If you are preparing your application to study or work abroad, sooner or later you will come across the big question: TOEFL vs IELTS, which of the two should you take?
Both exams measure your English level, but they are not the same, and choosing the right one can save you time, money, and more than a few headaches.
In this article, we explain the key differences so you can make the right decision without doubts.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is administered by ETS and focuses primarily on academic English, the type of English you will need in a university classroom in the United States or Canada.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System), on the other hand, is widely recognized in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, and offers two versions: Academic (for higher education) and General Training (for migration or work).
The TOEFL is taken entirely on a computer, including the speaking section, where you record your answers into a microphone.
The IELTS, however, offers the option of taking the exam on paper or on a computer, and the speaking section is always conducted with a human examiner, face-to-face or via video call.
If you feel more comfortable speaking with a real person instead of a recording device, this might tip your decision toward the IELTS.
The TOEFL lasts approximately 2 hours and integrates the four skills (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) more closely with each other, as several questions combine information from different sections.
The IELTS is slightly shorter, lasting about 2 hours and 45 minutes, counting the speaking section separately, and each skill is evaluated more independently.
The TOEFL mainly uses a North American accent in its audio recordings, whereas the IELTS includes a mix of British, Australian, and New Zealand accents, in addition to North American.
If you are already more familiar with a specific accent due to your previous studies or the country you plan to apply to, this is also a crucial factor to consider.
The choice between TOEFL vs IELTS often depends less on your personal preference and more on what the institution or country you are applying to demands.
Universities in the United States usually accept both, but some still prefer the TOEFL.
The UK, Australia, and immigration processes in general tend to lean toward the IELTS.
Before you start preparing, always confirm directly with the institution or embassy which exam they specifically require.
There is no objectively easier exam; the difficulty depends on your individual strengths.
If you feel more comfortable writing structured essays and working with dense academic content, the TOEFL might feel more natural.
If you prefer a more fluid conversation in the speaking section and a variety of accents that better reflect everyday situations, the IELTS might be the best option for you.
Regardless of the exam you choose, structured preparation makes the difference between a good score and an excellent one.
Before registering, it is worth reviewing some basic concepts on how to improve your English faster and more efficiently, something we cover in depth in our article on how to learn English faster.
It is also useful to review our guide on choosing the right English course before committing to a specific preparation program.
Summarize your decision in three questions: What exam does the institution or country you are applying to require? In which format do you feel more comfortable (computer vs. human examiner)? And which accent is more familiar to you?
If you still have doubts after answering these questions, the safest bet is to take a diagnostic test or seek personalized advice to confirm which one suits you best.
Choosing between TOEFL vs IELTS is just the first step; preparation is what truly determines your result.
At Lingua Learn, we have a specialized coaching program for both exams, guided by certified human instructors who thoroughly know the format, timing, and strategies for each test.
Ready to start your preparation? Discover our program for TOEFL and IELTS and take the next step toward your academic or professional goal.