IELTS OR TOEFL?

IELTS or TOEFL?
How to choose.

In short: First check which tests your university, employer or visa authority accepts and the score it requires. If both are accepted, choose by format: IELTS takes about 2 hours 45 minutes, uses a face-to-face Speaking test with an examiner and has long Writing tasks (150 and 250 words); the updated TOEFL iBT takes under two hours, is fully computer-based with recorded speaking, adaptive Reading and Listening, and shorter writing tasks. TOEFL ITP is a separate institutional test used for placement and progress.

Updated 26 October 2026 · Trestle editorial team, Qoodly

Key takeaways

Requirement first: some institutions accept only one, or set section minimums.
Prefer talking to a person? IELTS. Prefer a shorter, computer-only test? TOEFL iBT.
IELTS bands 0–9; TOEFL iBT bands 1–6 (with a 0–120 equivalent for two years).

Side by side

	IELTS	TOEFL iBT (2026)
Length	About 2 h 45 min	Under 2 hours
Sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking
Speaking	Face to face with an examiner, 11–14 min	Recorded on computer: Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview (about 8 min)
Writing	Task 1 (150+ words) and Task 2 essay (250+ words), 60 min	Build a Sentence, 7-min email, 10-min academic discussion
Adaptive	No	Reading and Listening are multistage adaptive
Score	Band 0–9 per skill and overall	Band 1–6 per section and overall
Versions	Academic and General Training	One version

Which is easier?

Neither is easier for everyone. Learners who write long, structured essays well and speak more naturally with a person often prefer IELTS. Learners who are fast at short tasks on a computer and have strong grammar and vocabulary often prefer the updated TOEFL iBT, whose new tasks (Complete the Words, Build a Sentence) reward accuracy.

Score comparison

Both tests align with CEFR. ETS maps TOEFL bands 4–4.5 to B2 and 5–5.5 to C1. Use the IELTS band score calculator and the TOEFL score converter, and always check the exact score your institution lists for each test.

And TOEFL ITP?

TOEFL ITP is a multiple-choice institutional test of listening, grammar and reading (310–677), used by schools and programmes for placement, progress and exit. It is not interchangeable with the TOEFL iBT for most university admissions. See the TOEFL ITP guide.

Questions

Is IELTS or TOEFL better?

Neither is better in general. Choose the test your institution accepts, then the format that suits you: IELTS for face-to-face speaking and longer essays, TOEFL iBT for a shorter, computer-based test.

Which is shorter, IELTS or TOEFL?

The updated TOEFL iBT takes under two hours; IELTS takes about 2 hours 45 minutes.

Can I prepare for IELTS and TOEFL at the same time?

The core skills overlap (reading, listening, vocabulary, grammar), but the task types differ. Pick one test and practise its specific question types.

Is there one app for IELTS, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP?

Trestle (iPhone and iPad) has separate plans for IELTS, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP, built from your target score and test date, with exam-style practice and explanations.

Sources

Formats and scores can change. Confirm the details for your test date with the test maker before you book.

Trestle is independent practice by Qoodly. It is not affiliated with, endorsed or approved by ETS or the IELTS partners. TOEFL, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP are registered trademarks of ETS. IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.