IELTS vs PTE 2026: Which English Test is Easier?
Choosing between IELTS and PTE Academic is one of the most common decisions for anyone needing an English proficiency test. This comprehensive 2026 comparison covers format, scoring, cost, acceptance, and difficulty to help you make the right choice.
1. Quick Overview
| Feature | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | International English Language Testing System | Pearson Test of English Academic |
| Operated By | British Council, IDP, Cambridge | Pearson |
| Test Format | Paper-based or Computer-based | Computer-based only |
| Speaking Format | Face-to-face with human examiner | Speak into microphone (AI-scored) |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | 2 hours |
| Score Scale | 0–9 (half-band increments) | 10–90 (1-point increments) |
| Results | 3–13 days | 1–2 days |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Cost (approx.) | GBP 195–210 / USD 245–260 | GBP 179–199 / USD 230–250 |
| Test Centres | 1,600+ in 140+ countries | 400+ in 70+ countries |
| One Skill Retake | Yes (computer-based only) | No |
2. Test Format Comparison
Listening
- 30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time
- 4 sections, 40 questions
- Hear recordings once only
- Various accents (British, Australian, American)
- Question types: fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, matching, maps
- 30–43 minutes
- Variable number of questions
- Hear recordings once only
- Various accents
- Question types: summarise spoken text, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, highlight correct summary, dictation
Reading
- 60 minutes
- 3 passages, 40 questions
- Academic: complex academic texts
- General: everyday and work-related texts
- Question types: True/False/Not Given, matching headings, fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice
- 29–30 minutes
- Variable number of passages and questions
- Academic-style texts
- Question types: multiple choice, reorder paragraphs, fill-in-the-blank (drag-and-drop and dropdown)
- Integrated with Writing section
Writing
- 60 minutes
- Task 1: 150+ words (graph/letter)
- Task 2: 250+ words (essay)
- Scored by trained human examiners
- Handwritten (paper) or typed (computer)
- Integrated into Reading & Writing section (29–30 min)
- Summarise written text (1 sentence summary)
- Write essay (200–300 words)
- Scored entirely by AI
- Must type (no handwriting option)
Speaking
- 11–14 minutes
- Face-to-face with a human examiner
- 3 parts: interview, monologue, discussion
- Taken on same day or different day
- Natural conversation flow
- Part of Speaking & Writing section (54–67 min combined)
- Speak into a microphone (no human examiner)
- Tasks: read aloud, repeat sentence, describe image, re-tell lecture, answer short question
- Strict time limits per task
- AI scoring based on pronunciation, fluency, content
3. Scoring Systems
IELTS Scoring (Band 0–9)
IELTS scores each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) individually on a scale of 0 to 9 in half-band increments (e.g., 6.0, 6.5, 7.0). Your overall band score is the average of the four scores, rounded to the nearest whole or half band.
Writing and Speaking are assessed by trained human examiners using detailed band descriptors covering Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
PTE Scoring (10–90)
PTE scores are on a continuous scale from 10 to 90 in 1-point increments, providing more granular differentiation. Each communicative skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) receives a separate score. PTE also provides "Enabling Skills" scores for Grammar, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Written Discourse.
All PTE scoring is done by AI algorithms, which means there is no human subjectivity. Some test-takers find this advantageous as results are consistent, while others prefer the nuance of human assessment.
4. Score Equivalency Table
This table shows the official concordance between IELTS and PTE scores, based on research by Pearson and recognised by most institutions and immigration authorities.
| IELTS Band | PTE Score | CEFR Level | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 86–90 | C2 | Expert |
| 8.5 | 83–85 | C2 | Very Good |
| 8.0 | 79–82 | C1 | Very Good |
| 7.5 | 73–78 | C1 | Good |
| 7.0 | 65–72 | B2+ | Good |
| 6.5 | 58–64 | B2 | Competent |
| 6.0 | 50–57 | B2 | Competent |
| 5.5 | 42–49 | B1+ | Modest |
| 5.0 | 36–41 | B1 | Modest |
| 4.5 | 30–35 | A2+ | Limited |
| 4.0 | 29 & below | A2 | Limited |
Note: Concordance scores are approximate. Always check the specific score requirements of your target institution or immigration programme.
5. Cost Comparison (2026)
| Location | IELTS (Academic/GT) | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | GBP 195–210 | GBP 179–199 |
| United States | USD 245–260 | USD 230–250 |
| Australia | AUD 410 | AUD 395–410 |
| Canada | CAD 320–340 | CAD 300–330 |
| India | INR 16,250–17,000 | INR 15,900–16,500 |
Prices are approximate and vary by test centre and region. Check official websites for exact pricing. IELTS One Skill Retake has an additional fee (typically 40–50% of the full test price).
6. Country & Institution Acceptance
| Country / Purpose | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| UK Universities | Widely accepted | Widely accepted |
| UK Visas (UKVI) | IELTS for UKVI (specific test) | Not accepted for UK visas |
| Australia Immigration | Accepted | Accepted |
| Australia Universities | All universities | All universities |
| Canada Immigration (Express Entry) | Accepted (General Training) | Accepted (since late 2023) |
| Canada Universities | Widely accepted | Most universities |
| New Zealand | Accepted | Accepted |
| USA Universities | Most universities | Many universities |
| Europe (non-UK) | Widely accepted | Varies by institution |
| Professional Registration (nursing, medicine) | Most regulators | Some regulators |
7. Pros and Cons
- Widest global acceptance (140+ countries)
- Human examiner for Speaking (natural conversation)
- Paper-based option available
- One Skill Retake available
- UKVI version for UK visas
- More test centres worldwide (1,600+)
- Accepted by all professional regulators
- Slower results (3–13 days)
- Human scoring can vary (subjectivity)
- Half-band increments (less precise)
- Speaking test may be on a different day
- Slightly more expensive overall
- Handwriting can be hard to read (paper test)
- Fast results (1–2 business days)
- AI scoring (consistent, no bias)
- 1-point increments (more precise scoring)
- Entire test done in one sitting (2 hours)
- Frequent test dates available
- No separate speaking appointment
- Unlimited score sends to institutions
- Not accepted for UK visas (UKVI)
- Fewer test centres (400+ in 70 countries)
- Speaking into a microphone feels unnatural
- No One Skill Retake option
- Background noise from other test-takers
- Must type (penalises slow typists)
- Less accepted by European institutions
8. Which Test is Easier?
The honest answer is: it depends entirely on your skills and preferences. Here is a breakdown by skill area:
Choose IELTS if you...
- Prefer speaking to a real person. IELTS Speaking with a human examiner allows for natural conversation, follow-up questions, and visual cues. Many test-takers find this less stressful than speaking into a microphone.
- Write better by hand. If you think and compose better when handwriting, the paper-based IELTS gives you this option.
- Need UK visa acceptance. Only IELTS for UKVI is accepted for UK immigration purposes.
- Want the One Skill Retake option. If you are close to your target score, being able to retake just one skill is a significant advantage.
- Are a slower typist. PTE requires fast typing for the writing section. If typing is not your strength, IELTS is a better choice.
Choose PTE if you...
- Are a fast typist. PTE rewards quick, accurate typing. If you can type 40+ words per minute comfortably, this is an advantage.
- Prefer computer-based testing. If you are comfortable with technology and prefer interacting with a screen, PTE's format will feel natural.
- Need results quickly. PTE results come in 1–2 days, compared to up to 13 days for paper IELTS. This is crucial if you have a visa deadline.
- Have clear, precise pronunciation. PTE's AI scoring rewards clear pronunciation and consistent fluency. If you speak clearly with good intonation, PTE may score you well.
- Prefer consistent AI scoring. If you worry about human examiner subjectivity, PTE's algorithm-based scoring removes this variable.
9. Our Recommendation
For Most Test-Takers: Start with IELTS
IELTS has the widest global acceptance, the most test centres, and the human speaking element that most people prefer. The One Skill Retake option (available since 2023) is a game-changer if you miss your target in one skill. If you need a UK visa, IELTS for UKVI is your only option.
For Tech-Savvy, Time-Pressured Candidates: Consider PTE
If you type quickly, are comfortable with computers, and need results within 48 hours, PTE is an excellent choice. It is particularly popular with candidates applying to Australian institutions and immigration.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Quick Decision Guide
Choose IELTS if:
- You need a UK visa
- You prefer speaking to a human
- You want the One Skill Retake option
Choose PTE if:
- You need results in 48 hours
- You type quickly and accurately
- You prefer AI-consistent scoring
Quick Score Lookup
- IELTS 6.0 PTE 50
- IELTS 6.5 PTE 58
- IELTS 7.0 PTE 65
- IELTS 7.5 PTE 73
- IELTS 8.0 PTE 79