IELTS vs TOEFL 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Test

Choosing the right English proficiency test is a critical first step in your journey to study or work abroad. The two most widely recognized exams are the IELTS and the TOEFL. But when it comes to the great IELTS vs TOEFL debate, how do you decide which one is right for you? This decision can significantly impact your application process and even your test-day performance.

This comprehensive guide will break down the key differences, scoring, formats, and everything you need to know to make an informed choice. We’ll compare them side-by-side to help you select the test that best aligns with your skills and goals.

At a Glance: What is IELTS and What is TOEFL?

Before diving into the details of the IELTS vs TOEFL comparison, let’s quickly understand what each test is.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a British-owned test favored by institutions in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It is more focused on testing conversational, real-world English and comes in two formats: Academic and General Training.

What is TOEFL?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an American-based test, managed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is predominantly preferred by universities and colleges in the United States and Canada. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most common format and is conducted entirely on a computer.

IELTS vs TOEFL: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Differences

The core of the IELTS vs TOEFL decision lies in understanding their structural differences. While both tests evaluate your Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking skills, the way they do so varies significantly.

1. Speaking Section

• IELTS: The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It feels like a natural conversation, covering a range of topics from personal introductions to more abstract discussions. This format is often preferred by those who are more comfortable talking to a person than a computer.
• TOEFL: The TOEFL Speaking test requires you to speak into a microphone. Your responses are recorded and later graded by a combination of AI and human raters. You will be asked to express an opinion on a topic, and also to speak in response to short reading and listening passages.

2. Writing Section

• IELTS: You’ll complete two writing tasks. Task 1 (Academic) involves describing a graph, chart, or diagram. Task 2 is an essay in response to a point of view or argument. The test is typically handwritten, though computer-delivered IELTS is now widely available.
• TOEFL: This section also has two tasks. The first is an “integrated” task where you read a passage, listen to a short lecture, and then write a summary of how they relate. The second is an “independent” task where you write an essay based on your own knowledge and experience. All responses are typed.

3. Reading Section

• IELTS: The IELTS Reading section features a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, matching information, identifying the writer’s views, and sentence completion. Passages are sourced from books, journals, and newspapers.
• TOEFL: The TOEFL Reading section is composed entirely of multiple-choice questions. The passages are strictly academic in nature, similar to what you would find in a university textbook.

4. Listening Section

• IELTS: You will listen to a variety of accents, including British, Australian, and North American. The audio is played only once, and you answer questions as you listen. The scenarios range from everyday conversations to academic lectures.
• TOEFL: The Listening section primarily uses a standard North American accent. You will listen to lectures and campus conversations, take notes, and then answer multiple-choice questions after the audio clip has finished.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table: IELTS vs TOEFL

So, Which Test Should You Take?

The “better” test is the one that suits you best. Ask yourself these questions to resolve the IELTS vs TOEFL dilemma:

1. Where are you applying? This is the most important factor. Check the specific requirements of the universities or organizations you are applying to. While many accept both, some may have a preference.
2. What are your skills? Are you a fast typist? TOEFL might be better. Do you prefer a conversational speaking test? Choose IELTS. Do you perform better with multiple-choice questions (TOEFL) or a variety of question types (IELTS)?
3. Which English accent are you more familiar with? If you are more accustomed to American English, TOEFL’s listening section might be easier. If you are comfortable with diverse accents, IELTS is a great option.

Conclusion: Making the Final Call

Ultimately, the IELTS vs TOEFL decision comes down to three things: your target institution’s requirements, your personal comfort with the test format, and your specific language strengths. Both are highly respected exams that open doors to global opportunities. By understanding their core differences as outlined above, you can confidently choose the test that will allow you to perform your best.

Ready to Ace Your Test?

Now that you have a clearer picture, the next step is preparation. Acing your chosen exam requires targeted practice and expert guidance.

👉 If you’ve chosen IELTS, explore our specialized IELTS preparation courses in Dubai to get the score you need.

👉 To build a strong foundation for either test, consider enrolling in our general English language course in Dubai.