IELTS or TOEFL? How to Choose the Right English Test for You
IELTS vs TOEFL compared: who accepts each test, format, length, speaking style and scoring — and a simple way to decide which one suits you better.
IELTS and TOEFL are the two most widely accepted English tests for study abroad. Both measure Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking — but they feel very different on test day. Choosing the one that suits you can make a real difference to your score.
Step 1: check who requires what
Before comparing formats, check the requirements of every university, employer or visa authority you are applying to. Some accept both; some accept only one; and visa rules can be stricter than university rules. As a general pattern:
- IELTS is very widely used for the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland, for both study and immigration.
- TOEFL iBT is very widely used by universities in the United States and is also accepted by many institutions elsewhere.
If both tests are accepted everywhere you are applying, choose the one whose format suits you better — that is where you can gain half a band or more.
The main differences
| IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 2 hours 45 minutes | About 90 minutes |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with an examiner, 11–14 minutes | On computer: Listen and Repeat, and an interview |
| Reading & Listening | Fixed difficulty, 40 questions each | Adaptive: the second stage depends on your first |
| Writing | Task 1: describe a chart/diagram (150 words); Task 2: essay (250 words) | Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Academic Discussion post |
| Score scale | Bands 0–9 | Bands 1–6 (with a comparable 0–120 score during transition) |
| Accents | Mix of British, Australian, North American and others | Mostly North American, with others |
Choose IELTS if…
- you speak more naturally with a person than into a microphone;
- you are comfortable writing a longer, structured essay;
- you can describe charts and graphs clearly (Academic Task 1);
- you are applying mainly to the UK, Australia, Canada or New Zealand.
Choose TOEFL if…
- you prefer a shorter test, fully on computer;
- you are confident with everyday short tasks (emails, notices, quick responses);
- you type comfortably and like a clear, predictable structure;
- you are applying mainly to universities in the United States.
A quick way to decide
- Confirm which tests your institutions accept, and the minimum scores.
- Try a sample of each test’s Speaking and Writing — these are where the formats differ most.
- Pick the test where you felt more natural, and commit: switching between preparations wastes time.
Comparing scores
Both tests are linked to the CEFR. As a rough guide, IELTS 5.5–6.5 and TOEFL bands 3.5–4.5 correspond to about B2; IELTS 7–8 and TOEFL bands 5–5.5 to about C1. Use these only to understand your level — always apply using the exact requirement your institution publishes for each test.
Not sure of your level yet? Take our free 15-minute level test, then choose IELTS Academic Complete or TOEFL iBT Fast Track — both end with a full timed mock test.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS easier than TOEFL?
Neither is easier in general. The best choice depends on your skills: IELTS suits people who prefer speaking face to face with a person; the new TOEFL is shorter and fully computer-based.
Which test do universities in the UK accept?
Most UK universities accept IELTS, and many also accept TOEFL. For UK visas, check the official list of approved tests, as visa rules can be stricter than university rules.
How long are IELTS and TOEFL results valid?
Both are usually considered valid for two years, but individual institutions can set their own rules.
Can I convert an IELTS score to TOEFL?
Approximate comparisons exist through the CEFR levels — for example, IELTS 6.5 and TOEFL band 4.5 are both around B2–C1 — but always use your university’s own requirements for each test.