TOEFL vs. IELTS in 2026: Which English Test Should You Take?

Choosing between the TOEFL and IELTS is one of the first decisions you'll make in your English proficiency testing journey. Both tests are accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, but they differ in format, scoring, and testing style.

This guide compares every aspect to help you make the right choice.

Quick Comparison Table

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Format Differences Explained

Reading Section

TOEFL: 50 items in 30 minutes. Three task types: Complete the Words (vocabulary), Read in Daily Life (practical texts), and Read an Academic Passage (university-level comprehension). All multiple choice.

IELTS: 40 questions in 60 minutes. Three long passages from academic sources. Question types include multiple choice, matching, sentence completion, True/False/Not Given, and short answer.

Key difference: TOEFL Reading is shorter and faster-paced with more variety. IELTS Reading has longer passages and requires more diverse answer formats (not just multiple choice).

TOEFL advantage: If you're a fast reader who prefers multiple choice. IELTS advantage: If you prefer longer reading time and are good at various question types.

Listening Section

TOEFL: 47 items in 29 minutes. Includes conversations, announcements, academic talks, and response-choice tasks. Audio plays once. Note-taking is allowed.

IELTS: 40 questions in 30 minutes. Includes conversations, monologues, and academic discussions. Audio plays once. Note-taking is allowed. You must write answers while listening.

Key difference: TOEFL Listening is entirely multiple choice. IELTS requires you to write answers (fill in blanks, complete sentences, match items) while listening.

TOEFL advantage: Multiple choice means you always have options to choose from. IELTS advantage: If you're better at catching specific details and writing them down.

Writing Section

TOEFL: 12 items in 23 minutes. Includes Build a Sentence (grammar), Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion (contribute to an online class discussion with ~100 words).

IELTS: 2 tasks in 60 minutes. Task 1: Describe a graph, chart, or diagram (150+ words). Task 2: Write an essay on a given topic (250+ words).

Key difference: TOEFL Writing is shorter with more varied tasks. IELTS requires longer, more formal writing.

TOEFL advantage: If you prefer shorter, quicker writing tasks. The new format is less demanding than writing two full essays. IELTS advantage: If you're a strong essay writer who can develop arguments in 250+ words.

Speaking Section

TOEFL: 11 items in 8 minutes. You speak into a microphone and your response is recorded. Tasks include Listen and Repeat and Interview-style questions.

IELTS: 11-14 minutes. Face-to-face interview with a trained examiner in three parts: introduction/interview, short talk on a topic (1-2 minutes), and follow-up discussion.

Key difference: This is the biggest difference between the tests.

TOEFL advantage: If you're nervous talking to a real person, the computer format removes social pressure. The section is also shorter (8 vs. 14 minutes). IELTS advantage: If you're more comfortable in natural conversation. The examiner can adjust to your level and you can ask for clarification.

Scoring Comparison

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Note: These are approximate equivalencies. Each test measures slightly different skills.

University Acceptance

Both tests are widely accepted:

• TOEFL: Accepted by 12,000+ institutions in 160+ countries
• IELTS: Accepted by 11,000+ institutions in 140+ countries

Geographic preferences:

• USA and Canada: Historically prefer TOEFL, but most now accept both
• UK and Australia: Historically prefer IELTS, but most now accept both
• Europe: Generally accept both equally
• For UK visas: IELTS (UKVI) is specifically approved; TOEFL is not accepted for visa purposes in the UK

Important: Always verify with your specific target institution which tests they accept and what scores they require.

Which Test Is Easier?

Neither test is objectively easier — it depends on your strengths:

Choose TOEFL if you:

• Prefer multiple-choice questions
• Are comfortable with computer-based testing
• Type faster than you handwrite
• Don't want to speak with a real person
• Are applying primarily to US/Canadian universities
• Prefer a shorter test (90 minutes vs. 2.75 hours)
• Are more familiar with American English

Choose IELTS if you:

• Prefer varied question types (not just multiple choice)
• Want to do a face-to-face speaking test
• Are a strong essay writer
• Are applying to UK universities (required for UK visas)
• Prefer British/Australian English
• Want a paper-based option
• Do better with longer time limits

Cost and Availability

TOEFL

• Cost: $200-245 depending on location
• Frequency: Available nearly every week
• Locations: Test centers worldwide + at home
• At-home option: Yes, with live proctor

IELTS

• Cost: $245-255 depending on location
• Frequency: Available up to 4 times per month
• Locations: Test centers worldwide + at home
• At-home option: IELTS Online (computer-delivered)

Decision Framework: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Where am I applying? If UK only → IELTS. If US/Canada → either works. Check your specific programs.

2. How do I prefer to speak? To a computer → TOEFL. To a person → IELTS.

3. How do I prefer to write? Short, varied tasks → TOEFL. Longer essays → IELTS.

4. Which accent am I more familiar with? American → TOEFL. British → IELTS.

5. How much test time do I want? 90 minutes → TOEFL. Almost 3 hours → IELTS.

Preparing for the TOEFL

If you've decided on the TOEFL, here's your next step:

1. Take a diagnostic: Sign up for PrepKoalaSign up for PrepKoala/register (free, no credit card) and take a practice test to see where you stand. 2. Identify weak areas: Use PrepKoala's analyticsPrepKoala's analytics/dashboard/analytics to find which sections need the most work. 3. Create a study plan: Most students need 4-12 weeks of focused preparation. 4. Practice consistently: 30-60 minutes per day is more effective than cramming on weekends. 5. Take full-length practice tests: PrepKoala's practice examsPrepKoala's practice exams/dashboard/exam simulate the real test experience.

Bottom Line

Both the TOEFL and IELTS are excellent tests accepted worldwide. Your choice should be based on your personal preferences (computer vs. paper, multiple choice vs. varied formats, talking to a computer vs. a person) and your target universities' specific requirements.

If you're leaning toward the TOEFL, start preparing with PrepKoala todaystart preparing with PrepKoala today/register — it's free to get started.