TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Test is Easier to Take?

Even though the IELTS and TOEFL assess the same four competencies—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—they differ regarding grading methods, test duration, pricing, and institutional acceptance.

Here is the table for a complete comparison of both IELTS and TOEFL:

Neither the TOEFL nor the IELTS stands out as the simpler option. The difficulty of each test is a matter of perspective, depending primarily on a student's cognitive style, response methodology, and ease with academic English.

Review these factors to help you determine which exam will present fewer challenges for you:

• Question Style: The IELTS incorporates various open-ended question formats where candidates must grasp the meaning and compose their own responses. Conversely, the TOEFL mainly utilizes multiple-choice questions, where difficulty arises from selecting the correct choice among closely related alternatives.
• Academic Language Level: The reading and listening portions of the TOEFL employ advanced academic vocabulary, which might prove difficult for students unaccustomed to university lectures. The IELTS relies more on general English, though it still demands a strong grasp of context.
• Answer Strategy: The IELTS calls for meticulous attention to detail, as minor grammar or spelling errors can negatively impact scores. The TOEFL demands solid logical thinking and robust analytical skills.
• Accent Exposure: The IELTS incorporates various regional English accents, which could pose a hurdle for test-takers who are not used to them. The TOEFL focuses primarily on American English, making it simpler for students already familiar with that variant.

The IELTS and TOEFL differ in test duration, question formats, and how each section is administered. The IELTS takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, whereas the TOEFL runs for roughly 2 hours.

Reading Section

• IELTS: 60 minutes featuring question types such as sentence completion, matching headings, short answers, and true/false/not given.
• TOEFL: 35 minutes comprising 20 multiple-choice questions based on academic texts.

Listening Section

• IELTS: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes for answer transfer during paper-based exams) featuring multiple accents and tasks like form completion, matching, and multiple choice.
• TOEFL: 36 minutes featuring lectures and dialogues, predominantly in American accents, followed by multiple-choice questions.

Speaking Section

• IELTS: 11 to 14 minutes administered as an in-person conversation with an examiner, incorporating short questions, a cue card assignment, and a discussion.
• TOEFL: 16 minutes, during which answers are recorded via computer across 4 speaking prompts.

Writing Section

• IELTS: 60 minutes consisting of two tasks: writing an essay and drafting a letter or report.
• TOEFL: 29 minutes featuring one integrated task (combining reading, listening, and writing) alongside one independent essay, both completed on a computer.

Although both the IELTS and TOEFL evaluate identical English proficiencies, they diverge in how candidates are expected to think, analyze data, and select answers within each part.

Reading

• IELTS: 3 lengthy texts containing a combined 40 questions, utilizing formats like matching headings, sentence completion, and true/false/not given. Candidates must comprehend the precise meaning and formulate responses in their own words.
• TOEFL: 3 to 4 academic passages paired with about 30 to 40 multiple-choice questions. Test-takers are evaluated on analytical comprehension and reasoning.

Listening

• IELTS: 4 audio tracks with 40 questions, where examinees listen for precise details such as numbers, names, and core facts to write brief answers.
• TOEFL: 3 to 4 lectures and 2 to 3 conversations accompanied by around 39 questions, testing main concepts, purpose, and logic, mostly via multiple-choice questions.

Speaking

• IELTS: A 3-segment in-person interview where examinees address personal inquiries, talk about a designated subject, and converse naturally. It assesses clarity, fluency, and the ability to articulate thoughts.
• TOEFL: 4 speaking assignments, encompassing independent and integrated prompts, where candidates must swiftly organize ideas and deliver organized responses derived from reading and listening materials.

Writing

• IELTS: 2 assignments where test-takers summarize data or draft a letter, followed by an opinion-focused essay. It measures logical progression, clarity, and language proficiency.
• TOEFL: 2 assignments requiring an academic essay and an integrated response merging reading and listening information. It measures structural coherence, reasoning, and synthesis of details.

Comparing the fees for the IELTS and TOEFL exams in India shows that both tests are priced similarly, with only a minor variance in total expenses. The IELTS costs approximately ₹17,000 depending on the test format, while the TOEFL iBT is set at ₹18,000, with extra fees applicable for optional services.

Here is a table for you to compare the costs for both exams:

Recommendation: Review the TOEFL Exam Fee 2026 prior to scheduling your exam to understand the precise testing costs and additional service charges.

IELTS grades span from 0 to 9 bands, whereas TOEFL results fall between 0 and 120 points. Although the grading scales differ significantly, grasping how these scores correlate is essential. For instance, an IELTS band of 6.5-7.0 typically corresponds to a TOEFL score ranging from 79 to 101.

Review the comparison table below to gain further insight into the score brackets for both tests:

Recommendation: Explore our IELTS Exam Syllabus 2026 to get a clear picture of the content tested in each section of the examination.

The majority of academic institutions establish baseline scores determined by the degree level and field of study rather than your preferred examination. Generally, undergraduate and postgraduate programs expect IELTS prerequisites of 6.0 to 7.0 bands, alongside TOEFL demands spanning from 70 to 100 points.

To provide more specific guidance, you can target the following score minimums for both the IELTS and TOEFL:

• Undergraduate programs: 6.0 IELTS/60-78 TOEFL
• Postgraduate programs: 7.0 IELTS/94-101 TOEFL

Institutions across the majority of English-speaking nations generally request IELTS results from 6.0 to 7.5 or TOEFL marks between 80 and 100. Keep in mind that specific regions favor particular tests; for example, the USA tends to lean toward the TOEFL, whereas the UK, Canada, and Australia show a stronger preference for the IELTS.

Should you excel at crafting brief or elaborate responses, quickly skimming extensive passages to locate precise details, and expressing concepts fluently in your own words, the IELTS could be the ideal fit. It is well-suited for candidates who demonstrate strength in linking concepts, rewording sentences, and speaking naturally without depending on multiple-choice options.

Conversely, the TOEFL represents an excellent option if you thrive on academic-style reasoning, such as processing lectures, jotting down notes swiftly, and identifying correct responses by ruling out incorrect choices. It fits applicants who feel at ease with structured inquiries, strict time limits, and typing responses rather than writing by hand.