IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo, Which English test should you really take if you want to study abroad?

At some point in every study abroad journey, things slow down. Not because of documents. Not because of universities. But because of one simple question.

Which English test should I take?

You already know the names. IELTS . TOEFL . Duolingo.
What you may not know is that choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and sometimes even an offer.

Students come to us confused all the time. One senior says IELTS is compulsory. Another says TOEFL is better for the USA. Someone else casually mentions Duolingo and suddenly everything feels unclear again.

Let us fix that. Slowly. Honestly. Student to student.

Why does this decision matter more than it looks?

An English test is not just a requirement to tick off a checklist. Universities use it to understand one thing. Can you actually survive academically in a new country?

Can you follow lectures?
Can you write assignments?
Can you express ideas clearly?

A strong score builds trust in your application. A weak or mismatched score can delay or even limit your options. That is why choosing the right test from the beginning matters.

Let’s Understand the Three Tests in Brief

IELTS is the most familiar option for Indian students. You go to a test center. You sit in a proper exam setting. You speak to a real examiner in the speaking test. Some students like this. It feels human. Others feel nervous. That reaction is normal.

TOEFL works differently. Everything happens on a computer. Even the speaking section. The test feels more academic. You read, listen, type, and respond. Students who are comfortable with long reading passages and typing fast often do well here. This is why the TOEFL is very popular in the USA.

Then there is Duolingo. It changed how students look at English tests. You take it from home. No test center. No long hours. The exam adapts to your answers and finishes in about an hour. Results come quickly. This makes it attractive, especially when deadlines are approaching. But not every university accepts it yet. And that single detail changes the entire decision.

Time, cost, and results. The practical Side Students Care About

IELTS usually takes close to three hours.
TOEFL can stretch to three or four hours.
Duolingo finishes in about an hour.

Cost also plays a role. IELTS and TOEFL are both around seventeen thousand rupees in India. Duolingo costs much less. This is why many budget-conscious students lean toward it.

Results matter too. Duolingo results come fast. IELTS and TOEFL take longer. But here is the part many students miss. None of this matters if your university does not accept the test.

Acceptance is where the Real Difference Lies

IELTS and TOEFL have the widest global acceptance. They are accepted by thousands of universities across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, and beyond.

Duolingo acceptance is growing fast. Many universities in the USA and Europe now accept it. But not all programs do. Especially competitive or research-heavy ones.

So before booking any test, always check the official university website. Never assume. This one step can save you months. At iKounselor, this is exactly where we start. We first look at your university list. Then we suggest the test. Not the other way around.

Scores Confuse Students. Let us Simplify It

Each test uses a different scoring system. That is why students panic.

A Duolingo score of around 110 to 120 usually matches an IELTS band of about 6.5 to 7. TOEFL scores sit on a different scale altogether. Score comparison charts help, but preparation matters more than numbers.

We have seen students with strong English struggle because they did not understand the exam pattern. We have also seen average speakers score high bands because they prepared smartly.

Which test is easier? The honest answer!

There is no easiest test.
There is only the right test for you.

If you speak confidently but dislike typing, IELTS may feel comfortable.
If you enjoy academic reading and writing, TOEFL may suit you.
If long exams drain you and you want flexibility, Duolingo may feel lighter.

No option is weak.
Only the wrong match feels hard.

Country-wise Reality Students Should Know

If you are applying to the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, IELTS remains the safest and most trusted choice.

For the USA, both IELTS and TOEFL work very well. Duolingo is accepted by many universities, but not all programs.

For Canada, IELTS is still the most commonly used test, especially for visa processes.

In Europe, acceptance varies. IELTS works almost everywhere. TOEFL is also accepted. Duolingo acceptance is growing but still selective.

This is why one size never fits all. Find your Fit! 

Preparation is where most students Win or Lose

Knowing English is not enough. These exams test strategy, timing, and awareness.

At iKounselor, our English test preparation focuses on how the exam actually works. Our expert trainers have a strong record of helping students score high bands. This comes from experience, structured mock tests, detailed feedback, and practical tips that students usually do not find online.

Many students tell us the same thing after a few sessions. “I did not know the test worked like this.”

That moment changes their confidence.

Duolingo preparation, in particular, is often taken lightly. The adaptive format means every answer matters. Speed matters. Accuracy matters. Even your test environment matters. Without guidance, students often score lower than expected.

Feeling Confused is Normal

Most students are! That is why we always suggest clarity before commitment. At iKounselor, you can book a free demo session and speak to our trainers. No pressure. No push. Just an honest understanding of where you stand and which test suits you best.

You can enquire now and explore your options before locking anything.

Final Thought

IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo are all valid paths. The right one depends on your destination, timeline, comfort level, and goals. The English test is not a hurdle, it is a bridge. So, choose wisely & prepare smartly. When crossed the right way, it takes you exactly where you want to go.