Duolingo vs PTE vs IELTS: The best test in 2025

If you’re planning to study, work, or migrate abroad, proving your English language proficiency is essential. With multiple tests available, choosing the right one can be confusing. 

The most popular tests today include the

• Duolingo English Test,
• PTE Academic,
• IELTS (Academic and General Training).

Each test has its unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. This blog compares Duolingo, PTE, and IELTS, explaining the differences, processes, and tips to help you choose the best test for your goals.

In this blog, we’ll provide details regarding the registration process, fees, test formats, difficulty level, preparation tips, test-day experience, scoring system, and instructions on how to send your results to institutions or immigration authorities.

We will also include insights into which test is easier, which test is faster, which test is accepted where, and how to decide which English test is best for you in 2025 and beyond.

What are Duolingo, PTE, and IELTS tests?

Duolingo English Test (DET):

• Fully online English language proficiency test.
• Introduced as an affordable and convenient alternative.
• Accepted by thousands of universities and institutions globally.
• Great for students needing a quick result.

PTE Academic: 

• Computer-based test conducted at test centres.
• Uses AI for scoring.
• Widely accepted in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and by many universities in the US and Canada.
• Ideal for study, work, and immigration purposes.

IELTS (Academic & General Training):

• Available as a paper-based or computer-delivered test.
• Conducted at official test centres worldwide.
• Accepted by over 11,000 institutions globally.
• Preferred by many immigration departments (Australia, UK, Canada).

Registration Process

Duolingo English Test Registration

• • Create an account on the Duolingo English Test website.

• Pay the test fee (around USD 59).
• You can take the test online from your home anytime without any need to book a slot.

PTE Academic Registration

• Register at the Pearson PTE website.
• Choose your test type (PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI).
• Select your nearest test centre, date, and time.
• Pay the fee (varies by country, around USD 220).

IELTS Registration

• • Register at the IELTS official website or a local test provider (like the British Council or IDP).
  • Choose between Academic or General Training.

• Pick your preferred test mode (computer or paper) and location/date.
• Pay the fee (varies by country, around USD 250).

Test Format and Sections

#	Feature	Duolingo English Test	PTE Academic	IELTS
1	Speaking	Yes (integrated)	Yes (recorded)	Yes (face-to-face or recorded)
2	Listening	Yes (integrated)	Yes	Yes
3	Reading	Yes (integrated)	Yes	Yes
4	Writing	Yes (integrated)	Yes	Yes
5	Duration	~1 hour	~2 hours	2 hrs 45 mins

 

Duolingo Test Format

• The adaptive test gets harder or easier depending on the answers.
• Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are tested together.
• Includes a video interview and writing sample.

PTE Test Format

• Speaking & Writing (together): 54–67 minutes.
• Reading: 29–30 minutes.
• Listening: 30–43 minutes.
• Fully computerised.

IELTS Test Format

• Listening: 30 minutes.
• Reading: 60 minutes.
• Writing: 60 minutes.
• Speaking: 11–14 minutes (can be on a separate day).

Test Duration and Location

#	Test	Duration	Location
1	Duolingo	~1 hour	Home (online)
2	PTE	~2 hours	Test center
3	IELTS	~2 hr 45 min	Test center

Fees and Cost Comparison

#	Test	Approximate Fee
1	Duolingo	$59
2	PTE	$220
3	IELTS	$250

Duolingo is the most affordable, while IELTS is usually the most expensive.

Test Day Experience

Duolingo

• Take the test at home.
• Quiet, well-lit room with webcam and microphone.
• ID verification and environment check before starting.

PTE

• Arrive at the test centre early.
• Bring a valid ID.
• Biometric data (fingerprints, photo) collected.
• Seated in a cubicle with a computer.

IELTS

• Similar to PTE but may have more candidates at a time.
• Paper-based or computer-delivered.
• Speaking may be scheduled separately.

Scoring and Results

#	Test	Scoring Range	Results Timeline
1	Duolingo	10–160	2–48 hours
2	PTE	10–90	1–5 days
3	IELTS	Band 1–9	3–13 days

Duolingo is the fastest to deliver results.

Acceptance and Recognition

#	Test	Accepted for Study	Accepted for Immigration
1	Duolingo	Yes (universities)	Rarely
2	PTE	Yes	Yes (Australia, NZ, UK)
3	IELTS	Yes	Yes (Australia, Canada, UK, NZ)

• Duolingo: Not yet widely accepted for immigration.
• PTE & IELTS: Both accepted for work, study, and immigration.

Preparation Tips

Duolingo Preparation

• Practice adaptive questions online.
• Improve typing speed and quick thinking.
• Practice speaking to a camera.

PTE Preparation

• Use official PTE practice software.
• Time yourself with mock tests.
• Focus on AI scoring strategies.

IELTS Preparation

• Take practice tests under exam conditions.
• Improve handwriting when taking a paper test.
• Work on speaking fluency.

Pros and Cons of Each Test

#	Feature	Duolingo	PTE	IELTS
1	Pros	Cheap, fast, flexible	AI scoring is quick and accepted for PR	Widely accepted, face-to-face speaking
2	Cons	Not accepted for PR	Stressful timing, test centre only	Long test, expensive

Duolingo vs PTE vs IELTS: Which is Easier?

It depends on your strengths:

• If you are confident in self-paced, adaptive environments, → Duolingo.
• If you are good with computers and fast → PTE.
• If you prefer traditional, face-to-face interaction, → IELTS.

Conclusion: Which Test Should You Choose?

#	Scenario	Best Test
1	Quick, affordable, at home	Duolingo
2	Australia/UK immigration	PTE or IELTS
3	University application	Any (check with the institution)
4	You want face-to-face speaking	IELTS
5	You prefer computer-only tests	PTE or Duolingo

Summary Table:

#	Feature	Duolingo	PTE Academic	IELTS
1	Cost	Cheapest	Medium	Highest
2	Duration	~1 hour	~2 hours	~3 hours
3	Test location	At home	Test center	Test center
4	Results speed	Fastest	Fast	Slowest
5	Recognition for immigration	Rarely	Yes	Yes
6	Ease of preparation	Easier for some	Medium	Harder

FAQs

Q1: Which English test is the most widely accepted?

IELTS is the most widely accepted English proficiency test worldwide, followed by PTE. Duolingo is accepted by thousands of universities, but it is not generally accepted for immigration purposes.

Q2: Can I use the Duolingo English Test for immigration?

No, Duolingo is currently not accepted for immigration visas (like Australia, Canada, and the UK). For immigration, you should take IELTS or PTE.

Q3: Which test gives faster results?

Duolingo provides results within 2–48 hours, PTE within 1–5 days, and IELTS takes 3–13 days.

Q4: Which test is the easiest?

It depends:

• Duolingo is shorter and adaptive, easier for some.
• PTE is good if you’re fast and comfortable with computers.
• IELTS can feel harder because of its length and face-to-face speaking.

Q5: Can I take all of these tests from home?

Only Duolingo can be taken completely at home. PTE and IELTS are conducted in official test centres.

Q6: How much do these tests cost?

Approximate fees:

• Duolingo: ~$59 USD
• PTE: ~ $220
• IELTS: ~$250 USD

Q7: How do Duolingo scores compare to IELTS and PTE?

Approximate equivalents:

• Duolingo 120 ≈ IELTS Band 7 ≈ PTE 65
• Duolingo 105 ≈ IELTS 6.5 ≈ PTE 58
• Duolingo 90 ≈ IELTS 6 ≈ PTE 50

Q8: How many times can I retake the tests?

You can retake any of these tests as many times as you like, but you must pay the fee each time.

Q9: What ID documents are needed for the tests?

A valid passport is required for all three tests. Some locations accept national ID cards for PTE and IELTS.

Q10: Which test is better for students applying to US or Canadian universities?

All three tests are widely accepted by universities in the US and Canada. However, Duolingo is not accepted for Canadian immigration (PR), only for academic purposes.