Is TOEFL easier than IELTS?

Neither is objectively easier. TOEFL suits candidates comfortable with computers, typing, and American English, while IELTS suits those who prefer a face-to-face speaking test and varied accents. Your stronger format usually determines your better score, so try sample sections of both.

What is TOEFL 100 in IELTS?

A TOEFL iBT total of 100 corresponds to roughly IELTS 7.0 on the official ETS concordance (the 94–101 band). Use our TOEFL to IELTS converter for the full mapping across all scores.

Do US universities prefer TOEFL over IELTS?

Historically yes, but IELTS acceptance in the US is now nearly universal. Some programs still list TOEFL first or set TOEFL-specific minimums, so check each program's requirements. If a program only names TOEFL, take TOEFL.

Can I use TOEFL for Canadian or Australian immigration?

Generally no. Points-based immigration systems in Canada (Express Entry) and Australia rely on IELTS (and a few approved tests), not TOEFL. If your goal is immigration rather than study, IELTS is the safer choice.

How is TOEFL scored compared to IELTS?

TOEFL totals 0–120 as the sum of four 0–30 sections. IELTS averages four 0–9 band scores into an overall 0–9 band. So TOEFL rewards consistency across sections, while IELTS rounds your average to the nearest half band.

Exam Comparison

TOEFL iBT vs IELTS

TOEFL iBT vs IELTS: which English test should you take in 2026?

Quick verdict

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TOEFL iBT and IELTS are the two most widely accepted English proficiency tests. TOEFL iBT is fully computer-based, scores 0–120 as the sum of four 0–30 sections, and records your speaking into a microphone. IELTS scores each skill on a 0–9 band and offers a face-to-face speaking interview. TOEFL is the traditional choice for US university admissions and uses mainly American English; IELTS dominates the UK, Australia, Canada, and immigration systems. Both are valid for two years and test the same four skills, so the right choice comes down to your destination, your speaking preference, and the score your institution requires.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	TOEFL iBT	IELTS
Test format	Computer only	Paper or computer
Duration	About 2 hours	2 hours 45 minutes
Speaking format	Recorded responses to a microphone	Face-to-face with an examiner
Scoring scale	0–120 total (sum of four 0–30 sections)	Band 1–9 (0.5 increments), average of four
Writing tasks	Integrated (read + listen + write) + Academic Discussion	Graph/letter + essay
Reading questions	MCQ, insert-text, prose-summary (drag)	True/False/NG, matching, gap-fill, MCQ
Listening format	Lectures + campus conversations, can take notes	Play once only, four sections
Accent	Primarily American	British, Australian, American
Results time	4–8 days	3–5 days (computer) / 13 days (paper)
Validity	2 years	2 years
Test fee	~$240 USD	~$250 USD
Immigration use	Limited (not for Canada Express Entry)	Widely accepted for immigration

Score Conversion Table

TOEFL iBT	IELTS	CEFR
118-120	9.0	C2
115-117	8.5	C2
110-114	8.0	C1-C2
102-109	7.5	C1
94-101	7.0	B2-C1
79-93	6.5	B2
60-78	6.0	B2
46-59	5.5	B1
35-45	5.0	B1

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

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Which Should You Choose?

Applying to US universities

TOEFL

TOEFL was built for US admissions and is preferred or expected by many American institutions, though most now accept IELTS too

Applying to UK, Australian, or NZ universities

IELTS

IELTS is the dominant and sometimes required test in these countries

Immigration to Canada or Australia

IELTS

IELTS is standard for points-based immigration; TOEFL is not accepted for Canadian Express Entry

You prefer typing and recorded speaking

TOEFL

TOEFL is fully computer-based and records speaking, which suits test-takers who dislike a live interview

You prefer speaking to a real person

IELTS

IELTS Speaking is a face-to-face conversation that many find more natural

You have a strong American English background

TOEFL

TOEFL uses primarily American accents and academic style

TOEFL iBT Pros & Cons

Fully computer-based with a consistent, predictable interface

Recorded speaking removes live-examiner nerves for some test-takers

Integrated tasks reward real academic skills (read, listen, then respond)

Widely preferred for US university admissions

You can take notes throughout Listening

Speaking into a microphone feels unnatural to many candidates

Rarely accepted for immigration (e.g. not for Canada Express Entry)

Integrated tasks are cognitively demanding and hard to prepare for

Primarily American accents give less exposure to global English

IELTS Pros & Cons

Accepted for both academic study and immigration worldwide

Face-to-face Speaking feels like a natural conversation

Paper option available for those who prefer handwriting

Multiple accents reflect real-world English use

One Skill Retake lets you redo only your weakest section

Listening audio plays only once, with no replay

Speaking depends partly on the human examiner

Paper results take up to 13 days

The 0–9 band scale is less intuitive than a single total for some

Frequently Asked Questions

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