Choosing between TOEFL vs ielts is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make in your international education journey. It dictates where you can apply, how you prepare, and ultimately, how your English proficiency is judged.
I’ve spent the last decade coaching students through both exams, and I can tell you this: there isn’t a universally “easier” test. There is only the test that fits your specific strengths. This guide breaks down the structural, scoring, and strategic differences so you can make an informed choice with confidence.
Quick Answer: Choose IELTS if you prefer face-to-face speaking, write in British English, and need a score for UK, Australia, or Canada immigration. Choose TOEFL if you prefer multiple-choice questions, type your essays, and are applying to universities in the United States.
The Core Difference: Format and Structure
The most immediate difference between TOEFL and ielts lies in how they test your skills. TOEFL is almost entirely multiple-choice, while IELTS features a mix of question types including gap-fills, matching, and short-answer questions.
The IELTS exam is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The speaking test is conducted as a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner, which feels more like a natural conversation.
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is fully computer-based. The speaking section requires you to speak into a microphone, and your responses are recorded and scored by a combination of human raters and AI systems. You won’t have a live conversation with anyone.
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 100% Computer-Based | Paper or Computer-Based |
| Speaking | Recorded via Microphone | Face-to-Face Interview |
| Writing | Typed on Computer | Handwritten or Typed |
| Test Duration | ~3 Hours | ~2 Hours 45 Minutes |
| Scoring Scale | 0-120 (Per-section 0-30) | 0-9 Band Score (0.5 increments) |
| Accent | Primarily North American | Mix of British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American |
Pro Tip: If you have legible handwriting and prefer human interaction, IELTS is your friend. If you type fast and hate the pressure of a live conversation, TOEFL is the better fit.
Scoring Systems: The 120 vs. The 9.0
Understanding how your performance is graded is key to setting a target score. The IELTS band score ranges from 0 to 9, with most universities requiring a 6.0 to 7.5. The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120, with competitive US universities often asking for 90 to 100+.
There is no official conversion table, but the ETS (TOEFL) and IDP (IELTS) have published concordance tables. Generally:
- TOEFL 100 ≈ IELTS 7.0
- TOEFL 90 ≈ IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL 80 ≈ IELTS 6.5
The writing sections highlight a major difference. In TOEFL, you type your essays, which allows for easy editing and deletion. In IELTS, if you choose the paper-based test, you must write by hand. Your handwriting and neatness can impact the examiner’s perception, even if unconsciously.
Pro Tip: Check your target university’s specific requirements. Many institutions in the US accept IELTS, but they may require a higher band score than the TOEFL equivalent to “even the playing field.”
Accent and Listening: Which is Easier?
This is often the deciding factor for non-native speakers. The TOEFL listening section is heavily reliant on North American accents, including a significant amount of campus-based academic lectures.
The IELTS listening section uses a variety of accents—British, Australian, and North American—which can be challenging if you’ve only studied American English. However, the IELTS questions are often more straightforward and follow a linear progression through the audio, whereas TOEFL questions can require you to infer meaning and understand the speaker’s attitude.
Pro Tip: If you binge-watch American sitcoms without subtitles, TOEFL listening will feel natural. If you are more comfortable with BBC News or British podcasts, IELTS will be more forgiving.
Which Test Do Universities and Immigration Prefer?
This is the crux of the TOEFL vs IELTS debate. For US universities, TOEFL is the default standard, though most now accept IELTS. For UK, Australian, and Canadian institutions, IELTS is the dominant preference.
For immigration, the rules are strict. IELTS General Training is the only option accepted for Canadian Express Entry and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The TOEFL iBT is accepted in Australia for visa purposes, but it is not valid for UK or Canadian permanent residency applications.
Pro Tip: Before you book a test, check the specific requirements of your visa authority. If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you must take an IELTS for UKVI (SELT) test, not the standard academic version.
Key Takeaways
- TOEFL is 100% computer-based and focuses heavily on North American academic English.
- IELTS offers a face-to-face speaking interview and incorporates multiple English accents.
- TOEFL scoring is on a 0-120 scale; IELTS uses a 0-9 band system.
- IELTS General Training is required for UK and Canadian immigration; TOEFL is not accepted for these routes.
- Your choice should be based on your target country, your comfort with typing vs. handwriting, and your listening preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the TOEFL easier than IELTS?
A: The difficulty depends on your skills. Most students find TOEFL reading and listening easier because they are multiple-choice. However, students often find IELTS writing and speaking easier because they are more human-centric and allow for a broader range of vocabulary.
Q: Which test is better for US universities?
A: TOEFL is the more traditional choice for US universities, but over 98% of US institutions accept IELTS scores. You should check the specific admissions page of your target school to see if they have a preference.
Q: Can I take the IELTS and TOEFL tests online?
A: Yes. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is available 24/7. IELTS offers an Online version (IELTS Online), but it is currently not accepted for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) purposes. You must take a paper or computer test at a test center for immigration.
Q: How long are TOEFL and IELTS scores valid?
A: Both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. After this period, the scores expire, and you will need to retake the exam if you are applying to institutions or visas.
Q: Which test is cheaper, TOEFL or IELTS?
A: The cost is similar, ranging from $200 to $250 USD depending on the country and test center. There is no significant price difference between the two.
Q: Do I need to speak with a British accent for the IELTS speaking test?
A: No. The IELTS examiner assesses your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, and grammar, not your accent. As long as you speak clearly and are easily understood, your accent will not affect your score.
Q: What is a good TOEFL score for a top-ranked university?
A: For Ivy League and other top-tier US universities, you should aim for a TOEFL score of 100 or above. For IELTS, the equivalent is typically a 7.5 band score.
Q: Can I use a calculator in the TOEFL or IELTS math sections?
A: Neither test includes a math section. Both exams focus solely on English language proficiency—reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
References & Further Reading
- [ETS Official TOEFL Website](https://www.ets.org/toefl)
- [IELTS Official Website](https://ielts.org)
- [British Council: IELTS vs TOEFL](https://www.britishcouncil.org/exam/ielts/which-test)
- [US News: How to Choose Between TOEFL and IELTS](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/how-to-choose-between-toefl-and-ielts)
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About This Article: This guide was written by a senior English proficiency coach with over 10 years of experience preparing students for both exams. The insights are based on direct student outcomes and official test guidelines, ensuring you get accurate, actionable advice.
