IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. Duolingo: Which English Test Should You Take?
Introduction
Planning to study or work abroad but unsure which English test to take? With universities and employers accepting multiple tests, choosing between IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo can be confusing.
This 2024 comparison guide covers:
Let’s break it down!
1. Overview of Each Test
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Owned by: British Council, IDP, Cambridge
- Format: Paper-based or Computer-based
- Sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (face-to-face)
- Score Range: 0–9 (Most universities require 6.0–7.5)
- Duration: 2h 45min
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Owned by: ETS (USA)
- Format: Mostly Internet-based (iBT)
- Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
- Score Range: 0–120 (Most universities require 80–100)
- Duration: 3h
Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Owned by: Duolingo
- Format: 100% online, AI-proctored
- Sections: Adaptive questions (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
- Score Range: 10–160 (Most universities require 105–120)
- Duration: 1h
2. Key Differences Compared
Factor
Cost
Test Style
Speaking Test
Results Time
Acceptance
IELTS
$200-$250
British English
Face-to-face
3-5 days (computer) / 13 days (paper)
UK, Australia, Canada, NZ
TOEFL
$190-$300
American English
Computer-recorded
6-10 days
USA, Europe, Asia
Duolingo
$59
Neutral English
Al-graded
48 hours
5000+ institutions (growing fast)
3. Which Test is Easiest?
IELTS is Best If:
TOEFL is Best If:
Duolingo is Best If:
4. Acceptance by Country
Country
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
IELTS
Accepted
Preferred
Preferred
Preferred
TOEFL
Widely Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Duolingo
1000+ schools
Limited
150+ schools
100+ schools
Note: Always check your university’s website—some accept all three, while others prefer one.
5. Which One Should You Choose?
Take IELTS If:
- Applying to UK/Australia/Canada
- Need General Training IELTS for work visas
- Prefer paper-based tests
Take TOEFL If:
- Targeting US universities
- Good at academic vocabulary & fast typing
- Comfortable with computer-based tests
Take Duolingo If:
- Need quick results (within 2 days)
- Want the cheapest option ($59 vs. $200+)
- Your school explicitly accepts it
6. Pro Tips to Decide
- Check university requirements (Email admissions if unsure).
- Take a free practice test for each (IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. Duolingo).
- Consider retake policies (IELTS lets you retake just one section).
Final Verdict
- For most students: IELTS or TOEFL (widely accepted).
- For speed & affordability: Duolingo (if accepted).
Next Step: Visit the official websites to book your test:
