If you’re thinking about taking an English test, chances are you’ve heard of both IELTS and the Duolingo English Test. At first glance, they might seem similar. But if you dig a little deeper, they’re very different. One is formal, structured, and long. The other feels more relaxed, quicker, and—let’s be honest—less scary.
But is Duolingo really easier than IELTS? Let’s break it all down in plain English.
What’s the Real Difference Between Duolingo and IELTS?
Let’s start with the basics.
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It’s been around for decades and is used by universities, governments, and companies all over the world. It tests four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You have to do all of them, in person or at a test center, and the whole thing takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Duolingo English Test (DET), on the other hand, is much newer. You can take it online from your bedroom with a webcam. It’s fully digital, takes around one hour, and covers all four language skills—though the test is designed a bit differently.
So… Is Duolingo Easier?
In many ways, yes, Duolingo feels easier. But it depends on what kind of test-taker you are.
1. It’s Shorter and More Flexible
Time matters. Duolingo takes just an hour. IELTS? Almost three.
That alone can make a big difference if you get tired easily or just don’t have the patience to sit through a long exam.
Also, Duolingo lets you take the test at home, whenever you feel ready. No booking months in advance. No crowded test centers. No traveling across the city.
2. It Adapts to You
Duolingo is an adaptive test. That means the questions change depending on how you’re doing. Answer correctly, and you’ll get harder questions. Struggling? The test adjusts to give you something a bit easier.
That’s why many people find it less stressful than IELTS, which throws the same level of difficulty at everyone, no matter how ready (or not) you are.
3. More Affordable
Duolingo costs much less than IELTS. For many people, this is a major factor. IELTS can be pricey, especially if you need to take it more than once.
But IELTS Has Its Strengths Too
Now, just because Duolingo feels easier doesn’t mean it’s always the better choice.
1. Wider Acceptance
IELTS is accepted by over 11,000 institutions around the world. That includes universities, visa offices, and employers. It’s trusted and respected.
While Duolingo is gaining popularity—especially with some universities—it’s still not accepted everywhere. If you’re applying for a visa or a job, IELTS is often the safer bet.
2. More Traditional Structure
Some people actually like knowing exactly what to expect. IELTS has clear sections: reading, writing, listening, speaking.
Duolingo mixes everything together. You might go from listening to writing to speaking in 10 minutes. That can be confusing for some people. If you like order and predictability, IELTS might suit you better.
3. Better for Academic English
If your goal is to study abroad, especially in an English-speaking university, IELTS can give you a more accurate picture of how you’ll handle lectures, academic reading, and formal writing.
Duolingo focuses more on general, everyday English. That’s helpful too—but it’s not the same as writing essays or reading academic journals.
What Are the Scores Like?
This part trips up a lot of people. Duolingo scores range from 10 to 160. A score of 120 and above is usually considered quite strong.
IELTS scores range from 0 to 9. Most universities want at least a 6.5 or 7.
You can roughly compare them like this:
- Duolingo 120 ≈ IELTS 7
- Duolingo 130+ ≈ IELTS 7.5–8
But remember: there’s no exact match. Some institutions may have their own score conversion charts, so it’s best to check directly with them.
Which Test Should You Choose?
It depends on your goals, strengths, and situation.
- If you want a quick, easy-to-schedule test and you’re applying somewhere that accepts Duolingo, it might be perfect.
- If you need a test with guaranteed global recognition, especially for visas or top universities, IELTS is probably the better option.
- If you’re a confident test-taker and don’t mind structure, IELTS gives you a solid challenge.
- If you get nervous easily or feel overwhelmed by long exams, Duolingo might help you feel more at ease.
READ MORE: Is TOEFL easier than IELTS? | 10 Reasons Why PTE Triumphs Over IELTS
Final Thoughts
Is Duolingo easier than IELTS? For most people, yes. It’s shorter, cheaper, more relaxed, and can be done from the comfort of home. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone.
Think about what you need. Check what your university, employer, or visa office requires. And be honest with yourself about how you handle pressure and how strong your English is.
Whichever test you choose, preparation matters. A bit of practice, a calm mind, and a good night’s sleep can go a long way.
FAQs
Q: Is the Duolingo English Test accepted by all universities?
A: No. While many universities accept it, especially in the US and Canada, not all do. Always check the specific requirements of the institution you’re applying to.
Q: Can I use Duolingo for immigration or visa applications?
A: Usually not. Most immigration programs still require IELTS or TOEFL. Duolingo is mainly used for university admissions.
Q: Is it easier to get a high score on Duolingo than IELTS?
A: Yes, many test-takers find it easier to achieve a higher percentile on Duolingo, but institutions may interpret the scores differently.
Q: Can I switch from Duolingo to IELTS later?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to prepare for IELTS separately. The format and question types are quite different, so don’t rely only on Duolingo practice if IELTS is your goal later on.