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English Test Comparisons — IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo
Honest, free comparisons of the major English tests so you take the right one for your country and goal.
⚡ Quick answer: There is no single "best" English test — the right one is whichever your university and visa accept, that plays to your strengths and timeline. IELTS and TOEFL are the most widely accepted; PTE and the Duolingo English Test are faster and often cheaper; CELPIP is built for Canada. Compare them below, then practise free until you hit your target.
The major English tests at a glance
| Test | Score scale | Marking | Results | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Band 0–9 | Human examiner (live speaking) | 3–13 days | The widest acceptance — study, work & migration worldwide; UK/Australia/Canada |
| TOEFL iBT | 0–120 | AI + human, all-computer | ~4–8 days | United States universities |
| PTE Academic | 10–90 | Fully computer (AI) | Often ~48 hours | Fast results; Australia study & migration |
| CELPIP | CLB 1–12 | Fully computer (North American English) | ~4–5 days | Canadian permanent residence, citizenship & some study |
| Duolingo English Test | 10–160 | AI, taken at home | ~2 days | Cheapest & fastest — where accepted (always confirm) |
Figures are indicative for 2026 and change — always confirm the current format, fee and the test your university or visa accepts on the official websites. Use the score converter to see your equivalent score across every test.
How to choose in 3 steps
- Check what's accepted. Start from your shortlisted universities and visa route — pick a test all of them accept.
- Play to your strengths and timeline. Prefer a human examiner? IELTS. Need results in days? PTE or Duolingo. Heading to the USA? TOEFL. Canada-only? CELPIP.
- Practise free until you hit the target, then book once — re-sits cost money and time. Take a free full-length mock for each test you're weighing.
Comparisons & chooser
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Frequently asked questions
- Which English test is the easiest?
- None is universally easier — it depends on your strengths. If you prefer speaking to a real person, IELTS may feel easier; if you're comfortable with computers and a microphone, PTE or TOEFL may suit you. The Duolingo English Test is the shortest and cheapest, but is not accepted everywhere.
- Which English test is the cheapest?
- The Duolingo English Test is usually the cheapest (around US$65) and is taken at home in about an hour. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE typically cost roughly US$190–260. Always confirm the current fee for your country, and check the cheaper test is accepted before booking.
- Which English test is most widely accepted?
- IELTS and TOEFL have the broadest acceptance across universities, employers and immigration systems. PTE acceptance is growing fast (especially for Australia). CELPIP is mainly for Canadian immigration. Duolingo is accepted by many universities but fewer visa systems — always check your specific institution and visa.
- Can I prepare for these tests for free?
- Yes — LandingPrep has free full-length mock tests, strategy lessons and a band/score checker for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CELPIP and the Duolingo English Test, so you can try each format before paying for the real exam.
More free LandingPrep hubs
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