TOEFL vs Duolingo English Test 2026: Which Should You Take?
TOEFL iBT or the Duolingo English Test? Compare cost, format, time, score acceptance and difficulty so you pick the right English test for your university applications.
▶ Free College Predictor & study-abroad toolsCost and convenience
The Duolingo English Test (DET) costs around USD 65 and is taken at home on your laptop, any time, with results in about 2 days. TOEFL iBT costs roughly USD 200+ and is taken at a test centre or at home (TOEFL iBT Home Edition), with results in about 4–8 days. DET is the budget, fast option.
Format and length
DET is about 1 hour, adaptive, and blends reading, writing, speaking and listening into integrated tasks plus a video interview and writing sample. TOEFL iBT is about 2 hours with four clearly separate sections. TOEFL feels more like a traditional academic test.
Scoring
DET is scored 10–160. TOEFL iBT is scored 0–120 (0–30 per section). Universities publish minimums for each — for example many want TOEFL 90–100 or DET 115–125 for master's. Always check your specific programme's required score.
Acceptance
TOEFL is accepted almost universally worldwide. DET acceptance has grown massively and now covers thousands of universities including many top US, UK, Canada and Australia institutions — but a few programmes and visa routes still prefer TOEFL or IELTS. Confirm before you book.
Which is easier
Neither is objectively easier — DET rewards quick, adaptive thinking across mixed tasks and clear speaking to a webcam; TOEFL rewards stamina and academic reading/listening. If you want low cost and speed, try DET; if you want the most widely accepted score, take TOEFL.
Decide with a free mock
Take a free TOEFL-style and Duolingo-style practice test on LandingPrep, compare which format suits you, and confirm your target universities accept it before booking.