Is IELTS Buddy completely free?

Most IELTS Buddy content is free. They offer some paid materials but the majority of the site is accessible without payment. Similarly, all IELTS 9 tools and study guides are free.

Is IELTS Buddy up to date?

IELTS Buddy has been running for many years and some content may not reflect the latest 2026 IELTS changes. IELTS 9 study guides are specifically updated for the 2026 test format.

Can I use both IELTS Buddy and IELTS 9?

Yes. Use IELTS Buddy for sample essays and model answers, and IELTS 9 for interactive tools, AI feedback, and up-to-date study guides.

Does IELTS Buddy have an app?

No, IELTS Buddy is a website only. IELTS 9 offers AI feedback on the web and a native iOS app.

2026 Comparison

Best IELTS Buddy Alternative for IELTS Prep

Comparing IELTS Buddy and IELTS 9 for free IELTS preparation

3-day free trial · cancel anytime

Try IELTS 9 free — all 4 skills, one platform →3-day free trial · no card to start · set up in 60 seconds

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Examiner-grade AI feedback in 60 seconds · Cancel anytime

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Why Students Switch from IELTS Buddy to IELTS 9

AI feedback on your actual work

IELTS Buddy shows sample essays. IELTS 9 analyzes your essay and tells you your specific band scores, mistakes, and how to improve.

Interactive tools, not just articles

IELTS Buddy is a static website. IELTS 9 gives you 11 interactive tools, calculate your score, time your speaking, test your reading speed, generate essay topics.

Up to date for 2026

IELTS Buddy content may not reflect the latest 2026 test changes. IELTS 9 guides are specifically updated for the new question formats, scoring criteria, and test structure.

The Verdict: IELTS Buddy vs IELTS 9

IELTS Buddy

Extensive free content covering all four IELTS sections.
Large collection of sample essays with examiner-style feedback.

IELTS 9

Band scores in about 60 seconds — all 4 skills, graded against the official descriptors
Line-by-line inline corrections + an improved model version of every essay
Per-criterion breakdown for Writing & Speaking — strengths, fixes & pronunciation notes
11 free tools, no sign-up — band calculator + IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo score converters
45+ study guides + score pages for 19 countries & 10 professions
Native iOS app · Academic & General Training · full timed mock test

IELTS Buddy is a long-running free IELTS resource website with sample essays, practice questions, and tips. It is one of the most comprehensive free IELTS websites available. IELTS 9 offers interactive tools and AI feedback where IELTS Buddy focuses on static educational content.

IELTS Buddy vs IELTS 9: Feature Comparison

Feature	IELTS Buddy	IELTS 9
Interactive tools	None	11 free tools
AI feedback	No	AI Writing + Speaking (web + iOS)
Mobile app	No	Web + iOS app
Free content	Extensive blog	Tools + 28 guides
Sample essays	Large collection	In study guides
Platform	Web	Web + iOS app
Updated for 2026	Partially	Yes

What you only get with IELTS 9

Band scores in about 60 seconds — on all four skills, graded against the official descriptors
Line-by-line inline corrections plus an improved model version of your essay
Per-criterion feedback for Writing and Speaking, with strengths, fixes, and pronunciation notes
11 free tools with no sign-up, including IELTS ↔ TOEFL ↔ PTE ↔ Duolingo score converters
A full timed mock test and a native iOS app
Academic and General Training, with score targets for 19 countries and 10 professions

Reach your target band with IELTS 9

Personalized daily plan, examiner-grade feedback in 60 seconds. 7-day money-back guarantee.

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What IELTS Buddy Does Well

Extensive free content covering all four IELTS sections.
Large collection of sample essays with examiner-style feedback.

Where IELTS Buddy Falls Short

No interactive tools, no calculators, converters, or timers.
No AI or human feedback on your own work.
Website design is dated and navigation can be confusing.
No mobile app.
Content has not been updated for the 2026 IELTS changes.

Who Should Use IELTS Buddy vs IELTS 9?

Choose IELTS Buddy if...

→You want a large library of sample essays to study.
→You prefer reading static educational content.
→You want to see many examples of different essay types.

Choose IELTS 9 if...

→You want interactive tools to calculate and practice.
→You want AI feedback on your own Writing and Speaking.
→You want content updated for the 2026 IELTS format.
→You want a mobile app for daily practice.

How to Switch from IELTS Buddy to IELTS 9

Try the free tools

Use the band calculator, score converters, and other tools at ielts9.io/tools, no sign-up needed.

Get AI feedback on your Writing

Submit a Writing Task 2 essay at ielts9.io/writing and get instant band score estimates with corrections.

Explore the study guides

Read 28+ expert guides covering all four IELTS sections, scoring criteria, and 2026 test changes.

Download the iOS app

Get the IELTS 9 app for Writing and Speaking practice on the go with the same AI-powered feedback.

IELTS Score Requirements by Goal

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about switching from IELTS Buddy?

Try IELTS 9 free, no signup needed for your first evaluation. Get detailed AI feedback scored against official IELTS band descriptors.

Get your free plan

Try Pro FREE for 3 days

Examiner-grade AI feedback in 60 seconds · Cancel anytime

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IELTS.gg vs IELTS 9

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