IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Should You Take?

Quick Answer: Take whichever test your university, employer or visa office asks for; if both are accepted, neither is easier overall. IELTS suits people who prefer a live speaking interview with an examiner and offers a General Training version for some migration routes, while TOEFL iBT is fully computer-based and academic in focus. Try an official free sample of each and choose the one where you score more comfortably.

Key takeaways

• IELTS scores run from band 0 to 9 in half bands; TOEFL iBT reports a 1 to 6 band scale, with a comparable 0 to 120 score during the transition that began in January 2026.
• IELTS Speaking is a live interview with an examiner; TOEFL Speaking is recorded into a microphone on a computer.
• IELTS has Academic and General Training versions; immigration routes usually name a specific test and version.
• Results from both tests are typically accepted for two years, but each institution sets its own rules.
• Many programs set minimum scores per skill as well as an overall score, so read the full requirement before booking.

The short version

	IELTS	TOEFL iBT
Run by	British Council, IDP and Cambridge University Press and Assessment	ETS (Educational Testing Service)
Versions	Academic and General Training	One main academic test
Skills	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking
Speaking	Live interview with an examiner	Recorded responses on a computer
Format	On paper or on computer at a test center; an online version exists for some purposes	On computer at a test center or at home
Scores	Bands from 0 to 9 in half bands	1 to 6 band scale since January 2026, with a comparable 0 to 120 score during the transition
Results valid	Usually two years	Usually two years

Formats, fees and rules change. Check ielts.org and ets.org before you book.

IELTS in more detail

IELTS has four sections. Listening, Reading and Writing are taken in one sitting, and the Speaking test may be on the same day or on a different day close to it. The official IELTS site lists the current timings.

• Listening: four recordings with a range of question types, such as form completion and multiple choice.
• Reading: three sections. Academic uses three long texts from books, journals and newspapers; General Training uses a mix of shorter everyday and work-related texts plus one longer text.
• Writing: two tasks. In Academic, Task 1 describes a chart, table, diagram or process. In General Training, Task 1 is a letter. Task 2 is an essay in both.
• Speaking: a short interview with an examiner in three parts: introduction questions, a talk of up to two minutes on a topic card, and a deeper discussion.

You get a band for each skill and an overall band. Read our IELTS preparation tips for strategy.

TOEFL iBT in more detail

TOEFL iBT is designed to measure English for academic settings. In January 2026 ETS introduced an updated version with a shorter, adaptive format, updated task types and a new 1 to 6 score scale designed to line up with CEFR levels. During the transition, ETS also reports a comparable 0 to 120 score, because many universities still list requirements on that scale.

Key features:

• All on computer, including speaking, which you record into a microphone.
• Academic focus, with tasks based on campus life and lectures, plus some everyday English.
• Home Edition lets you take the test at home with remote proctoring, if you meet the technical requirements.

Because the new format is recent, use only official ETS practice materials and descriptions. Our TOEFL preparation tips go deeper.

Key differences that affect your choice

Speaking style

This is the biggest difference for most people.

• IELTS: you talk to a real person. It feels like a conversation, and the examiner can repeat a question.
• TOEFL: you speak to a computer within a time limit. Some people find this less stressful; others find it unnatural.

Writing style

IELTS Academic Task 1 asks you to describe visual data such as a chart or process, and Task 2 is an essay. TOEFL writing is typed and its task types were revised in 2026, so read the official ETS task descriptions. If you dislike describing graphs, that matters.

Accents

IELTS recordings use a mix of accents, including British, Australian, North American and others. TOEFL has traditionally leaned toward North American English, though other accents can appear. If you are used to one accent, practice with others for both tests.

Where they are accepted

Both are widely accepted by universities in English-speaking countries and beyond. IELTS has a long history with UK, Australian and New Zealand institutions and immigration. TOEFL is very common in US universities. But "common" is not the rule: check the specific institution or government site.

How to decide in four steps

1. Check requirements. List every university or authority you will apply to and note which tests and minimum scores they accept.
2. Do a sample test of each. Both organizations publish free official practice materials.
3. Compare logistics. Test dates, centers near you, home testing options and current fees on the official sites.
4. Choose and commit. Switching tests mid-preparation wastes time.

What level do you need?

Most universities ask for a level around B2 or C1, expressed as a test score. A B2 level means you can follow lectures and write structured essays. Learn more in B2 English level. If you are not close to B2 yet, build general English first, then focus on exam skills.

What about other tests?

Some institutions also accept the Duolingo English Test, Cambridge C1 Advanced or PTE Academic. Our Duolingo English Test guide explains a shorter, at-home option.

Worked example: matching a requirement

Imagine a program page says: "IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or TOEFL iBT equivalent." Here is how to read it.

Your IELTS result	Overall	Lowest band	Meets requirement?
L 7.0, R 7.0, W 5.5, S 6.5	6.5	5.5	No, Writing is below 6.0
L 6.5, R 6.5, W 6.0, S 6.5	6.5	6.0	Yes
L 6.0, R 6.0, W 6.0, S 6.0	6.0	6.0	No, overall is below 6.5

For TOEFL, "equivalent" may be written on the 0 to 120 scale or the new 1 to 6 scale. If the page is unclear, email the admissions office and ask which scale and minimum they use.

Common mistakes

• Booking before checking requirements. Some programs want minimum scores in each skill.
• Only practicing reading and listening. Writing and speaking often hold the overall score down.
• Using unofficial materials for new formats. Especially for TOEFL after the 2026 changes.
• Ignoring timing. Both tests are strict about time. Practice under timed conditions.

Before exam prep, make sure your general English is solid. LearnLingo's free B2 course helps you build vocabulary and grammar in short browser lessons with streaks and spaced review.

People Also Ask

Is IELTS or TOEFL easier?

Neither is objectively easier. Many people who prefer talking with a person find IELTS speaking more natural, while people comfortable with computers and academic tasks often prefer TOEFL. Try sample tests of both.

Do universities accept both IELTS and TOEFL?

Many universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and elsewhere accept both. Always check each program's page, because minimum scores and accepted versions differ.

Which test do I need for immigration?

Immigration usually requires specific tests. IELTS General Training is common for some countries, but rules change and differ by country and visa type, so check the official government website.

How long are IELTS and TOEFL scores valid?

Results are usually accepted for two years from the test date. Some institutions set their own rules, so confirm with them.

Related Reading

• IELTS Preparation Tips
• TOEFL Preparation Tips
• The Duolingo English Test: A Guide
• B2 English Level: What You Can Do