IELTS Computer Delivered vs Paper 2026: Which is Better?
IELTS is now available in two formats: computer-delivered and paper-based. The content and scoring are identical, but the experience is very different. This guide helps you choose the format that gives you the best chance of achieving your target score.
Key point: Both formats are equally valid and accepted worldwide. Choose based on your personal preferences, not perceived difficulty.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Computer Delivered | Paper Based |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Audio through headphones. Type answers on screen. Timer visible on screen. | Audio through speakers. Write answers on paper. No on-screen timer. |
| Reading | Passage on screen. Type/click answers. Can highlight and make notes. | Physical booklet. Write answers on paper. Can underline and annotate. |
| Writing | Type essays on computer. Word count shown. Easy to edit and restructure. | Handwrite essays. No word count. Difficult to restructure once written. |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with human examiner (same) | Face-to-face with human examiner (same) |
| Results | 3-5 days | 13 calendar days |
| Test dates | Multiple dates per week | Typically 4 dates per month |
| One Skill Retake | Available | Not available |
| Price | Same (or +GBP 5-10 at some centres) | Same |
| Transfer time | No transfer time (type directly) | 10 minutes to transfer Listening answers |
Choose Computer If You...
- Type faster than you handwrite. This is the biggest advantage. Typing speed of 30+ words per minute lets you write more in less time, especially for the Writing section.
- Want faster results. 3-5 days vs 13 days. Essential if you have a visa or university deadline.
- Want the One Skill Retake option. Only available for computer-delivered. See our complete OSR guide.
- Edit your writing frequently. Cut, copy, paste, and rearrange paragraphs easily. No messy crossings-out.
- Prefer headphones for Listening. Clearer audio, no ambient noise from other test-takers.
- Want more test date options. Computer tests run multiple times per week.
Choose Paper If You...
- Prefer handwriting. Some people think and compose better with a pen. If handwriting helps you organise your thoughts, paper is better.
- Find screens tiring. Reading long passages on screen for 60 minutes can cause eye strain. Physical paper is easier on the eyes.
- Like to annotate Reading passages. Underlining, circling key words, and making margin notes is more natural on paper.
- Are not comfortable with computers. If you rarely use computers, the paper test removes that anxiety.
- Want the 10-minute transfer time. In paper Listening, you get 10 extra minutes to check and transfer your answers. Computer does not have this.
Key Differences by Section
Listening
Computer
- Headphones (clear, personal audio)
- Type answers directly
- Timer visible on screen
- No transfer time at the end
- Can go back to previous questions within a section
Paper
- Speakers (shared audio, can be affected by room acoustics)
- Write answers in test booklet
- No on-screen timer
- 10 minutes transfer time to copy answers to answer sheet
- Questions in physical booklet
Reading
Computer
- Split screen: passage on one side, questions on the other
- Digital highlighting tool
- Scroll through passages
- Click to select or type answers
Paper
- Physical booklet: can flip between pages freely
- Underline, circle, and annotate with pen
- See the whole passage at once (spread across pages)
- Write answers on answer sheet
Writing
Computer
- Type essays on screen
- Live word count displayed
- Cut, copy, paste, undo
- Easy to restructure paragraphs
- Clean, legible text every time
Paper
- Handwrite on answer sheets
- No word count (estimate by counting)
- Crossing out and arrows for edits
- Hard to restructure once written
- Handwriting must be legible
Which Format Has Better Scores?
Research and data from IELTS show that average scores are virtually identical between computer and paper formats. The test content, difficulty, and marking criteria are the same. However, some anecdotal patterns:
- Writing scores tend to be slightly higher on computer because candidates can edit more easily, the text is always legible, and the word count is visible.
- Reading scores are similar, though some candidates find paper easier for long passages.
- Listening scores are similar, though headphones provide clearer audio on computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The content and scoring are identical. Neither is easier. The format that feels easier depends on your typing speed, screen reading comfort, and personal preferences.
3-5 business days for computer-delivered, compared to 13 calendar days for paper-based.
No. The Speaking test is always face-to-face with a human examiner, regardless of which format you choose. It is identical in both versions.
No. Both formats produce the same Test Report Form and are equally accepted by all institutions and immigration authorities worldwide.
If there is any chance you might need to retake one skill, yes. One Skill Retake is only available for computer-delivered IELTS. This alone makes computer the safer choice for many candidates.
Related Resources
Our Recommendation
Choose computer if you type well (30+ wpm), want fast results, or want the One Skill Retake option.
Choose paper if you prefer handwriting, find screens tiring, or like annotating physical passages.