Explore how IELTS compares to Cambridge C1 Advanced
What’s the difference between IELTS and Duolingo?
If you need to take an English test soon, you’ll want to know which is better, IELTS or Duolingo English Test.
Read on to understand the differences between the tests, so you can decide which one better suits your needs.
Which is better, IELTS or Duolingo English Test?
IELTS and the Duolingo English Test (DET) are both popular English tests, but differ a lot in terms of test format, test experience, and recognition. Here are some key differences for you to consider:
IELTS is better than Duolingo as it is accepted for visas by Australia, Canada, UK and the USA governments, but Duolingo’s visa recognition is limited to North America.
When building a career overseas, IELTS is often the better choice because IELTS’ General Training format assesses your English skills for professional work, but the Duolingo English Test’s is mainly accepted by academic institutions.
IELTS sets the global standard for testing effective use of English across four skills. DET focuses on vocabulary and grammar with integrated skills.
Book an IELTS test and you’ll get free access to a full suite of exam preparation materials, giving you everything you need to get the score you want.
At a glance: IELTS Vs Duolingo
Duolingo’s test is an at-home remote test. IELTS Online is a remote version of IELTS, but our in-person tests are the most widely recognised.
Take a look at how IELTS compares to DET across other key areas:
| Skills assessed | Time | Scoring system | Results delivery | Accepted by | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | 2hr, 45 mins | Band scores 0-9, aligned to CEFR | Typically within 2 days | 13,500+ organisations; includes all four major immigration authorities | IELTS Ready Premium included (worth US$170) |
Duolingo English Test | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | 1hr | Points from 10-160, aligned to CEFR | 2 days | 6,000 organisations, mainly educational | Free question types and practice tests |
How do IELTS and Duolingo test formats compare?
Both exams assess listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, but they are very different in how they test those skills.
DET is an adaptive computer test, so the four key skills are assessed via integrated questions, rather than separate sections.
For Speaking and Listening, DET has Listen and Type, Listen and Select, Speak about a Photo and Listen and Respond tasks. For Reading and Writing, you will come across Read and Select, Read and Complete, Read Aloud and Write about a Photo tasks.
In IELTS, each of the skills sections are more thoroughly assessed, using recordings and texts that mirror the ways you will need to use English in real life.
IELTS vs Duolingo: which is more difficult
When comparing IELTS vs Duolingo English Test (DET), the level of difficulty depends on your strengths and test preferences. However, with the right preparation and complete familiarisation with the test format, you can achieve your target score.
British Council gives you access to IELTS Ready Premium, completely free, when you book your IELTS test . It has everything you need to help you succeed on test day, including 40 scored practice tests, online courses and live and on-demand classes.
Duolingo offers an online guide with question types and one free practice test.
Related pages
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Explore how IELTS compares to the Pearson Test of English
Check out which organisations accept IELTS and which score you need.