Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS can feel like a tough decision. Both exams measure your English language proficiency, but the better choice would depend on your strengths, goals, and preferred test style. While some would consider TOEFL’s academic and computer-based format more straightforward, others consider IELTS easier, as it has a conversational speaking test and a flexible structure.
When comparing TOEFL scores to IELTS scores, it’s essential to understand how each exam evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Universities across the globe accept both exams, so your choice would come down to test format, difficulty level, and scoring. In this TOEFL and IELTS comparison, we shall help you figure out IELTS vs TOEFL, which is easier and aligns with your career aspirations.
IELTS and TOEFL assess Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills. However, their test structures, scoring systems, and formats vary significantly.
The most significant differences between TOEFL and IELTS are in the test format and mode of delivery. TOEFL is computer-based (TOEFL iBT), whereas IELTS offers computer-based and paper-based options.
| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL |
| No. of Universities Accepting | As of 2025, it has been accepted by over 12,500 organizations in 140+ countries. | As of 2025, accepted by 13,000+ institutions in 160 countries |
| Test-Format | Computer-based and Paper-based | Internet-based (TOEFL iBT) |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Organizer | IELTS IDP India | ETS |
| Exam Fee | INR 17,000 | INR 16,900 |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | 2 hours |
| Score Range | 0-9 Band (each section scored 0-9) | 0-120 (each section scored 30) |
| Popularity | Preferred in Canada, the UK, and Australia | Popular in the USA, New Zealand, UK, and Canada |
| Test Modules | Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking | Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking |
Testing style is the main difference between IELTS and TOEFL. TOEFL follows an entirely computer-based approach, while IELTS provides a more flexible paper-based and computer-based format, allowing students to choose what suits them best.
Understanding the IELTS vs. TOEFL exam structure is crucial before deciding which test best suits your skills and comfort level. In IELTS, the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. In contrast, TOEFL requires candidates to record their spoken responses, which AI and human raters can then evaluate.
Below is a detailed TOEFL and IELTS comparison of each section to help you decide which format is better for you:
| Section | IELTS | TOEFL |
| Reading | 3 long passages
40 questions 60 minutes Includes various questions like gap-fill, matching, labeling, and others. |
2 academic passages of about 700 words
20 questions 35 minutes Questions are multiple-choice and academic in tone. |
| Listening | 4 recorded conversations and monologues
40 questions 30 minutes It features multiple question types to assess tone, detail, and opinion understanding. |
3 lectures and two conversations
28 questions 36 minutes Includes academic lectures and campus conversations with multiple-choice questions. |
| Speaking | Conducted face-to-face with an examiner, three tasks (11-14 minutes). A short introduction, a response to the visual prompt, and an extended discussion. | Conducted online via a microphone
4 tasks ( 20 minutes) Includes 1 Independent Task, which requires listening and speaking skills. |
| Writing | Task 1: Describe or interpret data from a graph, chart, or diagram (150 words).
Task 2: Write an argumentative essay (250 words). 60 minutes total. |
Task 1: Summarize information listening passage (Integrated Writing)
Task 2: Write an opinion-based essay (Independent Writing) 30 minutes in total. |
| Degree Level | Minimum IELTS Score | Minimum TOEFL Score (iBT) |
| Undergraduate Programs | Overall Band Score of 6.0 | Minimum Score of 70 |
| Postgraduate Programs | Overall Band Score of 7.0 | Minimum Score of 80 |
Regarding IELTS vs. TOEFL, it is easier to decide depending on an individual’s comfort level and preferred exam style. The TOEFL is more manageable if you are confident with typing, computer-based tests, and multiple-choice questions. However, IELTS could be better if you prefer varied question types and direct human interactions.
In several discussions across Reddit, around 80% of test-takers shared that they found the IELTS exam easier than the TOEFL. The TOEFL is entirely computer-based and focuses primarily on multiple-choice questions, making it ideal for students comfortable with digital assessment. On the other hand, IELTS provides both paper-based and computer-based options and includes a face-to-face speaking test with an examiner. In short, the difficulty of TOEFL vs IELTS depends on your strengths, learning styles, and your comfort with the test’s format.
Most universities worldwide accept an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.5 or a TOEFL iBT score between 80 and 100 when comparing scores. Let us learn more:
| IELTS Band Score | Equivalent TOEFL iBT score |
| 9.0 | 118-120 |
| 8.5 | 115-117 |
| 8.0 | 110-114 |
| 7.5 | 102-109 |
| 7.0 | 94-101 |
| 6.5 | 79-93 |
| 6.0 | 60-78 |
| 5.5 | 46-59 |
| 5.0 | 35-45 |
| 4.5 | 32-34 |
| 0-4.0 | 0-31 |
| Exam | Cost in India | Duration | Mode |
| IELTS | ₹ 17,000 | 2 hours 45 minutes | Paper-based and Computer based |
| TOEFL | ₹ 16,900 | 1 hour 56 minutes | Internet-based (TOEFL iBT) |
Deciding between IELTS and TOEFL depends on individual choices, preferred test format, and admission requirements. Both exams are respected equally.
It depends on your strengths—TOEFL suits computer-based test-takers, while IELTS feels easier for conversational and paper-based preferences.
An IELTS score of 7.5 is equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score between 102 and 109.
Yes, an IELTS band score of 6.5 approximately equals a TOEFL score range of 79 to 93.
No, you only need one test—universities accept either the IELTS or the TOEFL as valid proof of English proficiency.
TOEFL follows American English conventions, while IELTS includes British and international English usage in its questions and accents.
Both cost nearly the exact—IELTS costs ₹17,000, while TOEFL costs around ₹16,900 in India (as of 2025).
Most US universities traditionally prefer TOEFL, but now almost all institutions also accept IELTS for admissions equally.
IELTS is more popular globally because it’s offered in more countries, includes face-to-face speaking, and offers paper-based testing options.
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