IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE in 2026: Which English Test Should You Take?
A clear comparison of IELTS, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic — acceptance, format, cost, difficulty and which test suits you best.
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Choose IELTS or TOEFL if you want the widest university and visa acceptance. Choose PTE if you want fast (often 48-hour) AI-scored results and prefer a fully computer-based test. Choose the Duolingo English Test if you want the cheapest, fastest at-home option and your universities accept it. Always confirm acceptance for your exact universities and visa.
Acceptance
IELTS and TOEFL are accepted almost everywhere. PTE Academic is accepted by 3,000+ universities and Australian, UK and New Zealand visas. Duolingo is accepted by 5,500+ institutions but not all, and rarely for visas.
Format & speaking
IELTS Speaking is face-to-face with an examiner; TOEFL and PTE record your voice for a computer to score. If you freeze talking to a person, PTE/TOEFL may suit you; if you prefer a human, pick IELTS.
Difficulty
No test is objectively 'easiest' — it depends on your strengths. PTE's AI scoring rewards clear pronunciation and fluency; IELTS Writing rewards structure and vocabulary; TOEFL integrates reading/listening into speaking and writing. Take a free practice test of each on LandingPrep to see where you score highest.
Cost & results
Fees are broadly similar (~$200–240); the Duolingo Test is much cheaper (~$65). PTE and Duolingo return results fastest (often 1–2 days); IELTS and TOEFL take a few days to two weeks.
Bottom line
Pick the test your target universities accept, that plays to your strengths, and that fits your timeline. Practise all of them free on LandingPrep before you decide.