specific aging breakdowns that reveal how individual systems age differently. Tests measuring pace of aging provide more actionable insights than static biological age alone, and we evaluated the quality and specificity of intervention recommendations
- Practical Considerations (10%) – We considered price and subscription value alongside turnaround time, which typically ranges from 1-6 weeks. Geographic availability, sample collection ease, and HIPAA compliance with robust data privacy protections also factored into our rankings
- Innovation & Research Partnerships (5%) – We gave credit to companies collaborating with leading academic institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Duke. Proprietary biomarker development and contributions to longevity research databases demonstrate ongoing commitment to advancing the field
We excluded tests lacking algorithm transparency or reproducibility data, as these metrics determine whether results are scientifically meaningful or pseudoscientific estimates.
How to Choose the Right Epigenetic Age Test for You
Epigenetic methylation age testing is among the newer forms of health diagnostics.
The field is growing at an incredible rate, with breakthroughs leading to better and more accurate tests.
Some of the things to look for in epigenetic age testing services include:
- Clock generation. Most important, is the generation of epigenetic clock used by the company. This determines the accuracy, reliability, and applicability of your results. Later generation clocks incorporate newer research, are trained on more robust data sets, and integrate additional biological markers or pathways. Newer clocks are usually better
- Sample type. Virtually all studies have used blood samples. Since saliva samples have less research, we don’t know if they’re accurate
- Loci. The number of places on the DNA methylation has occurred. Testing more loci leads to more data, better recommendation accuracy, and greater ability to build future reports [R]
- Reproducibility. Under different conditions (different lab technician, different day, etc.), will your results come out the same? If the same sample yields drastically different results, then the test becomes useless
- Algorithm. How do their systems take these thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of loci measurements and build a report? The machine learning algorithm used can also make or break your results. Only a few algorithms have robust scientific evidence (DunedinPoAm is a top algorithm). Companies should publish which algorithm they use
- Reporting. Your biological age results are only as useful as the interpretation and recommendations generated. There’s a lot of variability between the quality of the actionable insights each test provides
- Price. Budget plays a large role in determining your ideal choice. Since this technology is state- of-the-art, expect to pay a premium for the best options. Note that some brands offer massive discounts for subscriptions
Unfortunately, few companies disclose these important details. In all sciences, transparency is paramount.
What are Epigenetic Age Tests?
Epigenetic age tests quantifies how old your cells and tissues really are by analyzing gene expression—their ‘on’ or ‘off’ status—which affects how genes function.
Epigenetic methylation testing is the most effective quantification technology under the broader umbrella of biological age testing.
DNA methylation is the process of silencing gene expression, and the body does it by adding a methyl group (a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms) to DNA.
As you age, the pattern of DNA methylation changes.
By comparing your DNA methylation patterns against a massive database of others, your unique differences can provide a biological measure of age Share on XSome of the best, most accurate databases (clock algorithms) include SYMPHONYAge, OMICmAge, and DunedinPACE. GrimAge and PhenoAge are older algorithms.
If you’re experimenting with next-generation therapies like gene therapy, you have to get an accurate snapshot first and compare over time using only the most accurate clock algorithms.
Epigenetic clocks predict biological age with remarkable precision. Researchers have validated these clocks across numerous studies, showing strong correlations with health outcomes and age-related diseases.
However, they aren’t perfect.
To learn more, watch this fantastic presentation by Ryan Smith.
Benefits of taking an epigenetic age test
Epigenetic age tests make sense in comprehensive health diagnostics.
They have a lot of upgrades. Some of the top benefits of testing your epigenetic age (and the resulting insights):
- Personalized insights into aging rate: This one’s big. Seeing a snapshot of how fast you’re aging biologically compared to your actual age helps prevent you from becoming “one of those healthy people that randomly drops dead”
- Behavior change motivation: Your biological age might be a wake-up call. Rapid aging may push you to adopt healthier habits—nutritional tweaks, exercise routines, stress management, you name it
- Track effectiveness of anti-aging interventions: Use the test to see if your current health strategies are working. By comparing results over time, you find out which interventions help slow down biological aging
- Early health risk detection: Biological age testing can show underlying health issues before they become serious or appear in other diagnostics like blood labs. Catching these early gives you a head start on prevention and management
- Tailored health strategies: With data on your biological age, you can customize your health and wellness plans. Whether it’s diet, exercise, drugs, or supplements, you tailor your approach based on what your body actually needs (and stop counterproductive money drains)
- Informed decision-making: Knowing your biological age helps you make better decisions about lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Choices that align with your long-term health goals
- Enhanced self-knowledge: Understanding your body’s true age contributes to self-awareness, helping you align your lifestyle with your health objectives
- Improved quality of life: By keeping tabs on your biological age and making necessary adjustments, you might enhance overall well-being and life satisfaction
Overall, it’s one of the more exciting tests available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Epigenetic Age Tests
What’s the difference between biological age and chronological age?
Chronological age is simply the years you’ve been alive, while biological age reflects how well your cells, tissues, and organs are functioning. Two 45-year-olds can have vastly different biological ages. One might have a biological age of 38 (aging slowly) while another shows 52 (aging rapidly).
How accurate are epigenetic age tests?
Accuracy varies dramatically by test quality. Top tests (TruDiagnostic, NOVOS Age) achieve 99%+ reproducibility, meaning the same sample tested multiple times yields nearly identical results. They typically predict chronological age within 2-4 years.
However, lower-quality tests can show variations of up to 25 years for the same sample.
What do different “clock generations” mean?
First generation (Horvath, Hannum): Trained only on chronological age; estimate how old you are.
Second generation (PhenoAge, GrimAge): Trained on clinical biomarkers and mortality; predict disease risk and lifespan.
Third generation (DunedinPACE): Measure pace of aging; show how fast you’re aging right now.
What is DunedinPACE and why does it matter?
DunedinPACE (Pace of Aging Calculated from the Epigenome) is a third-generation epigenetic clock that measures how fast you’re aging right now, rather than your static biological age.
A score of 1.0 means you’re aging at a typical pace; 0.8 means you’re aging 20% slower; 1.2 means 20% faster. Research shows scores above 1.0 correlate with 56% increased mortality risk and 54% higher chronic disease risk over seven years. It’s more sensitive to lifestyle interventions than older clocks.
Which is more accurate between blood vs saliva samples ?
Blood samples are the gold standard for epigenetic age testing. Nearly all validation studies use blood, and blood-based tests can employ cell-type deconvolution to account for immune cell composition which are critical for accuracy.
Saliva tests can vary wildly (up to 25 years) because saliva contains epithelial cells not present in blood. Exception: Elysium’s APEX technology reduces saliva test variation to ~1 year, making it the most accurate saliva option.
How often should I retest my biological age?
Experts recommend retesting every 6-12 months to track meaningful changes. Epigenetic patterns shift gradually, so testing more frequently (e.g., monthly) won’t capture significant differences and wastes money.
The exception: after major lifestyle interventions (significant weight loss, new training program, medication changes), a 3-month retest may show early trends.
Can epigenetic tests predict specific disease risks?
Yes, advanced second-generation clocks (GrimAge, PhenoAge) and newer proteomic clocks predict risk for 14-18 specific diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and various cancers.
Each year of epigenetic age acceleration correlates with approximately 8% increased all-cause mortality risk. TruDiagnostic’s 1,700+ Epigenetic Biomarker Proxies (EBPs), for example, show 62% better disease prediction than traditional blood work.
Can I use epigenetic test results with my doctor?
Increasingly, yes. Forward-thinking longevity clinics now use biological age as a primary KPI, with tests becoming more accepted in preventive medicine.
However, traditional primary care physicians may be unfamiliar with epigenetic testing. Bring your detailed report and published research on your specific test’s algorithm. HIPAA-compliant tests (TruDiagnostic, AgeRate) can integrate into electronic health records.
Epigenetic Age Testing in 2026: Final Verdict
Epigenetic methylation are the most exciting tests that fall under the umbrella of biological age testing.
BioAge test kits have already gone from fringe—just a few years ago—to on the Kardashians TV show and into the pop culture vocabulary Share on XVery few companies currently offer this.
The ones that do, either have innovated little, are terribly inaccurate, or present massive mile-long reports that are hardly actionable.
I’ve come across a handful of exceptions that are worth discussing—which I mentioned above.
Currently, I’m most excited about (and personally use) TruDiagnostic. Their tests are simply unparalleled these days.
However, for particular situations, the other alternatives may make more sense. Getting the right test means you’re not flying blind as you start your longevity journey.
Agan, I created a dashboard comparing the results of my age tests. But if you want to learn about the results in full detail, here’s the full biological age test case study.
To ensure accuracy, I always compare new products by factors like the clock algorithm they use, the sample type they collect for the test, and ask about the CpGs (# of loci) they measure.
Luckily, the tests have come down dramatically over the last three years. In the distant future, I foresee this becoming part of a routine annual physical with your doctor.
What about you? Have you used epigenetic age testing kits? Drop a comment below and let me know your experience.
Also, if you found this article interesting, please send it to a friend or share it on social media. That’s how I know what kind of articles to prioritize researching and publishing for you. Thanks!
