TOEFL vs. IELTS vs. Duolingo 2026: Which English Test Should You Choose?

Introduction

In the past, the choice was simple: If you were going to the USA, you took TOEFL. If you were going anywhere else, you took IELTS.

In 2026, the landscape has completely changed. The Duolingo English Test (DET) has risen as a fast, affordable competitor. The TOEFL has become shorter (less than 2 hours). The IELTS now allows you to retake a single section.

For Indian students, this creates confusion. Which test is the easiest? Which one saves money? And most importantly, which test is safest for your student visa?

This comprehensive guide compares the "Big Three" English proficiency tests side-by-side. We will analyze their patterns, difficulty levels, and acceptance rates to help you pick the right one.

Highlights: The 2026 Comparison Table

Here is a snapshot of the technical differences between the three exams.

Feature	IELTS (Academic)	TOEFL iBT	Duolingo (DET)
Full Name	Intl. English Language Testing System	Test of English as a Foreign Language	Duolingo English Test
Duration	2 Hours 45 Minutes	1 Hour 56 Minutes	1 Hour
Cost (India)	₹17,500 – ₹18,000	₹16,900 (approx $205)	₹5,400 (approx $65)
Scoring Scale	Band 0 – 9	0 – 120	10 – 160
Results Time	3–5 Days (Computer)	4–8 Days	2 Days (48 Hours)
Location	Center or Home*	Center or Home	Home Only
Retake Policy	One Skill Retake Available	Best Score (MyBest Scores)	Take up to 3 times/30 days

*Note: IELTS Online (Home) exists but is not recommended for visas.

Deep Dive: 1. IELTS (The Global Standard)

What is it? Managed by IDP and Cambridge, IELTS is the heavyweight champion of English tests. It tests your ability to communicate in real-life scenarios.

The Pros:

• Universal Acceptance: It is accepted by 100% of universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

• Human Speaking Test: You speak to a real person. If you are nervous, a human examiner might encourage you or repeat a question (unlike a computer).

• One Skill Retake: The biggest advantage in 2026. If you fail Writing, you can retake just Writing.

The Cons:

• Length: It is the longest of the three exams.

• Writing is Hard: Scoring a 7.0+ in Writing is notoriously difficult due to strict grading criteria.

Best For: Students applying to Canada (SDS Visa), UK, Australia, or those who prefer talking to humans over microphones.

Deep Dive: 2. TOEFL iBT (The Academic Specialist)

What is it? Managed by ETS, TOEFL is designed to test "Classroom English." It checks if you can handle university lectures.

The Pros:

• Fastest "Center" Exam: The new format is under 2 hours.

• MyBest Scores: Your report card shows your best section scores from the last 2 years combined.

• Preferred by USA: Top Ivy League colleges feel more comfortable with TOEFL scores.

The Cons:

• Integrated Tasks: You have to "Listen" to a lecture, "Read" a passage, and then "Speak" or "Write" about it. This multitasking is hard.

• Speaking to a Screen: You must speak into a microphone with a countdown timer. This can be awkward for some.

Best For: Students targeting Top 50 US Universities, PhD aspirants, and those comfortable with computers and microphones.

Deep Dive: 3. Duolingo English Test (The Modern Disruptor)

What is it? An AI-driven, adaptive test you take from your bedroom.

The Pros:

• Cheap & Fast: It costs 1/3rd of IELTS and results come in 2 days.

• Adaptive: If you answer correctly, the next question gets harder. The test adapts to your level.

• Unlimited Score Sends: You can send your score to unlimited universities for free (IELTS/TOEFL charge extra after 4-5 sends).

The Cons:

• Visa Risks: While universities accept it, immigration officers are skeptical. It is risky for Canada SDS or UK visas.

• Strict Proctoring: If you look away from the screen for 3 seconds, your test can be cancelled.

• New Formats: The "Interactive Speaking" introduced recently is tricky.

Best For: Students with a low budget, last-minute applicants, or those applying to US universities that don't require TOEFL.

Detailed Difficulty Comparison (Section by Section)

Which test is actually "easier"? Let's break it down.

1. Reading Section

• IELTS: Moderate. Texts are from magazines/newspapers. Question types are varied (Match headings, True/False).

• TOEFL: Hardest. Texts are dense academic excerpts (biology, astronomy). Vocabulary is complex.

• Duolingo: Easiest. Short passages where you fill in missing letters (C-Test format).

2. Listening Section

• IELTS: Moderate. You listen and write answers simultaneously. Accents vary (British, Aussie).

• TOEFL: Hard. You listen to long lectures (3-5 mins) and then answer questions. You must take good notes.

• Duolingo: Different format. You "transcribe" what you hear or distinguish real words from fake words.

3. Speaking Section

• IELTS: Easiest for Extroverts. A natural conversation. You can ask for clarification.

• TOEFL: Hard. You speak to a computer. "Describe what the professor said in the lecture." Strictly timed.

• Duolingo: Fast. You describe an image or answer a prompt for 1-3 minutes.

4. Writing Section

• IELTS: Strict grading. Requires formal structure.

• TOEFL: Integrated task (Read/Listen/Write) + Academic Discussion. Easier to score high if you type fast.

• Duolingo: Short writing samples (50 words) and one long essay. Least demanding.

Visa Acceptance Rules 2026 (Crucial for Indians)

This is where your decision should be made.

🇺🇸 USA

• Verdict: Accepts All Three.

• Detail: 99% of US universities accept IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo. The Visa Officer (VO) generally focuses on your admission letter (I-20) rather than which English test you took.

🇨🇦 Canada

• Verdict: IELTS is King.

• Detail: For the SDS (Student Direct Stream)—which has faster processing—IELTS Academic (Band 6.0) is the standard.

• Update: As of late 2024, Canada started accepting TOEFL and PTE for SDS, but Duolingo is NOT accepted for SDS. If you take Duolingo, you fall into the "Non-SDS" category, which has higher rejection rates.

🇬🇧 UK

• Verdict: IELTS UKVI is Safest.

• Detail: If you are joining a degree program directly, standard IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo works (if the uni accepts it). However, if you need a "Pre-sessional English course" or a "Foundation Year," you MUST take IELTS for UKVI.

🇦🇺 Australia

• Verdict: IELTS / TOEFL / PTE.

• Detail: Australia has become very strict. They frequently reject Duolingo scores for visa purposes, even if the university accepted them. Stick to IELTS or TOEFL.

Score Comparison Chart for TOEFL vs IELTS vs Duolingo

How do the scores convert? (Approximate values).

Proficiency Level	IELTS Band	TOEFL Score	Duolingo Score
Expert	8.5 – 9.0	115 – 120	145 – 160
Very Good (Ivy League)	7.5 – 8.0	102 – 114	130 – 140
Good (Standard)	6.5 – 7.0	79 – 101	110 – 125
Competent	6.0	60 – 78	95 – 105
Modest	5.0 – 5.5	40 – 59	80 – 90

FAQs regarding the "Big Three" Exams

1. Is Duolingo easier than IELTS?

Yes, most students find Duolingo easier because it is shorter, adaptive, and doesn't require long essay writing. However, "easier" doesn't mean "better" for visas.

2. Can I take IELTS at home?

Yes, "IELTS Online" exists. However, many visa authorities (especially Australia) do not accept the "At Home" versions of exams due to fraud concerns. Always take the test at a center.

3. Does the TOEFL "MyBest Score" work for visas?

Universities often accept MyBest Scores. However, some visa officers prefer to see a "Single Sitting" score. Check with your counselor.

4. Which test has the fastest results?

Duolingo (2 days). IELTS Computer and TOEFL are also fast (3-5 days).

5. I have bad handwriting. Which test should I take?

Avoid Paper-based IELTS. Take Computer-delivered IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. All involve typing.

6. Can I apply to Canada with Duolingo in 2026?

You can, but you will apply under the Non-SDS category. This requires more financial documentation and takes longer to process. We recommend IELTS for Canada.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Take?

• Choose IELTS If: You want the safest option for visas (Canada/UK/Australia) or if you prefer speaking to a human.

• Choose TOEFL If: You are applying to top-tier US universities and are comfortable with academic listening/note-taking.

• Choose Duolingo If: You are on a tight budget, applying only to the USA, or need a backup test because your main test score was low.

Still confused? Don't gamble with your visa.

Check Out our blogs to know more about TOEFL vs IELTS vs Duolingo English Test.