TOEFL or IELTS in 2026: which test should you take?
Both tests are accepted by most universities and for Australian visas, so choose the one that suits you. The new TOEFL iBT is shorter (about 90 minutes), fully on computer, adaptive in Reading and Listening, and has many short tasks with recorded Speaking. IELTS takes about 2 hours 45 minutes, has longer texts and essays, and Speaking is a face-to-face interview. People who prefer quick tasks and typing often like TOEFL; people who prefer talking to a person often like IELTS.
At AIL we prepare students for both tests, and we get this question every week. There's no "easier" test, but there is often a better fit.
Side by side
| TOEFL iBT (2026) | IELTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 1.5 hours | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Format | Computer only (test centre or home edition) | Computer or paper at a test centre, or IELTS Online |
| Reading and Listening | Adaptive: second module depends on the first | Fixed, 40 questions each |
| Reading texts | Many short texts plus one academic passage | Three long passages |
| Writing | Build a Sentence, a short email, an academic discussion post | A report or letter (150 words) and an essay (250 words) |
| Speaking | Recorded: repeat sentences, answer 4 interview questions | Face-to-face interview with an examiner |
| Scores | 1–6 per section and overall | Bands 0–9 per section and overall |
| Results | Usually within a few days | Usually 1–5 days on computer |
Who tends to prefer TOEFL
- People who type quickly and are comfortable on computers.
- People who find long essays and long reading passages tiring. The new TOEFL's longest writing task is around 100–150 words.
- People who get nervous speaking to an examiner. TOEFL Speaking is recorded, with no one in the room.
- People applying mainly to North American universities, where TOEFL has a long history.
Who tends to prefer IELTS
- People who speak better in a natural conversation than into a microphone.
- People who like time to plan a longer piece of writing.
- People who want to take the test on paper.
- People applying for professional registration in Australia, where some bodies list only IELTS or a short list of tests. Check first.
Find out where you are todayTry a free TOEFL iBT style practice in any skill, then sit a full timed practice test with 1–6 scores in minutes.
Start free practiceAustralian visas
Both IELTS and TOEFL iBT are approved for Australian visa purposes, with two conditions for TOEFL: you must sit it at a test centre (the Home Edition isn't accepted), and you must select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when you register. See TOEFL for Australia.
Comparing scores
There's no official one-to-one conversion between IELTS bands and the new TOEFL scale. Both tests line up with CEFR, which gives a rough guide:
| CEFR | TOEFL (1–6) | IELTS (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | 6 | 8.5–9 |
| C1 | 5–5.5 | 7–8 |
| B2 | 4–4.5 | 5.5–6.5 |
| B1 | 3–3.5 | 4–5 |
Treat this as an approximation. Institutions set their own equivalents.
A practical way to decide
- Check every institution you're applying to and confirm they accept both.
- Try a short free practice of each. Notice which one feels more natural, especially Speaking and Writing.
- Look at test dates near you. A test you can sit in two weeks may beat a "better" test in two months.
At AIL you can try free practice sections for both on our TOEFL iBT style practice test and IELTS practice test sites with the same account.
Check one discussion post freePaste your writing and get an estimated 0–5 score with corrections in about 30 seconds. No account needed.
Check my writingQuestions people also ask
Is TOEFL easier than IELTS?
Neither is easier overall. TOEFL is shorter and uses many short tasks; IELTS uses longer texts and a face-to-face Speaking test. Many people score better on the format that suits them.
Does Australia accept TOEFL for visas?
Yes. TOEFL iBT taken at a test centre is approved, but you must select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when you register. The Home Edition is not accepted.
Is TOEFL Speaking done with an examiner?
No. TOEFL Speaking is recorded on the computer. IELTS Speaking is a face-to-face interview.
How do TOEFL 1–6 scores compare to IELTS bands?
There is no official conversion, but both align with CEFR. Roughly, TOEFL 5–5.5 is C1, similar to IELTS 7–8, and TOEFL 4–4.5 is B2, similar to IELTS 5.5–6.5.