Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL: What Are The Differences?

The Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL are among the top choices and trusted language proficiency exams by many test-takers here and abroad. 

These three English language exams are widely used and accepted by most international schools to provide reliable proof of their aspiring student’s English language proficiency level, especially those applicants who are non-native English speakers. 

And because of the rising demand for language proficiency exams, which are also used by multicultural companies, visa applications, migration purposes, and more.

Many applicants have second thoughts about which Exam to take, given the many choices they have to choose from.

It may be a burden to some to choose between the Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL. Is the Duolingo English Test reliable and accurate like the IELTS and TOEFL?

Which is a better choice between these three language proficiency exams?

This article will compare the Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL. And also, we will tackle their similarities and differences regarding their exam features and more. And we aim to help you choose the perfect language proficiency exam for you.

What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is an online language proficiency test preferred by most test-takers because it is very affordable, accessible, comprehensive, and offers many convenient features. 

In addition, this language exam is short and uses an adaptive test structure wherein the difficulty level adjusts accordingly to the skills of the test-takers.

And it is now widely used and accepted by most universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. 

And because of its dynamic and fresh take on the language proficiency exam, the Duolingo English Test is highly comparable to the other language exams available.

Many institutions worldwide now recognize and trust the language assessment result of this Exam. 

It is also getting more popular among its test-takers because anyone can easily access and take this language proficiency exam in their own homes. It assesses the English language skills of both natives and non-natives speakers. 

What is IELTS?

Another language exam commonly used is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It is a standardized language proficiency exam that the British Council designs to evaluate the English language skills of a non-native English speaker.  

The IELTS is also known by many that accept the British English and American English terms in answering the test questions. However, you cannot use both or mix the two English languages. 

It is also highly recognized and accepted by international universities, colleges, multinational companies, and other government offices.

The IELTS consistently provides accurate and internationally recognized English language proficiency assessments to its test-takers.

Moreover, the language exam is widely used for admission in English-speaking academic institutions, visa applications, work requirements, migration, etc. 

What is TOEFL?

The TOEFL is a language proficiency exam trusted and accepted by universities, colleges, and other organizations in different countries worldwide. It measures the primary English language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Consequently, this language exam is preferred by many prominent educational institutions because it is highly academic and uses formal English in its exam structure which is suitable for these institutions. 

And also, the TOEFL is a standardized language exam that is the top choice for academic admission, visa application, and migration purposes, especially for those English-speaking countries. 

Many international companies also use the language assessment result in their hiring and recruitment process. It helps them determine the language skills of their applicants and if it is suitable for their multicultural working environment. 

Exam Fees: Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL

The Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL have different exam fees. 

If we compare these three language exams, the cheapest is the Duolingo English Test which has a standard exam fee of USD 49, while the most expensive among the three is the IELTS which costs USD 200. 

And as for the IELTS and TOEFL, the exams fees for these two vary per location or country wherein you will take the test.

Like the Duolingo English Test, you only need to pay the standard fee regardless of your country of origin.

Moreover, both the IELTS and TOEFL have additional charges for other services you want to avail yourself of.

And also, both accepts and processes refunds of exam fee under specific guideline. In comparison, the Duolingo English Test does not have this service. 

Exam Frequency: Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL

The TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Tests significantly differ in their exam frequency. The most accessible among the three language exams is the Duolingo English Test since it offers daily test schedules. 

While the IELTS offers only 48 prescheduled test dates annually, which is lesser than the TOEFL, with over 60 prescheduled testing dates.

And in terms of testing centers availability, the IELTS only has 1,200 testing centers in various locations worldwide, while the TOEFL has 4,500 testing centers available. 

And since the Duolingo English Test is an online language proficiency exam, it is not required to go to testing centers because you can easily access the test on the internet.

You can check the table below to compare the three language proficiency exams in terms of their exam frequency. 

Exam Structure: Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL

The Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL have different exam structures, exam lengths, test versions, and more.

If we compare the three exams in terms of their exam duration, the TOEFL exam has the most extended exam length than the other two language exams.

In contrast, the Duolingo English Test has the shortest test duration, which only lasts for 45 to 60 minutes approximately. While the IELTS only lasts for two hours and 45 minutes.

And as for their test versions, the IELTS offers two test versions to its test-takers, including the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Test.

On the other hand, the TOEFL and Duolingo English Test does not have any test versions available.

These three language proficiency exams offer a paper-based and computer-based or internet-based test.

And also, these exams’ primary purpose is to evaluate the same set of English language abilities in reading, speaking, listening, and writing. 

Exam Structure	Duolingo English Test	IELTS	TOEFL
Test Duration	45 to 60 minutes	2 hours and 45 minutes	3 to 4 Hours (with 30 minutes check-in period)
Test Version	None	IELTS Academic IELTS General Training Test	None
Test Delivery Mode	Computer-Based Test	Paper-based IELTS Test Computer-based IELTS Test	TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) TOEFL Home Edition(Internet-based Test)
English Skills that are assessed / Test Structure	Duolingo English Test Reading Duolingo English Test Listening Duolingo English Test Speaking Duolingo English Test Writing	IELTS Reading IELTS Listening IELTS Speaking IELTS Writing	TOEFL Reading TOEFL Listening TOEFL Speaking TOEFL Writing

Scoring Difference: Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL

These three language proficiency exams use different scoring systems and scales for each test section. The exams also use different descriptors for each score obtained by the test-takers. 

However, you should note that the Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL test results or scores can also be interpreted using the CEFR scale to have a more standardized interpretation of the language proficiency level of an individual. 

The TOEFL has an overall scoring of 120 points, while the Duolingo English Test uses an overall scoring that ranges from 160 to 55 points. On the other hand, the IELTS uses a band score of 9 to 0 points. 

All the test results from these language proficiency exams are valid for two years.

And also, the table below shows the differences in how fast the test results are available between the IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and TOEFL. 

You can check the table below for a more comprehensive look at the IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo English Test scoring comparison. 

It also shows that the IELTS’s highest possible band score of 9 is equivalent to the TOEFL overall score of 120, and the Duolingo English Test score of 160 is also the highest. 

Test Requirements: Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL

The TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Tests do not have minimum age requirements for their test applicant.

However, they all require a parent consent letter for those applicants who are 16 years old and below. 

Below are the different test requirements for each language proficiency exam. We have also included in the table the accepted proof of identification that they accept, how to register for these exams, and more. 

Test Eligibility Requirements	Duolingo English Test	IELTS	TOEFL
Minimum Age Requirement	None	None	None
Recommended Age Group to Take the Exam	None	Suitable for 18 years old and above	Suitable for 17 years old or 11th graders
Parent Consent Letter Requirement	For 13 years old and below, test applicants	For 16 years old and below, test applicants	For 15 years old and below, test applicants
Which Professions take the test?	Any profession	Any Profession	Any Profession
Documents Required	A valid passport, driver’s license, or any government-issued ID.	A valid passport Active debit or credit card	Any valid, original, and not expired passport containing a picture and signature of the test-taker.
What Types of IDs are Accepted?	Passport Driver’s License Any Government-issued ID	Passport National Identity Card	Any National ID with name, photograph, and signature Any Government-issued: Driver’s license Military ID Any national/state/province identity card that reflects your complete name
How/Where to Register?	You can register for the Duolingo English Test through their official website and create an account.  You can also use your Google Account to sign up for the Exam.	You can register for the IELTS through the IELTS Online Registration Platform	Accepts registration and walk-in applicants for the Exam at their authorized testing centers.  Or you can also register online through their official website by creating an ETS account.  You may also register by phone and mail, whichever is convenient for you.
Equipment Requirement	Computer with a front-facing camera External Microphone External Speakers Reliable and fast internet connection	None	None

Practice Tests Offers: Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL

There are different practice tests that are offered by the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test. We have compiled them in the table below. 

Note that some of these practice tests are free and can be easily accessed on the official websites of each language proficiency test.

And also, some of the practice tests and courses are for sale. If you want to purchase these test materials, you can go may visit the official websites of these exams. 

Type of Practice Tests	Duolingo English Test	IELTS	TOEFL
Free Tests	Offers free online practice tests that are available on their official website.  Duolingo English Test free courses: Question Type Challenges: Read and Complete Read and Select Listen and Select Listen and Type Read Aloud Write About the Photo Read, then Write Speak About the Photo Read, then Speak Listen, then Speak Writing Sample Speaking Sample	Offers free online sample tests that you can access through their official website.  IELTS free courses:  IELTS Academic and General TrainingPractice Zone Sample Videos Teacher Tutorials Timed Practice Tests “My Progress” Section “Resource Bank” Section	Offers free online test prep courses wherein you can easily access them through the TOEFL website.  TOEFL free practice tests:  TOEFL iBT Free Practice Tests TOEFL iBT Paper Edition Practice Tests TOEFL iBT Free Practice Sets Reading Practice Sets Listening Practice Sets Speaking Practice Sets Writing Practice Sets
Preparation Materials	Free preparation videos that you can access on their official youtube account.	IELTS Online Preparation Courses that you can register for (7 Days Trial)	You can also buy TOEFL Test Preparation Materials. TOEFL Test Practice Products: TOEFL Value Pack Prep Plus TOEFL Value Pack Prep TOEFL Practice Online – Complete Practice Tests TOEFL Practice Online Speaking Series TOEFL Practice Online Speaking and Writing Test TOEFL Practice Online Reading and Listening Test TOEFL Preparation Books:  The Official TOEFL Test Savings Bundle The Ultimate TOEFL iBT Test Prep Savings Bundle
Practice Tests	Free Test Overview Free Test Walkthrough	Free IELTS Preparation Webinars  Free IELTS Study Pack  Free IELTS Online Practice Tests For Listening Online Practice Tests For Writing Online Practice Tests For Reading Online Practice Tests For Speaking Online Practice Tests Official IELTS Practice Materials that you can purchase.

Which is Easier: Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL?

The purpose of these exams is to evaluate the English language abilities of the test-takers.

And to deliver a quality and accurate language proficiency certification, which is generally used for school admission, visa application, migration, and work requirement. 

The Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL are among the highly accepted and recognized language proficiency tests.

In terms of difficulty, the TOEFL is considered a challenging language exam compared to the Duolingo English Test and IELTS. 

Since it uses a high level of vocabulary and complicated English contexts in its test question.

In contrast, the Duolingo English Test uses an adaptive type of test structure that adjusts to the skills and the individual’s knowledge of the English language. 

While many test-takers find the IELTS also challenging, especially in its writing test section.

And others find the reading section difficult due to the many complex sentences and English terms used. 

Note that all the language proficiency exams may seem difficult to you because you still lack the knowledge and skills for these kinds of tests.

Also, keep in mind that the primary goal of this test is to assess your English language proficiency level, and the level of difficulty may vary from one person to another. 

Test Recognition: Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL

These three language proficiency exams are highly recognized and trusted by hundreds of universities and colleges worldwide. It is also accepted by different companies, government organizations, and institutions. 

Up to date, there are 65 countries that acknowledge the Duolingo English Test results. The number is increasing as of writing because of the accessibility and reliability of language assessment it provides to its test-takers. 

On the other hand, there are over 140 countries that also acknowledge the IELTS, while the TOEFL is accepted and recognized in 190 countries worldwide.

The IELTS and TOEFL exams are more established than the Duolingo English Test since it only newly developed language exams. 

The TOEFL and IELTS are also highly recognized by the top and prominent universities and colleges, including the Russell Group University and Ivy League School.

And also, these three language proficiency exams are known to deliver reliable and accurate language assessment test results. 

Comparison Table Summary: IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. Duolingo English Test

Below is a summary of the comparison between the Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL exam. It also shows that the three language exams significantly differ in terms of pricing, structure, frequency, test requirements, scoring, and other exam features. 

Additional FAQs – Duolingo English Test vs. TOEFL vs. IELTS