IELTS Basics
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE
IELTS, TOEFL and PTE all prove English ability, but they differ in format, scoring and how Speaking is assessed. This lesson compares them so you can pick the test that best suits your strengths.
Quick comparison
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score range | 0–9 bands | 0–120 | 10–90 |
| Speaking | With a human examiner | Recorded to a computer | Recorded to a computer |
| Scoring | Human examiners | Human + AI | AI (automated) |
| Results | 3–13 days | 4–8 days | 2–5 days |
| English style | British + international | American | International |
Which should you choose?
- Prefer a real conversation? IELTS Speaking is face-to-face with an examiner.
- Comfortable speaking to a microphone and want fast AI scoring? Consider PTE.
- Applying mainly to US universities that favour American English? TOEFL may suit you.
- Need the widest global acceptance for study and migration? IELTS is accepted almost everywhere.
Always check what your target university or visa route accepts first, then choose the test that matches your Speaking comfort — human examiner (IELTS) vs microphone (TOEFL/PTE).
Test yourself with our free IELTS practice questions and instant scoring.
Take test →Frequently Asked Questions
Is IELTS easier than TOEFL?+
Neither is objectively easier. IELTS uses a human Speaking examiner and shorter tasks; TOEFL is fully on-screen with longer integrated tasks. Choose based on your comfort with each format.
Do all universities accept IELTS?+
IELTS has the broadest acceptance of the three, recognised by more than 11,000 organisations worldwide, including most universities that also accept TOEFL or PTE.