IELTS vs TOEFL 2024: Know Test Style, Duration, Format 2024

Selecting the test between the TOEFL and IELTS tests might be challenging for candidates, as both exams are used to measure English proficiency. However, the decision on which one to choose between IELTS vs TOEFL must depend on an individual's preferences, test structure, difficulty level, and scoring patterns. TOEFL and IELTS are both widely accepted across countries for purposes such as admission, visa applications, and job requirements. Both tests are aimed at assessing the 4 English skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking and yet they are different. We have mentioned a complete guide on the key differences between TOEFL and IELTS for prospects to make informed decisions. Hence, which is better between IELTS and TOEFL is a decision that must be made after comparing both tests on different aspects.

This Story also Contains

1. IELTS vs TOEFL: Overview
2. Key Differences between IELTS and TOEFL
3. TOEFL Exam Updates
4. TOEFL vs IELTS: Structure
5. IELTS Vs TOEFL: Which is Better?
6. IELTS vs TOEFL Fees in India
7. TOEFL vs IELTS: Which is Easier?
8. IELTS vs TOEFL Accepting Countries
9. IELTS VS TOEFL: Benefits
10. IELTS VS TOEFL Format
11. How to Prepare for IELTS and TOEFL?

IELTS vs TOEFL: Overview

Key Differences between IELTS and TOEFL

Candidates planning to migrate outside the country for educational or working opportunities must fulfil the English language proficiency requirements of the place of destination. Both TOEFL and IELTS assess the English language proficiency of candidates; however, IELTS is considered to be more beneficial for multiple reasons. While both are widely accepted for academic and professional purposes, they have some key differences.

• Format: IELTS is available in paper and computer formats, while TOEFL is solely computer-based. IELTS features a face-to-face speaking exam, whereas TOEFL's speaking section is recorded electronically.
• Acceptance: IELTS has a greater rate of acceptance worldwide than TOEFL. IELTS is preferred in the UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries, while TOEFL dominates in the US and many other nations. Moreover, TOEFL is acknowledged by Canada and the UK as a valid English Language test for migration.
• Design: IELTS is geared towards British, Australian, and Commonwealth nations, while TOEFL caters to North America.
• Modules: IELTS offers separate Academic and General Training versions, while TOEFL has a single test for both academic and professional purposes. Both assess Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, but IELTS uses a band system (1-9) and TOEFL points (0-120).
• Cost: IELTS is generally slightly costlier than TOEFL. For Indian students, the IELTS exam fee is INR 18,000. Whereas, the TOEFL exam fee for Indian students is INR 16,900 for the year 2025.
• Difficulty: Some find IELTS easier, particularly the reading section, while others struggle with TOEFL's vocabulary and sentence structure.

TOEFL Exam Updates

The TOEFL exam will undergo some major changes that are majorly effective from 2026. We have mentioned these updates below for better comparison between IELTS and TOEFL.

• ETS has improved the TOEFL home edition experience through easier check-ins, automated proctoring, and improved home test taker support. This is applicable from May 30, 2025.
• TOEFL results will be available within 72 hours of the test date from 2026.
• The reading and listening section of the TOEFL test will be more adaptive for candidates by including questions based on their answers.
• ETS will also release a band score of 1 to 6 (CEFR levels) along with traditional TOEFL scoring of 0 to 120.
• The TOEFL test centres will now provide Koss headphones for the listening section of the TOEFL test for better audio quality.
• To adapt to the changes, numerous free prep materials will be provided by ETS.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Structure

Both IELTS and TOEFL exams have four major test sections, namely, listening, reading, writing, and speaking to assess the English language proficiency of students. However, the level of difficulty and the format of the tests slightly differ from each other. Read the complete article to know the differences between TOEFL vs IELTS- test sections.

Listening Sections in TOEFL and IELTS

• IELTS: There are four sections in the IELTS Listening section with 10 questions in each section. While the first two sections test daily life and social context, the other two parts are more academic. Sections 1 and 3 involve multiple speakers, while 2 and 4 are monologues.

• TOEFL: In TOEFL listening, 5 parts of listening involve conversations and lectures in a language that is relevant to a university abroad. There will be 3 lectures with 6 questions each and 2 conversations by two speakers.

IELTS vs TOEFL Pattern

Reading

• IELTS: In IELTS reading, three passages are given from a range of topics totalling around 2,150-2,750 words. All the topics are usually given from books, magazines, newspapers, journals, or websites.

• TOEFL: In TOEFL only two reading passages of 700 words each are given. A candidate need not be a subject matter expert to answer questions on the reading passages.

Writing

Both IELTS and TOEFL have two writing tasks that differ in format.

IELTS

• IELTS Writing Task 1: Candidates will be asked to write a letter asking for information or outlining the circumstances. The letter may be personal, semi-formal, or formal in style.
• IELTS Writing Task 2: In the IELTS Writing Task 2, the candidates will be asked to write an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem.

TOEFL

• TOEFL Task 1: Candidates have to listen to a short lecture, read a short passage, and write a response based on what has been read or listened to.
• TOEFL Task 2: An essay writing supporting an opinion in an online classroom discussion.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Writing Section

Speaking

The main difference between IELTS and TOEFL speaking sections is that IELTS speaking section is conducted in a face-to-face conversation or video call with an IELTS examiner. The TOEFL speaking section requires candidates to answer questions on a microphone by listening to the given questions. A combination of AI and humans does the TOEFL speaking evaluation.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Speaking Section

IELTS Vs TOEFL: Which is Better?

Both IELTS and TOEFL exams have their pros and cons. However, one of the most common questions asked by the candidates is “Which is better between IELTS and TOEFL?”. Both IELTS and TOEFL are globally accepted major English language testing examinations. However, a slight difference between IELTS and TOEFL is observed in the following aspects:

• IELTS is accepted in most English-speaking countries but TOEFL is mainly accepted in the US and Canada.

• IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based test options for candidates. TOEFL exam is mostly computer-based. Only one version is available.

• IELTS has over 3,000 test centres in over 60 countries. Availability of the test centres is one of the major factors that makes IELTS a more preferred choice than that of TOEFL.

IELTS vs TOEFL Fees in India

• IELTS exam fee for Indian students differs as per the test type. For the year 2025, the IELTS exam fee is INR 18,000. Candidates can pay their fees through Credit/ Debit (Visa or Master), net banking, demand draft, and bank deposit.
• TOEFL exam fee for Indian students is INR 16,900. Candidates also need to pay for late registration, rescheduling of the exam, and score review.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Which is Easier?

The level of difficulty of the exams is generally dependent on the personal strength and preparation of the students. Both IELTS and TOEFL are challenging exams that assess the knowledge of English of candidates who want to migrate to foreign countries for various purposes. Therefore, it is hard to determine which is easier between TOEFL and IELTS. Some of the determinants of the level of difficulty of IELTS and TOEFL are listed below:

1. IELTS has a variety of question formats (e.g., matching headings, true/false). Some test takers find it easier than TOEFL's multiple-choice format.

2. IELTS audio recordings feature British, Australian, and New Zealand accents; some test-takers find it more natural and easier to understand than the American accents used in TOEFL.

3. IELTS speaking section is generally conversational; therefore, some test takers find it more comfortable compared to TOEFL's structured format.

IELTS vs TOEFL Accepting Countries

One of the most important factors that should be considered while taking an IELTS or TOEFL test is the university to which the candidate would be applying. TOEFL organised by the ETS, is accepted by the TOEFL participating Institutions are mostly American universities and are also across 165 countries in the world. While IELTS conducted by the British Council is accepted in over 135 countries, including colleges to study in the UK.

So, if the candidate plans in one of the Ivy League colleges to study in the USA, make sure to sit for TOEFL. In a comparison of TOEFL vs IELTS score, many institutes and organisations accept scores of both tests. The only difference in acceptance will be the comparative degrees of score and band so in case we want to determine which is more accepted between the TOEFL and IELTS it is very difficult to decide. The IELTS, and TOEFL exam benefits or advantages are listed below.

IELTS VS TOEFL: Benefits

IELTS VS TOEFL Format

The IELTS Test is conducted in two formats - IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Candidates planning to pursue a higher degree are advised to take the IELTS Academic test. IELTS general training is for those who are seeking work-related training in an English-speaking country.

TOEFL has only one format. Therefore, all candidates are required to take the same test irrespective of their purpose. The difference between IELTS and TOEFL exam formats is one of the determining factors for opting for one exam more frequently than the other.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Exam Format

How to Prepare for IELTS and TOEFL?

Both IELTS and TOEFL exams require some special study strategies and preparation tips to get a promising score. Although both exams have similar four sections, however, the format of the exam is different. Some of the preparation tips for both exams are included below.

IELTS Preparation Tips

Some of the important IELTS preparation tips and strategies for all four sections have been given below:

• Listen to the questions asked carefully, and answer directly for the speaking part.

• Add more relatable information to the answers, and ensure the answers remain relevant.

• Distribute your materials according to each section.

• Analyse of the assigned tasks and quickly prepare the answers mentally.

• Avoid repetition.

TOEFL Preparation Tips

A few TOEFL preparation tips for the candidates appearing in TOEFL 2025 include:

• Master vocabulary and grammar

• Simulate real tests

• Focus on your weaknesses

• Practice speaking and listening

Also Read: GRE vs TOEFL