IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo English Test: Which One Should You Choose?
Introduction
IELTS, TOEFL, and the Duolingo English Test (DET) are the three most popular English proficiency tests for studying abroad. But which one is right for you?
This article covers a complete comparison across various aspects — cost, format, duration, scoring, university acceptance, and pros/cons — so you can make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | DET |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $245–$255 USD | $190–$240 USD | $59 USD |
| Duration | 2h 45min | 3 hours | 1 hour |
| Scoring | 1–9 (band) | 0–120 | 10–160 |
| Test Location | Test center | Test center | Online from home |
| Schedule | Limited (1–4x/month) | Limited (40–60x/year) | 24/7, anytime |
| Results | 3–13 days | 6–10 days | 48 hours |
| Score sending | Paid | Paid | Free, unlimited |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Format | Linear | Linear | Adaptive |
1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
What is IELTS?
IELTS is managed by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English. There are two types: IELTS Academic (for study) and IELTS General Training (for immigration/work).
Test Format
| Section | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 min | 4 sections, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 min | 3 sections, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 min | 2 tasks (graph + essay) |
| Speaking | 11–14 min | Face-to-face interview |
Scoring
IELTS uses a 1–9 band scale:
- 9 = Expert user
- 7 = Good user (good university standard)
- 6 = Competent user (minimum standard)
Pros
- Widely accepted in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada
- Speaking test with a live interviewer (feels more natural)
- General Training version for immigration
- Plenty of free study resources
Cons
- Expensive ($245–$255)
- Limited schedule
- Slow results (3–13 days)
- Test center only — can't take from home
- Face-to-face speaking can be intimidating
2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL iBT is managed by ETS and is the standard for American English. TOEFL is more popular in North America.
Test Format
| Section | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 35 min | 2 passages, 20 questions |
| Listening | 36 min | 3–4 lectures, 2–3 conversations |
| Speaking | 16 min | 4 tasks (independent + integrated) |
| Writing | 29 min | 2 tasks (integrated + independent) |
Total: 3 hours
Scoring
TOEFL uses a 0–120 scale (each section 0–30):
- 100+ = Good for top universities
- 80–90 = Standard for most universities
Pros
- Widely accepted in the US and Canada
- Comprehensive academic format
- Structured reading and listening questions
Cons
- Expensive ($190–$240)
- Very long (3 hours)
- Test center only
- Results in 6–10 days
- Speaking to a computer (not a person)
3. Duolingo English Test (DET)
What is DET?
DET is a modern English test that is fully online. You can take it from home anytime. DET was developed by Duolingo, the company behind the popular language learning app.
Test Format
| Section | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive test | 45 min | Reading, writing, listening, speaking (adaptive) |
| Writing sample | 10 min | Write about a given topic |
| Speaking sample | 10 min | Speak about a given topic |
| Total | 1 hour |
DET uses an adaptive test system — questions adapt based on your previous answers.
Scoring
DET uses a 10–160 scale (5-point increments):
- 130+ = Equivalent to IELTS 7.0+
- 120–125 = Equivalent to IELTS 6.5
- 105–115 = Equivalent to IELTS 6.0
Four subscores: Literacy, Comprehension, Production, Conservation.
Pros
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cheap | Only $59 — most affordable |
| From home | No need to visit a test center |
| Fast | Only 1 hour |
| 48-hour results | Fastest of all tests |
| Free sending | Send to unlimited universities |
| Flexible schedule | 24/7, anytime |
| Adaptive | Questions match your level |
Cons
- Not accepted by every university (but 5,000+ now)
- Can't be used for UK visa (IELTS still required)
- No face-to-face speaking component
- Requires stable internet
Universities Accepting DET
DET is accepted by over 5,000 universities globally, including:
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| Yale University | USA |
| University of Toronto | Canada |
| University of Melbourne | Australia |
| National University of Singapore | Singapore |
| University of Edinburgh | UK |
| University of British Columbia | Canada |
| University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| Monash University | Australia |
| And thousands more | Global |
Detailed Comparison
Cost
| Test | Fee | Score Sending |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | $245–$255 | ~$20 per university |
| TOEFL iBT | $190–$240 | $20 per university |
| DET | $59 | Free (unlimited) |
Cost difference DET vs IELTS: ~$200. Use that money for university application fees!
Time
| Test | Test Duration | Result Time |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 2h 45min | 3–13 days |
| TOEFL iBT | 3 hours | 6–10 days |
| DET | 1 hour | 48 hours |
Time difference: DET is 3–13 days faster. If your application deadline is close, DET is a lifesaver.
Convenience
| Test | Can take from home? | Flexible schedule? |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | ❌ | ❌ |
| TOEFL iBT | ❌ | ❌ |
| DET | ✅ | ✅ (24/7) |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose DET if:
- ✅ Limited budget — Save $200+
- ✅ Tight deadline — Need fast results
- ✅ Want from home — No test center hassle
- ✅ Target university accepts DET — Check first!
- ✅ Want short test — Only 1 hour vs 3 hours
Choose IELTS if:
- ✅ Target university only accepts IELTS
- ✅ Need score for UK visa/immigration
- ✅ Prefer face-to-face speaking
- ✅ Need General Training (immigration)
Choose TOEFL if:
- ✅ Target universities in the US (TOEFL still more popular)
- ✅ Prefer long, structured test format
- ✅ Target university only accepts TOEFL
Scenario-Based Recommendations
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Student with limited budget | DET |
| Emergency application (1–2 week deadline) | DET |
| Want to test from home | DET |
| US top university target | TOEFL or DET |
| UK/Australia university target | IELTS or DET |
| Need score for UK visa | IELTS |
| Want face-to-face speaking experience | IELTS |
| Want most efficient test | DET |
| Want most comprehensive test | TOEFL |
Note: Many universities now accept all three tests. Check your target university's website before deciding.
Conclusion
Each test has its strengths. IELTS excels in global recognition and face-to-face speaking. TOEFL excels in comprehensive academic format. But DET excels in almost all practical aspects: cost, speed, convenience, and flexibility.
For 90% of Indonesian students applying to study abroad, DET is the best choice — as long as your target university accepts it.
Start your DET preparation now with Wono DET and achieve your dream score!