Thanks to influencers like Gary Brecka, everyone’s talking about MTHFR and methylation these days. I’ve used many of the “best DNA testing services”, and most were borderline scams.
You wait months to get your results, learn little actionable info, and your DNA data gets auctioned to other companies.
Even the well-known advanced services yield little. That’s because typical DNA test chips read 500-800K genetic variants. Out of the 328M in the human genome.
And here’s the other glaring issue…
Most of these brands talk about their service as if it holds all the secrets to your health. They don’t. I was about to give up and move on until I found one in particular.
SelfDecode.
This SelfDecode review explains what it is, how it works, the DNA reports available, comparison to other popular DNA testing services, and much more.
Genetic testing is quickly going mainstream: 81% of Americans are now aware of genetic testing (75% in 2020) and 40% have used at least one test. The market is projected to reach $31.38 billion by 2029.
SelfDecode is the most comprehensive direct-to-consumer DNA health platform with 1,250+ health reports analyzing 200M+ genetic variants using advanced polygenic risk scoring. They analyze exponentially more genetic data than competitors: 200M+ variants vs. 600K-800K for 23andMe and AncestryDNA.
SelfDecode is HIPAA and GDPR compliant and does NOT sell user data to third parties, unlike many competitors (critical given 23andMe’s November 2024 bankruptcy filing).
While many features work with raw DNA data uploaded from other providers, other features like Longevity Screener only work with SelfDecode’s DNA kit due to advanced algorithms requiring specific chip data and ancestry-aware risk scoring.
Pricing fluctuates regularly; SelfDecode now requires an annual subscription ($119.88/year) plus bundle purchase: Essential ($418), Essential+ ($667), or Ultimate ($894). Lifetime deals no longer available.
Nick Urban of Outliyr has tested many platforms over the last 10 years and exclusively uses and recommends SelfDecode due to the comprehensive, science-backed technology (especially polygenic risk scoring and advanced imputation process).
What is SelfDecode
SelfDecode is a personalized DNA testing, analytics, and digital health platform that seeks to share the science of personalized health through unparalleled database of genetics data. Serial entrepreneur Joe Cohen created SelfDecode to track his own personal experiments and improve his biology.
For every topic/condition, SelfDecode looks at over 200 million different genetic variants to determine your status (called Polygenic Risk Scoring).
Then, cutting-edge AI delivers combs their database of over 20,000 clinical trials to recommend you the best and most accurate lifestyle, diet, and supplements.
SelfDecode is your personal health coach without the cost of multiple specialists Share on XSeveral factors make SelfDecode the best DNA testing service:
- 100% transparency & full data privacy
- Industry-leading polygenic risk scoring
- Integrating data from other sources (blood labs already, soon wearables, epigenetic tests, pharmacogenetic tests, etc)
- Multi-faceted reports and recommendations
- Blog posts personalized to your particular genetic profile
- 70X more data from your DNA without the astronomical expense of whole genome sequencing
- Award-winning team of 65+ scientists & engineers
- Patent-pending technology and AI-enhanced algorithm
You’re about to learn why Dr. Peter Attia recommended SelfDecode as his favorite genetic testing software in a recent podcast.
What’s new in SelfDecode 3.0 (2025)
SelfDecode has matured and progressed significantly since I came across it years ago. In 2024 and 2025 they’ve made major updates.
Some of them include:
- DecodyGPT AI Health Coach
- Longevity Screener Test
- Mediation Check Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Testing
- Enhanced recommendation engine
- 200M+ variant analysis
We’ll cover these in more detail soon.
In a hurry?
Use the exclusive SelfDecode coupon code URBAN for 10% off
How SelfDecode Works
Genetic tools either grossly oversimplify the science and render your results useless, or they’re so complex they take a Ph.D. to interpret.
SelfDecode brings a nice balance of power and simplicity to the field of personalized health.
In the world of complex and convoluted genetics, a five-year-old could effectively use SelfDecode.
This is how it works.
1. Get your DNA data
At its core, SelfDecode is a DNA optimization service. First, you’ll need to submit a DNA sample.
You have two options:
- Import your raw DNA data file from another service (Ancestry, etc)
- Get a DNA test kit from SelfDecode
I imported my raw DNA file from Ancestry in then in October 2025, bought a SelfDecode DNA test kit to unlock more reports. The results were very similar. if you haven’t already done a test, I’d choose option two for 4-6X faster speed and data privacy.
Whichever route you go, SelfDecode uses your raw DNA data to build out your reports and customize your dashboard.
2. Add goals and other data sources
As soon as SelfDecode has processed your DNA, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Next, you can choose which reports (or all) to generate.
The Decody AI health coach will ask about your goals and lifestyle. Further tailoring the reports to fit your unique circumstances.
Currently, SelfDecode has a feature called “Labs” (more on that later), which allows you to input your blood labs.
SelfDecode is building integrations with various other forms of non-genetic data. Wearables like the Oura ring, Ultrahuman, Apple Watch, and WHOOP.
Next up, building your individualized regimen.
3. Review reports & follow recommendation
First, I like to go to the “Overview” page to see a high-level snapshot of my health, genetic risks (areas for improvement), recommendations, care plan, and sub-optimal labs.
Here, you can also drill down into a particular body part/system of interest (say, brain or lungs, or gut).
SelfDecode currently classifies their DNA reports into 3 cateogories:
- DNA Health (health overview, diet & nutrition, health summaries, individual health reports)
- DNA Functional (methylation, detox, biohacker reports, dopamine pathway, etc)
- DNA Medical (medical summaries, medication check PGx, DNAmind, family planning, etc)
Every report is packed with visuals, customized information, and interactivity. Should you choose, you can view the breakdown of scientific details.
Best of all, SelfDecode translates vast scientific information into actionable steps for you to improve.
SelfDecode’s Core Features
While known for their DNA reports, SelfDecode does a lot more too.
We’ll start there and go on to the other essential parts of the platform.
Here’s how I use SelfDecode reports. I ignore the yellow/normal reports and focus on my risks (red) and strengths (green). These help me fine-tune my regiment and routine.
DNA Health Reports
Since SelfDecode is first and foremost a DNA interpretation company, it offers unparalleled custom reports.
Users mostly use the Health Summary Reports within the DNA Health dropdown. Biohackers will rely more on DNA Functional to understand particular pathways, single-genes, amino-acids, neurotransmitters, and emerging topics.
I’ve found navigating the ever-changing SelfDecode platform to be frustrating. Luckily, they seem to have slowed down the user interface changes.
DNA Medical Reports
DNA Medical is the clinician-oriented section of the platform.
Here you’ll see how genetics impact response to medications/supplements, risk of serious medical conditions, and carrier status to help potential parents understand their risk of passing genetic disorders on to offspring.
DNA Functional Reports
The DNA Functional dropdown houses reports related to pathways like methylation, histamine, detox, dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as biohacker reports, individual genes, and competitor reports.
That’s right, SelfDecode’s database is so far ahead of their competitors that they have an entire section (called Functional Summary Reports) that literally recreates the reports produced by other companies. Dozens of them. They’ve slightly tweaked the names of each for legal purposes.
If you learn about a particular gene somewhere, for example COMT or the vitamin D receptor (VDR), you’ll find these in the Gene Reports section.
Traits
Trait reports showcase the nuances of your personality, physical features, characteristics, habits, and behaviors.
SelfDecode Traits tell your:
- Degree of extraversion
- Risk-taking behavior
- Stress resilience
- Ideal circadian rhythm (early bird or night owl)
- Food preferences
- Proclivity to overeat or snack
- Leadership qualities
- Competitiveness
- Impulsivity, irritability, and happiness
- Tendency to take naps
Although this section of SelfDecode mainly confirms what you already know about yourself, it’ll help you uncover at least a few new things and also convince you of the power of decoding your genetics.
DecodyGPT AI Health Coach
Their Decody feature now constantly learns from your health data, ensuring that its recommendations evolve with your changing health status. It tailors your dashboard to your goals and lifestyle.
DecodyGPT is your own AI chatbot, highly personalized to your health. You can ask, “Is CoQ10 good for me?” or “Show me my top 10 supplement recommendations.” and it will give an answer based on your health data.
DecodyGPT understands your contextual biochemical nuance in a way you can't easily get from other AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Perplexity Share on X❌ Platforms like ChatGPT tell you “CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function.”
✅ DecodyGPT tells you “Based on your COQ2 rs4693075 variant, you produce 35% less CoQ10 than average and need 200-400mg ubiquinol based on your current mitochondrial stress markers.”
Here’s how DecodyGPT works:
- It continuously analyzes multiple data streams:
- Your DNA (200M+ variants analyzed via polygenic scoring)
- Lab test results (up to 916+ biomarkers tracked)
- Lifestyle assessments (diet, exercise, sleep, stress)
- Symptom reports and diagnosed conditions
- Personal health goals you’ve set
- Provides contextual understanding. Comprehensively analyzes how your specific genetic variants, current biomarker levels, and lifestyle all interact to influence your health.
- Generates unique recommendations tailored to what your body needs
Here’s a simple comparison.
| Feature | DecodyGPT | ChatGPT | Google Health AI | Generic Health Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personalization 🎯 | Analyzes your 200M+ genetic variants, labs, and lifestyle | Population-level info only | Population-level info | Generic algorithms |
| Training Data 📚 | 2M+ health profiles, genetic databases, clinical research | General internet data | Medical literature | Limited datasets |
| Recommendations 💡 | Specific to your DNA (ie “You need ubiquinol vs ubiquinone”) | Generic (ie “CoQ10 may help energy”) | General medical guidance | One-size-fits-all |
| Lab Integration 🧪 | Analyzes 916+ biomarkers with genetic context | Cannot access your labs | Cannot access your labs | Limited or none |
| Supplement Advice 💊 | Dosing based on your metabolism genetics | Generic dosing ranges | Not provided | Generic suggestions |
| Continuous Learning 🔁 | Updates as your health data changes | Static after training cutoff | Static after training | Rarely updated |
| Longevity Focus ⏳ | Integrated with Longevity Screener risks | General longevity info | Limited | Variable |
| Availability 🌐 | 24/7 within platform | 24/7 anywhere | Limited access | Variable |
| Cost 💰 | $119.88/year + bundle | $20/month ChatGPT Plus | Free (limited) | $5–30/month |
| Medical Accuracy 🩺 | Trained on clinical research + genetic studies | Variable, prone to hallucination | High for general info | Variable |
| Privacy 🔒 | HIPAA/GDPR compliant, no data selling | Data used for training (unless opt-out) | Google’s privacy policy | Often sold to advertisers |
The AI chatbot itself is extremely convenient, as it allows you to save a lot of time navigating different tests and recommendations to find your answer.
Every SelfDecode subscription includes 50-100 complementary questions per month, and this limit resets on the 1st of each month. The biggest drawbacks I’ve noticed are the limited credits and the technical language used by the bot.
Labs
SelfDecode Labs is dedicated to analyzing your blood labs alongside your DNA, integrating it all into your holistic health snapshot. Regular blood labs provide real-time details of how your biology is working.
Health or lack thereof. Short-term trends and long-term trends. All with immediate feedback.
With this feature, you can either manually enter your rest results or use AI to parse the PDF results for you.
The best part, however, is that you then can have all your data in one place and see the nuance beyond normal/abnormal results. You can see and track historical records all from one place.
Some other companies do this too now. What the best blood biomarker testing services can’t do, however, is provide the bigger picture.
Data from your Labs results automatically flows into your DNA Reports and informs your personalized recommendations.
Helping you uncover both generic tendencies (DNA) and real-time status (blood work).
Other Core SelfDecode Features
Let’s explore some of the other uses that make this platform different.
Personalized genetics articles
Genetic research moves quickly.
It’s also one of the fastest-moving forefronts of modern science. SelfDecode’s blog helps predict the implications of new research on your unique biology.
SelfDecode is the only health & wellness site that automatically interprets the latest articles for your unique biological makeup Share on XThis is a great way to cut through all the internet noise and mostly inapplicable content.
Get the top research and recommendations, and then go about your day.
I don’t use it often, but it’s an exclusive feature.
Medication Check (PGx) Testing
Pharmacogenomics tests how your genes affect response to 50+ medications (which work, likely side effects, optimal dosing).
These test look primarily at genes involved in drug breakdown enzymes:
- CYP2D6: 25% of all drugs (antidepressants, opioids, beta blockers)
- CYP2C19: Plavix, PPIs, SSRIs (poor metabolizers have 3x heart attack risk on Plavix)
- CYP2C9: Warfarin, NSAIDs
- SLCO1B1: Statin muscle pain is 17x higher risk with variants
Why does this matter? Well, we know that 40% of users don’t respond to first SSRI. PGx identifies which class works, potentially saving 6-18 months (and side effects) vs. trial-and-error.
In some cases, this could save thousands of ineffective medication, failed medication trials, or even in the worst circumstances, a hospital stay caused by adverse reactions.
Medication Check might be worth the cost of upgrading to the SelfDecode Ultimate Bundle if you: take/will take any medications tested, had poor responses or side effects, have mental health conditions, cardiovascular disease, or must treat chronic pain.
SelfDecode’s suggested recommendations
Throughout the app, SelfDecode displays your highest leverage recommendations. Stack-ranked by effectiveness. Every recommendation is backed up with links to peer-reviewed scientific research.
SelfDecode recommendations are based on two factors:
- Evidence: peer-reviewed scientific support
- Impact: magnitude of effect
Evidence is their analysis of how well the credible science supports the specific recommendation.
Impact predicts how dramatically the recommendation can help improve or reduce the condition. The impact also depends on your specific DNA too.
Both metrics are scored from one (questionable) through five (proven).
With one click, you add these to your custom health plan.
While they’ve been adding more items to this list, I’d like to see SelfDecode include even more items here. Additional supplements, alternative medicine practices, etc.
Longevity Screener test
The Longevity Screener is a new feature that assesses your actual risk (not just genetic predisposition) for 130+ longevity-reducing diseases using DNA + ancestry + biometrics + lifestyle.
Longevity Screener provides 3 scores:
- Odds Ratio: How your genetic risk compares to average (ie 5.2x higher)
- Lifetime Risk: Probability of developing condition in your life (ie 45%)
- 10-Year Risk: Probability in next decade (ie 8%)
Standard genetic tests show “high genetic risk” but can’t tell you if you’ll actually get the disease.
Longevity Screener can, and has reports for Cardiovascular (CAD, AFib, stroke), Cancer (breast, prostate, colorectal, lung), Neurological (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), Metabolic (T2D, obesity), Autoimmune (RA, Celiac, Crohn’s), Eye (AMD, glaucoma), Mental Health (bipolar, depression), and 100+ more.
It’s most helpful if you have/are:
- Family history of chronic disease
- Age 40 or over
- Serious about prevention
Note that this only works with SelfDecode DNA kit due to advanced polygenic algorithms requiring specific chip data.
My regimen & action plan
While viewing SelfDecode’s Health Reports & Biohacker reports, you might notice that you can add the recommendations to your Care Plan (sometimes called My Regimen).
There’s an entire tab dedicated to your Care Plan. This is where you keep track of the new habits, foods, and supplements you’re adding to your routine. It even shows each of your imbalances that the chosen item addresses (based on your DNA and lab tests).
You set the necessary details:
- Dose (supplements)
- Frequency
- Duration
- Start date
Whenever you forget which healthy habits, supplements, or lifestyle routines you’re working on, just check this tab.
This is a handy feature to keep all your relevant health information in one place.
SelfDecode Pro (Practitioners)
Are you a doctor, coach, or other healthcare professional that works with clients or patients? If so, you can take advantage of a special practitioners-only edition called SelfDecode Pro.
Pro offers 4 core advantages to businesses:
- Time savings by automating the reports and analysis
- Results improve from scientifically accurate and personalized recommendations
- Revenue increases by differentiating your practice with this AI-powered platform and freeing up time to work with more clients
- Costs decrease as SelfDecode contains the core tools required to run a practice, letting you cancel other software subscriptions
SelfDecode simplifies everything for practitioners. You can send clients a DNA Test Kit, custom intake questionnaires, screen for health conditions using the Lifestyle Analyzer feature, and order/upload their blood lab tests.
This is the tool that genetics experts like Dr. Tyler Panzner use to run their practices.
SelfDecode Pro is an all-in-one platform for managing client data, lifestyle prescriptions, and more:
- Analyze & track bloodwork
- Generate custom health routines
- Design all-in-one custom supplements
- Tailor individual recommendations
- Add detailed client notes (charting)
- Send your own branded DNA Test Kits
- Onboard new clients with custom intake forms
- Rapidly review all information via the at-a-glance dashboard
- Practitioner-only Disease Reports
Only SelfDecode Pros can generate Disease Reports to learn about genetic risk for conditions like Alzheimer’s, Hashimoto’s, Graves, Heart Attacks, etc.
You also have access to the entire suite of other reports too.
Want your client to focus on just one section of a report? Or are they the data-driven type that loves huge lists to work on? You get to choose what to include in each client report.
Based on their individual data, with a single click, you can quickly and easily design their ideal health routine.
Plus, they’re the only direct-to-consumer genetics software that’s HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Should you opt for the “Pro Business” plan, you can white-label the custom reports with your own logo and business information. Adding further professionalism and differentiating you from all the other wellness pros.
Here’s the SelfDecode Pro pricing set-up:
| Pro Starter 👍 | Pro Premium 💰 | Pro Business 📈 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | – | – | Provide raw DNA file |
| Clients | 5 per year | 15 clients per year | 65 clients per year |
| Extra Clients | $75 one-time fee | $70 one-time fee | $65 one-time fee |
| Cost | $375 | $995 | $3,995 |
| Annual Membership | $119.88 | $119.88 | $119.88 |
You could also start with an individual account and upgrade to a practitioner license down the line.
Customized supplements
SelfDecode partnered with VitaminLab to design all-in-one custom supplement formulas tailored to your personal genetics.
The platform itself suggests the ingredients to include to mitigate top risks, but you get to choose what to add or remove.
This is exciting if you have the budget and want to get all your supplement needs fulfilled in one place.
The primary downside of these custom supplements, however, is price.
One order is for 90 days, with an order cost of about $109 per month.
From my own testing, the price stays the same regardless of how many ingredients I chose. I personally don’t use this, since I already get my supplements elsewhere.
SelfDecode Pricing
SelfDecode costs $418-927 (depending on the plan you choose) with an annual membership of $119.88 after the first year. Their pricing structure has changed many times since I joined.
Current SelfDecode Individual Plans look like this.
| Cost 💵 | Annual Membership 📅 | Includes 📝 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Bundle | $418 | $119.88 | ✅ SelfDecode DNA Kit ✅ 24/7 AI Health Coach ✅ 1,250+ Health Insights ✅ Personalized recommendations ✅ Risk assessments ✅ Unlimited Labs Analyzer access |
| Essential+ Bundle | $690 | $119.88 | ✅ Everything in Essential ✅ Detox & Methylation Pathways reports ✅ Histamine Pathway reports ✅ Dopamine & Norepinephrine report ✅ +130 Medical reports ✅ 25+ Longevity Screener assessments |
| Ultimate Bundle | $927 | $119.88 | ✅ Everything in Essential+ ✅ Medication PGx testing for 50+ drugs ✅ Ancestry percentages ✅ 40+ Family Planning reports ✅ DNAmind PGx report ✅ Ancestry Composition ✅ Deep Ancestry (Mitochondrial) |
The Essential Bundle without the SelfDecode DNA Kit costs $319.
Most people interested in genetics will want Essential+, but if you’re new to the subject or want to keep it simple, the Essential plan is fine.
You can always buy the Medical Health Reports and Ancestry DNA Reports as add-ons later.
Advanced biohackers, on the other hand, will want the Ultimate Plan.
Whether you’re an individual or a health professional, SelfDecode leads the industry in terms of power, science, versatility, and ease of use. All that comes at a cost.
SelfDecode vs Popular DNA Analysis Software
The DNA analytics field is both new and established. Researchers come and go, and leave unsupported products in their wake. Old products produce reports that don’t evolve with the latest research.
They become useless, or worse when old science is proven inaccurate and you continue to base decisions on your antiquated reports.
A 60-Minutes episode exposed the many DNA testing companies stealing and selling your data. SelfDecode is the exception, taking privacy and your personal security seriously. Unlike others, they destroy your biodata after use.
| Feature | SelfDecode | AncestryDNA | InsideTracker | Nebula Genomics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Reports 📊 | 1,250+ | None | Biomarker-focused | ~200 |
| Variants Analyzed 🧬 | 200M+ | 700K | 20K (optional) | 3.2B (WGS) |
| AI Health Coach 🤖 | ✅ DecodyGPT | ❌ | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ |
| Longevity Screener ⏳ | ✅ 130+ conditions | ❌ | InnerAge only | ❌ |
| Pharmacogenomics 💊 | ✅ 50+ meds | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lab Integration 🧪 | ✅ 916+ markers | ❌ | ✅ Primary focus | Limited |
| Ancestry 🌍 | Basic | Best (21M) | ❌ | Deep (1,000+ regions) |
| Price 💰 | $418–894 + $120/yr | $99 | $299–589/test | $249–999 |
| Privacy 🔒 | HIPAA/GDPR | Shares data | Secure | Blockchain |
| Best For 🧠 | Health optimization, longevity, biohacking | Genealogy only | Athletes, biomarkers | Research, raw data |
A few alternatives have come to dominate the market. I originally included 23andMe on this list but removed them since they went bankrupt.
Here’s what you should know about how they stack up.
SelfDecode vs Promethease
After extensive research, I purchased a Promethease report many years ago. I ran my Ancestry data through it and got some (slightly) useful results.
I chose Promethease for its clinical-level granularity. I can see each SNP. And the report contains a section to view genetic interactions with diseases and substances. You can also sort by the magnitude of the genes. Ultimately, I ended up shelving it, and for a few reasons the report has sat untouched in my Google Drive for years:
- Outdated. The field of genetics advances fast. A year after my report, the scientific understanding of genes has changed, but my hard coded report hasn’t.
- Unintuitive. The report comes in an HTML file. Every time I open it, a walkthrough plays. And even then, the tool is difficult to navigate and interpret. This is coming from a data-driven tech nerd.
- Not actionable. Say I look up my genes related to a condition called sleep apnea. Half of the SNPs show an increased risk (with a low magnitude), and half show no risk (with a high magnitude). Should I focus my time and resources here? Or elsewhere? The report itself doesn’t provide actionable information.
When it came out, Promethease was the best option. Now, I only recommend it for those on a tight budget. Expect to dedicate dozens of hours to just researching how to interpret your results.
SelfDecode vs Ancestry.com
Ancestry is focused on your family tree and ancestry. It has limited ability to explore your genes beyond that. While their test results contain all the necessary genetic information to understand health, wellness, lifestyle, and peak performance implications, you’ll have to upload your data into another tool for meaningful insights.
If you don’t mind having your data in the hands of multiple companies, they often run sales on their DNA kits. I highly suggest avoiding this if possible. There’s a decent chance one of these third parties that purchased your raw DNA file will eventually suffer a data breach. Your DNA may get published to dark corners of the internet.
SelfDecode vs Genetic Genie
Genetic Genie (GG) is a great entry point for new users looking for barebones genetic analysis. By providing raw genetic data from services like 23andMe or Ancestry, you can three reports for free:
- Methylation (MTHFR)
- Detoxification
- Conditions
People choose GG for their free reports. Genetic Genie doesn’t tell you anything fancy, nor anything that Promethease or SelfDecode don’t. In fact, the latter two contained more complete information. If you might want more later, look elsewhere.
SelfDecode vs NutraHacker
NutraHacker is another popular DNA analytics service that originally focused solely on nutrition and has branched out. They offer multiple reports, each at a different price:
- COVID-19
- Detoxification and Methylation
- Carrier Status and Drug Response
- Celiac
- Depression
- Fitness
Each report costs around $20-$150.
Unfortunately, their reports lack recommendations or any indications of how to remedy problematic SNPs. They test only 195 SNPs compared to the over 85 million SNPs of SelfDecode. They also don’t use polygenic risk scoring.
SelfDecode vs CircleDNA
CircleDNA is a respected DNA testing brand that offers a wide variety of genetic reports and includes a complementary 3-minute consultation with orders. CircleDNA even offers expensive and mostly unnecessary whole genome sequencing.
There are several large drawbacks of CircleDNA. First, the reports don’t contain much information about the scientific backing/references. They build reports off of minimal variants. This is a key dealbreaker. CircleDNA also doesn’t generate actionable, science-based recommendations. Last, the service gets quite expensive. $629 for the closest comparable panel.
What Others Say: SelfDecode User Reviews & Ratings (2025)
Since I’m an affiliate, I always check the experience normal users have with platforms.
Third-party review sites show overwhelmingly favorable experiences with SelfDecode, including 4.6-4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on 750+ reviews.
The good: users frequently praise the platform’s comprehensive reports (“most detailed genetic analysis available”), actionable personalized recommendations, and excellent customer service. Serious biohackers and health optimizers find particular value in the depth of insights compared to competitors like 23andMe and 10X Health.
The bad: common criticisms include concerns of “over-monetization” with multiple paywalls for different features (DecodyGPT usage limits, separate pricing for Longevity Screener and PGx testing), technical complexity that overwhelms beginners, and occasional slow website speed. Some users note that while genetic insights are excellent, recommendations could use some works and are also overwhelming for casual users.
Note that SelfDecode discontinued their mobile app, so those ratings aren’t very relevant.
SelfDecode 3.0 Review Verdict: Evidence-Based Health Worth the Cost?
Health & wellness tech companies disappear in the blink of an eye. Often, selling your data to shady third parties as a last-ditch effort to stay afloat.
SelfDecode is here to stay. Founder Joe Cohen has proven himself with his preceding company, SelfHacked. One of the internet’s best resources for in-depth health science, and it only continues to grow.
But here’s an insider secret…
Your DNA report is only as good as the science behind it Share on XI’ve used plenty of other DNA tools. These were favorites of the biohacking community and major influencers.
Without regular updating, old genetic reports become worse than useless. They become…
Inaccurate.
Scientific understanding of genetics evolves rapidly.
Emerging research constantly discovers important new SNPs, and devalues others. My previous genetic reports sit in Google Drive collecting dust.
Many doctors and experts are rightfully skeptical of this category of software. Once I switched to SelfDecode, I haven’t looked back. And I regularly get to test other platforms.
The earlier you join, the more impactful features you get grandfathered into. At no extra cost.
I view it as an investment in personalized medicine. In fact, I personally invested in SelfDecode in 2021.
Try it out before the price goes up again by clicking the button below.
Use the exclusive SelfDecode coupon code URBAN for 10% off
What’s your take on SelfDecode? A top biohacking app? Or over-hyped software?
If you’ve used it, leave a comment below and let me know!
SelfDecode Review 2025: Top Precision Health Software to Hack Your Genes?
Most DNA testing is a scam but one brand has built the world's biggest genetic variants database. Does it work? My SelfDecode Review answers that
Application Category: Genetics, DNA, Health, Wellness
4.33
Pros
- 1,500+ AI-powered DNA reports
- Genetics blog personalized to your results
- World's largest database of 200M genetic variations (SNPs)
- Full suite of wellness tools
- New reports, articles & research added daily
- Practical & actionable recommendations
- Intuitive, easy to use UI
- Fast support
- Decody personal AI health coach
- Personalized supplements
- Blood lab test integration
- Powerful tools for health practitioners
- Wellness report whitelabeling
Cons
- UI frequently changes
- Long onboarding process
- No client dashboard (for SelfDecode pros)
- Discontinued mobile app
- No lifetime deal (LTD) available anymore
- Discontinued free tier
- Bad experience for investors (paywalling all new features)
- Expensive blood lab tests
- Recommendations could use more refining
After reading your long and very informative article I decided this was the way to go with decode. However this was written quite a while ago and should be updated with the cost. Instead of paying $50 +79 for ancestry I ended up paying $495 for these Two kits!
I will most likely go for the $119 per year to keep informed but this is Almost 10 times What I expected to pay.
I do hope their turnaround is quicker than sequencing.com which we just signed up for my husband a week ago before I saw your article.
Hey Dianne!
You’re totally right. I’ve actually done 3 or 4 re-writes of this article over the last 4 years or so, because they keep making so many massive changes. Hard to keep up! Appreciate you bringing that to my attention.
Sorry to hear about the unexpected price increase. One potential option, if you don’t mind having some outdated reports, would be to run the full report for a year, and then cancel your membership for a few years, and then reactive it down the line to update them and get the newer research. Certainly not ideal, but perhaps a way to save a bit.
Personally, since I did the Ancestry version, I don’t even have some of the newer reports yet (I’m currently lacking the ones under their DNA Clinical tab). Considering upgrading to their test kit to unlock those, but annoyed that it’s not cheap.
Please report back on how long their turnaround takes!
Nick
Thanks a lot for the suggestion for the SelfDecode service. Your article says you can sign up for free if you have a DNA file. I don’t see that possibility. How do I do that? I tried to sign up and have to take the annual membership (with a credit card).
Hi Carsten! Ahh, bummer. Looks like they might have changed that since I wrote the article, unfortunately. Sorry for the confusion.
Regardless of what that person is doing with their blood at home…which would you recommend? There is a big price difference between SelfDecode and InsideTracker, and InsideTracker involves doing follow-tests to check progress. Does SelfDecode do that same kind of thing?
Thanks…I’m a newbie. ☺️
K8
Hi! If you’re just interested in blood work, InsideTracker is pretty great value. Especially when they run their sales. That’ll be good for you. If you want other options, this post is a list of the best home blood & health tests.
Hi Nick, for bloodwork only (I do my own), how does SelfDecode and InsideTracker compare? Which one would you choose?
Hey Zdenek,
What exactly do you mean by “I do my own”? Do you run your own panels at home? Or do you order your own labs? I am thinking you’re asking about which has better actionable recommendations. Am I correct?
Nick
How does SelfDecode compare with CircleDNA?
Hey Christina,
Great question! I personally haven’t used CircleDNA but I reviewed their website and specs. It looks like a good overall service. I like that they have a ton of different reports and offer a free 30-minute consult. They even offer whole exome sequencing. My biggest issue with it is that the reports are hardly polygenic. They only analyze a few variants per report. So you’re only getting a part of the picture — hopefully the important part! Those reports also aren’t as actionable and lack how Circle came up with the recommendations. Overall, CircleDNA is decent but I am not sure it’s worth the cost.
This was a very in depth and well thought out review. I also purchased a lifetime plan to get access to all future reports as well and I’m very satisfied with self decodes features. I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and this site lists all my SNP’s related to schizophrenia and bipolar with one quick search. I can make a custom list called a ‘gene pack’ and have it track whichever genes I choose, including the genes that involve my medication risperidone which is neat. The wellness reports go through each of my variations and recommends exact supplements that can counteract my innate deficiencies. Information has direct links to studies and references to learn more about whatever you like. Very helpful and informative!
Thanks Kim! Glad to hear that you’re loving it as much as I am 🙂
I hope you’ve seen that they’re now releasing SelfDecode 2.0 free for all current members. Exciting stuff and so much to unpack.