Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests such as 23andMe and Ancestry are incredibly popular for their ancestry insights, but they fall short when health analysis is concerned. The truth is that most consumer-grade tests on the market analyze less than 0.1% of your DNA, which is why their health analyses are never complete or too meaningful.

The good news is that genetics research has come a long way, making advanced testing technologies more accessible than ever. Today, companies like Sequencing.com and Nebula Genomics use whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology to decode your entire DNA and provide a comprehensive overview of your genetic composition and health.

Still, both services can be costly, so it’s important to assess them before investing in either. Our comprehensive Sequencing.com vs. Nebula Genomics guide will help you compare them across key criteria such as their reports, security measures, and user reviews.

Sequencing.com vs. Nebula Genomics at a glance

Nebula Genomics (or Nebula) and Sequencing.com have the same baseline of services — both use WGS technology, offer similar reports, and are in an accessible price range. Before we get into the specifics of what sets them apart, here’s a brief rundown of the two services:

| Criteria              | Sequencing.com      | Nebula Genomics                        |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Founded               | 2013                                         | 2018                                   |
| Types of insights     | • Health <br> • Wellness <br> • Ancestry               | • Health <br> • Wellness <br> • Ancestry        |
| Sequencing technology | Whole-genome sequencing                      | Whole-genome sequencing                |
| Genetic counseling    | Available for $179                           | Not available                          |
| DNA file uploading    | Available                                    | Available                              |
| Sample type           | Cheek swab                                   | Cheek swab                             |
| Turnaround time       | 3–16 weeks                                   | 12–14 weeks                            |
| Price                 | Starts at $389                               | Starts at $249                         |
| Shipping              | International (depends on local regulations) | 187 countries                          |
| Third-party services  | Apps and reports                             | Not available

How Sequencing.com works

The ordering process with Sequencing.com is as simple as with other DTC tests like 23andMe and MyHeritage. You need to collect a cheek swab sample and mail it to the lab. The platform uses 30x whole-genome sequencing to process your DNA, which implies it reads each letter at least 30 times to ensure accuracy.

Source: Sequencing.com

Once the testing is complete, you will get access to your results and select reports based on the package you chose, such as the Rare Disease or Connective Tissue screening package.

Additionally, Sequencing.com hosts a third-party marketplace of DNA apps and reports at competitive prices. This expands the number of products you can access from one platform. Some popular product categories include:

• Genetic ancestry with haplogroups

• Health scan

• Personality traits

• Carrier status

• Genetic counseling

How Nebula Genomics works

Like Sequencing.com, Nebula Genomics uses cheek swabs to analyze your entire genome, but it lets you choose the depth of sequencing. You can go for:

1. Deep: 30x WGS, where each DNA letter is read around 30 times, resulting in high accuracy.

2. Ultra Deep: 100x WGS, where each DNA letter is read around 100 times, resulting in ultra-high accuracy.

Regardless of the plan, you have to purchase a compulsory membership worth $149.99. A perceived benefit of choosing Nebula is that it gives you access to your big data and reports about your ancestry, relatives, detrimental genetic variants, and traits in a single package. You won’t have to shop for reports separately like with Sequencing.com. 

Source: Nebula Genomics

Bonus read: Explore other DNA test services offering health and ancestry reports:

• 23andMe review

• CRI Genetics vs. 23andMe

• MyHeritage vs. 23andMe

Nebula Genomics vs. Sequencing.com: In-depth comparison

After having a closer look at Nebula Genomics and Sequencing.com, we can say that they have plenty of differences. You can get familiar with what they are by going through the following sections:

1. Types of reports

2. Quality of reports

3. Turnaround time

4. Pricing model

5. Privacy and security

6. User experience

1. Types of reports 

The raw data generated from WGS typically make no sense to a layperson — it’s the reports that add meaning to the data. We analyzed the breadth of reports available with both services, and it seems like Sequencing.com gives you a larger pool of reports to choose from.

Still, most of the reports are provided by third parties and cost you extra, so it all comes down to how much you’re willing to spend. You can consider a monthly membership if you want to access report credits.

Source: Sequencing.com

Nebula, on the other hand, includes all reports in one price. You get Traits, Ancestry, and Oral Microbiome reports by default. Its membership also gives you access to new reports added to the database.

Some of the health-focused reports and features that you can get with both services are:

• Athletic performance

• Nutrition and diet

• Hormones

• Longevity 

Both Sequencing.com and Nebula report your ancestry composition and haplogroups. While Sequencing.com requires you to download an external app for relative matching, Nebula partners with FamilyTreeDNA to offer a similar service.

2. Quality of reports

Since both companies leverage WGS technology, they provide highly accurate and detailed reports. Sequencing.com issues physician-ordered tests, which adds another layer of integrity to their reports. Still, if you consider the underlying technology behind reports, Nebula may have a slight upper hand due to its ability to reach 100x sequencing depth, although 30x WGS is the gold standard. 

Source: Nebula Genomics

A common issue with Nebula's reports is that they can be notoriously convoluted and confusing to interpret. Here’s what a customer shared:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Nebulagenomics/comments/17ui291/comment/k98gwdj/)

Since Nebula doesn't offer genetic counseling services, you may need to use external services or talk with your doctor to make sense of your results.

Most Sequencing.com reports are easy to interpret, but the quality tends to vary. While the company has some native reports, it offers others through third parties. Customers have expressed a lack of trust with many reports. Here’s an excerpt from a user review on Reddit:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Genealogy/comments/xz75b7/comment/krmin8c/)

Tip 💡

Confusing and unreliable reports can ruin any DNA testing experience. The good news is that there’s a more straightforward and user-friendly service you can choose — Nucleus. The platform offers an all-in-one WGS health test to get you easy-to-interpret and actionable health reports at a single price point, elevated by quality data visualizations. 

Nucleus is a clinical-grade and physician-approved DNA test offering 99.9% accuracy. The platform also connects you to board-certified genetic counselors for diagnostic advice. Order your kit today!

Source: Nucleus

3. Turnaround time 

Whole-genome sequencing is an extensive process, so the turnaround time for WGS tests is typically longer than other DTC options.

Nebula’s estimated turnaround time is 12–14 weeks once the lab receives your sample. With Sequencing.com, you get three options:

1. Standard: 10–16 weeks

2. Expedited: 6–10 weeks

3. Ultra Rapid: Up to 3 weeks

Delays are possible, especially during the holiday season. Numerous customers of both platforms have reported receiving their results late. A Sequencing.com user reported a wait time of more than 42 weeks.

Bonus reads: Check out our unbiased opinions of other testing services: 

• InsideTracker alternatives

• Invitae review

• tellmeGen review

• Rupa Health review

4. Pricing model 

The price of Nebula’s basic 30x WGS kit is priced at $249, while its 100x WGS kit will cost your $899. You also need to purchase a 3-year membership for $295 for either option.

Sequencing.com’s basic WGS kit costs $389. It also offers screening-specific options as presented in the table below:

| Plan                            | Cost  |
| ------------------------------- | ----- |
| Rare disease screening          | $399  |
| Connective tissue screening     | $429  |
| Family planning screening       | $449  |
| Newborns and children screening | $499  |
| Comprehensive health screening  | $529

The platform doesn’t require a membership by default, but you do need to subscribe to access report credits and updates. Keep in mind that the cost of Sequencing.com’s services may end up higher if you decide to include paid reports and apps.

Sequencing.com accepts HSA and FSA cards, but it doesn’t guarantee insurance coverage. Nebula hasn’t disclosed whether it’s HSA and FSA eligible, and its test may be covered by insurance in specific cases.

5. Privacy and security 

Nebula and Sequencing.com are HIPAA-compliant and employ industry-standard protocols to keep your data safe. It’s worth noting that you may be sharing your data with other third parties when you buy a service via Sequencing.com’s marketplace.

6. User experience

Nebula Genomics and Sequencing.com are both BBB-accredited. Sequencing.com holds the A- rating, while Nebula is rated B+. In general, Sequencing.com has higher customer ratings (as of September 2024):

| Source     | Sequencing.com                                                                                             | Nebula Genomics                                                                                                     |
| ---------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Trustpilot | 4.2/5 ([435 reviews](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/sequencing.com))                                    | 2.3/5 ([805 reviews](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/nebula.org))                                                 |
| BBB        | 1.92/5 ([26 reviews](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/pasadena/profile/biotechnology/sequencingcom-1216-1078918)) | 1/5 ([12 reviews](https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/garden-city/profile/genetic-testing/nebula-genomics-inc-0121-87153732)) |

Note that BBB reviews are typically based on isolated negative experiences and may not provide a balanced overview of these services. Still, users of both platforms have complained about poor user experience, reporting issues such as:

• Excruciating wait times

• Not receiving results at all

• Unhelpful customer support

Looking at the ratings and reviews, Nebula seems to miss the mark more often when it comes to service quality. Additionally, both platforms have a difficult-to-navigate interface that leads to an underwhelming experience.

The takeaway: Consider better WGS testing options

While Nebula Genomics is slightly more affordable and offers the 100x WGS coverage option, Sequencing.com has an advantage in categories such as range of insights and ease of interpretation. That said, its marketplace model leaves much to be desired due to a clunky interface and quality issues with many reports.

You also need to factor in the cost aspect of both platforms, which could use more transparency. Regardless of the base plan, you may end up spending thousands of dollars to get the insights you truly need.

If you want a highly accurate and clinical-grade whole-genome DNA test with a straightforward interface and budget-friendly pricing, opt for Nucleus’ all-in-one health kit. The platform gives you all its premium health reports for $399 — and you can receive them in as little as six weeks.

What sets the platform apart from other WGS testing companies is the comprehensiveness of its health insights. Nucleus considers the interplay of your genes, ancestry, and lifestyle factors while shaping reports, which gives you a clearer picture of your disease risks and trait dispositions.

[X](https://x.com/Exploringfornow/status/1781433526140743900)

Nucleus whole-genome solutions: Personalized, affordable, and informative

Like Nebula Genomics and Sequencing.com, Nucleus will analyze nearly 100% of your DNA to provide you with complete genetic health insights. You can access the full spectrum of information about your DNA, including:

• Your risk for developing 170+ diseases and conditions, such as:

  • Cancers

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Depression

  • ADHD

  • Age-related macular degeneration

• Rare genetic variants that can have a high impact on your health

• Your genetic traits that shape who you are

• Genetic IQ or intelligence score

• Your carrier status for inheritable conditions that can affect you and your kids (coming soon!)

Nucleus has an intuitive, clutter-free interface and provides easy-to-consume reports with practical insights. These reports are dynamic and can be updated based on your lifestyle or advancements in genetic research.

Source: Nucleus

Nucleus tests are physician-approved — if you need diagnostic advice based on your results, you can get a consultation from the platform’s medical partners at SteadyMD for only an additional $99, which is way more affordable than what other services offer.

Privacy and testing integrity at Nucleus

Nucleus is HIPAA-compliant and adheres to stringent security protocols. It has a transparent Privacy Policy that highlights personal data ownership. Additionally, the processes your samples in CLIA/CAP-certified labs in the U.S. and on U.S. machines for better security. 

Get your Nucleus Premium kit

You don't have to go through intermediaries to get your clinical-grade Nucleus test kit — here’s what the process looks like:

1. Create your Nucleus Premium account

2. Add your personal information

3. Order the kit

You only need to swab your cheeks and mail back the samples, and you’ll get a notification when your results are ready. Nucleus is HSA and FSA eligible, so you can typically recoup the cost with your health savings plan.

[X](https://x.com/nucleusgenomics/status/1774125734962835498)

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If you want to learn more, check out our other reviews and comparisons:

1. Ancestry.com alternatives

2. Ancestry.com review

3. InsideTracker review

4. MyHeritage vs. Ancestry.com

5. 23andMe alternatives

Featured image source: Artem Podrez