IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo: Which Test Should You Take?
Introduction
Are you torn between IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo English tests? Exxeella Education Group is here to help you choose the best test in 2025. You’re not alone—choosing the right exam matters. Each test suits different goals, budgets, and learning styles. In this blog article, we dive deep into formats, scoring, costs, test experience, global recognition, and preparation tips. Ready to find your best match?
1. Test Overview at a Glance
Exam | Administered by | Mode | Duration | Score Range |
IELTS | British Council, IDP, Cambridge | Paper/computer + human‑interview | ~2h45m | 0–9 bands |
PTE Academic | Pearson | Fully computer‑based | ~2h34m | 10–90 |
Duolingo (DET) | Duolingo | Fully online, adaptive | ~60min | 10–160 |
2. Format & Experience
- The four skills evaluated on the IELTS are speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Speaking is a 1‑on‑1 interview.
- PTE is fully AI‑graded with integrated tasks combining skills.
Duolingo is adaptive—questions adjust based on your answers. Plus, you’ll complete a short video interview.
3. Scoring and Equivalencies
- IELTS uses band scores from 0 to 9.
- PTE scores range from 10 to 90.
- Duolingo scores range from 10 to 160.
- You can compare them using IDP’s conversion tables—e.g. IELTS 7.0 ≈ PTE 66–67 and Duolingo 115–120.
4. Cost & Accessibility
- IELTS costs approx. INR 18,000 in India, with results in 3–13 days based on format .
- PTE Academic costs about INR 17,000 and yields results in five business days.
Duolingo is cheapest at ≈ US$80 (~INR 6 500), results in 48 hours.
5. Flexibility & Convenience
- IELTS and PTE require test centre attendance. IELTS speaking is sometimes face‑to‑face.
Duolingo is taken remotely anytime—no centre required. Ideal if you’re looking for stress‑free booking, no travel, and short duration .
6. Recognition & Acceptance
- IELTS is accepted by 12,000+ organisations in 140+ countries—including UK, Australia, Canada, US, EU .
- PTE is widely recognised in similar countries .
Duolingo is newer but growing fast. accepted by a growing number of US colleges as well as those in the UK, Canada, and Ireland. Check target institution acceptance.
7. Test Difficulty & Skill Alignment
- IELTS has human‑graded essays and interviews—subjectivity adds nuance and challenge.
- PTE emphasises strategy; AI grading rewards test‑wise tactic.
- Duolingo adaptive format means perceived difficulty varies. Many find it smoother, cheaper, faster—some Reddit users report scoring 150+ with minimal prep:
“Duolingo is way cheaper … I scored a 150 … pretty fair.”
8. Prep Strategy Tips
- IELTS: Focus on speaking fluency, expand vocabulary, and practice under timed conditions.
- PTE: Learn AI scoring patterns—integrated tasks, pronunciation, fluency and using templates.
Duolingo: Take numerous practice tests. Weak on computer familiarity? Prep with AI‑driven drills.
9. Which One Is Right for You?
- Choose IELTS if your aim is wide academic or migration acceptance (UK/EU/Canada), and you prefer human interaction.
- Pick PTE if you’re comfortable with fast-paced AI‑graded tests and want results in under a week.
Opt for Duolingo if you want quick results, low fees, remote testing, and are targeting US or progressive programs.
10. Quick Decision Checklist
- Budget matters? → Duolingo
- Test centre nearby? → IELTS or PTE
- Need fast results? → Duolingo (48 h) or PTE (5 days)
- Prefer human‑graded speaking? → IELTS
- Focused on AI‑graded structure? → PTE
Remote, one‑hour test? → Duolingo
FAQs
Q1: Can Duolingo replace IELTS?
A: Only if your university or visa authority accepts it—check requirements first.
Q2: Which test is easiest to score high on?
A: Many find Duolingo adaptive and less stressful to score 140+. PTE requires strategy; IELTS requires strong English.
Q3: How long does each test take and when do results arrive?
A: IELTS ~3hrs (results in 3–13 days), PTE ~2.5hrs (5 days), Duolingo ~1hr (48hrs) .
Q4: Are essays graded by humans?
A: IELTS essays are human‑graded; PTE and Duolingo responses are AI‑graded.
Q5: Can I retake the test? How soon?
A:You can retake the PTE and IELTS at any time. Duolingo allows retakes every 30 days .
Q6: Which test suits professional registration?
A: IELTS is gold standard for immigration/professional bodies. PTE is also accepted; Duolingo less so for regulated professions.
Conclusion
Comparing IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo depends on your goals, budget, timing, and test‑taking preference. IELTS remains the most widely accepted, PTE suits tech‑savvy test takers, and Duolingo offers unbeatable convenience and affordability—if accepted by your destination. Assess your priorities, prep smart, and make the best choice. Good luck!