IELTS vs TOEFL: Which English Test Is Right for You?

When planning to study or immigrate to an English-speaking country, proving your English proficiency is essential. Two of the most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). If you're stuck wondering which one to take, this detailed comparison will help you make the right choice, which will cover key differences in test format, difficulty, scoring, acceptance, and more to ensure you pick the test that best suits your goals.

What is IELTS?

IELTS is an internationally recognized English proficiency test used for academic, immigration, and professional purposes. It is accepted by over 11,000 organizations in more than 140 countries.

Types of IELTS:

• IELTS Academic: For university admissions
• IELTS General Training: For immigration and work purposes

Key Features:

• Language style: British English
• Test Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Mode: Computer-based or paper-based
• Sections: Listening, IELTS Reading, Writing, Speaking
• Speaking Format: Face-to-face with an examiner

What Is TOEFL?

TOEFL is a standardized test developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service) to assess the English proficiency of non-native speakers, especially in academic contexts. It is widely accepted in over 130 countries, including the US and Canada.

Types of TOEFL:

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) – most commonly taken
• TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) – less common and limited to areas with no internet access

Key Features:

• Language style: American English
• Test Duration: About 4 hours
• Mode: Mostly computer-based
• Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
• Speaking Format: Responses recorded via microphone

IELTS vs TOEFL: A Quick Comparison Table

Here's an overview on the comparison between IELTS and TOEFL:

Section-Wise Breakdown of IELTS & TOEFL

Here's a section-wise breakdown for the reading, speaking, IELTS Listening, and writing sections of IELTS and TOEFL

Speaking Section

• IELTS: Conducted face-to-face with an examiner; includes introduction, cue card task, and discussion. Duration: 11–15 minutes.
• TOEFL: Done via computer; consists of 4 tasks (1 independent + 3 integrated). Duration: 17 minutes.

Which is better? IELTS may feel more natural due to human interaction, while TOEFL's speaking section feels more artificial since it’s recorded.

Listening Section

• IELTS: 4 recordings, 10 questions each. Includes various accents (British, Australian, etc.). Duration: 30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time.
• TOEFL: 3–4 lectures and 2–3 conversations. Only American accents. Duration: 41–57 minutes.

Which is better? IELTS has more variety in question types, while TOEFL tests comprehension more in-depth.

Reading Section

• IELTS Academic: 3 long texts with 40 questions. Includes multiple question types such as matching headings, sentence completion, and MCQs.
• IELTS General: More everyday, factual reading tasks.
• TOEFL: 3–4 passages with 10 questions each. Emphasizes detail and understanding structure. Duration: 54–72 minutes.

Which is better? IELTS includes more question variation; TOEFL is more standardized and academic-focused.

Writing Section

• IELTS Academic:

  • Task 1: Describe a graph/table/chart
  • Task 2: Essay on a given topic

• IELTS General:

  • Task 1: Write a letter
  • Task 2: Essay writing

• TOEFL:

  • Task 1: Integrated task (reading + listening + writing)
  • Task 2: Opinion-based essay

Which is better? IELTS gives a variety of academic and general tasks. TOEFL’s integrated writing is unique but more complex.

IELTS vs TOEFL Scoring Systems Compared

Here's an overview of the scoring systems compared between IELTS and TOEFL:

IELTS:

• Scores range from Band 1 to Band 9.
• Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored individually and then averaged.

TOEFL:

• Total score out of 120 (30 per section).
• Includes detailed performance feedback.
• Some institutions may convert TOEFL scores to IELTS equivalents.

IELTS vs TOEFL Score Conversion (Approximate)

The following table shows the approximate score comparison between IELTS vs TOEFL:

IELTS vs TOEFL Availability & Frequency

• IELTS: Offered 48 times a year, with flexible test centers across the globe.
• TOEFL: Available more than 50 times per year, but mostly online. Limited paper-based test locations.

IELTS vs TOEFL Acceptance by Country

Here's the table with an overview of IELTS and TOEFL acceptance by country:

Which English Test Should You Choose?

Here’s how to decide:

• Choose IELTS if you:

  • Are applying to the UK or Commonwealth countries
  • Prefer human interaction for speaking
  • Like varied question types
  • Need a General Training option for immigration

• Choose TOEFL if you:

  • Are applying to US-based institutions
  • Are comfortable typing essays and speaking to a computer
  • Want a fully academic test

Both IELTS and TOEFL are well-respected and widely accepted. The decision ultimately depends on your personal comfort, destination, and format preference. Whichever you choose, thorough preparation is key to acheive your desired IELTS Band Score.

Also check:

• IELTS vs OET
• IELTS vs PTE