Where to Get a Full Microbiome Test: Top 5 Best At-Home Kits Compared (2025)

Introduction

In recent years, gut health has become a central focus of wellness, medicine, and nutrition. The trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive tract—collectively known as the gut microbiome—play an enormous role in digestion, immunity, mental health, and even chronic disease prevention. As a result, microbiome testing has exploded in popularity, with people across the globe turning to science to better understand their gut health.

A full microbiome test allows you to identify the composition and diversity of your gut flora, highlighting imbalances and offering personalized insights to improve your diet and lifestyle. But with the rise of at-home testing options, it can be challenging to know where to start.

In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we explore what a full microbiome test includes, compare the top five at-home microbiome testing kits, and help you determine which is best for your health goals.

What Is a Full Microbiome Test?

A full microbiome test analyzes the DNA of microorganisms found in your stool to map out which bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes are present in your gut. This typically involves sequencing technology such as 16S rRNA or whole genome sequencing (WGS) to get detailed insights into:

• Bacterial diversity

• Presence of beneficial vs. harmful strains

• Short-chain fatty acid production

• Inflammatory markers

• Microbial balance

Some advanced tests may also evaluate:

• Oral microbiome

• Vaginal or skin microbiome

• Gene expression (RNA)

• Metabolites and microbial activity

A high-quality test will not only list which microbes are present but also interpret what this means for your health. Common report features include diet recommendations, risk scores for conditions (like IBS or inflammation), and probiotic/prebiotic suggestions.

At-Home vs. Clinical Microbiome Testing

While clinical tests conducted through healthcare providers can offer deep diagnostic insight, at-home microbiome testing has surged in popularity due to its convenience and growing accuracy. Here's a breakdown of how they compare:

At-Home Kits

Pros:

• Convenient and private

• Often more affordable

• Quick turnaround (2–4 weeks)

• User-friendly reports and apps

Cons:

• Not FDA-approved for diagnosis

• Varying levels of scientific rigor

• Some lack raw data access

Clinical Tests

Pros:

• Often used by functional medicine practitioners

Cons:

• More expensive

• Requires physician order

• Slower turnaround times

• Typically includes more technical information not understandable for regular consumers

Top 5 Best At-Home Full Microbiome Testing Kits (2025)

1. InnerBuddies

Region: Netherlands NL
Technology: 16S DNA and AI-driven personalized reporting

What It Includes:

• Gut microbiome sequencing

• 3-day food diary with personalized food diary recommendations

• Personalized nutrition and supplement plans

• Personalized food recipes and meal plan based on the results of your gut microbiome test
• Full report with gut score and risk analysis
• Raw data access for bacteria and metabolic pathway abundance

Pros:

• Strong focus on actionable results

• Based in Europe with high data privacy standards

• Includes nutrition, food diary and supplement suggestions

• Includes personalized food recipes and meal plans

Cons:

• Less known in the U.S. market

Best for: Europeans looking for high-precision, science-based personalized wellness recommendations.

2. Viome

Region: USA 🇺🇸
Technology: RNA sequencing and metatranscriptomics

What It Includes:

• Gut microbiome and oral microbiome analysis

• Biological age testing

• Food and supplement recommendations via app

Pros:

• Extensive AI-driven insights

• Measures active microbial function (not just presence)

• Offers health scores for inflammation, gut lining, and more

Cons:

• Proprietary algorithms lack transparency

• Expensive if adding multiple tests

Best for: Biohackers and data-savvy individuals who want broad wellness optimization.

3. ZOE

Region: UK/USA 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Technology: Gut microbiome + real-time blood sugar/fat response tracking

What It Includes:

• Stool test for microbiome analysis

• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

• Fat response test (blood spot)

• Personalized eating plan via app

Pros:

• Based on large-scale clinical research

• Holistic approach to metabolic and gut health

• Highly actionable, diet-focused insights

Cons:

• High price point (~$300+)

• Time commitment for logging meals and tracking

Best for: People serious about improving weight, metabolic health, and dietary habits.

4. MyMicroZoo

Region: Netherlands 🇳🇱
Technology: 16S rDNA sequencing

What It Includes:

• Detailed microbial diversity report

• Raw data access

• Microbiome balance visualization

Pros:

• Straightforward reports

• EU-based with strong privacy compliance

• No upsells or unnecessary add-ons

Cons:

• Limited lifestyle, nutrition or supplement suggestions

• Less personalized than others

Best for: Users who want microbiome data without overwhelming interpretation.

5. MyBioma

Region: Austria 🇦🇹
Technology: Next-generation sequencing (NGS)

What It Includes:

• Gut flora composition report

• Digestive health indicators

• Lifestyle recommendations

Pros:

• Clean user interface and mobile app

• Digestive and dietary advice included

• Affordable price

Cons:

• Not as data-rich as Viome or InnerBuddies

Best for: Beginners or those exploring gut health for the first time.

Comparison Table

Brand	Region	Key Features	Best For	Est. Price (€/$)
InnerBuddies	EU	Personalized nutrition & supplements	European users, deep insights	€180–€250
Viome	US	AI analysis, full-body health insights	Biohackers, data-driven users	$250–$400
ZOE	UK/US	Diet tracking, blood sugar/fat response	Weight loss, diet personalization	$300+ (program)
MyMicroZoo	EU	Microbiome diversity & raw data	Simpler data, EU privacy	€185
MyBioma	EU	Digestive focus, user-friendly app	Beginners, digestive concerns	€150-250

How to Choose the Right Test for You

Choosing the right microbiome test depends on your goals, budget, and level of interest in data or coaching. Here are key factors to consider:

• Health Goals: Weight loss? Digestive issues? Longevity?

• Budget: Ranges from €150 to over $400 depending on depth

• Data Detail: Do you want raw sequencing data or simplified recommendations?

• Privacy: EU customers may prefer GDPR-compliant providers

• Support: Do you need coaching, supplement plans, or just raw insights?

What to Expect From the Results

After collecting your stool sample and sending it in, you can expect:

• Turnaround Time: Typically 2–4 weeks

• Report Delivery: Most providers offer PDF reports or access via apps

• Data Included: Microbiome composition, diversity index, personalized recommendations

• Next Steps: Diet changes, probiotics, prebiotics, lifestyle tips

Some services offer follow-up testing to track progress, which can be useful after dietary or lifestyle interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microbiome testing FDA-approved?
Most at-home microbiome tests are not FDA/EFSA-approved and should not be used for diagnosing disease. They're intended for wellness and lifestyle optimization.

How often should I test my microbiome?
Every 6–12 months is a reasonable cadence, especially after making significant dietary or lifestyle changes.

Is my data safe?
Look for companies that are transparent about their data practices, ideally GDPR-compliant if you're in the EU.

Can diet really change my microbiome?
Yes! Research shows that your gut microbiota can change significantly with diet, stress, sleep, and supplement intake.

Should I take probiotics based on test results?
Some companies provide targeted probiotic suggestions. Always consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

Conclusion

Your gut microbiome is central to your well-being. Understanding its makeup can help you address digestive issues, support your immune system, and even improve mental clarity and energy levels. With a growing number of high-quality at-home tests available in 2025, there's never been a better time to take charge of your gut health.

Whether you choose InnerBuddies for personalized nutrition or supplements, Viome for comprehensive metabolic analysis, or ZOE for diet optimization, the most important step is getting started.

Your gut knows more than you think. Start listening today.