How to Measure Your Biological Age: 5 Best Tests Compared in 2026

If you're investing in longevity, knowing your biological age is the first step. A biological age test reveals how much your body has actually aged — and this can be very different from what your birth certificate says. I personally tested the 5 best tests available in 2026 to bring you a complete technical analysis: GlycanAge, TruDiagnostic, Tally Health, DNA Company DNAge, and NOVOS ENABL Age.

In this review, I'll break down specs, accuracy, value for money, and my real experience with each one. If you're looking for the best biological age test 2026, this guide will give you all the technical information you need.

What Is a Biological Age Test and Why Does It Matter?

Your chronological age is simple: how many years since you were born. Biological age, on the other hand, measures the actual state of your tissues and systems at the molecular level. Two 45-year-olds can have biological ages of 38 and 52 — a 14-year difference that directly impacts disease risk, cognitive performance, and life expectancy.

The Main Biomarkers Measured

Modern biological age tests use different approaches:

• DNA methylation clock (epigenetic clocks): Measure methylation patterns at specific CpG sites
• Glycan analysis: Evaluate sugar structures attached to proteins
• Telomere length: Telomere length as a proxy for cellular aging
• Multi-omic panels: Combine multiple biomarkers

The original Horvath clock test from 2013 used 353 CpG sites. Today, the most advanced algorithms like DunedinPACE and GrimAge 2.0 use thousands of markers and predict not only age, but the speed of aging.

Methodology: How I Tested Each Kit

For this analysis, I purchased all 5 kits with my own money (no free samples from manufacturers). I collected samples within the same 2-week period to minimize variations. I evaluated:

1. Ease of collection (blood vs. saliva, instructions, support)
2. Time to results (days from shipping to dashboard)
3. Report depth (metrics, explanations, actionables)
4. Technical accuracy (methodology, scientific validation, reproducibility)
5. Value for money (price vs. value delivered)

1. TruDiagnostic TruAge Complete — Best Overall Accuracy

Price: $499 (single test) | $399/test (annual subscription) Sample type: Blood (finger prick) Time to results: 3-4 weeks

Technical Specs

TruDiagnostic uses the Illumina EPIC chip to measure 900,000+ CpG sites — the largest coverage in the consumer market. Includes multiple algorithms:

• DunedinPACE: Measures pace of aging
• GrimAge 2.0: Mortality and morbidity predictor
• PhenoAge: Based on clinical biomarkers
• Horvath clock: The classic pan-tissue clock
• Telomere length estimation: Via methylation

My Experience

The kit arrived in 5 business days with clear instructions. Blood collection via lancet was simple — 4 drops on the collection card. I shipped it with tracking included.

Results came in 22 days. The dashboard is the most comprehensive I've seen: it shows each clock separately, with percentiles compared to the population and trends if you do repeat tests.

Highlight: DunedinPACE showed that I'm aging at 0.87 years per chronological year — meaning 13% slower than average. This data is more actionable than absolute biological age.

Strengths

• Deepest technical depth available
• Multiple scientifically validated algorithms
• Dashboard with history and trends
• Excellent scientific support

Weaknesses

• Highest price in the category
• Blood collection may intimidate some
• Longer than average wait time

Score: 9.2/10

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2. GlycanAge — Best for Short-Term Interventions

Price: €299 (single test) | €249/test (bundles) Sample type: Blood (finger prick) Time to results: 3-5 weeks

Technical Specs

GlycanAge uses a different approach: glycan analysis (sugar structures) attached to immunoglobulin G (IgG). It measures 24 specific glycans that change with aging and inflammation.

The advantage of this methodology is responsiveness: glycans change in weeks/months with interventions, while DNA methylation can take years to reflect changes.

My Experience

Well-produced kit, premium style. Collection identical to TruDiagnostic. Results came in 25 days.

The report focuses on a single GlycanAge number, compared to your chronological age. Includes a breakdown of pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory glycans.

Highlight: My GlycanAge came in 4 years younger than my chronological age. The report showed that my anti-inflammatory glycans are in the 78th percentile — useful data to validate my anti-inflammatory routine.

Strengths

• Responds quickly to interventions (months, not years)
• Focus on systemic inflammation
• Good for tracking lifestyle changes
• Clean and intuitive interface

Weaknesses

• Fewer biomarkers than epigenetic tests
• Doesn't include pace of aging
• Less scientific validation than methylation clocks

Score: 8.5/10

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3. Tally Health — Best User Experience

Price: $229 (single test) | $199/test (membership) Sample type: Saliva (cheek swab) Time to results: 4-6 weeks

Technical Specs

Developed in partnership with David Sinclair's lab at Harvard, Tally Health uses a proprietary algorithm based on salivary DNA methylation. It covers fewer CpG sites than TruDiagnostic, but is optimized for saliva samples.

The big draw is the Tally Score: in addition to biological age, you receive a 0-100 score that's more intuitive for tracking.

My Experience

The nicest kit in the category — clearly designed unboxing experience. Buccal swab collection is painless and quick.

The mobile app is excellent. Results came in 31 days with push notification. The dashboard shows your TallyAge, Tally Score, and personalized recommendations based on your profile.

Highlight: The actionable recommendations are specific and based on your results — not generic. I received suggestions about exercise timing and glycine supplementation based on my methylation profile.

Strengths

• Saliva collection (more accessible)
• Excellent mobile app
• Personalized recommendations
• Competitive price

Weaknesses

• Less technical depth
• Proprietary algorithm (less transparency)
• Doesn't include DunedinPACE or GrimAge

Score: 8.3/10

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4. The DNA Company DNAge — Best Value for Money

Price: $179 (frequently on sale for $149) Sample type: Saliva Time to results: 3-4 weeks

Technical Specs

DNAge uses an optimized subset of CpG sites to calculate biological age via saliva. Includes:

• Biological Age: Absolute estimate
• Age Acceleration: Difference between bio and chronological
• Methylation Markers: Breakdown by system

The differentiator is integration with The DNA Company's complete genetic test — if you've already done it, the data complements each other.

My Experience

Simple kit, no frills. Straightforward instructions. Saliva collection is standard — spit in the tube, mix, ship.

Results in 19 days — the fastest in the group. The report is competent but less visually polished. Includes decent scientific explanations.

Highlight: At $149 on sale, it delivers 80% of TruDiagnostic's value for 30% of the price. For anyone who wants a baseline without investing $500, it's the obvious choice.

Strengths

• Best price in the category
• Fast results
• Genetics integration (if applicable)
• Adequate accuracy for tracking

Weaknesses

• Less polished interface
• Fewer included algorithms
• Basic customer support

Score: 8.0/10

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5. NOVOS ENABL Age — Best for Complete Longevity Stack

Price: $269 (single test) Sample type: Blood (finger prick) Time to results: 4-5 weeks

Technical Specs

NOVOS ENABL Age uses officially licensed DunedinPACE — the same algorithm as TruDiagnostic. Also includes:

• Biological Age (proprietary clock)
• Pace of Aging (DunedinPACE)
• Immune Age (immune system estimate)
• Telomere Length (estimated via methylation)

My Experience

NOVOS is known for their longevity supplements, and the test integrates with their stack recommendations. Well-produced kit, standard blood collection.

Results in 28 days. The dashboard is clean and clearly shows the 4 main scores. If you use NOVOS products, the results connect to their app.

Highlight: Immune Age was an interesting addition — it showed that my immune system is functioning like someone 6 years younger. Data I didn't see in other tests.

Strengths

• Official DunedinPACE
• Unique Immune Age
• Integration with NOVOS ecosystem
• Good price/algorithm ratio

Weaknesses

• Fewer CpG sites than TruDiagnostic
• Commercial focus on selling supplements
• Less detailed dashboard

Score: 8.1/10

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Comparison Table: Biological Age Tests 2026

Test	Price	Sample	Time	Algorithms	Score
TruDiagnostic	$499	Blood	3-4 wks	DunedinPACE, GrimAge, PhenoAge, Horvath	9.2/10
GlycanAge	€299	Blood	3-5 wks	Glycan Analysis (24 markers)	8.5/10
Tally Health	$229	Saliva	4-6 wks	TallyAge (proprietary)	8.3/10
DNA Company	$179	Saliva	3-4 wks	DNAge (proprietary)	8.0/10
NOVOS	$269	Blood	4-5 wks	DunedinPACE, Immune Age	8.1/10

Which Biological Age Test Should You Choose?

For Maximum Accuracy and Depth

TruDiagnostic TruAge Complete — If you want the most complete data and don't mind the price, it's the clear choice. The combo of DunedinPACE + GrimAge + 900k CpG sites is unrivaled.

For Tracking Interventions

GlycanAge — If you're testing protocols (fasting, supplements, exercise) and want to see results in months instead of years, glycan analysis responds faster.

For First-Timers / Budget-Conscious

The DNA Company DNAge — For under $150 on sale, it delivers a solid baseline. Perfect for anyone who wants to start measuring without a high investment.

For Best Experience

Tally Health — Excellent app, easy saliva collection, personalized recommendations. Ideal for anyone who wants a polished and actionable experience.

For NOVOS Users

NOVOS ENABL Age — If you already use NOVOS products, the integration makes sense. Immune Age is an interesting differentiator.

How to Interpret Your Results

Finding out that your biological age is X years doesn't mean much without context. Here's how to extract real value:

1. Focus on Speed, Not the Absolute Number

A biological age of 45 when you're 40 is concerning. But more important is the pace of aging: are you aging at 1.2 years per chronological year or 0.8? DunedinPACE answers this.

2. Establish a Baseline Before Interventions

Don't change your longevity protocol in the weeks before the test. You want to know where you are, not where you could be under ideal conditions.

3. Retest at Appropriate Intervals

For epigenetic age testing, wait 6-12 months between tests. For GlycanAge, 3-6 months may show changes. Testing every month is throwing money away.

4. Contextualize with Other Data

Biological age is one metric. Combine it with traditional bloodwork, DEXA scan, VO2max, and cognitive markers for a complete picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are biological age tests accurate?

The best ones (TruDiagnostic, GlycanAge) have 95%+ reproducibility in repeated samples. Correlation with health outcomes is validated in longitudinal studies.

How often should I test?

Annually for routine tracking. Semi-annually if you're testing specific interventions. GlycanAge can be done more frequently since it responds faster.

Could the result scare me?

Yes. But it's better to know. A high biological age is an actionable warning sign — not a death sentence. Lifestyle interventions can reverse years of epigenetic aging.

Does insurance cover it?

Not currently in the US (outside of some HSA/FSA accounts). Check with your provider for the latest coverage options.

Conclusion: My Final Recommendation

After testing the 5 best biological age tests of 2026, my choice for most people is:

For those who can invest: TruDiagnostic TruAge Complete ($499) — unparalleled technical depth, multiple validated algorithms, and DunedinPACE that measures pace of aging.

For limited budgets: The DNA Company DNAge (~$149) — delivers 80% of the value for 30% of the price.

For tracking interventions: GlycanAge (€299) — fast response to lifestyle changes.

Measuring your biological age is the first step to hacking longevity. You can't optimize what you don't measure. Choose a test, establish your baseline, and start tracking your journey back in time.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I've personally tested.