Dante Labs review: Is this whole-genome testing service worth it?

Today’s at-home DNA tests are significantly faster and more accurate than their earlier versions, making them valuable health management tools. Still, the quality and speed of results depend on various factors, including the company’s operations. A prime example of this is Dante Labs.

This New York-based company has been operating for eight years, offering affordable tests that can analyze most of your genetic code and produce detailed reports on your health risks. Still, according to user reviews, Dante Labs has been experiencing operational issues over the last few years. 

This Dante Labs review examines the company to help you learn about its test offering, user experiences, and potential future — all you need to decide whether to purchase a kit.

What is Dante Labs, and how does it work?

Dante Labs offers to analyze your full genetic code using advanced whole-genome sequencing technology. Its test can reveal your genetic predisposition to various diseases and conditions, such as cancer and dementia, whether you’re already experiencing symptoms or not. 

To access the service, you’ll need to buy a test kit, collect a sample, and mail it to the lab. The company offers a few testing options, which come with varying numbers of reports:

1. Premium

2. Premium + All Reports

3. Premium + All Reports + 3-year updates

The basic Premium test comes with proactive screening reports, wellness reports, and medical reports based on your symptoms. To access the medical reports, you’ll need to upload your genetic data to the Genome Manager platform. 

You can also get additional analyses, including those targeting specific and rare diseases, by purchasing them from the reports catalog or choosing one of the other two test options.

In addition to reports, Dante Labs offers support from genetics and medical experts, who can help you interpret the results and provide recommendations.

Source: Dante Labs

Bonus read — Check out our reviews of other whole-genome testing services:

• Nebula Genomics review

• Sequencing.com review

• Sequencing.com vs. Nebula

Dante Labs DNA test review: 6 key factors considered

Now that you understand the basics of Dante Labs, we’ll analyze the service in greater detail, focusing on these important aspects:

1. Types of reports

2. Quality of analyses and reports

3. Pricing and value for money

4. Sample collection process

5. Data security and privacy

6. Customer service and reviews

1. Types of reports

If you opt for the basic Premium test, the company will provide personalized and detailed reports for the following categories:

1. Proactive screening report: Reveals your genetic predisposition to numerous diseases and conditions and offers advice to prevent them from developing

2. Personalized medical report: Helps you better understand the nature of a disease or condition you have or confirms its existence

3. Wellness report: Suggests habits that align with your genetic makeup and may benefit your well-being

4. Scientific fitness report: Gives you recommendations to create the optimal exercise regime based on your genome

5. Nutrigenetic report: Assesses how your genes interact with different foods to help you and your nutritionist design the perfect diet

You can get additional health reports by ordering them separately from the catalog or buying the Premium + All Reports Bundle, which includes all 150 available analyses. These reports include broad categories such as neurology and hereditary cancer as well as rare diseases and conditions such as dyskeratosis and Dravet syndrome. The most expensive test bundle also includes three years of updated reports as genetic science evolves.

Source: Dante Labs

Within the first 30 days, you can download your raw DNA data file and upload it to other websites to get a second opinion and uncover additional insights.

2. Quality of analyses and reports 

Dante Labs processes samples in certified labs based in Italy and Dubai. The company conducts whole-genome sequencing with 30x depth, which means it reads your genome 30 times to ensure greater accuracy. This approach allows Dante Labs to provide a detailed and extensive assessment of your genetic health profile. 

The results are much more comprehensive compared to genotyping tests like 23andMe, which analyzes only 0.1% of your DNA and overlooks rare genetic differences that can make a big difference in your life.

Besides your genes, Dante Labs analyzes your medical history and symptoms for the Personalized Medical analysis. Still, it doesn’t account for your lifestyle and environment, which can affect your health as much as all the other factors. 

As for the results, Dante Labs will provide detailed information, but its interpretation may be difficult for users unfamiliar with genomics and its terminology. You may find the reports hard to navigate as they come in document form and don’t include exploration tools that platforms like Nebula offer.

Tip 💡

If you want a whole-genome test that makes it easy to understand your results, opt for Nucleus. By testing with Nucleus, you’ll get extensive and interactive reports that use clear language, include data visualization, and offer actionable advice. 

Besides analyzing nearly 100% of your genes, Nucleus will consider your non-genetic factors to offer a personalized and accurate assessment of your health predispositions. The analysis expands beyond your health risks, providing insight into inheritable diseases and conditions you may carry, your genetic IQ, and traits such as longevity. Order your kit today!  

[X](https://x.com/austinpayneut/status/1829224622816195007)

3. Pricing and value for money

Dante Labs is known for having one of the most affordable whole-genome tests on the market. Shipping and downloading your raw data within the first 30 days of release are free.

The basic Premium test, which originally costs $499, is often discounted to only $199. That said, this test includes limited reports, so you’ll need to pay extra for additional analyses, most of which are $34.99.

The Premium bundle with all reports and updates is much more expensive and currently costs $999. 

4. Sample collection process

By default, Dante Labs will require a blood sample to analyze your DNA. The test kit includes all the equipment you need to collect the sample. You’ll first need to disinfect your arm, then place the provided device on it, which will then prick your skin and draw a small amount of blood. 

Source: Dante Labs on YouTube

While the process should be simple and painless for most people, it may be difficult for children and individuals who have:

• Low pain tolerance

• Fear of needles or blood

• Sensitive or fragile skin

That said, Dante Labs may be able to provide an alternative kit that requires a different type of sample, such as saliva. You can request it in the note section when making the order.

Bonus read — Discover other health-oriented DNA tests through our reviews:

• 3x4 Genetics review

• Myriad Genetics review

• SelfDecode review

• Invitae review

5. Data security and privacy

Dante Labs complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and promises high-level security by leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS). You can access your results securely and manage your preferences using the proprietary Genome Manager platform. As per our research, the company hasn’t had any recent security incidents. 

6. Customer service and reviews

Dante Labs reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and other websites are overwhelmingly negative. The company isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an F rating with over 50 complaints in the previous 12 months. Check out how users have rated it on other platforms (sourced December 2024):

| Website                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Rating                |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- |
| [Trustpilot (U.S.)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.dantelabs.com)                                                                                                                                                                              | 1.9/5 (4,170 reviews) |
| [Trustpilot (UK)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/dantelabs.co.uk)                                                                                                                                                                                  | 1.5/5 (1,279 reviews) |
| [DNA Testing Choice](https://dnatestingchoice.com/en-us/dna-sequencing/provider/dante-labs/4479#the-reviews)                                                                                                                                          | 1/5 (114 reviews)     |
| [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dante+Genomics/@19.0863027,-68.28025,2z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x132e32e40b3767df:0x5ee700eb4ccf09d4!8m2!3d42.16936!4d-68.28025!9m1!1b1!16s%2Fg%2F11h7s40sx_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTEyNC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) | 1.9/5 (122 reviews)   |

The most prominent issue with Dante Labs seems to be delays — thousands of customers have reported not receiving their kit or results within the promised time frame. While the company claims that results usually arrive in a few weeks, some customers have been waiting as long as two years. 

Several customers also reported receiving kits without a shipping label or having to redo the test because their sample was misplaced, which further prolonged the wait. According to the reviews, the company doesn’t communicate transparently and rarely issues refunds. 

Read one customer’s story below:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/DNA/comments/1crdh9n/comment/llidfwp/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)

Is Dante Labs about to go bankrupt?

Numerous reports of unfulfilled orders indicate that Dante Labs is in crisis and facing severe logistical and financial difficulties. A local news article from October 2024 states that the company has failed to pay wages in the past and has now started a collective dismissal procedure involving dozens of workers. For customers still awaiting their results, this could mean further processing delays and customer service issues.

Dante Labs is yet to release an official statement, though. Despite all the problems, the company still sells tests and even has a holiday season sale at the moment. 

Its actions indicate that operations will continue in one form or another. The company has recently launched a new B2B website, Dante Omics, and is about to release the AI feature in 2025. This addition should allegedly reduce processing times and allow the company to deliver results faster than ever. 

Still, customers interested in trying the service may want to consider waiting for tangible signs of improvement, such as positive reviews, before investing in a test.  

Final thoughts: Should you invest in a Dante Labs test?

We’ve summarized Dante Labs’ upsides and downsides in the table below:

| Pros                                                                                                                                                                               | Cons                                                                                                                                                               |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| • Whole-genome sequencing<br> • Detailed health assessment<br> • Consultations with experts<br> • More budget-friendly than most tests<br> • Ability to access raw data for free | • Unreliable due to operational issues<br> • Many reports of extremely long<br> turnarounds and unresponsive customer<br> support<br> • Results are difficult to interpret

Dante Labs’ basic test is highly advanced and affordable, but its reports have room for improvement as they’re overly technical and not user-friendly. Because of all these factors, Dante Labs is an appealing option for those who want to access their raw DNA data. That said, the many complaints about the company’s customer service raise doubts about its current and future credibility.  

If you’re looking to get an affordable whole-genome analysis without the long wait times, consider testing with Nucleus. Once you mail your sample, Nucleus will produce results in only six to eight weeks. Unlike Dante Labs, Nucleus works solely with U.S. labs with the CLIA and CAP certifications, demonstrating their commitment to timeliness and quality of analysis. 

By choosing Nucleus, you’ll also receive reports that are easy to understand and contain actionable advice that you can immediately implement into your lifestyle and health routine.

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Get a head start on your health with Nucleus

Nucleus is a platform that provides all-in-one screening of your DNA and health. Besides analyzing more than six billion data points in your DNA, Nucleus will consider your non-genetic factors — this comprehensive approach allows it to provide 99.9% accurate reports. 

With Nucleus, you can understand your genetic predisposition to over 800 diseases and conditions, including those related to:

• Heart health: Coronary artery disease and hypertension

• Cancer: Breast cancer, gastric cancer, and prostate cancer

• Neurology: Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

• Focus and energy: ADHD, insomnia, and migraine

• Food and diet: Type 2 diabetes and celiac disease

• Mental health: Schizophrenia, OCD, and depression

You’ll also learn about any hereditary conditions that may run in your family, your genetic IQ, and the genetic background of traits like height and longevity. Through Nucleus’ actionable and clear reports, you can make informed and confident decisions on health, lifestyle, and family planning.

[X](https://x.com/melanter/status/1782094104068862183)

Nucleus offers physician-ordered tests and can connect you with a board-certified genetic counselor via SteadyMD if you have any questions about your results or the next steps.

Nucleus: One price, hundreds of reports

The whole-genome test, Nucleus Premium, costs $399, includes free shipping, and allows you to pay with your HSA/FSA plan to potentially reduce the end cost. While Dante Labs requires you to pay extra to unlock all reports, Nucleus provides them by default under one test price. 

You can choose to receive updated reports as Nucleus’ database expands, genetic science evolves, and your risk factors change. 

To get started, order your kit from the Nucleus website. Here’s how:

1. Sign up for Nucleus Premium

2. Provide your personal information

3. Place the order

Next, you’ll collect your sample by swabbing your cheeks — this process is painless and takes minutes. Once you ship your samples to the lab, your results will be ready in your online account within six to eight weeks. There’s no need to worry about the privacy of your data as Nucleus is HIPAA-compliant and employs industry-standard security measures. 

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| [Rupa Health review](https://mynucleus.com/blog/rupa-health-review)                        | [MyHeritage review](https://mynucleus.com/blog/myheritage-review)                  |
| [InsideTracker alternatives](https://mynucleus.com/blog/insidetracker-alternative)         | [Ancestry.com review](https://mynucleus.com/blog/ancestrycom-review)               |
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| [InsideTracker review](https://mynucleus.com/blog/insidetracker-review)                    | [Ancestry.com alternatives](https://mynucleus.com/blog/ancestrycom-alternatives)   |
| [Genetic Genie reviews](https://mynucleus.com/blog/genetic-genie-reviews)                  | [Ancestry vs. 23andMe](https://mynucleus.com/blog/ancestry-vs-23andme)             |
| [tellmeGen review](https://mynucleus.com/blog/tellmegen-review)                            | [CRI Genetics vs. 23andMe](https://mynucleus.com/blog/cri-genetics-vs-23andme)     |
| [23andMe alternatives](https://mynucleus.com/blog/23andme-alternatives)                    | [MyHeritage vs. 23andMe](https://mynucleus.com/blog/myheritage-vs-23andme)         |
| [Illumina Sequencing vs. Sanger](https://mynucleus.com/blog/illumina-sequencing-vs-sanger) | [FamilyTreeDNA review](https://mynucleus.com/blog/familytreedna-reviews)           |
| [PacBio vs. Illumina](https://mynucleus.com/blog/pacbio-vs-illumina)                       | [FamilyTreeDNA vs. 23andMe](https://mynucleus.com/blog/family-tree-dna-vs-23andme) |
| [Nanopore vs. Illumina](https://mynucleus.com/blog/nanopore-vs-illumina)                   | [Tiny Health reviews](https://mynucleus.com/blog/tiny-health-reviews)              |
| [FamilyTreeDNA vs. 23andMe](https://mynucleus.com/blog/family-tree-dna-vs-23andme)         | [FamilyTreeDNA review](https://mynucleus.com/blog/familytreedna-reviews)           |
| [Genetic Genie reviews](https://mynucleus.com/blog/genetic-genie-reviews)                  | [Marek Health reviews](https://mynucleus.com/blog/marek-health-reviews)            |

Featured image source: National Cancer Institute