Choosing among the best biological age tests starts with knowing what each one measures. For a direct epigenetic age estimate with several related metrics, I’d start with TruAge Complete Collection. If you want a saliva-based methylation test with a relatively straightforward report, Aeternum is a more focused alternative. For broader genetic guidance rather than a methylation age measurement, PlexusDx stands out for its range of aging and longevity reports.
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Those differences matter: a genetic test looks at inherited variants associated with aging, while a methylation test estimates age from DNA marks that can reflect biological processes. Hundred Health takes another route by measuring blood biomarkers and adding physician review, but its product description does not specify a single biological-age calculation. SelfDecode is the simplest cheek-swab option, though its wellness-focused genetic report is less direct for buyers seeking an age number. I’ve ranked these by how clearly they address biological age, the usefulness of their included outputs, collection demands, and the limits buyers should understand.
Key Takeaways
- TruAge is my first pick for buyers seeking multiple epigenetic aging metrics, including Dunedin PACE and telomere-related reporting.
- Aeternum is a focused saliva-based methylation option with a stated turnaround of a few weeks and lifestyle recommendations.
- PlexusDx and SelfDecode assess genetic variants and provide aging-related guidance; they should not be treated as interchangeable with methylation age tests.
- Hundred Health covers more than 100 health biomarkers with physician-reviewed insights, but its description does not specify a dedicated biological-age score.
- Every option has limits: sample mailing, waiting for lab results, wellness-only interpretation, or restricted appointment availability may affect fit.
| TruAge Complete Collection |  | Best Overall for Multiple Epigenetic Age Metrics | Sample type: Fingertip blood spot | Analysis: DNA methylation markers | Age-related reports: Epigenetic age, telomere length, and Dunedin PACE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Aeternum DNA Biological Age Test Kit |  | Best Focused Saliva-Based Methylation Test | Test type: At-home saliva DNA methylation test | Sample: Saliva | Analysis: DNA methylation markers | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| PlexusDx Methylation and Longevity Genetic Test |  | Best for Broad Genetic Aging Reports | Test type: At-home genetic test | Reports: More than 150 DNA reports | Variants analyzed: Over 200 million | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SelfDecode Healthy Aging and Longevity At-Home DNA Test |  | Best Simple Collection for Genetics-Based Guidance | Sample collection: At-home cheek swab | Sample processing: CLIA-certified lab | Analysis: AI analysis across 200 million genetic variants and peer-reviewed research | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Hundred Health Comprehensive Lab Test with 100+ Biomarkers |  | Best for Physician-Reviewed Biomarker Context | Biomarkers: More than 100 | Areas covered: Heart and metabolic health, hormones, inflammation, nutrients, stress, and aging | App features: Combines lab results, medical records, wearable data, and recommendations | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| biological age test | Analysis |
|---|---|
| TruAge Complete Collection | DNA methylation markers |
| Aeternum DNA Biological Age Te | DNA methylation markers |
| PlexusDx Methylation and Longe | — |
| SelfDecode Healthy Aging and L | AI analysis across 200 million genetic variants and peer-reviewed research |
| Hundred Health Comprehensive L | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
TruAge Complete Collection
TruAge Complete Collection ranks first because it offers the broadest clearly described set of biological-age measures in this lineup. Its fingertip blood spot is analyzed using DNA methylation markers, with reports covering epigenetic age, telomere length, and the Dunedin PACE rate. That makes it a stronger match than SelfDecode or PlexusDx for a buyer who specifically wants an age estimate and several related ways to interpret aging.
The range of outputs may help a curious buyer distinguish a single age figure from other aspects of aging, including pace and immune cell ratios. It also includes trait-specific reports such as weight-loss response, so the kit reaches beyond a single headline result. Results are stated to arrive in two to three weeks, a more concrete timeline than PlexusDx provides. The report breadth is its main advantage, though it also means buyers should be ready to interpret several measures rather than chase one number.
The tradeoff is collection: this test needs a fingertip blood spot, while Aeternum uses saliva and SelfDecode uses a cheek swab. Mailing a biological sample and waiting several weeks are part of the process. The supplied description states HIPAA-compliant handling and no third-party sharing, but this remains a wellness testing product rather than a medical diagnosis. I’d choose it for the clearest combination of methylation age, pace, and related reporting, not for needle avoidance or an instant answer.
Pros:- Uses DNA methylation markers to report multiple aging measures
- Includes epigenetic age, telomere length, and Dunedin PACE reporting
- States a two-to-three-week results window
- Provides HIPAA-compliant data handling and no third-party sharing
Cons:- Requires collecting and mailing a fingertip blood spot
- Several reports may take more effort to interpret than a single age estimate
Best for: Buyers who want a methylation-based age estimate plus related reports such as Dunedin PACE, telomere length, and immune cell ratios.
Not ideal for: People who want to avoid a fingertip blood sample, need results quickly, or prefer one simple score with minimal interpretation.
- Sample type:Fingertip blood spot
- Analysis:DNA methylation markers
- Age-related reports:Epigenetic age, telomere length, and Dunedin PACE
- Additional reports:Immune cell ratios and weight-loss response
- Turnaround:Two to three weeks
- Data privacy:HIPAA-compliant handling; no third-party sharing stated
Our verdict“I rank TruAge first for its unusually wide set of named epigenetic aging metrics, provided a blood spot and multi-part report suit you.”
Aeternum DNA Biological Age Test Kit
Aeternum is the most direct saliva-based alternative to TruAge in this group. It analyzes DNA methylation markers and supplies a digital biological-age report with lifestyle recommendations. That method makes it more directly aligned with an age-estimate search than the genetic-variant reports from SelfDecode and PlexusDx, while its saliva collection avoids the fingertip blood spot required by TruAge.
The product description gives buyers a useful expectation: results are available online in a few weeks. It includes the saliva collection device, instructions, and prepaid return mailer, so the stated process is self-contained. The ability to use it for tracking biological age over time may appeal to someone interested in repeat measurements, though the product information does not detail how to compare results across tests or how much change should be treated as meaningful.
Compared with TruAge, Aeternum is more focused and simpler to collect, but its description names fewer distinct metrics. Buyers looking for a pace-of-aging measure, telomere reporting, or a broad suite of trait insights may prefer TruAge’s specified output list. Aeternum still requires mailing a sample and waiting weeks, so it is not a quick check. I’d put it ahead of the genetic tests for a direct methylation age report, but behind TruAge for breadth.
Pros:- Uses DNA methylation markers to estimate biological age
- Collects saliva at home without a blood spot
- Includes a digital report with lifestyle recommendations
- Provides a stated results window of a few weeks
Cons:- Requires mailing a saliva sample and waiting for lab processing
- The listed report scope is less extensive than TruAge’s named age metrics
Best for: Buyers who want a direct methylation-based biological-age report and prefer saliva collection over a fingertip blood spot.
Not ideal for: People seeking a detailed set of separate aging metrics, fast results, or a test that avoids mailing a sample.
- Test type:At-home saliva DNA methylation test
- Sample:Saliva
- Analysis:DNA methylation markers
- Laboratory:CLIA-certified labs
- Results:Digital biological-age report with lifestyle recommendations
- Turnaround:A few weeks
- Included:Saliva collection device, instructions, and prepaid return mailer
Our verdict“Aeternum is my pick for a straightforward saliva-based methylation age estimate, while TruAge is better for buyers who want more distinct metrics.”
PlexusDx Methylation and Longevity Genetic Test
PlexusDx is the broadest genetic-report option here, with more than 150 reports across healthy aging, longevity, methylation, and related traits. Its stated topics include biological age, telomeres, cognition, and muscle loss, alongside personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations. For a buyer who wants a wide map of aging-related genetic information rather than only a single age estimate, that reach sets it apart from Aeternum’s more focused methylation report.
The key distinction is the method. PlexusDx is described as an at-home genetic test analyzing more than 200 million variants; it should not be read as the same thing as a methylation-marker test that estimates biological age from epigenetic patterns. The report may help users explore inherited tendencies and wellness topics, but the product description does not explain how its biological-age output is calculated or give a result timeline. I would not choose it solely to get a clearly defined, comparable age score.
Collection is handled at home, with a prepaid mailer for returning the DNA sample. That is similar to SelfDecode’s mailed cheek swab, but PlexusDx promises a substantially wider report set. The downside is that more reports can mean more information to sort through, and the results timeline is unspecified. This is a better fit for buyers who value breadth and personalized recommendations than for those who want the most plainly described methylation-based age test.
Pros:- Includes more than 150 reports across longevity and healthy-aging topics
- Covers biological age, telomeres, cognition, and muscle loss
- Offers personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations
- Includes a prepaid sample return mailer
Cons:- Requires collecting and mailing a DNA sample
- The stated information does not specify how long results take
- Its genetic-variant approach is distinct from a direct methylation age test
Best for: Buyers interested in many aging-related genetic reports and lifestyle recommendations, including topics beyond an age estimate.
Not ideal for: People whose main priority is a clearly specified methylation-based biological-age calculation or a stated results timeline.
- Test type:At-home genetic test
- Reports:More than 150 DNA reports
- Variants analyzed:Over 200 million
- Topics:Healthy aging, longevity, methylation, biological age, telomeres, cognition, and muscle loss
- Recommendations:Personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle guidance
- Sample return:Prepaid return mailer
- Dimensions:6.63 x 4.5 x 0.88 inches
Our verdict“PlexusDx suits buyers who want a wide genetic wellness report, but Aeternum or TruAge is a closer fit for a direct methylation age estimate.”
SelfDecode Healthy Aging and Longevity At-Home DNA Test
SelfDecode is the easiest collection method among the tests that focus on genetic information: it uses a cheek swab rather than blood or saliva. Its report draws on longevity-linked genetic variants and provides 50 personalized recommendations. That makes it a reasonable choice for buyers who want wellness guidance tied to genetics, especially if a needle-free sample is a priority.
Compared with PlexusDx, SelfDecode offers a smaller stated report count and a more specific set of 50 recommendations. The supplied description says its analysis draws on 200 million genetic variants and peer-reviewed research, with testing at a CLIA-certified lab. It also lists encrypted data, HIPAA/GDPR-aligned practices, and an option to delete data. These details may matter to people who are cautious about genetic information, though buyers should review the provider’s current privacy terms directly.
Its limitation is the same distinction that applies to PlexusDx: genetic variants linked to longevity are not interchangeable with a DNA methylation test that estimates biological age. SelfDecode is not the pick I’d make for someone who wants a clearly specified epigenetic age score or several age metrics. It also requires mailing the sample and viewing results online, and its recommendations are for educational and wellness use, not diagnosis or treatment. Against PlexusDx, it trades report breadth for simpler collection and a defined recommendation count.
Pros:- Uses a cheek swab with no blood draw or needles
- Includes a prepaid return mailer
- Provides an online report with 50 personalized recommendations
- Lists encrypted data handling and an option to delete data
Cons:- Intended for educational and wellness use, not diagnosis or treatment
- Requires mailing the sample and accessing results online
- Genetic guidance is not the same as a clearly specified methylation age estimate
Best for: Buyers who want a needle-free cheek swab and genetics-based healthy-aging recommendations with stated data deletion options.
Not ideal for: People seeking a direct methylation-based age estimate, medical guidance, or an offline report experience.
- Sample collection:At-home cheek swab
- Sample processing:CLIA-certified lab
- Analysis:AI analysis across 200 million genetic variants and peer-reviewed research
- Report:Online personalized report with 50 recommendations
- Return shipping:Prepaid return mailer included
- Privacy:Encrypted; HIPAA/GDPR-aligned; data can be deleted
- Intended use:Educational and wellness purposes only
Our verdict“SelfDecode is a low-fuss choice for genetics-based wellness recommendations, but I’d choose Aeternum or TruAge for a more direct biological-age measurement.”
Hundred Health Comprehensive Lab Test with 100+ Biomarkers
Hundred Health measures a different side of aging from the four DNA-based kits. Its lab test covers more than 100 biomarkers related to heart and metabolic health, hormones, inflammation, nutrients, stress, and aging. Licensed physicians review the results and provide personalized insights, while the app brings lab data together with medical records, wearable information, and health tracking. This broader health picture may be more useful to buyers who want clinical context around multiple body systems than a standalone genetic report.
That breadth does not automatically make it a biological-age test in the same sense as TruAge or Aeternum. The product information does not specify a particular biological-age score, methylation analysis, or aging algorithm. I therefore rank it fifth for the title’s specific promise, even though its biomarker coverage and physician review may be compelling for a different goal. Buyers should confirm what age-related outputs are included before choosing it specifically to calculate biological age.
Unlike the at-home swab and saliva kits, this option depends on in-lab appointments. Availability is limited in several states and territories, including Hawaii and North Dakota, among others listed in the specifications. The product description does not state a result timeline or identify the individual biomarkers in this summary, so those details merit checking before purchase. Compared with TruAge, it offers wider health domains and physician review, but less clearly defined epigenetic-age reporting.
Pros:- Measures more than 100 biomarkers across several health areas
- Includes physician-reviewed personalized insights
- Combines lab results, records, wearable data, and tracking in an app
- Supports tracking biomarkers and health information over time
Cons:- The description does not specify a dedicated biological-age score or method
- In-lab appointments are unavailable in several states and territories
- The listed information does not provide a result turnaround time
Best for: Buyers who want physician-reviewed results across many health biomarkers and a single app for lab, wearable, and medical-record data.
Not ideal for: People who need a clearly named biological-age score, live in an excluded area, or want to collect a sample entirely at home.
- Biomarkers:More than 100
- Areas covered:Heart and metabolic health, hormones, inflammation, nutrients, stress, and aging
- App features:Combines lab results, medical records, wearable data, and recommendations
- Progress tracking:Tracks biomarkers and health data over time
- Appointment limits:Unavailable in the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Hawaii
Our verdict“Hundred Health is a useful broader biomarker option, but I would verify its age-specific output before buying it as a biological-age test.”
How We Picked
I ranked these tests by how directly their stated methods address biological age, then by the amount and type of information a buyer receives. A product that names DNA methylation and gives a biological-age report is a closer match for someone seeking an age estimate than a genetic test that reports variants linked to longevity. That distinction is central to this roundup, so I don’t treat all five as equivalent biological-age measurements.
I also weighed whether the test explains its output clearly, whether it offers related measures such as pace of aging or telomere information, and what follow-up guidance is included. A broad report can be useful, but breadth alone does not make an age result more precise or medically meaningful. For example, PlexusDx lists more than 150 reports, while Aeternum is more narrowly described as a methylation-based biological-age test. Those products serve different needs rather than competing on the same feature count.
Collection and logistics shaped the order as well. A cheek swab or saliva sample avoids a finger prick, while a blood spot may appeal to buyers who want a wider set of age-related metrics. I noted stated turnaround information where available, privacy details, and access limitations. I did not infer unlisted turnaround times, test accuracy, clinical validity, or medical benefits. These products are not substitutes for diagnosis or care from a qualified clinician, and buyers should check the provider’s current instructions and test scope before ordering.
| biological age test | Analysis |
|---|---|
| TruAge Complete Collection | DNA methylation markers |
| Aeternum DNA Biological Age Te | DNA methylation markers |
| PlexusDx Methylation and Longe | — |
| SelfDecode Healthy Aging and L | AI analysis across 200 million genetic variants and peer-reviewed research |
| Hundred Health Comprehensive L | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Biological Age Tests
Before choosing a kit, I’d separate the question “How old does my biology look?” from “What inherited traits may relate to aging?” The tests below do not all answer the same question. A clear match between your goal and the test method matters more than the number of reports or recommendations in a package.
Methylation age versus genetic aging reports
DNA methylation tests, such as TruAge and Aeternum, analyze chemical marks on DNA and provide a biological-age estimate. TruAge names several related outputs, including epigenetic age and Dunedin PACE, while Aeternum is described as a more focused biological-age report. Genetic tests such as PlexusDx and SelfDecode look at variants associated with traits or longevity. Their guidance can add useful context, but it is not automatically equivalent to an epigenetic age measurement. If your main goal is to track an age estimate, I’d favor a test whose stated method and report directly support that goal.
Choose sample collection you can complete
Collection is a practical difference, not a small detail. SelfDecode uses a cheek swab, Aeternum uses saliva, and TruAge requires a fingertip blood spot. PlexusDx also needs a mailed DNA sample, though the provided details do not identify the collection method in the same way. All can involve returning a biological sample and waiting for results. If a finger prick is a firm no, Aeternum may be a better fit than TruAge; if you want a cheek swab, SelfDecode is the clearest match, with the caveat that it is genetics-focused rather than a direct methylation age test.
Look at what the report can and cannot tell you
A biological-age result is an estimate, not a diagnosis, and a collection of related numbers does not remove uncertainty. TruAge lists more distinct aging metrics, while Aeternum supplies a digital age report and lifestyle recommendations. PlexusDx and SelfDecode focus on genetic information and wellness recommendations. Hundred Health offers a wide biomarker panel with physician review, but the supplied description does not state a specific age score. I’d check the provider’s explanation of each output, how it is generated, and whether it is intended for repeat tracking before treating a result as a meaningful change in health.
Compare turnaround and access before ordering
Only some product descriptions give a timeline: Aeternum says results arrive in a few weeks, and TruAge states two to three weeks. PlexusDx does not specify a result window in the supplied information, and Hundred Health also leaves timing unstated here. Hundred Health also relies on in-lab appointments and lists several excluded states and territories, unlike the at-home collection kits. Check current availability and instructions in your location. If you need a result by a particular date, do not assume an unstated turnaround time.
Treat recommendations as wellness information
Recommendations can make a report more actionable, but they are not the same as clinical care. SelfDecode explicitly describes its test as educational and for wellness use, not for diagnosis or treatment. The other options also should not be taken as replacements for a clinician’s assessment. If a result raises a concern, or if you are changing supplements, medication, or treatment, discuss it with a qualified health professional. Buyers should also read current data-use and retention policies before sending genetic or health information to a testing service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a biological-age test measuring?
A biological-age test estimates aspects of how the body is aging using a defined set of markers. In this roundup, TruAge and Aeternum describe DNA methylation analysis, while SelfDecode and PlexusDx focus on genetic variants and aging-related reports. Hundred Health measures a broad set of health biomarkers, but its product description does not identify a specific biological-age score. Because methods differ, results from separate products may not be directly comparable.
Which option is the closest match for a direct biological-age estimate?
Based on the stated methods and outputs, I’d start with TruAge or Aeternum. Both describe DNA methylation analysis and biological-age reporting. TruAge lists more distinct related measures, including Dunedin PACE and telomere length, while Aeternum uses saliva and presents a focused digital report. If you want genetic wellness guidance rather than a clearly described methylation age estimate, PlexusDx or SelfDecode may be a better match for that different goal.
Can I compare results from two different brands?
I would be cautious about comparing numbers from different brands as if they were measured on one shared scale. The tests may use different samples, marker sets, analysis methods, and report formats. Even two tests that discuss biological age may not define or calculate it the same way. For tracking, follow one provider’s instructions and ask how repeat testing should be interpreted; discuss health concerns with a clinician rather than relying on a cross-brand difference.
How long do results take?
The listed timing varies by product. TruAge states two to three weeks, and Aeternum says a few weeks. The supplied product information does not specify a results timeline for PlexusDx, SelfDecode, or Hundred Health, so I would check the provider’s current guidance instead of assuming a delivery date. Mail transit, sample handling, and appointment access can also affect the overall process.
Are these tests medical diagnoses?
No product here should be treated as a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified medical professional. SelfDecode explicitly says it is for educational and wellness purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. The other products provide age-related, genetic, or biomarker information, but a result alone does not establish a medical condition. If a result concerns you or could affect care, review it with a clinician.
Conclusion
For the broadest clearly specified epigenetic aging report, I’d choose TruAge Complete Collection, particularly if you want Dunedin PACE and related metrics and are comfortable with a fingertip sample. If saliva collection and a focused methylation age estimate matter more, Aeternum is the more natural fit. Buyers who want many inherited-trait and longevity reports should compare PlexusDx with SelfDecode: PlexusDx emphasizes breadth, while SelfDecode offers a cheek-swab collection and 50 personalized recommendations.
Hundred Health is my pick for broader biomarker context and physician-reviewed insights, not for a clearly specified biological-age score. Before ordering any of these, check the current test method, report scope, turnaround, privacy terms, and location availability. I’d treat each result as wellness information and use a qualified clinician for medical questions.
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