Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL can be challenging, especially if you’re planning to study, work, or immigrate to an English-speaking country. Both are globally recognized English proficiency tests, but they differ in format, scoring, and test style. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL, including test structure, difficulty, costs, and country preferences — to help you decide which test suits your goals best.
What Are IELTS and TOEFL Exams?
If you’re planning to study, work, or live in an English-speaking country, chances are you’ll need to take an English proficiency test. IELTS and TOEFL are the two most popular standardized tests that measure your English language skills — but they serve slightly different purposes and are accepted by different institutions.
What Is IELTS? (International English Language Testing System)
The IELTS is a globally recognized English test designed for people who want to study, migrate, or work in English-speaking countries. It is accepted by over 11,000 institutions worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies.
There are two types of IELTS tests:
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IELTS Academic – for students applying to universities or professionals seeking registration (e.g., doctors, nurses).
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IELTS General Training – for those moving to English-speaking countries for work experience, training programs, or immigration purposes.
Key Facts:
- Used in: UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and more
- Available in: Paper-based and computer-based formats
- Includes: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking (face-to-face)
What Is TOEFL? (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is a test that evaluates your ability to use and understand English in academic settings. It is especially popular in the United States and accepted by over 11,500 institutions in more than 160 countries.
The most common version is the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test), which is entirely computer-delivered and widely used for university admissions.
Key Facts:
- Preferred in: USA, Canada, and some European and Asian countries
- Format: 100% computer-based, including the speaking section
- Focus: Academic English skills – reading, listening, speaking, and writing
IELTS vs TOEFL: Test Format Overview
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Test Type | Paper-based or Computer-delivered | Internet-based (iBT) |
| Accent Variety | British, Australian, Canadian, etc. | Mostly North American English |
| Speaking Section | Face-to-face with examiner | Recorded answers via computer |
| Scoring | Band score (0–9 scale) | Scaled score (0–120 total) |
| Duration | ~2 hours 45 minutes | ~3 hours |
IELTS vs TOEFL: Section-by-Section Comparison
Understanding how each test evaluates your skills is key to choosing the right exam. Here’s a breakdown of how IELTS and TOEFL compare across the four main sections:
LISTENING
IELTS Listening
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You’ll listen to 4 different recordings and answer 40 questions.
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Audio includes various accents (British, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, American).
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Types of tasks: multiple choice, form completion, sentence completion, labeling diagrams, and short-answer questions.
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Total time: about 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet.
TOEFL Listening
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You’ll listen to lectures and conversations, mostly in American English.
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Includes 3–4 lectures (3–5 minutes long each) and 2–3 conversations.
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All questions are multiple choice, focused on main ideas, details, tone, and connections.
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Total time: around 41–57 minutes depending on the test version.
READING
IELTS Reading
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Includes 3 passages of increasing difficulty.
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Academic and General Training versions differ in content complexity.
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Tasks include matching headings, True/False/Not Given, summary completion, and more.
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Total time: 60 minutes (no extra time to transfer answers).
TOEFL Reading
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Includes 3–4 academic texts, each followed by 10 questions.
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Questions are all multiple choice, focusing on comprehension and vocabulary.
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You may also see inference, function, and summary questions.
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Total time: 54–72 minutes, depending on test length.
WRITING
IELTS Writing
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Task 1: Describe a graph, table, chart, or letter (depending on the version).
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Task 2: Write an essay in response to a point of view, problem, or argument.
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Focuses on clarity, structure, grammar, and coherence.
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Total time: 60 minutes (20 mins for Task 1, 40 mins for Task 2).
TOEFL Writing
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Task 1: Integrated writing — summarize ideas from a reading and a listening passage.
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Task 2: Independent essay — express and support an opinion on a familiar topic.
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Essays are typed and scored on structure, vocabulary, coherence, and argument strength.
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Total time: 50 minutes.
SPEAKING
IELTS Speaking
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Conducted face-to-face with a trained examiner.
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Divided into 3 parts: general questions, a short speech on a topic, and follow-up questions.
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More conversational and flexible.
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Total time: 11–14 minutes.
TOEFL Speaking
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Involves speaking into a microphone; responses are recorded and graded later.
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Includes 4 tasks: two about familiar topics and two integrated tasks (reading + listening + speaking).
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More formal and academic, often under strict time limits.
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Total time: 17 minutes.
Which Countries Prefer IELTS or TOEFL?
| Country / Region | Preferred Test |
|---|---|
| UK, Australia, New Zealand | IELTS |
| USA | TOEFL (but IELTS also accepted) |
| Canada | Both widely accepted |
| Europe (Germany, France, Italy) | IELTS more common |
| India, Singapore | Both widely accepted |
| China, Japan, South Korea | TOEFL more common |
| Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan | IELTS more common |
| Brazil, Argentina, Colombia | TOEFL (but IELTS is growing) |
| South Africa | IELTS |
| Philippines, Malaysia | Both accepted, IELTS slightly more common |
Tip: Always double-check with your university, immigration service, or employer, as preferences may vary by institution.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Full Band and Score Comparison Table
Both IELTS and TOEFL have different scoring systems, but they test similar skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Here’s how approximate scores from one test compare to the other:
| IELTS Band | TOEFL iBT Score Range | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 118–120 | Expert user – fully operational |
| 8.5 | 115–117 | Very good user |
| 8.0 | 110–114 | Very good user |
| 7.5 | 102–109 | Good user |
| 7.0 | 94–101 | Good user |
| 6.5 | 79–93 | Competent user |
| 6.0 | 60–78 | Competent user |
| 5.5 | 46–59 | Modest user |
| 5.0 | 35–45 | Modest user |
| 4.5 | 32–34 | Limited user |
| 4.0 | 25–31 | Very limited user |
| 3.5 | 20–24 | Extremely limited user |
| 3.0 | 14–19 | Extremely limited user |
| 2.5 | 10–13 | Intermittent user |
| 2.0 and below | 0–9 | Very low / no real communication |
IELTS vs TOEFL: Test Fees and Availability Around the World
Both the IELTS and TOEFL exams are widely available throughout the year and can be taken in most countries around the world. Here’s what you need to know about their pricing and accessibility:
IELTS
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Cost: Usually ranges between $245–$255 USD, depending on your location and test center.
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Availability: Offered on multiple dates each month at official test centers worldwide.
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Format Options: Available in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats, giving you flexibility based on your preference.
TOEFL iBT
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Cost: Typically ranges from $180–$260 USD, depending on the country and test center.
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Availability: Conducted more than 60 times a year and accessible in over 150 countries.
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Format: Fully computer-based, which appeals to tech-savvy test takers.
Tip: Always check the official IELTS or TOEFL websites for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing and availability in your area, as fees can vary by country and testing center.
How to Choose Between IELTS and TOEFL – What’s Best for You?
Still not sure which exam to take? Ask yourself these key questions to help guide your decision:
Where do you plan to study or immigrate?
Some countries or universities prefer one test over the other.
IELTS is often required in the UK, Australia, and Europe.
TOEFL is more common in the USA.
Which accent are you more comfortable with – American or British?
TOEFL uses American English throughout.
IELTS features a variety of accents, including British, Australian, and Canadian.
Do you feel more confident speaking to a person or into a microphone?
IELTS includes a face-to-face interview with an examiner.
TOEFL requires you to speak into a microphone; your answers are recorded and scored later.
What test format suits you better?
TOEFL mostly uses multiple-choice questions.
IELTS uses varied question types, including short answers, sentence completion, and matching.
Are you comfortable typing essays on a computer?
TOEFL is entirely computer-based, including writing.
IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based options.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Pros and Cons
When deciding between the IELTS and the TOEFL, it’s important to consider their different formats, styles, and testing environments.
IELTS is often preferred by test-takers who are more comfortable with a conversational tone. It includes a face-to-face speaking test, which many learners find more natural and less intimidating than speaking into a microphone. Additionally, IELTS generally has a shorter total test time, making it less exhausting. However, one potential challenge is that IELTS includes a wider variety of question types, which can require different strategies and test-taking skills.
On the other hand, TOEFL is completely computer-based, which may be a better fit for people who are comfortable using technology. It follows a consistent structure, making it easier for some learners to prepare and know what to expect. TOEFL is also considered strong for measuring academic English skills, especially for students planning to study in the U.S. or at universities with a heavy academic focus. The downside is that the test can feel longer and more formal, particularly in the writing and speaking sections.
In summary, if you prefer a more personal, conversation-style test, IELTS may suit you better. If you like structure and computer-based tasks, TOEFL might be the right choice. Always consider your strengths, goals, and testing environment preferences before making a decision.
