TOEFL Examination Guide: Is It Easier Than IELTS?

Many English learners ask the same question before choosing an exam: Is TOEFL easier than IELTS?
The answer depends on your English skills, learning style, and test preferences. Both exams are internationally recognised, but they differ in format, scoring, and difficulty perception.

In this article, we compare TOEFL iBT and IELTS in detail and explain which test may be easier for you. We will also cover TOEFL test format, TOEFL exam cost, TOEFL practice tests, ETS TOEFL, and TOEFL ITP.

What Is the TOEFL Test?

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English proficiency test designed by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It measures your ability to use English in academic and professional environments.

Types of TOEFL Exams

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) – the most common and widely accepted

• TOEFL ITP – used mainly for institutions, not immigration

• TOEFL Essentials – shorter version (limited acceptance)

Most universities require the TOEFL iBT.

Is TOEFL Easier Than IELTS? (Short Answer)

👉 TOEFL is easier than IELTS for some students, but harder for others.
It depends on:

• Your computer skills

• Your listening and reading speed

• Your speaking preference

• Your accent familiarity

TOEFL vs IELTS: Difficulty Comparison

1. TOEFL Speaking vs IELTS Speaking

TOEFL Speaking

• You speak into a microphone

• No human examiner

• Fixed structure

• Time-limited responses

IELTS Speaking

• Face-to-face interview

• More natural conversation

• Examiner interaction

✅ TOEFL is easier if you are shy or nervous speaking to people
❌ IELTS is easier if you enjoy real conversations

2. TOEFL Listening vs IELTS Listening

TOEFL Listening

• Academic lectures

• American accents

• Longer audio

• Note-taking required

IELTS Listening

• Shorter recordings

• British, Australian, and American accents

• Everyday conversations

✅ TOEFL is easier if you are used to academic English
❌ IELTS is easier if you prefer real-life situations

3. TOEFL Reading vs IELTS Reading

TOEFL Reading

• Long academic passages

• Multiple-choice questions

• Clear structure

IELTS Reading

• Multiple question types

• Time-pressure

• More tricky wording

👉 Many students find TOEFL reading easier because answers are more direct.

4. TOEFL Writing vs IELTS Writing

TOEFL Writing

• Integrated tasks (reading + listening + writing)

• Clear templates

• Typing required

IELTS Writing

• Handwritten or typed

• Opinion essays

• More flexible structure

✅ TOEFL is easier if you like structured answers
❌ IELTS is easier if you like expressing opinions freely

TOEFL iBT Test Format

SectionTimeReading35 minutesListening36 minutesSpeaking16 minutesWriting29 minutes

The TOEFL iBT is fully computer-based.

TOEFL Practice Test Options

Practising is essential to score well. You can prepare using:

• TOEFL practice test online

• Official ETS TOEFL practice tests

• TOEFL exam practice test PDFs

• TOEFL practise test platforms

• Free TOEFL iBT practice test websites

Search-friendly keywords:

• TOEFL practice test

• TOEFL exam practice

• TOEFL examination practice

• TOEFL exam practice test

TOEFL Exam Cost & Price (2025)

The TOEFL exam cost depends on your country.

💰 Average TOEFL test cost:

• TOEFL iBT price: $180 – $300

• TOEFL ITP cost: varies by institution

Common search terms:

• TOEFL exam cost

• TOEFL exam price

• TOEFL test cost

Extra fees may apply for:

• Late registration

• Rescheduling

• Score reports

Is TOEFL Better Than IELTS?

Choose TOEFL if:

• You prefer computer-based tests

• You like structured questions

• You are comfortable with American English

• You want academic-focused content

Choose IELTS if:

• You prefer speaking with a person

• You like flexible writing

• You are applying to UK, Australia, or Canada

Final Verdict: Is TOEFL Easier Than IELTS?

✔ TOEFL is easier for students who:

• Type fast

• Think quickly

• Prefer multiple-choice questions

• Feel nervous speaking to examiners

❌ IELTS is easier for students who:

• Like natural speaking

• Prefer writing opinions

• Are comfortable with human interaction

👉 There is no universally easier test — only the right test for you.