Is the Duolingo English Test as good as TOEFL?

For accepted schools, a strong Duolingo score can serve the same purpose as TOEFL at a fraction of the cost and time. The catch is acceptance: TOEFL is recognized far more widely, so the Duolingo test is only 'as good' if your specific programs accept it.

What Duolingo score equals TOEFL 100?

A TOEFL iBT total of 100 is roughly equivalent to a Duolingo score of about 120–125. These conversions are approximate, because the tests are scored very differently; always check the exact scores your institution requires.

Do universities accept Duolingo instead of TOEFL?

Thousands do, and the number is growing, but acceptance is still narrower than TOEFL, especially for graduate and professional programs. Check each program's list of accepted tests before deciding to save money with Duolingo.

Which is easier, TOEFL or Duolingo?

Duolingo is shorter and adaptive, which some find less stressful, but its adaptive questions can feel unpredictable. TOEFL is longer and more academic. Difficulty depends on your strengths, so use free practice for both before choosing.

Can I use Duolingo for immigration?

Usually not. Immigration systems generally rely on IELTS or, in some cases, TOEFL. If your goal is a visa rather than study, do not plan on Duolingo unless the specific authority explicitly accepts it.

Exam Comparison

TOEFL iBT vs Duolingo English Test

TOEFL iBT vs Duolingo English Test: cost, acceptance, and which to take

Quick verdict

Convert your score instantly →

TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test (DET) both run on a computer, but they differ sharply in cost, length, and acceptance. TOEFL iBT is about two hours, costs around $240, scores 0–120, and is accepted almost everywhere for academic study. The Duolingo English Test is roughly one hour, costs about $65, scores 10–160, and can be taken at home on demand, but its acceptance, while growing fast, is still narrower than TOEFL and it is rarely accepted for immigration. If budget and speed matter most and your target schools accept it, DET is attractive; if you need the widest acceptance and a traditional academic format, TOEFL is safer.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	TOEFL iBT	Duolingo English Test
Test format	Computer, at a test center or at home	Computer, at home on demand
Duration	About 2 hours	About 1 hour
Cost	~$240 USD	~$65 USD
Scoring scale	0–120 total (four 0–30 sections)	10–160 (adaptive)
Skills tested	Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing separately	Adaptive mix of literacy, comprehension, conversation, production
Speaking format	Recorded responses, 4 tasks	Recorded responses, adaptive prompts
Results time	4–8 days	About 2 days
Acceptance	12,000+ institutions, very broad	5,000+ institutions, growing but narrower
Immigration use	Some academic pathways	Rarely accepted
Validity	2 years	2 years

Score Conversion Table

TOEFL iBT	Duolingo English Test	CEFR
118-120	155-160	C2
110-117	140-150	C1-C2
102-109	125-135	C1
94-101	120-125	B2-C1
79-93	105-115	B2
60-78	90-100	B2
46-59	80-85	B1
35-45	70-75	B1

Score conversions are approximate. Check your institution for official equivalency tables.

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Which Should You Choose?

You are on a tight budget

Duolingo

At around $65, the DET costs roughly a quarter of TOEFL

You need results fast

Duolingo

DET can be taken at home on demand with results in about two days

You need the widest acceptance

TOEFL

TOEFL is accepted by far more institutions and programs, especially at graduate level

Your target school lists only TOEFL/IELTS

TOEFL

Many programs still do not accept Duolingo; always confirm before choosing it

You want a traditional academic test experience

TOEFL

TOEFL mirrors real university tasks with longer reading, listening, and integrated writing

You need a test for immigration

TOEFL

Duolingo is rarely accepted for immigration, whereas TOEFL has some academic pathways

TOEFL iBT Pros & Cons

Accepted by more institutions, including competitive graduate programs

Traditional academic format that mirrors real university tasks

Detailed section scores show your strengths and weaknesses

Recognized and understood by admissions offices worldwide

Roughly four times the cost of the Duolingo test

Longer test and often requires a test-center booking

Results take longer than Duolingo's ~2 days

Duolingo English Test Pros & Cons

Much cheaper (about $65) and bookable on demand from home

Only about an hour long with results in roughly two days

Adaptive format adjusts difficulty to your level

Convenient for applicants who need a fast, low-cost score

Narrower acceptance; many programs still do not take it

Rarely accepted for immigration purposes

At-home format and adaptive scoring feel less familiar

Single total score gives less diagnostic detail than TOEFL sections

Frequently Asked Questions

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