TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Test is Easier to Take?

TOEFL is not easier or tougher than IELTS. The difficulty of both tests depends on personal strengths, comfort with the exam format, and test-taking style.

TOEFL generally feels easier for students who prefer computer-based exams and multiple-choice questions, while IELTS may feel easier for those comfortable with varied question types and face-to-face speaking.

Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL is less about difficulty and more about fit. Both exams test the same four skills, but they differ in structure, question style, and test experience.

Key Highlights:

• The IELTS exam score ranges from 0 to 9 bands, while the TOEFL iBT score ranges from 0 to 120 points.
• The IELTS exam takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, whereas the TOEFL iBT is shorter, lasting about 2 hours.
• IELTS and TOEFL both test Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, but IELTS uses more descriptive and varied question types, while TOEFL relies mostly on MCQs and academic tasks.
• In India, the IELTS exam fee is around ₹17,000, while the TOEFL iBT costs approximately ₹18,000, including taxes.

What is the Difference Between IELTS & TOEFL?

Although IELTS and TOEFL check the same four skills, i.e. reading, writing, speaking, and listening, they differ in how they are scored, how long the test takes, how much it costs, and where they are accepted.

Here is the table for a complete comparison of both IELTS and TOEFL:

TOEFL vs IELTS: Difficulty Level 

There is no easier test between TOEFL and IELTS. The difficulty of both tests is subjective and mainly depends on a student’s thinking style, answer approach, and comfort with academic English.

Here are some factors based on which you can choose the exam that is less difficult for you:

• Question Style: IELTS uses many open-ended and varied question types where students must understand the meaning and write answers themselves. TOEFL mostly uses multiple-choice questions, where difficulty comes from choosing the correct answer among similar options.
• Academic Language Level: TOEFL uses strong academic language in reading and listening, which can feel challenging for students not used to university-level lectures. IELTS uses more general English, but still expects a clear understanding of context.
• Answer Strategy: IELTS requires careful attention to detail because small spelling or grammar mistakes can affect scores. TOEFL requires logical thinking and strong reasoning skills.
• Accent Exposure: IELTS includes different English accents, which can be challenging for students unfamiliar with them. TOEFL mainly uses American English, which is easier for students already exposed to it.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Exam Format

IELTS and TOEFL differ in test duration, question types, and how each section is conducted. IELTS lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes, while TOEFL takes about 2 hours.

Reading Section

• IELTS: 60 minutes with question types such as matching headings, short answers, sentence completion, and true/false/not given.
• TOEFL: 35 minutes with 20 multiple-choice questions based on academic passages.

Listening Section

• IELTS: 30 minutes (+10 minutes transfer time in paper-based tests) with different accents and questions like form completion, matching, and multiple choice.
• TOEFL: 36 minutes with lectures and conversations, mainly in American accents, followed by multiple-choice questions.

Speaking Section

• IELTS: 11-14 minutes and conducted as a live interview with an examiner, including short questions, a cue card task, and discussion.
• TOEFL: 16 minutes, where responses are recorded on a computer for 4 speaking tasks.

Writing Section

• IELTS: 60 minutes with two tasks: report/letter writing and an essay.
• TOEFL: 29 minutes with one integrated task (reading + listening + writing) and one independent essay, both typed on a computer.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Section-wise Comparison

While both IELTS and TOEFL test the same four English skills, they differ in how students are expected to think, process information, and choose their answers in each section.

Reading

• IELTS: 3 long passages with a total of 40 questions, using question types like matching headings, sentence completion, and true/false/not given. Students need to understand the meaning in detail and write answers in their own words.
• TOEFL: 3-4 academic passages with around 30-40 multiple-choice questions. Students are tested on logical understanding and reasoning.

Listening

• IELTS: 4 recordings with 40 questions, where students listen for specific details like names, numbers, and key facts and write short answers.
• TOEFL: 3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations with about 39 questions, where students focus on main ideas, purpose, and reasoning, mostly through MCQs.

Speaking

• IELTS: A 3-part face-to-face interview where students answer personal questions, speak on a topic, and discuss ideas naturally. It tests clarity, fluency, and how well ideas are explained.
• TOEFL: 4 speaking tasks, including independent and integrated tasks, where students organise thoughts quickly and give structured answers based on reading and listening content.

Writing

• IELTS: 2 tasks where students describe information or write a letter, and then write an opinion-based essay. It tests idea development, clarity, and language use.
• TOEFL: 2 tasks where students write an academic essay and an integrated response combining reading and listening information. It tests structure, logic, and information synthesis.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Exam Cost

When comparing IELTS and TOEFL exam fees in India, both exams are priced in a similar range, with only a small difference in overall cost. IELTS ranges around ₹17,000 depending on the test type, while TOEFL iBT is priced at ₹18,000 with additional charges for extra services.

Here is a table for you to compare the costs for both exams:

Suggested: Before booking your test, read the TOEFL Exam Fee 2026 to know the exact exam cost and extra service fees.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Score Comparison

IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 bands, while TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120 points. Even though the numbers look very different, it is crucial to understand how these scores match. For example, an IELTS score of 6.5-7.0 is usually equal to a TOEFL score between 79 and 101.

Check out this comparison chart to know more about scoring ranges for both:

Suggested: Check out our IELTS Exam Syllabus 2026 to understand what is asked in each part of the test.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Minimum Score Requirement

Most universities set minimum scores based on the level and type of course, not on which test you choose. In general, IELTS requirements fall between 6.0 and 7.0 bands, while TOEFL requirements range from 70 to 100 points for UG and PG programs.

To be a little specific, you can aim for these minimum scores for both IELTS and TOEFL:

• Undergraduate programs: 6.0 IELTS/60-78 TOEFL
• Postgraduate programs: 7.0 IELTS/94-101 TOEFL

TOEFL vs IELTS: Country-Wise Score Requirements

Universities across most English-speaking countries ask for IELTS scores between 6.0 and 7.5 or TOEFL scores between 80 and 100. Please be aware that different countries give importance to different exams, like the USA prefers TOEFL, while IELTS is preferred more by the UK, Canada, and Australia.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Test to Take?

If you are someone who thinks better while writing short or descriptive answers, can scan long texts to find exact information, and are comfortable explaining ideas clearly in your own words, then IELTS may suit you better. It works well for students who are good at connecting ideas, paraphrasing sentences, and responding naturally in spoken English without relying on options to choose from.

On the other hand, TOEFL can be a strong choice if you are good at academic-style thinking, such as listening to lectures, taking notes quickly, and selecting correct answers by eliminating wrong options. It suits students who are comfortable with structured questions, timed responses, and typing answers instead of writing by hand.

From the Desk of Yocket

Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL can feel confusing because students often focus only on which exam is easier, instead of understanding how they personally perform best. Many students struggle not because of weak English, but because they pick a test that doesn’t match their thinking style, answer strategy, or academic background. Knowing how you read, listen, and organise answers is just as important as knowing the syllabus.

This is where Yocket Premium can make a real difference. With expert counselling, test comparison guidance, and personalised university shortlisting, students get help in choosing the right exam for the right country and course.