Compare TruAge, GlycanAge & NOVOS Age: Which DNA methylation or immune aging test is right for tracking your biological age in 2025?
Your body might be aging faster (or slower) than your birthday suggests. And honestly? That’s something you can actually measure now from your own home.
Biological age tests have moved from university labs into consumer hands, giving us unprecedented insight into how our lifestyle choices, stress levels, and daily habits are literally changing our DNA. But with so many options out there, which test actually delivers the insights you need?
In this comparison, we’re focusing on the three legitimate frontrunners: TruAge, GlycanAge, and NOVOS Age. Each uses different science, measures different things, and serves different goals. Let’s break down exactly what you’re getting with each one.
Which Biological Age Test Kits are The Best?
🥇 TruAge, GlycanAge, and NOVOS lead in accuracy and trust. Each offers unique methods, from DNA methylation to immune tracking.
- 🧬 Measures 950,000+ DNA methylation markers
- ⏱️ Tracks aging speed organ by organ
- 📊 Deep, science-backed insights
- 🧪 Measures DunedinPACE + Telomeres
- 🩸 Sample: Blood
- 📘 Includes 55-page longevity report
- 📱 App-powered progress tracking
- 💳 HSA/FSA eligible
- 🧫 Measures immune age via glycans
- 🔄 Detects fast changes after stress, sleep, training
- 🧘♀️ Tracks recovery + long-term aging
Key Takeaways
- Blood-based DNA methylation tests (TruAge & NOVOS) are the gold standard for tracking long-term aging trends
- GlycanAge measures immune system aging and responds to lifestyle changes within weeks, not months
- TruAge offers the most comprehensive data with 950K+ markers and organ-specific insights
- NOVOS Age includes a longevity app with ongoing guidance and tracking tools
- GlycanAge is best for inflammation, stress, and immune health monitoring
- All three tests are HSA/FSA eligible except GlycanAge
- Plan to retest every 6-12 months to see if your interventions are actually working
What Is Biological Age and Why Should You Care?
🧬 Think of biological age as your body’s internal odometer. While your chronological age just counts the years you’ve been alive, biological age reflects how well your cells, organs, and systems are actually functioning.
A 45-year-old who exercises regularly, manages stress, and eats well might have the biological age of someone in their late 30s. Meanwhile, someone the same age dealing with chronic stress, poor sleep, and inflammation could be biologically closer to 55.
The difference matters because biological age is strongly linked to:
- Risk of age-related diseases
- Overall healthspan (how many healthy years you have left)
- Response to lifestyle interventions
- Cognitive function and energy levels
🎉 The cool part? Unlike your birthday, your biological age can actually go backwards with the right interventions.
How do epigenetic clocks actually calculate your real age?
They analyze changes in DNA methylation patterns linked to aging. These clocks are based on large datasets and peer-reviewed science.
The most respected tests are built on DNA methylation models published in journals like Nature Aging or developed by major universities.
- Horvath Clock (2013), GrimAge (2019), and DunedinPACE (2021) are strongly linked to disease risk, mortality, and physical decline.
- A 2023 study showed that caloric restriction and targeted exercise can reverse biological age, especially when measured with DunedinPACE.
- GlycanAge is based on over 30 years of glycoscience research and reflects immune system aging, which is responsive to stress, sleep, and inflammation.
- Telomere length, while still included in some kits, is no longer considered a reliable standalone aging marker due to wide natural variability.
Top labs like Harvard, Yale, Duke, and Columbia continue to use these tools in published studies on PTSD, ketamine, metabolic disease, and even longevity supplements.
TruAge: The Most Comprehensive DNA Methylation Test
Price: $249
Sample: Blood (finger prick)
Results: 2-4 weeks
HSA/FSA: Yes
Discount Code: TRUINSIDER12 (12% off)
What TruAge Measures
🔍 TruAge isn’t messing around. They analyze over 950,000 methylation markers using three different epigenetic clocks:
- OMICmAge (Your overall biological age)
- SYMPHONYAge (How 11 different organs are aging individually)
- DunedinPACE (Your current pace of aging)
🏆 That last one is particularly interesting. DunedinPACE doesn't just tell you how old your body is (it tells you how fast you're aging right now). Think of it as measuring your speedometer rather than your odometer.
What Makes TruAge Stand Out
✨ The organ-specific aging data is genuinely useful. You might discover your heart is aging well but your kidneys are showing accelerated aging patterns. That kind of granular information lets you target interventions more precisely.
TruAge also includes telomere length measurements. While telomeres alone aren’t the most reliable aging marker (they vary a lot naturally), having them alongside methylation data adds another data point to your overall picture.
The dashboard is clean and easy to navigate, though it can feel a bit overwhelming at first with all the metrics. You get clear recommendations based on your results, though they’re fairly general.
Who Should Choose TruAge
💪 TruAge is ideal if you:
- Want the most scientifically comprehensive test available
- Plan to retest regularly (every 6-12 months) to track interventions
- Care about organ-specific aging insights
- Have specific health optimization goals
The higher marker count and multiple clock systems make TruAge the gold standard for serious biohackers and anyone tracking the impact of specific protocols like fasting, supplements, or exercise regimens.
GlycanAge: Your Immune System’s Aging Report Card
Price: ~$299
Sample: Blood (finger prick)
Results: 3-4 weeks
HSA/FSA: No
Discount Code: DAILYBIOHACKING (10% off)
What GlycanAge Measures
🔬 GlycanAge takes a completely different approach by analyzing IgG antibody glycans (basically sugar molecules that decorate your immune system proteins). These glycans change based on inflammation levels, immune function, and overall systemic stress.
The science here is solid, backed by over 30 years of glycobiology research. The test gives you your “immune age” along with a GlycanAge score that indicates whether you’re aging faster or slower than average for your chronological age.
What Makes GlycanAge Different
⚡ Here’s where GlycanAge really shines: it’s incredibly responsive to short-term changes. Unlike DNA methylation (which changes slowly over months), glycan patterns can shift within weeks based on:
- Sleep quality
- Stress levels
- Diet changes
- Exercise routines
- Recovery from illness
This makes GlycanAge perfect for tracking interventions that affect inflammation and immune function. Going through menopause? Training for a marathon? Trying a new supplement protocol? GlycanAge will show you the impact faster than methylation tests.
You also get a 1-on-1 consultation with a specialist to review your results, which is genuinely helpful for understanding what your numbers mean and what to do about them.
Who Should Choose GlycanAge
🎯 GlycanAge is your best bet if you:
- Want to see results from lifestyle changes quickly
- Struggle with inflammation or autoimmune issues
- Are dealing with high stress or sleep problems
- Value personalized guidance (the consultation is really valuable)
The test is particularly popular with women going through perimenopause or menopause, as glycan patterns are highly responsive to hormonal changes.
NOVOS Age: Modern Methylation Meets Practical Guidance
Price: $349
Sample: Blood (finger prick)
Results: 3-5 weeks
HSA/FSA: Yes
Discount Code: Check their site for current promotions
What NOVOS Age Measures
📊 NOVOS strikes a balance between TruAge’s comprehensiveness and GlycanAge’s focus. They analyze 850,000+ methylation markers and use DunedinPACE to measure your pace of aging, plus include telomere length measurements.
You get a thorough 55-page report that breaks down your biological age, aging pace, and telomere status with clear explanations of what everything means.
What Makes NOVOS Stand Out
🚀 The real differentiator here is the NOVOS longevity app. After getting your test results, you gain access to their platform with:
- 100+ mini-reports on specific health topics
- Personalized recommendations based on your results
- Tracking tools for habits and interventions
- Ongoing education about longevity science
It’s basically testing plus guidance in one package. The app helps you understand not just what your numbers are, but what to actually do about them.
The company also sells their own longevity supplement stack, which some people see as a conflict of interest. However, the app recommendations aren’t pushy about their products (they focus on lifestyle interventions first).
Who Should Choose NOVOS Age
✅ NOVOS is perfect if you:
- Want solid methylation testing with good guidance
- Prefer having an app to track progress over time
- Like the idea of ongoing education and support
- Value HSA/FSA eligibility (saves about 30% if you have an account)
The combination of testing and the longevity app makes NOVOS particularly good for people newer to longevity tracking who want more hand-holding through the process.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Dimension | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy and scientific rigor |
🛒
Winner
Most comprehensive panel. ~950k CpG markers with multiple
validated clocks and organ-specific insights. Most detailed mapping available. |
🛒
Different but valid
Measures immune aging via IgG glycans. Not methylation-based,
but scientifically strong and complementary. |
🛒
Runner up
Strong methylation coverage with validated clocks. Excellent for aging-pace and
long-term trend tracking. |
| Responsiveness to lifestyle changes |
🛒
Runner up
DunedinPACE responds over 3–6 months with consistent changes. |
🛒
Winner
Fastest feedback. Glycans shift within weeks, ideal for testing
new interventions quickly. |
🛒
Slower
Best repeated every 6–12 months to measure long-term change. |
| User experience and guidance |
🛒
Slower
DIY style. Excellent dashboard but less guided coaching.
Great for advanced users. |
🛒
Runner up
Includes a valuable 1-on-1 consultation. Strong initial support. |
🛒
Winner
The NOVOS app delivers ongoing coaching, habits, and insights.
Best option for continuous behavior change. |
| Value for money |
🛒
Winner
$249 for the most comprehensive test. HSA/FSA eligible. |
🛒
Priciest
~$299 for glycans + consultation. Best for immune-age focus. |
🛒
Runner up
$349 includes test + app guidance. Good value if you use the app. |
Which Test Should You Choose?
Choose TruAge if:
- You want maximum detail and accuracy
- You’re tracking specific interventions over time
- You care about organ-specific aging insights
- You’re comfortable interpreting detailed scientific data
Choose GlycanAge if:
- You want to see results from lifestyle changes quickly
- You deal with inflammation or stress issues
- You value personalized expert guidance
- You’re interested in immune system health
Choose NOVOS Age if:
- You want solid testing plus ongoing support
- You’re newer to longevity tracking
- You like having an app to guide your journey
- HSA/FSA eligibility matters to you
Can You Actually Reverse Biological Age?
🔄 Short answer: Yes, the research is clear on this.
🔬 A 2023 study published in Nature Aging showed that caloric restriction reduced DunedinPACE scores (slowed aging pace) by 10% over two years. Other interventions with evidence include:
- High-intensity interval training
- Adequate sleep (7-9 hours)
- Stress management practices
- Time-restricted eating
- Specific supplements (NMN, resveratrol, etc.)
The key is measuring before and after your interventions. That’s why retesting every 6-12 months is crucial (it’s the only way to know if your protocol is actually working).
How to Get the Most From Your Test
Before Testing
- Take your test when you’re relatively healthy (not during illness)
- Try to maintain consistent habits for 2-3 weeks beforehand
- Consider taking a “baseline” test before starting major interventions
After Testing
- Don’t obsess over a single data point (it’s a snapshot, not destiny)
- Focus on 2-3 high-impact changes rather than overhauling everything
- Plan to retest in 6-12 months to track progress
- Keep notes on what you’re trying so you know what worked
Sample Collection Tips
- Follow instructions exactly (seriously, read them twice)
- Take blood samples in the morning when possible
- Don’t rush (a good sample makes a difference)
- Register your kit immediately after ordering
The Bottom Line
All three tests are legitimate, scientifically-backed options that give you genuine insights into how you’re aging. There’s no universally “best” choice (it depends on what you’re trying to learn and how you want to use the information).
🥇 For most people, I’d recommend starting with TruAge if you’re serious about optimization and want the most comprehensive data. The organ-specific insights and multiple clocks give you the clearest picture of what’s happening in your body.
🛡️ If you’re dealing with inflammation, stress, or immune issues, GlycanAge offers unique insights you can’t get elsewhere (plus that consultation is genuinely valuable).
📱 And if you want solid testing with ongoing guidance and support, NOVOS Age hits the sweet spot between accuracy and usability, especially with HSA/FSA eligibility.
Whatever you choose, remember: the test is just the starting point. The real value comes from using those insights to make targeted changes, retesting to see what works, and gradually optimizing your way toward a longer, healthier life.
Your biological age isn’t destiny. It’s a number you can change.
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