PTE vs TOEFL 2026: Which Is Easier and Which Is Better for Your University?
A direct PTE Academic vs TOEFL iBT comparison on format, scoring, difficulty, acceptance, cost and speed — to help you pick the right test for your target universities.
▶ Free College Predictor & study-abroad toolsFormat and length
PTE Academic is about 2 hours, fully computer-based, AI-scored, with integrated tasks (one response can score multiple skills simultaneously). TOEFL iBT is about 2 hours, computer-based, with a human or AI scorer for Speaking and a human scorer for Writing. Both test Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.
Scoring
PTE is scored 10–90 per skill (most universities want 58–65+). TOEFL iBT is 0–30 per section (0–120 total; most universities want 79–100+). Concordance: PTE 65 ≈ TOEFL 90. Both publish official score comparison charts.
Which is easier — the honest answer
PTE favours candidates with clear, consistent pronunciation (the AI scores on fluency and clarity, not accent). TOEFL favours candidates who read and listen well under timed pressure. If you type fast and have consistent spoken English, PTE is usually faster to score high. If you have strong academic vocabulary from Indian schooling, TOEFL Reading/Listening often feels familiar.
Acceptance
TOEFL is accepted nearly universally (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, everywhere). PTE is accepted at most major universities but a handful of US and Canadian institutions still list TOEFL/IELTS only — always check your specific programme. UK and Australia institutions generally accept both with no preference.
Cost and speed
PTE: ~₹17,000, results in 48 hours. TOEFL: ~₹17,000–19,000 depending on date/location, results in 4–8 days. For tight application deadlines, PTE's 2-day turnaround is a meaningful advantage. Both allow retakes with no minimum gap.
Take a free mock of each
Do one free PTE-style and one TOEFL-style full practice test on LandingPrep, compare which format gives you a higher practice score, and then invest in the one where you are already closer to your target.