Are any free ethnicity DNA tests available?

Free ethnicity DNA tests are available occasionally to encourage the participation of certain groups of people who share a commonality, such as having African ancestry or a specific surname. Often, the tests are only offered to males if done for genealogical purposes, though tests for medical reasons are more inclusive.

As of 2015, there are four major DNA testing organizations: 23AndMe, Family Tree DNA, Ancestry DNA and Geno 2.0. Prices for most autosomal DNA tests are typically in the $99 range, although there are periodic sales. National Geographic's Geno 2.0 carries a heftier price tag around $199 and provides a scientific emphasis rather than genealogical one.