If you need to prove your English skills for university, immigration, or work, you’ve probably narrowed it down to two options: TOEFL vs IELTS. Both are accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide—but they test you in surprisingly different ways. So which one should you take?
The short answer: it depends on where you’re applying, your personal strengths, and how you prefer to be tested. The TOEFL is fully computer-based with a new 1–6 scoring scale (updated January 2026), while the IELTS includes a face-to-face speaking interview and uses a 0–9 band system. Neither is universally harder—they’re just different.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every major difference between the two tests—including the massive changes the TOEFL underwent in January 2026 that make much of the existing comparison content online outdated. Start with our decision guide below or read on for the full breakdown.
Decision Guide: TOEFL vs IELTS?
Answer each statement in the table below to receive our recommendation for whether the TOEFL or the IELTS is a better fit for you. Making a selection reveals a score we’ve assigned to that particular answer. Click on that score to jump to the relevant part of this article for more context.
Recommendation: Take Both Practice Tests to Decide
Taking a full-length test—whether a TOEFL practice test or an IELTS mock test—is the best way to assess your strengths and weaknesses for each exam.
Quick Checklist: Choose TOEFL if… / Choose IELTS if…
Ultimately, a few key factors stand out above the rest to help you make a decision.
Choose the TOEFL if you:
- prefer a shorter, fully computer-based test (~90 minutes)
- are comfortable speaking into a microphone rather than to a person
- want a test that is adaptive (for Reading and Listening) and adjusts to your level as you go
- like having your results quickly (scores typically available within days)
Choose the IELTS if you:
- prefer speaking face-to-face with an examiner
- want the option of a paper-based test
- need the General Training version for immigration or work purposes
- value having a one-skill retake option if one section doesn’t go well
Table of Contents
- Decision Guide: TOEFL vs IELTS?
- Quick Checklist: Choose TOEFL if… / Choose IELTS if…
- TOEFL vs IELTS at a Glance
- Scoring: How Do TOEFL and IELTS Compare?
- Test Structure: Section-by-Section Comparison
- TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Is Harder?
- Where Is Each Test Accepted?
- Cost Comparison
- How to Prepare for the TOEFL vs IELTS
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s Next?
TOEFL vs IELTS at a Glance
Here’s a high-level comparison of the two tests:
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | ETS | British Council / IDP / Cambridge |
| Total test time | ~1 hour 30 minutes | ~2 hours 45 minutes |
| Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Scoring scale | 1–6 (half-point increments) | 0–9 (whole and half bands) |
| Competitive score | 5.0+ | 6.5–7.0+ |
| CEFR-aligned? | Yes | Yes |
| Speaking format | Recorded via microphone | Face-to-face with examiner |
| Test format | Computer only | Paper or computer |
| Adaptive? | Yes (Reading and Listening) | No |
| US registration fee | $270 | $280 to $340 |
| Score availability | Within days | 3–5 days (computer) / 13 days (paper) |
| Score validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| One-skill retake? | No | Yes |
| Versions | iBT and Essentials | Academic and General Training |
As you can see, these tests differ in almost every dimension. Let’s dig into the details.
Pro tip: The TOEFL’s 90-minute test time is a significant advantage if test fatigue is a concern for you. That’s nearly half the time of the IELTS. On the other hand, some test-takers appreciate the IELTS’s more relaxed pacing and the fact that speaking may be scheduled on a separate day, giving you one less thing to worry about during the main test.
Scoring: How Do TOEFL and IELTS Compare?
Both the TOEFL and the IELTS measure English proficiency on a numerical band scale—but the scales are different, and the TOEFL’s scale changed significantly in January 2026.
TOEFL Scoring (Post-January 2026)
As of January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT uses a 1–6 band scale with half-point increments. Your overall score is the average of your four section scores (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing), rounded to the nearest half point.
The new scale aligns directly with CEFR proficiency levels:
- 6.0 = Mastery (C2)
- 5.0–5.5 = Advanced (C1)
- 4.0–4.5 = Upper Intermediate (B2)
- 3.0–3.5 = Intermediate (B1)
A score of 5.0 or higher is generally competitive for most graduate programs and top universities. For a deeper dive, see our guide on What Is a Good TOEFL Score?
Note: The TOEFL originally used a 0–120 scale. For the next two years, that old scoring system will still be included on your test results, along with the new 1–6 scale.
IELTS Scoring
The IELTS uses a 0–9 band scale with whole and half band scores. Your overall band score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band (0.25 rounds up to the next half; 0.75 rounds up to the next whole number).
Here’s how the bands break down:
- 8.5–9.0 = Expert user (C2)
- 7.0–8.0 = Good to very good user (C1)
- 5.5–6.5 = Competent user (B2)
- 4.0–5.0 = Modest user (B1)
A score of 6.5–7.0 or higher is competitive for most university programs. For more detail, see What Is a Good IELTS Score?
Official TOEFL vs IELTS Score Comparison
ETS has published an official score comparison for the new TOEFL 1–6 scale and the IELTS. Here’s how the scores line up:
| IELTS Score | TOEFL Reading | TOEFL Listening | TOEFL Writing | TOEFL Speaking | TOEFL Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 8.5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 8 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 7.5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 | 5 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 |
| 6.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 |
| 6 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
| 5 | 3 | 2.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| 4.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
This table is especially useful if a university lists a required score for one test and you want to know the equivalent on the other.
Pro tip: Both tests now align with CEFR levels, which makes comparing scores easier than ever.
Test Structure: Section-by-Section Comparison
Both the TOEFL and the IELTS assess four skills—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—but the format, timing, and task types differ significantly. Here’s how each section compares.
Reading
| Feature | TOEFL | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~30 min | 60 min |
| Content | Academic + everyday texts | Academic passages only |
| Adaptive? | Yes | No |
| Number of questions | Up to 50 | 40 |
| Question types | Multiple choice, fill-in, Complete the Words | Multiple choice, matching, True/False/Not Given, fill-in |
The TOEFL’s Reading section is adaptive—it adjusts difficulty based on your performance, which can affect the number of items you see. You’ll encounter a mix of academic and daily-life texts, including short passages, emails, and announcements.
IELTS Academic Reading gives you three long academic passages and 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. The passages are longer and more traditional, drawn from books, journals, and magazines.
Pro tip: Ask yourself: Do you prefer many shorter reading tasks with varied formats, or three longer passages with more time to work through them? Your answer may point you toward the right test.
Listening
| Feature | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~29 min | ~30 min (+ 10 min transfer time for paper) |
| Content | Academic lectures + conversations | Academic + social/everyday conversations |
| Adaptive? | Yes | No |
| Number of questions | Up to 47 | 40 (4 parts, 10 questions each) |
| Replay audio? | No | No |
| Accents | Mixed (British, Australian, American, and others) | Mixed (British, Australian, American, and others) |
Both tests play audio only once—no replays. The TOEFL’s Listening section is adaptive and focuses on academic lectures and campus conversations delivered in a variety of accents.
IELTS Listening covers a wider range of contexts—from everyday social situations to academic discussions—and also features a variety of accents, including British, Australian, and others. If you’re testing on paper, you get 10 extra minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Speaking
This is the single biggest experiential difference between the two tests.
| Feature | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~8 min | 11–14 min |
| Format | Recorded responses via microphone | Face-to-face interview with examiner |
| Parts | Listen & Repeat, Interview tasks | Introduction, Long Turn, Discussion |
| Human interaction? | No | Yes |
| Online variant | Same format | Video call with examiner |
On the TOEFL, you speak into a microphone and your responses are recorded—there’s no human interaction. You’ll complete Listen & Repeat tasks and Interview questions about your opinions and experiences. The entire section takes about 8 minutes.
On the IELTS, you sit across from a human examiner (or connect via video call for the online version) for 11–14 minutes. The interview has three parts: a warm-up with general questions, a prepared talk on a given topic (with 1 minute of prep time), and an in-depth discussion related to that topic.
Pro tip: If speaking to a camera or microphone makes you anxious, the IELTS’s conversational format may feel more natural. If you tend to get nervous talking to strangers, the TOEFL’s recording format may work better for you.
Writing
| Feature | TOEFL | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~23 min | 60 min |
| Tasks | Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Academic Discussion | Describe data/chart (Task 1), Essay (Task 2) |
| Typed or handwritten? | Typed (computer) | Typed (computer) or handwritten (paper) |
| Word count | Varies by task | 150+ (Task 1), 250+ (Task 2) |
The TOEFL’s Writing section is shorter. It features Build a Sentence questions, which heavily test your grammar, along with two short writing tasks: Write an Email (exactly what it sounds like) and an Academic Discussion task (you take a position in a brief argument). Everything is typed on a computer.
IELTS Academic Writing gives you a full 60 minutes for two tasks. Task 1 asks you to describe a graph, chart, or diagram in at least 150 words—a specific skill that requires practice. Task 2 is a traditional essay of at least 250 words. Task 2 is weighted more heavily than Task 1. If you’re testing on paper, you write by hand.
Pro tip: Ask yourself: Are you a fast, confident typist who can compose organized responses under tight time pressure? The TOEFL’s shorter writing section may play to your strengths. If you prefer more time to develop longer, more detailed written responses, the IELTS gives you that breathing room.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Is Harder?
This is one of the most common questions students ask—and the honest answer is that neither test is universally harder. They present different challenges, and the one that feels harder depends on your personal strengths and preferences.
What Makes the TOEFL Challenging
- Adaptive testing — The Reading and Listening sections adjust difficulty to your performance, which can feel disorienting if you’re not used to it.
- Computer-recorded speaking — There’s no human interaction. You speak into a microphone with strict time limits per task, which some test-takers find unnatural.
- Shorter overall time — At ~90 minutes, the TOEFL gives you less time total, which means less margin for pacing errors.
- New task types — The January 2026 format introduced task types that may be unfamiliar, even to people who’ve studied with older TOEFL materials.
What Makes the IELTS Challenging
- Face-to-face speaking — The interview format means spontaneous follow-up questions you can’t predict. Some test-takers find this stressful.
- 60-minute Reading section — Three long academic passages require sustained concentration over a full hour.
- Writing Task 1 — Describing data from a graph or chart is a specific skill unlike everyday writing. It requires practice.
- Longer test time — At ~2 hours 45 minutes, fatigue can be a real factor, especially for the later sections.
Which Test Is Generally More Challenging, by Skill?
| Skill | Tends to Be More Challenging On… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | IELTS | Longer passages, 60-minute section, no adaptivity |
| Listening | Similar | Both play audio once; IELTS has more accent variety |
| Speaking | Depends on you | TOEFL: no human cues; IELTS: spontaneous follow-ups |
| Writing | IELTS | Longer section, specific Task 1 format (graphs/charts) |
| Overall stamina | IELTS | ~2h 45min vs ~1 hour 30 minutes |
Pro tip: The best way to find out which test is harder for you is to try both. Take a free practice test for each and compare how you feel during and after. That firsthand experience is worth more than any generalized comparison chart.
Where Is Each Test Accepted?
Both tests are accepted worldwide, but there are regional patterns you should know about.
TOEFL Acceptance
- Strong in the United States and Canada — historically the dominant English proficiency test for US graduate programs
- Accepted at 13,000+ institutions in 200+ countries
- Increasingly accepted in the UK, Australia, and beyond
IELTS Acceptance
- Dominant in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand
- Required for many UK visa applications (UKVI-approved IELTS specifically)
- The General Training version is specifically designed for immigration and work permits
- Also widely accepted in the US and Canada
Which Test for Your Destination?
| Destination / Purpose | Recommended Test | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US graduate school | TOEFL or either | TOEFL is most widely accepted; most US schools also take IELTS |
| UK university | IELTS or either | IELTS traditionally dominant; many UK schools also accept TOEFL |
| UK visa (UKVI) | IELTS only | TOEFL is not accepted for UK visa applications (GOV.UK) |
| Australian university | Either | Both widely accepted |
| Canadian university | Either | Both accepted by most institutions |
| Canadian permanent residency | Either | Both IELTS General Training and TOEFL are accepted by IRCC |
| Australian immigration | Either | Both accepted by the Department of Home Affairs |
| New Zealand immigration | Either | Both accepted by Immigration New Zealand |
Pro tip: If you’re applying to multiple countries or programs, check all of their requirements before choosing a test. One test that works everywhere is more efficient than taking two.
Cost Comparison
If you take the exam in the United States, the TOEFL is less expensive than the IELTS Acadmeic. However, for either exam, fees vary greatly by country and test center.
| Fee Type | TOEFL (US) | IELTS (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $270 | $280 to $340 |
| Rescheduling | $69 | ~25% of your registration fee (~$70–85) |
| Extra score reports | $29 each (4 free with registration) | A small processing fee (5 free with registration) |
| One-skill retake | N/A | ~$195 (varies) |
| Express registration | $49 (within 7 days) | N/A |
TOEFL fees vary significantly by country—from $173 in India to $475 in Switzerland. For a complete breakdown, see our guide on TOEFL Exam Fee and Cost.
Note: The price of either exam highly varies by country. However, the price difference shouldn’t be your primary decision factor. Choose the test you’re most likely to score well on—retaking a cheaper test still costs more than passing a pricier test the first time.
How to Prepare for the TOEFL vs IELTS
Your preparation strategy should reflect the test you choose. Here are the key differences in how to study.
Preparing for the TOEFL
- Familiarize yourself with the new 2026 format — The test changed significantly in January 2026. Make sure your prep materials reflect the current format, including the adaptive Reading and Listening sections and the new task types.
- Practice computer-based testing — Everything on the TOEFL is delivered on screen, including the speaking section. Practice typing essays and speaking into a microphone.
- Build comfort with adaptive testing — Reading and Listening adjust difficulty based on your performance. Taking timed practice sections will help you build confidence.
- Use official materials — ETS provides free practice tests and sample questions that mirror the actual test.
For a complete study strategy, see our guide on How to Prepare for the TOEFL.
Preparing for the IELTS
- Practice the face-to-face speaking format — Find a study partner, tutor, or practice in front of a mirror. The IELTS speaking interview includes spontaneous follow-up questions, so you need to be comfortable thinking on your feet.
- Practice describing charts and graphs — IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is a unique task type that requires specific practice. You’ll need to describe data clearly and accurately in at least 150 words.
- Build stamina for the longer test — At nearly 3 hours, the IELTS demands sustained focus. Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions.
- Use official materials — The British Council also provides a free practice test as well as sample questions.
How Long Should You Study?
Study timelines vary based on your current English level and target score. Generally, 1–3 months is a typical preparation window for intermediate English speakers. Start with a diagnostic or practice test to assess your baseline level.
For more detail on TOEFL study timelines, check out How Long Is the TOEFL and How Long Should You Study?
Pro tip: Magoosh TOEFL Prep features 100% official ETS questions, personalized study schedules, and video lessons from expert instructors. Check out a Magoosh TOEFL Premium plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take both the TOEFL and the IELTS?
Yes, but it’s usually unnecessary. Pick the one that fits your needs and focus your prep on it. Taking both splits your study time and doesn’t typically give you an advantage.
Is the TOEFL or IELTS easier for non-native English speakers?
Neither is universally easier. The TOEFL may feel easier if you’re comfortable with computers and prefer a shorter test. The IELTS may feel easier if you prefer face-to-face speaking and longer, more familiar reading passages. The best way to find out is to try a practice test for each.
Do universities prefer the TOEFL or IELTS?
Most universities accept both and have no stated preference. However, check your specific programs—some may list a preference, and UK visa applications require IELTS specifically (UKVI-approved).
Has the TOEFL changed recently?
Yes—significantly. As of January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT uses a new 1–6 band scoring scale (replacing 0–120), is approximately 90 minutes long (down from 2 hours), and includes adaptive testing in Reading and Listening plus several new task types. Many online resources still reference the old format.
How do TOEFL and IELTS scores compare?
Both tests align with CEFR levels. ETS has published an official score comparison table for the new TOEFL 1–6 scale and the IELTS. For example, a TOEFL overall score of 5.0 corresponds to an IELTS 7.0, and a TOEFL 4.5 corresponds to an IELTS 6.5.
Which test is better for US university admissions?
The TOEFL has historically been the most common choice for US admissions, but most US universities now accept the IELTS as well. Check your target programs’ requirements—in most cases, you can use either test.
Can I take the IELTS on a computer?
Yes. The IELTS is available in paper-based, computer-based, and online formats. The computer-based version is identical in content to the paper version but offers faster score delivery (3–5 days vs. 13 days).
Is the IELTS Speaking section really face-to-face?
Yes—for the in-person test, you sit across from a human examiner for 11–14 minutes. For the online IELTS, the speaking section is conducted via video call. This is one of the biggest differences from the TOEFL, where speaking is recorded via microphone with no human interaction.
How long are TOEFL and IELTS scores valid?
Both tests have a score validity of 2 years from the test date. After that, you’ll need to retake the test if a score is required.
Which test should I take if I need it for immigration?
For UK immigration, you must take an IELTS that’s UKVI-approved—the TOEFL is not accepted. For Canadian permanent residency, both IELTS General Training and TOEFL are accepted by IRCC. For Australian immigration, both are accepted. Always check the specific immigration authority’s current requirements.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve seen how the TOEFL and IELTS compare—from structure and scoring to speaking format and cost—you’re in a much better position to choose the right test. If you haven’t already, go back to our Decision Guide and retake it with this new perspective.
Still not sure? Take a practice test for each. There’s no better way to feel the difference firsthand than to experience both tests under timed conditions.
Remember, neither test is objectively better or easier. The best test for you is the one you’ll perform best on. Choose the one that matches your strengths, fits your application requirements, and sets you up for success. You’ve got this.
Ready to start preparing? Explore Magoosh TOEFL Prep for expert-led video lessons, official practice questions from ETS, 4 official full-length practice tests, and personalized study plans.
