IELTS vs TOEFL Which is Easier? Latest Experts Guide 2025

Understanding the IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier? It is really important for candidates who are preparing for the 2025 exams. It can be a bit challenging when it comes to choosing between TOEFL and IELTS, so proper understanding is a must. Both exams are accepted for study abroad, work, or migration and are globally recognised too. Yes, both exams differ in paper format, requirements of skills and documents, and structure. This guide on the IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier? It will help candidates to ease their exam preparation, which suits their goals.

Latest Facts & News (2025) 

• In 2025, over 13,000 institutions in 160+ countries accept TOEFL scores, while IELTS is recognised by 12,500+ organisations in 140+ countries.

• 80% of recent test-takers in global forums consider IELTS easier than TOEFL, especially for the reading and speaking sections.

• PTE is rising in popularity and is now considered the easiest by many, especially for those comfortable with computer-based tests.

• IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based options, while TOEFL and PTE are fully computer-based.

• IELTS Speaking is conducted face-to-face with an examiner; TOEFL and PTE Speaking are recorded and evaluated digitally.

• The average duration: IELTS – 2 hours 45 minutes, TOEFL – 2 hours, PTE – 2 hours 15 minutes.

• TOEFL is preferred by US institutions; IELTS is widely accepted in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

• IELTS Reading uses a mix of texts from magazines, books, and newspapers, making it more relatable for many candidates.

• TOEFL Reading is based on academic passages, often perceived as more challenging due to complex vocabulary.

• PTE offers the fastest result turnaround, often within 48 hours.

Also Read: IELTS Score for Germany: Work & Study Requirements

Understanding IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Which Is Easier? An Overview

When it comes to proving English language proficiency for international education, employment, or immigration, IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier? are the most widely recognised tests. Each exam is accepted globally but varies in format, scoring, and preferred use cases. While IELTS is often favoured by institutions in the UK, Australia, and Canada, TOEFL is commonly preferred in the U.S., and PTE is gaining popularity for its AI-driven evaluation system. All three assess the same four language skills: Listening, reading, writing, and speaking—but in different ways.

Use the quick comparison table below to understand the key differences between IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier?

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Which is Easier? Key Differences & Test Formats

Choosing between IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier? depends on several factors, such as test structure, delivery mode, scoring methods, and personal comfort with human vs. computer evaluation. Below is a comprehensive comparison to help you determine IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE which is easier and more suited to your strengths?

Comparative Table: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Which is Easier?

Also Read: How Many PTE Scores Are Required for a Canada Student Visa? Get the Answers Here!

IELTS vs TOEFL: Section-Wise Difficulty Analysis

To determine “TOEFL vs IELTS which one is easier?” it’s essential to evaluate each skill section individually. Here’s a breakdown of how the tests compare in Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking, based on student feedback and structural design.

Reading Section: Academic vs. Practical Texts

TOEFL vs IELTS which one is easier?

• IELTS Reading features 3 passages that may come from newspapers, journals, advertisements, or books. The texts are a mix of academic and practical content, making it slightly easier for those unfamiliar with heavy academic language.

• TOEFL Reading, on the other hand, consists of 3 to 4 academic texts. All passages are university-level, often sourced from science, humanities, or social studies, which can be more difficult for general readers.

Listening Section: Accent and Format Differences

IELTS vs TOEFL Listening – Difficulty Comparison

• IELTS Listening features conversations and monologues in different English accents (British, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand). The topics cover daily life, educational, and social contexts.

• TOEFL Listening focuses primarily on American English and includes academic lectures, classroom discussions, and student conversations, often with a formal tone.

Format:

• IELTS: 4 sections, 40 questions, ranging from everyday conversations to academic content.

• TOEFL: 3–4 lectures and 2–3 conversations, with questions that test note-taking and comprehension.

Writing Section: Task Types and Word Count

TOEFL vs IELTS which one is easier?

1. IELTS Writing is divided into:

• Task 1: A visual-based report (describing graphs, maps, and processes)—minimum 150 words.
• Task 2: An argumentative or opinion-based essay—minimum 250 words.
• Evaluated entirely by humans.

2. TOEFL Writing includes:

• Task 1: Integrated writing—requires reading a passage and listening to a lecture before writing a ~250-word response.
• Task 2: Independent essay (~300+ words) based on personal opinion.
• Evaluated by both AI and human scorers.

3. PTE Writing tasks are shorter and faster-paced:

• Summarise written texts in a single sentence.
• Write an essay (200–300 words) evaluated by AI.

Speaking Section: Face-to-Face vs. Recorded

IELTS vs TOEFL Speaking—Which Is Easier?

1. IELTS Speaking is a 1-on-1, face-to-face interview with an examiner. The section is 11–14 minutes long and includes:

• Introduction & personal questions
• A short speech on a given topic
• Follow-up discussion with the examiner

2. TOEFL Speaking is done via a microphone. Candidates respond to prompts and academic tasks on the computer. The section includes 4 tasks and is about 17 minutes long.

3. PTE Speaking is fast-paced and fully AI-graded, with tasks such as read aloud, repeat sentence, describe image, and short answer questions.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Which is Easier? (User Perspectives & Statistics)

Deciding which English proficiency test, TOEFL vs IELTS which one is easier? is easier isn’t just about formats and scoring. Real experiences from test-takers, expert opinions, and online discussions reveal useful insights into perceived difficulty. Below, we summarise what thousands of users say across platforms like Reddit, Quora, Yocket, and educational surveys to help answer: " IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE which is easier?"

Reddit Survey – 2025 Thread Highlights

• 56% of users voted IELTS as the easiest, especially praising its speaking section for being more natural and less stressful than speaking into a computer.

• 27% found PTE easier due to its predictable format and fast results.

• 17% preferred TOEFL, citing strong academic alignment for U.S.-bound students.

Statistical Overview from Educational Agencies (2024–2025)

1. A 2024 report by Study International noted:

• IELTS test-takers averaged Band 6.5, with high marks in Speaking.
• TOEFL candidates averaged 88/120, with many struggling in the Speaking section.
• PTE takers averaged 65/90, with consistent performance in Writing and Reading.

2. Top reasons IELTS is considered easier:

• Human examiner during Speaking.
• Familiar vocabulary in Reading & Listening.
• Choice of computer-based or paper-based format.

3. Top reasons TOEFL is considered harder:

• Dense academic texts.
• Integrated Writing and Speaking tasks.
• Fully computer-based and timed tightly.

4. Top reasons PTE is popular among tech-savvy users:

• Shorter duration (approx. 2 hours).
• AI evaluation avoids human bias.
• Rapid result delivery (within 48 hours).

Also Read: IELTS Band Score Table: New Academic & Listening Guide

Choosing the Right Test for Your Goals (Study, Work, Migration)

When deciding between TOEFL vs IELTS which one is easier? your choice should align with your destination country, purpose of the test (study, work, or migration), and personal strengths. Each test has unique features that may better suit specific goals or regions. Here’s how to make the right decision based on your situation in the IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier?

IELTS vs TOEFL Which is Easier?

• IELTS Academic is widely accepted in UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Europe.

• TOEFL iBT is preferred by most universities in the USA and also accepted in Canada and parts of Europe.

• PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of institutions globally and increasingly used in Australia, New Zealand, and some UK universities.

Work and Employment: Which Test Helps You More?

For professional registration or skilled migration pathways, certain tests are more suitable:

• IELTS General Training is the top choice for work visas in Canada, Australia, and the UK.

• TOEFL is less commonly used for work purposes but may be accepted for some U.S. visa programs.

• PTE Academic or PTE Core is accepted for Australian and Canadian work visa applications and offers quicker score processing.

Immigration and Permanent Residency (PR)

IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier? for Immigration— What’s Accepted?

• IELTS General Training is officially approved for immigration to Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.

• TOEFL is generally not accepted for immigration purposes in most countries.

• PTE Core is now accepted by IRCC (Canada) for Express Entry, and PTE Academic is accepted by Australian immigration.

Personal Strengths & Test Preferences

• Choose IELTS if you prefer face-to-face speaking, paper-based tests, or a balance of practical and academic content.

• Choose TOEFL if you're comfortable with academic lectures, American accents, and computer-based exams.

• Choose PTE if you're confident using a keyboard and speaking into a mic and want AI-based scoring with fast results.

IELTS, TOEFL & PTE Fees, Acceptance & Test Changes in 2025: Latest Updates

If you're planning to take an English proficiency test this year, it’s important to stay updated with the latest 2025 changes in fees, acceptance policies, and test formats. Whether you’re comparing IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier?which is easier? This section gives you the key highlights to make an informed decision. 

1. IELTS: INR 21,250 – 22,525

• Applicable to both Academic and General Training formats

• Test fee may vary slightly by test center and mode (paper/computer)

2. TOEFL: INR 20,825 – 22,525

• The fee includes registration and score reporting to selected institutions

• Additional charges may apply for rescheduling or extra score reports

3. PTE Academic: INR 18,700 – 21,250

• May include additional fees for late booking or rescheduling

• Often chosen for its faster result turnaround and AI-based evaluation

Also Read: Vocabulary Words for IELTS: 1000+ Crucial Words & Meanings

Experts Tips to Decide: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Which is Easier?

Choosing the right English proficiency test IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier? can feel overwhelming. But if you evaluate your learning style, test preferences, and visa or university requirements, the decision becomes much clearer. This section provides practical tips and a quick checklist to help answer the common question, “Which English test should I take?”

Checklist to Choose the Right English Test

Use the checklist below to match your strengths and goals with the most suitable exam, IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier?

Based on Your Learning & Test-Taking Style:

• Prefer writing by hand. Choose IELTS (Paper-based option available)

• Comfortable with computers and typing fast. Choose TOEFL or PTE

• Face-to-face conversation. Choose IELTS (Human-speaking test)

• Should be confident talking to a computer. Choose TOEFL or PTE

• Prefer short, quick tasks with minimal waiting time. Choose PTE

Based on Your Destination Country

• United States. TOEFL or IELTS Academic

• United Kingdom. IELTS Academic / PTE Academic

• Canada (Study). IELTS Academic / TOEFL / PTE

• Canada (PR/Immigration). IELTS General / PTE Core

• Australia. IELTS / PTE Academic (both accepted for study, work, PR)

• New Zealand. IELTS/PTE Academic

Based on Evaluation & Scoring Preference:

• Prefer human evaluation for speaking and writing, IELTS, or TOEFL

• Prefer AI-based scoring for consistency and fast results for PTE

Based on Time & Urgency

• Need results within 1–3 days. Choose PTE

• Okay with a 4–8 day wait. TOEFL

• Can wait 5–13 days (depending on paper/computer format). IELTS

Expert Tips to Make Your Decision Easier

• Check your visa or the university’s approved tests before booking. Not all countries accept all formats (e.g., TOEFL isn’t accepted for Canada PR).

• Take official sample tests to see which format feels more natural.

• If you’re not confident in front of a camera, avoid the PTE or TOEFL speaking sections.

• If you want the flexibility of retaking a single section, consider IELTS One Skill Retake (available in many locations).

Also Read: IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay: Structure, Tips & 

Conclusion: IELTS vs TOEFL Which is Easier for You?

In the end, determining of IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier for you? It depends entirely on your personal strengths, preferences, and goals. Each test has its own format, scoring system, and advantages. IELTS is often preferred by those who feel more comfortable with face-to-face speaking, want practical language tasks, and need a paper-based or computer-based option, especially for study or immigration to the UK, Canada, or Australia. TOEFL is ideal for students aiming for U.S. universities and who are confident in academic English and computer-based formats. On the other hand, PTE appeals to tech-savvy candidates who want fast results, AI-based scoring, and a fully digital test experience, commonly chosen for Australia, Canada, and increasingly UK institutions.

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