Exam Comparison
IELTS vs Duolingo English Test
IELTS vs Duolingo English Test — a complete comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
The Duolingo English Test (DET) emerged as a major alternative to IELTS during the pandemic and has maintained its popularity. It is shorter (1 hour), cheaper (~$65), and can be taken from home.
Convert your score instantly →The Duolingo English Test (DET) emerged as a major alternative to IELTS during the pandemic and has maintained its popularity. It is shorter (1 hour), cheaper (~$65), and can be taken from home. However, it is not accepted for immigration and has narrower acceptance for academic purposes. IELTS remains the gold standard for both immigration and academic admission.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | IELTS | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|
| Test format | Paper or computer at test center | Online from home |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | About 1 hour |
| Cost | ~$250 USD | ~$65 USD |
| Scoring scale | Band 1-9 | 10-160 |
| Results time | 3-13 days | 2 days |
| Immigration accepted | Yes (AU, CA, NZ, UK) | No |
| University acceptance | 11,000+ institutions | 5,000+ institutions |
| Speaking format | Face-to-face examiner | Video interview (AI + human review) |
| Retake waiting period | None (computer) | 21 days |
| Test location | Authorized test center | Any computer with webcam |
Score Conversion Table
| IELTS | Duolingo English Test | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5-9.0 | 145-160 | C2 |
| 7.5-8.0 | 125-140 | C1 |
| 6.5-7.0 | 105-120 | B2 |
| 5.5-6.0 | 85-100 | B1-B2 |
| 4.5-5.0 | 65-80 | B1 |
Score conversions are approximate. Check your institution for official equivalency tables.
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Which Should You Choose?
You need the score for immigration
DET is not accepted for any immigration program
Budget is tight
DET costs ~$65 vs ~$250 for IELTS — significantly cheaper
No test center nearby
DET can be taken from home on any computer
Applying to competitive programs
IELTS is universally accepted; some programs still do not accept DET
You need results quickly and cheaply
DET gives results in 2 days and costs a fraction of IELTS
Professional registration required
No professional body accepts DET for registration
IELTS Pros & Cons
Duolingo English Test Pros & Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
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