Duolingo vs IELTS: Comparison & Which One Should You Choose?
Updated On
-
Copy link
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Table of Contents
For international students aiming to prove their English language proficiency for admissions abroad, Duolingo vs IELTS has become one of the widely debated topics. With over 4,500 institutions worldwide now accepting the Duolingo English Test (DET) its popularity has soared especially due to its convenience, affordability and fast results, in contrast to IELTS which remains the gold standard accepted by over 11,000 organisations globally.
As more universities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, expand their acceptance of alternative tests, understanding the strengths and limitations of IELTS vs Duolingo in terms of structure, cost, recognition, and ideal use cases is crucial
Overview of Duolingo vs IELTS
While both these tests are mainly used to assess English language proficiency, let us understand a brief overview, before we deep dive and know all about the differences between the two.
- The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency examination used by educational institutions to assess an individual's language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This test is not designed for anyone specifically and can be taken by students and professionals.
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized English test recognized worldwide and accepted by various institutions, where the IELTS Academic test is for students seeking higher education, and the IELTS General Training test is used for immigration purposes.
As simple as it is, now that we have a clear overview of what these tests entail, let us now deep dive and see if Duolingo is easier than IELTS, Duolingo IELTS comparison, and other nitty gritty.
A Comparison Analysis of Duolingo vs IELTS
Although it is believed that Duolingo is easier than IELTS, as the DET test focuses on basic English vocabulary, IELTS requires an in-depth understanding of the language and is widely accepted when compared to any other tests. Let’s take a look at other differences here in the table for better understanding, so that you can make an informed decision
|
Parameter |
Duolingo (DET) |
IELTS |
|
Format |
Online, computer-based test taken from home |
Paper-based or computer-based at designated test centers |
|
Test Duration |
Approx. 1 hour |
2 hours 45 minutes |
|
Test Sections |
Integrated: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking in one flow |
Separate: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
|
Scoring Scale |
10 to 160 |
1.0 to 9.0 band scale |
|
Score Validity |
2 years |
2 years |
|
Test Fee |
Around $59 USD |
Around $245–$255 USD depending on country |
|
Results Time |
Within 48 hours |
5–7 days (computer-based); 13 days (paper-based) |
|
Test Availability |
On-demand, 24/7 availability globally |
Fixed test dates; varies by location |
|
Retake Policy |
Can be retaken anytime (limit: 2 tests in 30 days) |
No fixed limit; wait for results before booking a new test |
|
Acceptance (Institutions) |
4,500+ institutions globally (mainly USA, Canada, and UK) |
11,000+ institutions across 140+ countries |
|
Home Testing Option |
Yes, fully online with AI & human proctoring |
Yes IELTS Academic can be online at home, But IELTS General Training must be taken at test center |
|
Speaking Section Format |
Video-recorded answers (not live) |
Face-to-face or virtual interview with an examiner |
|
Test Security |
AI + human proctoring, video monitoring, strict browser control |
In-person invigilation; identity check |
|
Preparation Resources |
Limited official resources; growing third-party support |
Abundant official materials and prep courses available |
|
Ideal For |
Students seeking a low-cost, fast, and remote-friendly English test |
Students needing high recognition across immigration & academic uses |
|
Widely Accepted In |
USA, Canada, UK, Australia (selected universities) |
Globally – including academic, work, and immigration purposes |
Also Read: IELTS Academic vs General: Know the Differences
Duolingo vs IELTS Score Comparison
In the Duolingo test, a 110 is considered a good score, while 120 and above is an excellent score. Meanwhile, IELTS uses a scale of band scores 0 to 9, where band 9 is the highest. Let’s take a look at the score interpretation of Duolingo score vs IELTS and understand them in detail.
The following table compares IELTS and Duolingo proficiency levels with scores.
Explore: IELTS Band Score Chart
|
Proficiency Level |
IELTS |
Duolingo |
|
Expert |
9 |
155-160 |
|
Very Good |
9 |
145-150 |
|
Very Good |
8 |
135-140 |
|
Good |
8 |
125-130 |
|
Good |
7 |
115-120 |
|
Competent |
7 |
105-110 |
|
Competent |
6 |
95-100 |
|
Modest |
5.5 |
85-90 |
|
Modest |
5 |
75-80 |
|
Limited |
5 |
65-70 |
|
Extremely Limited |
4 |
55-60 |
Insight into Duolingo Scoring
Duolingo measures how good you are at English by assessing you on a score from 10 to 160, going up by 5 points each time. Your score comes from different parts like Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, and also smaller scores from Literacy, Comprehension, Production, and
Conversation.
Suggested Read: Top 57 Duolingo Accepted Universities: Countries & Minimum Score
|
Score |
Description |
|
10-55 |
Able to comprehend simple English words and phrases; can understand basic information and communicate in familiar situations. |
|
60-95 |
Can grasp themes of everyday life, speak on common topics, and discuss plans, and experiences during a speaking interview. |
|
100-125 |
Speaking clearly, understanding concepts from various topics, interacting with competent speakers, and comprehending both tangible and abstract writing. |
|
130-160 |
Able to comprehend challenging written and spoken language, including situations requiring specialized vocabulary; adept at understanding metaphorical, logical, idiomatic, and implicit language, and effectively using language for professional, academic, and social purposes. |
Duolingo vs IELTS Exam Format
The IELTS and Duolingo exam formats are different, IELTS has two types: Academic Training and General Training. While the listening and reading sections are the same for everyone in IELTS, the reading and writing sections vary. In IELTS, all tests must be done on the same day with no breaks, except for the Speaking test, which can be done a week before or after.
On the other hand, the Duolingo English Test adjusts the difficulty based on your answers. This is called an adaptive test. The difficulty increases with correct answers and decreases with wrong ones.
In the table below, we have clearly explained the exam formats of IELTS and Duolingo.
Duolingo Exam Format 2025
|
Section |
Skills Tested |
Duration |
|
Adaptive Test |
Evaluation of reading, listening, writing, and speaking |
45 minutes |
|
Video Interview |
Recording responses to open-ended questions |
10 minutes |
Explore the detailed Duolingo Exam Pattern 2025 - Test Format, Syllabus, Marks & More. check out the blog for details.
IELTS Exam Format 2025
|
Section |
Description |
Duration |
|
Listening |
4 sections, each containing 10 questions. Candidates listen to 4 recordings and answer questions |
30 minutes |
|
Reading |
3 sections with various question types. Candidates read 3 passages and answer corresponding questions |
60 minutes |
|
Writing |
2 tasks: write a 150-word and a 250-word essay |
60 minutes |
|
Speaking |
1:1 interview with an examiner. Candidates answer questions about themselves and express opinions on a given topic |
11 - 14 minutes |
Want to know How To Crack IELTS in one attempt. Check out the guide for complete plan and actionable tips
Top Universities Accepting IELTS and Duolingo Scores in 2025
When deciding between IELTS vs Duolingo for studying abroad, it's crucial to consider which test is recognised by your target universities. Knowing the required scores and each institution's acceptance criteria can significantly help international students make informed decisions about their academic career.
The table below provides a comparison of top universities and their accepted Duolingo vs IELTS scores
|
University |
Minimum IELTS Score |
Minimum Duolingo Score |
|
University College London |
6.5 or above |
135 or above |
|
University of South Alabama |
6.5 or above |
105 or above |
|
Northern Arizona University |
6.5 or above |
115 or above |
|
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology |
5.5 minimum |
110 or above |
|
NorQuest College |
5.5 minimum |
100 or above |
|
Trinity Western University |
6.0 or above |
115 or above |
|
Thompson Rivers University |
6.5 or above |
110 or above |
|
Yorkville University |
6.0 or above |
120 or above |
|
Dalhousie University |
6.5 or above |
115 or above |
|
Vancouver Community College |
6.0 or above |
105 or above |
Also Read: Top 50 Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA in 2025
Making Informed Choice on Duolingo vs IELTS with GetGIS
Choosing between Duolingo vs Ielts ultimately depends on students, academic goals, budget and prefer testing format While Ielts offers broader global acceptance and is often required for immigration, is a faster and more affordable option Now, increasingly accepted by many universities.
If you are still confused, Consider leveraging GetGIS study abroad assistance, as our team offers comprehensive IELTS training, language proficiency ebooks, and a plethora of resources to optimize your preparation.
Articles You Might be Interested In:
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duolingo accepted for a visa?
How long are Duolingo results valid?
Is Duolingo valid for Canada PR?
Which are the top 5 English proficiency exams?
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Cambridge English Exams
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
Can I take the Duolingo test 3 times?
