"Should I take IELTS or PTE?"
"Is Duolingo easier?"
"Do universities still prefer TOEFL?"
"Which test is best for Australia?"
In 2026, choosing an English proficiency test has become more complicated than ever before.
A decade ago, most students only considered IELTS or TOEFL. Today, applicants may choose between IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test (DET), each offering different advantages depending on their goals.
At the same time, universities, migration authorities, professional registration bodies and employers are increasingly accepting multiple English tests. While this creates more flexibility, it also creates more confusion.
At LEAP English Pathways, we generally advise students not to ask:
"Which English test is the easiest?"
Instead, ask:
"Which English test best aligns with my goals, timeline, strengths and future plans?"
The answer is rarely the same for everyone.
2026 English Test Comparison at a Glance
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| Category | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Study, migration, professional registration | Study, migration, fast-turnaround applications | Academic study, especially US universities | University admissions, fast applications |
| Delivery Mode | Computer-based (Australia fully computer-based from June 2026) | Fully computer-based | Computer-based | Online remote test |
| Test Duration | 2 hrs 45 mins | Around 2 hrs | Around 1.5 hrs | Around 1 hr |
| Speaking Format | Human examiner | Computer scored | Computer scored | Computer scored |
| Scoring Scale | 0–9 Bands | 10–90 | 1–6 Scale (2026 update) | 10–160 |
| Result Speed | 1–5 days | Usually within 48 hrs | Typically within a few days | Usually within 48 hrs |
| Migration Suitability | Excellent | Excellent | Pathway dependent | Generally limited |
| Professional Registration | Strongest overall recognition | Widely recognised | Program dependent | Limited |
| University Recognition | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Growing rapidly |
| Best Learner Type | Balanced communicator | Strategic and tech-comfortable learner | Academic and analytical learner | Flexible and time-sensitive applicant |
While this overview is useful, most students ultimately want to know one thing:
How do these scores actually compare?
2026 Concordance Table
The table below provides a general comparison across the four major tests using CEFR as the common reference point.
Note: Individual universities, visa authorities and professional registration bodies may apply their own score requirements.
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| CEFR | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT (2026 Scale) | TOEFL Comparable (Before 2026) | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | 8.5–9.0 | 89–90 | 6.0 | 114–120 | 155–160 |
| C1+ | 8.0 | 79–88 | 5.5–6.0 | 107–113 | 145–154 |
| C1 | 7.0–7.5 | 65–78 | 5.0–5.5 | 95–106 | 130–144 |
| B2+ | 6.5 | 58–64 | 4.5–5.0 | 86–94 | 120–129 |
| B2 | 5.5–6.0 | 43–57 | 4.0–4.5 | 72–85 | 105–119 |
| B1+ | 5.0 | 36–42 | 3.5–4.0 | 58–71 | 90–104 |
| B1 | 4.0–4.5 | 29–35 | 3.0–3.5 | 44–57 | 75–89 |
For example:
- IELTS 6.5 ≈ PTE 58 ≈ TOEFL 4.5–5.0 ≈ DET 120–125
- IELTS 7.0 ≈ PTE 65 ≈ TOEFL 5.0 ≈ DET 130
- IELTS 8.0 ≈ PTE 79 ≈ TOEFL 5.5–6.0 ≈ DET 145+
However, it is notable that these scores are not perfectly interchangeable.
A student who achieves PTE 65 will not necessarily achieve IELTS 7.0 without additional preparation. The tests measure similar underlying proficiency but reward different skills and testing behaviours.
Which Test Is Right For You?
Rather than comparing tests individually, it is often more useful to think in terms of your future goals.
Scenario 1: You Are Planning to Study and Potentially Migrate to Australia
Recommended:
IELTS or PTE Academic
These two tests currently offer the greatest flexibility across:
- Australian universities
- Migration pathways
- Professional registration requirements
For students who are still unsure about long-term plans, IELTS and PTE generally provide the broadest future options.
Scenario 2: You Need Results Quickly
Recommended:
PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test
Both tests offer rapid booking and relatively fast score reporting, usually within 48 hours, com
This can be particularly useful when application deadlines are approaching.
Scenario 3: You Are Applying Primarily to US Universities
Recommended:
TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic
TOEFL remains deeply embedded within the US higher education ecosystem.
Students pursuing research-intensive programs often find TOEFL's academic lectures, note-taking tasks and integrated writing tasks align closely with future university demands.
Scenario 4: You Strongly Prefer Not to Speak to an Examiner
Recommended:
PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or Duolingo English Test
Many students find speaking to a computer less stressful than speaking directly to an examiner.
Others find the opposite.
So generally if you’re not a big fan of taking to human examiner, basically you can take anything but IELTS, as it still requires to talk to the human examiner for the speaking component.
Scenario 5: You Want the Most Future-Proof Option
Recommended:
IELTS Academic
IELTS remains one of the most broadly recognised English proficiency tests globally
It is accepted across:
- Universities
- Migration pathways
- Professional registration bodies
- Government organisations
For many students, it remains the safest long-term choice.
Scenario 6: You Need Maximum Flexibility, Convenience and Lower Testing Costs
Recommended:
Duolingo English Test
DET offers:
- Lower testing costs
- At-home testing
- Flexible scheduling
- Fast results
However, applicants should always confirm acceptance before relying on DET as their sole testing pathway.
Official Test Websites, Registration & Practice Resources
Before booking any English proficiency test, we strongly recommend consulting the official website directly for the latest information regarding test formats, pricing, score reporting and acceptance policies.
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| Test | Official Website | Register for a Test | Official Practice Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Visit Website | Register | Practice Resources |
| PTE Academic | Visit Website | Register | Practice Resources |
| TOEFL iBT | Visit Website | Register | Practice Resources |
| Duolingo English Test | Visit Website | Register | Practice Resources |
The Biggest Mistake Students Make
Comparing IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and DET is important. However, once you've selected the test that best fits your goals, your focus should shift toward developing the underlying language skills that all of these assessments are ultimately designed to measure.
We frequently see students switch from one test to another in search of a breakthrough score, only to discover that the real challenge was not the test itself, but the underlying language proficiency required to perform well across any assessment.
The highest-performing students typically do three things well:
- They understand the test format and appropriate strategy
- They improve their English foundations.
- They receive quality feedback.
It’s very unlikely that switching to a different test automatically improves your score drastically, as each one comes with its unique format, examiner’s expectations, etc.
A stronger foundation is always the foundation.
Final Recommendation
- For Australian study, migration and long-term flexibility, start by comparing IELTS and PTE Academic.
- For US-focused university applications, TOEFL remains a strong option alongside IELTS.
- For fast and flexible university applications, the Duolingo English Test can be a useful solution when accepted by your target institution.
Most importantly, avoid choosing a test because somebody on socials claimed it was easier.
Choose the test that aligns with your goals, timeline and future plans.
References:
Duolingo English Test. (2026). Official website. Retrieved from https://englishtest.duolingo.com
Educational Testing Service (ETS). (2026). Understanding TOEFL iBT scores and the 2026 score scale update. Retrieved from https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/scores/understand-scores
International English Language Testing System (IELTS). (2026). Official website. Retrieved from https://www.ielts.org
Pearson. (2026). PTE Academic official website. Retrieved from https://www.pearsonpte.com
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). (Council of Europe). Retrieved from https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages
Need Help Deciding?
Choosing the wrong test can cost months of preparation, hefty exam fees and unnecessary stress.
At LEAP English Pathways, we help students make informed decisions based on:
- Academic goals
- Migration pathways
- Professional requirements
- Current English proficiency
- Application timelines
Not Sure Which Test To Take?
Book a Test Strategy Consultation and we'll help you identify the most suitable pathway.
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