TOEFL vs IELTS – which is easier in 2026?
- Feb 6
- 5 min read
Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS in 2026? You’re not alone. Both exams remain the world’s most accepted English tests for study, work and migration — but major updates in 2025–2026 (new TOEFL scoring and faster reporting; tighter IELTS task design and One-Skill Retake options) mean that “which is easier” now depends on your skills, test preferences, and deadlines. This guide explains the 2026 differences, compares format, scoring, timing, difficulty, and provides an evidence-based recommendation so you can pick the test that’s actually easier for you. Sources used include ETS (TOEFL) and official IELTS/IDP guidance and 2026 update summaries.
Quick answer (TL;DR)
Neither test is inherently easier for everyone. TOEFL tends to favour test-takers comfortable with computer-based, academic-style English tasks; IELTS gives options (computer or paper) and may be friendlier to those who perform better speaking face-to-face.
2026 changes matter: TOEFL introduced a CEFR-aligned 1–6 band scoring scale and faster 72-hour score delivery; IELTS introduced stricter task design and One-Skill Retake features. These changes affect timing, test strategy and which test feels “easier.”
How to decide: six quick decision rules
If you’re comfortable typing and using a computer for everything, TOEFL may feel easier. (TOEFL iBT is computer-delivered and now shorter in 2026.)
If you prefer a live speaking interaction, IELTS (face-to-face speaking) may be easier. IDP/British Council still offer human-assessed speaking for many formats.
If you need rapid scores to meet a looming deadline, TOEFL’s faster 72-hour reporting is an advantage. ETS reports faster score release and improved delivery timelines in 2026.
If you expect to retake only one weak section, IELTS’s One-Skill Retake (2026) can be cost-effective and less stressful. (Check availability in your country.)
Check your target institutions: some universities prefer one test, and departmental requirements (e.g., speaking minima) can determine your choice.
Use practice tests: the test you score higher on in a timed mock is usually the easier option for you.
Table: Side-by-side (2026) — Format, scoring and delivery
Feature | TOEFL (2026) | IELTS (2026) |
Delivery | Computer (Test centers & Home Edition) — revised shorter adaptive format introduced Jan 21, 2026. | Computer-delivered or paper; speaking may be face-to-face or recorded depending on location. One-Skill Retake introduced in 2026 in many markets. |
Sections tested | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing (same core skills). New 1.0–6.0 band scale for sections; overall = average. | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (Academic / General Training variants). Band 0–9 scale remains. One-Skill Retake allows single section retake. |
Scoring | 1.0–6.0 per section (0.5 increments); comparable 0–120 shown during transition period. | 0–9 band per section; overall band average. Widely used and understood by institutions. |
Result speed | Scores in ~72 hours in many regions; faster digital delivery. Great for tight deadlines. | Results vary: computer-delivered IELTS often available faster (about 3–5 days); paper tests take longer. One-Skill Retake may speed up re-testing. |
Test length & pacing | Shorter adaptive format in 2026 (around 90 minutes reported by ETS & partners) — faster pace, emphasis on accuracy. | Varies by format; typical full test ~2 hrs 45 mins (Academic) — some find pacing more forgiving on reading/writing. |
Best for | Students comfortable typing, academic lecture style listening, and integrated responses. Faster score needs. | Test-takers preferring human speaking or who need flexibility (paper or computer), and those who might benefit from One-Skill Retake. |
Difficulty — where test-takers commonly struggle (2026 specifics)
Reading
TOEFL: academic, lecture-style passages; questions often require synthesis and paraphrase. If you’re fast at skimming and typing answers, it’s manageable.
IELTS: shorter passages but faster switching between texts; some say question types (matching headings, true/false/not given) can be tricky.Verdict: reading difficulty depends on whether you prefer longer-form academic text (TOEFL) or varied shorter passages (IELTS).
Listening
TOEFL: lecture and classroom conversations; now with upgraded audio gear and clearer playback in 2026 (ETS improved equipment).
IELTS: a mix of everyday and academic contexts; accents vary more (British, Australian, etc.).Verdict: if lectures and note-taking are strengths, TOEFL may be easier; if you prefer conversational listening, IELTS may suit you better.
Speaking
TOEFL: speak into a microphone (integrated tasks) — no human interviewer; good for those who perform better without face-to-face pressure.
IELTS: human examiner (in many formats) — some find live interaction easier; others prefer the neutrality of a microphone.Verdict: personal preference is decisive — practice both formats in mock tests.
Writing
TOEFL: integrated tasks (read/listen then write) and independent essay; emphasis on synthesis and organization.
IELTS: Task 1 (data description for Academic) and Task 2 essay; task types differ but scoring looks for coherence and clear argument.Verdict: similar skill sets required; format familiarity makes the difference.
Real world signals — admissions & test-taker trends (2026)
Faster TOEFL scoring (72 hours in many regions) is causing students with tight deadlines to choose TOEFL more often in 2026. ETS has officially emphasized quicker digital delivery and updated content.
IELTS One-Skill Retake has shifted some retake decisions — test-takers with a single weak skill may prefer IELTS to avoid a full retake. Availability varies by country and test center.
Practical test-choice checklist — which is easier for you?
Take one timed TOEFL practice test and one IELTS practice test (official materials) under conditions that match test day. Whichever gives you a higher, consistent score with less stress is probably easier for you.
If you need results fast, TOEFL wins on speed in 2026.
If you hate speaking to a recorder and prefer human interaction, IELTS may feel easier.
Table: Decision matrix (pick the test that’s easier based on your profile)
You are… | Likely easier test |
Comfortable with long academic listening & typing | TOEFL. |
Prefer face-to-face speaking or want One-Skill Retake | IELTS. |
Need results quickly for application deadlines | TOEFL (72-hour reporting in many regions). |
Need lots of schedule flexibility and paper option | IELTS (computer + paper options). |
Score higher in mock tests under one format | Choose that format — mock performance predicts real test success. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — includes the focus keyword
Q1: TOEFL vs IELTS which is easier 2026 — which should I choose if I’m applying to US universities?
A: Both are accepted widely in the US. Choose the one you score higher on in a timed mock. If you need speed for deadlines, TOEFL’s faster 72-hour reporting in many regions makes it attractive.
Q2: Did TOEFL or IELTS change in 2026 and does that affect difficulty?
A: Yes. TOEFL introduced a CEFR-aligned 1–6 band score and faster delivery; IELTS introduced One-Skill Retake and stricter task designs in some markets. Changes affect strategy and timing more than core language demands.
Q3: Which test gives better chances for a higher score?
A: That depends on you. Practice both with official materials and choose the one where you perform consistently better. Institutions accept both, so aim for the higher, well-timed score. (Use ETS and IDP official practice resources.)
How to test the tests — 5-step tryout plan
Download an official TOEFL practice test and an official IELTS practice test.
Simulate test conditions (timing, quiet room, computer or paper as required).
Score your responses honestly using official rubrics.
Compare not just raw scores but stress levels, timing pressure and overall comfort.
Decide and book the real test with enough buffer for a retake if needed.
Final recommendation
There’s no universal “easier” exam in 2026 — but there is a clearer choice for you. Use the decision rules above, run the two official practice tests under realistic conditions, and prioritize the exam that gives you higher real scores with less stress. If you need rapid score delivery for tight deadlines, TOEFL’s 2026 improvements make it a compelling option; if you prefer human interaction for speaking or want the Single-Skill retake safety-net, IELTS may be easier.
CTA — Official links & next steps
Try official TOEFL practice and learn about 2026 updates (ETS): Schedule, practice materials, and score details. https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare.html
Explore official IELTS formats and One-Skill Retake (IDP / British Council): Official practice and booking. https://www.ielts.org/
Want a quick personalized test pick? Tell me:
(1) your strongest skill (R/L/S/W),
(2) whether you prefer computer or paper, and (3) how soon you need results — I’ll recommend the easier test for your profile and give a 6-week prep plan.
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