Which is better, IELTS or TOEFL?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, both tests have a reading, listening, speaking, and writing section, take about 4 hours, and test your vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, idiomacity, fluency, and ability to perform specific tasks in English under time pressure. Neither is better or worse. It really matters what you need the test for and what some of your preferences are.

One difference is that TOEFL is academic, whereas IELTS offers a "general" (slightly easier) and an "academic" option. If you need the test results to study at a university in the US, you will most likely have to select TOEFL; sometimes IELTS Academic is allowed. However, if you are going to study in Canada, IELTS Academic is often preferred, while IELTS General is usually sufficient for working in Canada. Overall, TOEFL is more accepted in the US, while Canada often requires IELTS.

Another major difference is that TOEFL Speaking is rigidly timed and you record your answer, whereas IELTS Speaking is a conversation with an examiner. Therefore, if you prefer speaking with a real person, you may feel that IELTS is better.

Moreover, as far as the Listening part of both tests is concerned, TOEFL uses American English and IELTS uses British English. If you are more familiar with American English, you will find TOEFL easier, however, if you are used to hearing British English, IELTS will make you feel more comfortable.

Finally, TOEFL is completely computer based, i.e. you will have to type your essays, while IELTS is paper based and you will have to hand-write your essays. So if you like paper better and if you are good at hand-writing, you may perceive IELTS easier. However, if you like working on a computer, clicking on anwers, dragging and dropping answers, and if you can type fast, TOEFL is better for you.

Overall, nothing of the above matters, if the company, organization, or university you need the test for has specific requirements and only accepts one or the other. Hence, it is always advisable to talk to them, find out which test they require, and what score/ score band is expected to successfully apply for the position or study program.