TOEFL vs IELTS: both are accepted by most universities in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, so the deciding factor is usually format, not acceptance. Choose TOEFL iBT if you are applying mainly to US universities and are comfortable speaking into a microphone. Choose IELTS if you want a face-to-face speaking interview, need the score for the UK, Australia or migration, or prefer paper delivery.

Key takeaways

• Acceptance overlaps heavily for university admission. Visa rules are where they differ.
• The biggest practical difference is Speaking: TOEFL records you, while IELTS uses a live examiner.
• TOEFL moved to a CEFR-aligned 1–6 scale in January 2026; IELTS uses bands 0–9.
• Fees are similar. Results are generally faster for computer-delivered IELTS than paper IELTS.

TOEFL vs IELTS at a glance

	TOEFL iBT	IELTS Academic
Run by	ETS (US)	British Council, IDP, Cambridge
Delivery	Computer (test centre or Home Edition)	Paper or computer at a centre; IELTS Online in some countries
Speaking	Recorded responses, scored later	Live 11–14 minute interview with an examiner
Reading & Listening	Adaptive since January 2026	Fixed-form
Scores	1–6 per section and overall (0–120 also shown during the transition)	Band 0–9 per skill and overall
Fee	about US$190–330	about US$215–310
Typical strength	US and Canadian universities	UK, Australia, NZ, Canada, professional registration, migration

Where the tests really differ

Speaking: microphone or person?

This is the decision for most people. In TOEFL you speak to a computer for short, timed responses. In IELTS you have a conversation with an examiner who asks follow-up questions. People who freeze when talking to a stranger often prefer TOEFL; people who need a human reaction to feel fluent often prefer IELTS.

Reading and Listening: adaptive or fixed?

TOEFL’s Reading and Listening now adapt to your performance. IELTS uses the same paper for everyone. Adaptive tests can feel uneven, because difficulty rises if you are doing well. If that would rattle you, factor it in.

Writing: on screen versus choice

TOEFL Writing is typed. IELTS lets you choose paper or computer in most countries. If your handwriting is slow, or your typing is, choose accordingly. Either way, test writing is short and timed, unlike university assignments; academic writing skills for university covers that next step.

Scores: two different scales

TOEFL now reports 1–6, mapped directly to CEFR (see the new TOEFL score scale). IELTS reports bands from 0 to 9. To compare them, use CEFR levels or the official concordance tables, never a random conversion chart.

Which one for your destination?

• United States: both accepted almost everywhere; TOEFL is the traditional default.
• United Kingdom: both widely accepted for admission. For visas that require a SELT, use an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI.
• Australia and New Zealand: IELTS is the most widely accepted; PTE is a strong alternative (see PTE vs IELTS for Australia).
• Canada: both are accepted by universities, but immigration uses separate designated tests.
• Europe and Asia: both widely accepted for English-taught degrees. Check each institution.

A quick self-test to decide

Answer honestly:

1. Do I speak better with a person in front of me? → IELTS
2. Am I applying mostly to US universities? → TOEFL
3. Do I need the score for a UK, Australian or NZ visa too? → IELTS (check the exact version)
4. Am I a fast, accurate typist who prefers computer tasks? → TOEFL

If your answers split, take one free official practice test of each and compare how you felt, not only how you scored.

Preparing for either test

For IELTS, Tutopiya already has a large library of skill guides; start with the one-month IELTS preparation plan. For TOEFL, make sure your materials reflect the 2026 format.

Tutopiya is also planning live, mentor-led TOEFL and IELTS preparation cohorts with marked writing and speaking practice. They are not running yet; register interest in TOEFL or IELTS prep and you will hear first if a cohort opens. Nothing is charged. For the full four-test comparison, see Which English test should I take?

Sources

• ETS TOEFL iBT
• IELTS official site
• GOV.UK: approved English language tests

Frequently asked questions

Is TOEFL easier than IELTS? +

Neither is objectively easier. TOEFL suits people comfortable with on-screen academic English and recorded speaking. IELTS suits people who prefer a face-to-face speaking interview and a choice of paper or computer delivery. The easier test is the one whose format matches your strengths.

Do US universities accept IELTS? +

Most US universities accept IELTS Academic as well as TOEFL iBT. A small number state a preference, so check each university's international admissions page.

Do UK universities accept TOEFL? +

Many UK universities accept TOEFL iBT for admission. UK visa routes that require a Secure English Language Test have their own approved list, so check GOV.UK if your visa depends on the score.

Which is cheaper, TOEFL or IELTS? +

They cost broadly similar amounts, roughly US$190 to US$330, depending on the country. Check the local fee on the official site before deciding on price.

Founding cohorts · nothing charged

Want to learn this live, with a mentor?

Tutopiya is planning small, mentor-led online cohorts in English test prep, data & AI, business & finance and digital careers. Tell us which one you want. The programmes with the most interest open first, and the people on the waitlist hear about them first.

See the planned programmes