2026 Comparison

Best IELTS Simon Alternative for IELTS Prep

Comparing IELTS Simon and IELTS 9 for IELTS preparation

Why Students Switch from IELTS Simon to IELTS 9

1

AI scores your essay, not just shows you model answers

IELTS Simon teaches you what good writing looks like. IELTS 9 tells you where your specific essay falls short — with band scores per criterion, corrections, and a rewritten version.

2

Interactive practice tools

IELTS Simon is a read-only blog. IELTS 9 gives you tools to actively practice: time your speaking, generate random topics, calculate your band score, test reading speed.

3

Structured guides vs daily blog posts

IELTS Simon's blog is organized by date, making it hard to follow a preparation path. IELTS 9 guides are organized by section and topic — find exactly what you need.

The Verdict: IELTS Simon vs IELTS 9

IELTS Simon

  • Written by a former IELTS examiner with real marking experience.
  • Daily blog posts covering all aspects of IELTS preparation.
  • Particularly strong Writing advice with model essays and vocabulary.

IELTS 9

  • AI Writing & Speaking feedback on the web — instant band scores
  • 11 free tools — no sign-up, no limits
  • 28+ study guides updated for 2026

IELTS Simon is a popular IELTS blog run by Simon Corcoran, a former IELTS examiner. Like IELTS Liz, his advice carries the weight of real examiner experience. The blog covers all four sections with a particular strength in Writing and Speaking tips. IELTS 9 complements his educational content with interactive tools and AI feedback.

IELTS Simon vs IELTS 9: Feature Comparison

FeatureIELTS SimonIELTS 9
Examiner perspectiveFormer examinerData-driven approach
Free contentExtensive blogTools + 28 guides
Interactive toolsNone11 free tools
AI feedbackNoAI Writing + Speaking (web + iOS)
Writing focusStrong (model essays)AI essay feedback
Mobile appNoWeb + iOS app
PlatformWebWeb + iOS app

Try IELTS 9 Writing Feedback — Free

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What IELTS Simon Does Well

  • Written by a former IELTS examiner with real marking experience.
  • Daily blog posts covering all aspects of IELTS preparation.
  • Particularly strong Writing advice with model essays and vocabulary.
  • Grammar and vocabulary lessons relevant to IELTS scoring criteria.

Where IELTS Simon Falls Short

  • No interactive tools or calculators.
  • No AI feedback — educational content is read-only.
  • Blog format means content can be hard to navigate systematically.
  • No mobile app.

Who Should Use IELTS Simon vs IELTS 9?

Choose IELTS Simon if...

  • You want examiner-perspective advice on IELTS Writing.
  • You enjoy daily blog-style tips and advice.
  • You want model essays and vocabulary lessons.

Choose IELTS 9 if...

  • You want interactive tools for band calculation and practice.
  • You want AI feedback on your own essays.
  • You prefer structured study guides over daily blog posts.
  • You want a mobile app for practice.

How to Switch from IELTS Simon to IELTS 9

1

Try the free tools

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

2

Get AI feedback on your Writing

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

3

Explore the study guides

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

4

Download the iOS app

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about switching from IELTS Simon?

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

9

Get Full AI Feedback in the App

Practice with AI feedback on Writing & Speaking

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How IELTS 9 Compares to Other Tools

Last updated: 2026-03

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any of these organizations. Scoring tables shown are approximate and may vary by test version.