If you want to study or work in abroad, you must show that you can understand and speak English well. For this, many countries ask students to take an English test.
The two most popular English tests are:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
Many students ask:
👉 Which test is easier – TOEFL or IELTS?
The answer is simple:
💡 The easier test depends on YOU.
In this blog, we will explain TOEFL and IELTS in very easy words.
What Are TOEFL and IELTS?
Both TOEFL and IELTS are tests that check how well you know English. They check four skills:
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
What Is TOEFL?
TOEFL means Test of English as a Foreign Language.
- It is done on a computer
- You answer questions using a keyboard and mouse
- You speak into a microphone
- Many colleges in the USA and Canada accept TOEFL
What Is IELTS?
IELTS means International English Language Testing System.
- You can take it on a computer or paper
- You speak to a real person (examiner)
- It is accepted in UK, Australia, Canada, and many other countries
- It is also used for study, jobs, and PR (permanent residence)
Simple Comparison: TOEFL vs IELTS
| Thing | TOEFL | IELTS |
| Test Type | Computer only | Computer or paper |
| Speaking | Talk to computer | Talk to a person |
| Accent | American | British + others |
| Total Time | About 2 hours | About 2 hours 45 min |
| Score | 0–120 | Band 0–9 |
Which Test Is Easier Overall?
There is no single right answer.
- Some students feel TOEFL is easier
- Some students feel IELTS is easier
It depends on:
- How you like to study
- How you like to speak
- Whether you like computers or people
Now let’s understand each section one by one.
Reading Section – Easy Explanation
TOEFL Reading
In TOEFL reading:
- You read long passages
- Topics are like school or college lessons
- Questions are mostly multiple choice
- You click the correct answer
IELTS Reading
In IELTS reading:
- Passages are shorter
- Question types are different:
- True or False
- Match headings
- Fill in the blanks
Which Is Easier?
✔ TOEFL is easier if:
- You like choosing answers
- You enjoy reading long texts
✔ IELTS is easier if:
- You find answers quickly
- You understand meaning fast
👉 Many students feel TOEFL reading is easier because of simple MCQ questions.
Listening Section – Easy Explanation
TOEFL Listening
In TOEFL listening:
- You hear American English
- You listen to lectures and conversations
- Questions come after listening
- You can take notes
IELTS Listening
In IELTS listening:
- You hear different accents
- Audio is played only once
- You must write answers while listening
Which Is Easier?
✔ TOEFL is easier if:
- You like American accent
- You prefer answering later
✔ IELTS is easier if:
- You can listen and write together
- You understand many accents
👉 Many Indian students feel TOEFL listening is easier.
Speaking Section – Biggest Difference
This is where TOEFL and IELTS are very different.
TOEFL Speaking
In TOEFL speaking:
- You talk into a computer
- No human listens in front of you
- You get limited time
- Questions are fixed
Some students like this because:
- They feel less shy
- No one judges their face
IELTS Speaking
In IELTS speaking:
- You talk to a real person
- It feels like a conversation
- The examiner may repeat questions
- You talk about daily life and ideas
Many students like this because:
- It feels natural
- You can explain calmly
Which Is Easier?
✔ TOEFL is easier if:
- You feel shy talking to people
- You like fixed questions
✔ IELTS is easier if:
- You enjoy talking
- You speak confidently
👉 Most students feel IELTS speaking is easier.
Writing Section – Simple Comparison
TOEFL Writing
In TOEFL writing:
- You type on a computer
- One task needs reading + listening + writing
- One task is an opinion essay
- Everything is structured
IELTS Writing
In IELTS writing:
- Task 1: Describe a graph or chart
- Task 2: Write an essay
- Clear grammar and ideas are important
Which Is Easier?
✔ TOEFL is easier if:
- You type fast
- You like fixed formats
✔ IELTS is easier if:
- You explain ideas clearly
- You are good at describing things
👉 Many students feel IELTS writing is harder.
Scoring – Which Is Simple?
TOEFL Score
- Score from 0 to 120
- Each section gets marks
- Very clear and simple
IELTS Score
- Band score from 0 to 9
- Half scores like 6.5, 7.5
- Speaking and writing are judged by people
👉 TOEFL scoring feels easier to understand.
Which Test Should You Choose?
Choose TOEFL if:
- You like computers
- You want to study in USA or Canada
- You like MCQ questions
Choose IELTS if:
- You like talking to people
- You want to study in UK or Australia
- You want PR or job options
📌 Good news:
In 2025–2026, most colleges accept both TOEFL and IELTS.
Cost and Test Centers (India)
- TOEFL cost: around ₹16,900
- IELTS cost: around ₹17,000
- Test centers are available in many Indian cities
- Both tests happen many times every month
Final Answer: Which Is Easier?
👉 There is no single easier test.
- TOEFL is easier for students who like computers
- IELTS is easier for students who like talking
Simple Rule
- Don’t like people judging you? → TOEFL
- Don’t like talking to computers? → IELTS
Final Words
Both TOEFL and IELTS are good tests. They are fair and accepted worldwide. The best test is the one that matches your comfort and strength.
Before choosing:
- Try free practice tests
- See where you want to study
- Know your weak points
If you prepare well, you can do great in either TOEFL or IELTS.
