Why is TOEFL better than IELTS?

Are you planning to study abroad and are confused between which exam to take - TOEFL or IELTS? Here is a comparative study showcasing why TOEFL is a better option than IELTS. Check it out now!

Both the TOEFL and IELTS are standardised English language exams. They are required for international students applying to universities abroad. Since TOEFL and IELTS scores are widely accepted, applicants must choose which exam to take—IELTS or TOEFL? We have summarised some key parameters where TOEFL leads, like cost, test duration, format, scoring, and preparation, making it a better choice in comparison to IELTS for applicants applying abroad. 

How is TOEFL Better than IELTS: Comparative Study

Before getting on to understanding in depth about why TOEFL is better than IELTS, here are key highlights comparing the two major exams and why TOEFL wins: 

TOEFL can be a good choice for Indian students aiming at universities in America, the UK, Australia, and Canada for research-intensive programs. Check, IELTS or TOEFl, Which is Better for USA?

Why is TOEFL Better than IELTS?

While there is no one parameter to assess whether TOEFL is better than IELTS, here is a comparative study of where TOEFL takes the lead and makes a mark for itself. Check out the sections below to understand what sets TOEFL apart from IELTS. 

1. Global Recognition and Acceptance of TOEFL

TOEFL and IELTS are both popular English language tests for Indian students looking to study abroad. However, when we talk about studying in top study abroad destinations like the USA, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) enjoys a wider acceptance with 9 out of 10 American universities accepting TOEFL scores as part of their admission process.  

On the other hand, as per IDP, IELTS is accepted by 12,500 organisations in 140 countries. It is equally popular for UK university admissions and also for Australia, Canada, and the USA. There are two types of IELTS tests - Academic and General Training. While IELTS Academic is for academic purposes, like for admissions, IELTS General is for immigration purposes. Widely, IELTS Academic scores are used. 

TOEFL vs IELTS Acceptance Abroad: Key Stats

As per the data for 2025, both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted in English-speaking countries. However, TOEFL acceptance has increased. Check out the stats below: 

As per the stats above, TOEFL is widely accepted in more institutions than IELTS. Since 100% of universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia accept TOEFL, applicants can register for it and submit their scores. 

2. Optimised Test Design and Format for Academic Success

There are differences between the IELTS and TOEFL tests in terms of test format, duration, type of testing, question types, and attempting writing/speaking or integrated tasks. Why is TOEFL better than IELTS? It is also because of these aspects:

Shorter Duration on the TOEFL Exam

TOEFL iBT is less than 2 hours long, whereas IELTS is 2 hours and 45 minutes long. Thus, TOEFL is 45 minutes shorter than IELTS, one of the most significant advantages, even when both tests have four sections - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. For a better understanding, here is the duration snapshot of both IELTS and TOEFL sections:

While both English language tests assess the Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills of the candidates, however the TOEFL test timed just under 2 hours (116 minutes) is able to meticulously assess the candidate in a shorter duration without compromising on the quality of the test as compared 2 hours 45 minutes required for the IELTS exam. 

Mode of Testing for IELTS and TOEFL

To make the TOEFL accessible, test takers can also opt for the TOEFL Home-Based test, which allows them to take the TOEFL exam from the comfort of their home, provided they have the mandatory system requirements. Currently, IELTS does not provide any such feature. TOEFL is solely a computer-based test, also called an internet-based test (iBT). It no longer offers a paper-based test in India (PBT). Applicants can take the test at a designated TOEFL test centre or from home. 

On the other hand, IELTS is offered online (at an IELTS test centre) and offline (on paper, which is also conducted at a test centre). Unlike TOEFL, there is no home-based testing option available on IELTS. Thus, this is one drawback of IELTS. Another drawback is that applicants cannot appear for all sections of IELTS in one go. Only the following sections can be attempted in one sitting:

• IELTS Listening Section
• IELTS Reading Section
• IELTS Writing Section

However, for the IELTS Speaking Section, applicants have to schedule either the same IELTS date as for the sections above or another IELTS exam slot for a face-to-face interview. Thus, IELTS requires a minimum of two sessions to complete the test.

All four sections of the TOEFL iBT test are conducted in one sitting allowing test takers to maintain focus and momentum and give in their best on the test day. However, the Speaking Section of the IELTS exam is scheduled on a different day and this test continuation and change in testing environment can cause unwanted stress on the candidate.

Test Format of TOEFL vs IELTS

The TOEFL test pattern primarily includes MCQ-type questions and two writing tasks on academic backgrounds. The format is simple: Applicants don’t have to fill in the blanks or make notes; they just have to choose the correct option.

On the other hand, the IELTS exam pattern has a broader range of question types (about 10+ question types) for testing applicants, along with the two writing tasks. While it may sound straightforward to answer MCQ-type questions on the TOEFL, it is equally challenging as IELTS, with a wider range of question types.

Thus, these aspects indicate that the TOEFL exam has a more optimised test design and format than the IELTS exam. 

3. Cost, Date and Convenience

Regarding cost, date, and convenience, TOEFL is also better than IELTS. Here is the breakdown of how:

• The TOEFL iBT test priced at INR 16,900 is also easier on the pocket as compared to the IELTS Academic Exam priced at INR 18,500. Test takers booking through Shiksha will get an additional discount of INR 500 on the total cost, bringing the TOEFL Exam Fee to INR 16,400. 
• Where dates are concerned, the TOEFL exam dates are available 170 times a year, whereas the IELTS is also conducted all year round. However, the IELTS exam dates for its paper-based test are less frequent because it is conducted 48 times a year. 
• Finally, TOEFL is more convenient than IELTS. Applicants can register for TOEFL up to 48 hours in advance. Plus, TOEFL at Home test times are available 24 hours a day, 4 days a week. On the other hand, applicants can register for IELTS late, up to 72 hours before the exam date. 

In this aspect, TOEFL also outperforms IELTS and is again a better option than the IELTS exam. 

4. Superior Scoring Precision and Unbiased Evaluation

The TOEFL is scored on (0-120) points, whereas the IELTS band score is between 1 and 9. The TOEFL scores for each section are (0-30); thus, applicants get a snapshot of their performance based on the score they get for each section. IELTS scores each section on a 1 to 9 band scale and then averages the scores for each section into one consolidated score. 

How Are TOEFL and IELTS Scores Calculated?

The TOEFL scoring process is superior to that of IELTS. The reason is that TOEFL scoring uses a combination of AI and multiple human raters to score the Speaking and Writing sections. There are around 3-4 expert examiners who assess these sections along with AI algorithms to maintain consistency in evaluation.

This multi-rater system minimises the chance of any one person’s bias or mistake affecting your score. TOEFL’s approach ensures fair and accurate results by eliminating potential interviewer bias. 

In contrast, IELTS Speaking and Writing sections are scored by a single examiner using detailed criteria and areas of assessment. IELTS relies more on the examiner’s judgment in the moment, and while IELTS examiners are well-trained, this one-on-one assessment can introduce subjective factors. For instance, subtle biases (even unconscious) or the examiner’s mood can “make or break your score,”

Thus, TOEFL is better for a more standardised and impartial evaluation than IELTS. 

5. Fast Score Reporting, Retake Policies & Superscoring Options

Applicants who take the TOEFL can see their unofficial scores for all four sections. These scores are not official but just give applicants an idea of their performance. The official score report is released within 4-8 days. 

Applicants can retake the TOEFL exam within three days of taking the exam previously. 

Plus, ‘MyBest Scores’ is also advantageous for applicants to get TOEFL superscore. Superscoring on TOEFL is applicable for test takers who appeared two years back also.

On the contrary, IELTS does not show unofficial scores after the exam. Applicants have the option of One Skill Retake, which is basically retaking any one section of IELTS where they underperformed within 60 days of taking the test. Finally, there is no super-scoring on IELTS scores. The IELTS score report is released within two days for a computer-based test and 13 days for a paper-based test. 

Again, TOEFL has more structured retake policies, the advantage of super scoring and an unofficial score viewing option, which is not possible on the IELTS exam.

6. Comprehensive Preparation Resources and Proven Student Outcomes

Many official resources and materials are available for applicants to prepare for the TOEFL exam. ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL exam, has also made multiple free preparation resources available for candidates to prepare before taking the exam. The official website also has multiple free and paid study packages for first-time TOEFL iBT test takers looking to ace their exams. Most IELTS preparation material is available behind a paywall, adding to the test taker's financial burden. A TOEFL TestPrep platform has an interactive practice course, and the TOEFL Go! The mobile app offers sample questions daily. Applicants registering for TOEFL often get free access to a 6-month online course called the TOEFL Test. ETS offers full-length TOEFL tests for additional practice. These are available online and simulate the real exam interface. This is useful for experiencing the timing and format firsthand. 

On the other hand, IELTS official bodies (IDP/British Council) also provide limited but free practice tests for IELTS on their sites. However, these are typically not complete tests or computerised (often just PDFs), so applicants cannot fully understand the IELTS exam through sample papers in PDFs.

To conclude, TOEFL’s shorter, fully computerised format, objective multi-rater scoring, rich free prep resources, and unparalleled global acceptance deliver a more predictable, cost-effective, and academically relevant testing experience, giving you the extra edge in preparation and admissions.