FamilyTree DNA (FTDNA) has a large pool of potential matches which are somewhat international but not everyone is doing genealogy. FTDNA gives users a chromosome browser so you can compare and see which segments of DNA you have in common with a match or matches. And if you decide you want to add a Y-DNA or mtDNA test, the sample already submitted can be utilized (assuming no problems) without having to do another swab sample. FamilyTree DNA is the only one of the three DNA companies doing Y-DNA (male-male) and mtDNA (female-female) testing. It also has user-administered testing/study groups for surname and geographic projects.
Doing an AncestryDNA test gets you into a large pool of potential matches and most are interested in genealogy. Ancestry.com does not provide any tools for you to utilize and analyze your matches, other than user connected trees.
Did you know that you could also download your AncestryDNA test data and transfer it to FamilyTreeDNA's Autosomal Transfer so you have your DNA in two pools of matches? The autosomal DNA transfer is free to see your top 20 matches. To unlock the transfer and have full access to all your matches and features, the cost is just $39. (Add on tests of Y-DNA and mtDNA would require a separate swab test since no actual physical DNA is transferred between companies.) Please note that FamilyTree DNA is the only DNA company that accepts data transfers from other companies that utilize the same test chip (AncestryDNA and certain older 23andME tests.)
The three major DNA companies, FamilyTreeDNA, Ancestry.com and 23andMe, all allow you to download your DNA test data. (It is a good idea to download it as a back up.) This data also can be transferred to third-party sites, like GEDMatch where you can compare DNA with other site users regardless of which company was initially used.
These are the current DNA sales. I'm sure there will be more this summer.
See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE