Viome Gut Intelligence Test Most Comprehensive
Price: $249 (often on sale for $199, or upgrade to Full Body Intelligence for $399)
What It Measures
Unlike most tests that only analyze bacterial DNA, Viome uses metatranscriptomic sequencing to measure:
- Bacterial activity (what they're actually doing, not just presence)
- Fungi (candida, other yeasts)
- Viruses (bacteriophages)
- Parasites
- Gene expression patterns
This provides a more complete picture of your gut ecosystem's function.
Report & Recommendations
Viome's report includes:
- 60+ health scores (digestive efficiency, inflammation, gut lining health, biological age)
- Food recommendations (personalized to your microbiome)
- Supplement suggestions (often Viome-branded, which feels sales-y)
- Probiotic/prebiotic guidance
Strengths: Very detailed functional analysis. The food recommendations are specific (e.g., "eat more lentils, avoid spinach") based on your results.
Weaknesses: The report can be overwhelming — lots of Latin bacteria names without clear "good" vs. "bad" labels. Supplement recommendations lean toward upselling Viome's own products.
Who It's For
- People who want the most comprehensive analysis available
- Those willing to invest time understanding detailed results
- Anyone tracking gut health changes over time (e.g., after diet changes, antibiotics)
Check Current Price → Affiliate link
Ombre (formerly Thryve) Best Value
Price: $199 (frequently discounted to $149–$169)
What It Measures
Ombre uses 16S rRNA sequencing to identify bacterial species in your gut. This is the most common method used by microbiome tests — reliable and cost-effective, though less comprehensive than Viome's approach.
Report & Recommendations
- Diversity score and bacterial breakdown
- Personalized probiotic recommendations (Ombre sells custom probiotics based on your results)
- Diet and lifestyle suggestions
- Comparison to "healthy" reference populations
Strengths: Clear, easy-to-understand report. Good balance of detail without overwhelming. The probiotic matching is a nice feature (though buying their custom probiotic is optional).
Weaknesses: Doesn't measure fungi, viruses, or gene expression. Some dietary advice is generic.
Who It's For
- First-time testers who want a good overview without breaking the bank
- People interested in custom probiotic formulations
- Anyone wanting straightforward, actionable results
Check Current Price → Affiliate link
BIOHM Gut Test Best for Fungal Analysis
Price: $195 (regularly $249, often $80 off with code GUT80)
What It Measures
BIOHM is one of the few consumer tests that analyzes both bacteria and fungi — addressing a major gap left by competitors. Founded by microbiome PhD Mahmoud Ghannoum, BIOHM uses DNA sequencing to identify:
- All 6 major bacterial communities
- 4 major fungal communities (including candida and other yeasts)
- Species-level identification
This dual approach matters because fungi make up part of your microbiome and can influence bacterial balance, particularly in cases of overgrowth.
Report & Recommendations
BIOHM's report includes:
- Gut score (1-10) — Think of it like a credit score for your gut
- Bacterial and fungal levels compared to "normal" populations
- Species breakdown of what's living in your gut
- Personalized recommendations reviewed by a Microbiome-Trained Registered Dietitian
- Diet, lifestyle, and supplement suggestions
Strengths: One of the only tests to include fungi. Affordable compared to competitors. Report reviewed by actual nutritionists. FSA/HSA eligible. Results are clear and actionable.
Weaknesses: Less bacterial detail than shotgun sequencing tests. Recommendations sometimes lean toward BIOHM's own probiotic products.
Who It's For
- People with suspected fungal overgrowth (chronic bloating, sugar cravings, recurring yeast infections)
- Those who've tried bacteria-focused interventions without success
- Budget-conscious testers who want comprehensive coverage
- Anyone curious about the fungal side of their microbiome
Check Current Price → Affiliate link
Tiny Health Gut Health Test Best for Strain-Level Precision
Price: $249 (occasionally $35 off with promotions)
What It Measures
Tiny Health uses whole genome shotgun sequencing — the most detailed bacterial analysis available to consumers. Unlike 16S rRNA sequencing (which identifies bacteria to genus/species level), shotgun sequencing identifies specific strains of bacteria and can analyze their functional capabilities.
Originally designed for babies and families, Tiny Health now offers adult gut testing with the same rigorous methodology.
Report & Recommendations
- Gut diversity score — Higher diversity generally indicates better health
- Strain-level bacterial identification (down to specific subtypes)
- Levels of bacteria that support metabolic health and fight inflammation
- Red flags for leaky gut (mucus-degrading species, opportunistic pathogens)
- Detection of parasites and potentially harmful bacteria
- Functional analysis of what your bacteria can produce
- Personalized dietary, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations
Optional: Group functional health coaching sessions with microbiome experts (nutritionists, dietitians) to interpret your results.
Strengths: Most precise bacterial analysis available. Mess-free collection method. Developed by PhDs with 106+ scientific publications. Particularly strong for people working with functional medicine practitioners who use detailed microbiome data.
Weaknesses: Bacteria-only (no fungi or viruses). Can feel technical if you're not working with a practitioner. Higher price point. 3-4 week turnaround.
Who It's For
- People with chronic digestive issues who need deep bacterial insights
- Those working with functional medicine doctors or dietitians
- Anyone tracking microbiome changes over time (post-antibiotics, diet interventions)
- Parents interested in family gut health (Tiny Health specializes in babies and children)
- Health data enthusiasts who want the most detailed bacterial picture
Check Current Price → Affiliate link
Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test Note: Not a Microbiome Test
Price: $199 (basic) to $299 (comprehensive)
What It Measures
Important: Everlywell does not offer a true microbiome sequencing test. Their "gut health" offering is a food sensitivity test that measures IgG antibody reactions to foods — this is fundamentally different from analyzing your gut bacteria.
The test identifies:
- IgG antibody reactivity to 96 foods (basic) or 204 foods (comprehensive)
- Potential food triggers causing digestive symptoms
- Foods your immune system may be reacting to
This is an immune response test, not a microbiome composition analysis.
Report & Recommendations
- List of foods ranked by reactivity level (normal, moderate, high)
- Suggestions for elimination diets
- Easy-to-understand color-coded results
- Physician-reviewed results
Strengths: Simple to understand. Can help identify food triggers if you have unexplained digestive issues. Broad testing panel (up to 204 foods). CLIA-certified lab. FSA/HSA eligible.
Weaknesses: Does not measure gut bacteria, fungi, or microbiome composition. IgG food sensitivity testing is controversial — some research suggests elevated IgG doesn't always correlate with symptoms. Won't tell you about your microbiome diversity or bacterial balance.
Who It's For
- People trying to identify food triggers for digestive symptoms
- Those considering an elimination diet and want guidance on where to start
- Anyone with unexplained bloating, gas, or discomfort after eating
- People who want food sensitivity data alongside (not instead of) microbiome testing
Check Current Price → Affiliate link
ZOE Program Best for Ongoing Nutrition Coaching
Price: $295 test kit + $30/month membership (required)
What It Measures
ZOE takes a different approach: it's not just a one-time test, but an ongoing personalized nutrition program. Founded by Tim Spector, an epidemiologist and leading gut health researcher (host of the #1 nutrition podcast), ZOE combines multiple data points:
- Gut microbiome analysis (bacteria sequencing)
- Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) — Worn for 2 weeks to track blood sugar responses to meals
- Blood fat testing — How your body handles dietary fats
- Dietary inflammation profile — Scored 0-100
ZOE's research identified the top 50 "good bugs" associated with health and 50 "bad bugs" linked to poor health markers.
Report & Recommendations
Unlike other tests that give you a report and send you on your way, ZOE provides:
- Personalized food scores in the ZOE app (scan or photograph meals to see your score)
- Real-time feedback on how foods affect your blood sugar and gut health
- Ongoing access to nutrition guidance based on your data
- Membership community (18,000+ members)
- Science-backed recommendations from the world's largest nutrition study
The app shows you how your body uniquely responds to foods — not generic nutrition advice, but tailored to your biology.
Strengths: Most comprehensive approach (microbiome + metabolic testing). Ongoing support and app guidance. Founded by respected scientists. Data-driven meal planning. Helps you understand how foods affect you in real-time.
Weaknesses: Requires monthly subscription ($360/year after initial kit). More expensive long-term than one-time tests. CGM sensor must be worn for 2 weeks (some find it uncomfortable). Currently transitioning to a new testing experience (classic kit being phased out).
Who It's For
- People who want ongoing nutrition coaching, not just a one-time report
- Those interested in understanding their blood sugar responses (helpful for weight management, energy, cravings)
- Data-driven individuals who like tracking and optimizing
- Anyone willing to invest in a long-term program vs. a single test
- Fans of Tim Spector's podcast and evidence-based nutrition
Check Current Price → Affiliate link
Is Microbiome Testing Worth It?
Consider testing if:
- ✅ You have chronic digestive issues (IBS, bloating, irregular bowel movements) and standard approaches haven't helped
- ✅ You're working with a functional medicine practitioner who uses microbiome data
- ✅ You want to track gut health changes (e.g., after diet shifts, probiotic use, antibiotics)
- ✅ You're genuinely curious and willing to invest in understanding the results
Skip testing if:
- ❌ You're looking for a quick fix or magic bullet
- ❌ You're not willing to make diet/lifestyle changes based on results
- ❌ You have no specific gut health concerns (just eat more fiber-rich plants and fermented foods instead)
- ❌ You expect definitive answers — microbiome science is still evolving
Bottom line: Testing can provide useful data, but it's not essential for most people. A whole-foods diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and diverse plants will improve your microbiome without testing.
Which Test Should You Choose?
Our Picks by Use Case:
Most comprehensive (bacteria, fungi, viruses, gene expression): Viome Gut Intelligence
Best value for first-time testers: Ombre
Best for fungal concerns (candida, yeast overgrowth): BIOHM
Most detailed bacterial analysis (strain-level precision): Tiny Health
Best for identifying food triggers: Everlywell Food Sensitivity (note: not a microbiome test)
Best for ongoing nutrition coaching and metabolic data: ZOE Program
Budget guide:
- Under $200: BIOHM (with discount code), Ombre (on sale)
- $200-$300: Viome, Ombre, Everlywell, Tiny Health, ZOE (initial kit)
- $300+: Viome Full Body Intelligence, ZOE (with annual subscription)
Still unsure? Start with our Beginner's Guide to Gut Health to understand what you're optimizing for, then decide if testing fits your goals.
Further Reading: