🎓Which English Test Is Best? A Side-by-Side Comparison You Need to See

Last updated on 06 Apr 2025

If you're applying to universities abroad or preparing for a visa application, choosing the right English proficiency test can make a huge difference. But with options like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and the Duolingo English Test (DET), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

So how do they actually stack up against each other?

Let’s take a closer look at how each of these popular tests compares — and see why DET might be your smartest choice in 2025.

🧾 Test Overview

Feature	Duolingo English Test (DET)	IELTS	TOEFL	PTE Academic
Skills Assessed	Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking	Same	Same	Same
Test Sections	2 adaptive sections + Speaking & Writing samples	4 sections	4 sections	3 sections
Duration	~1 hour	2h 45m	2h	2h 30m
Test Center Required?	❌ Take from home	✅ In-person only	✅ Some test centers required	✅ Test center or at-home (limited)
Registration	No fixed dates — test anytime	Fixed dates & centers	Fixed dates & centers	Fixed dates & centers
Results Time	2 days (24h w/ DET Study)	Up to 2 weeks	2–5 days	8 days
Retake Policy	As soon as 2 days later	Minimum 3 days	Wait period applies	Wait period applies

💸 Cost Breakdown

Test	Base Price	Score Report Fees
DET	$70 (or $63 w/ coupon)	Unlimited free reports
IELTS	$200–$300	~$3.75 per report
TOEFL	$200–$300	~$20 per report
PTE	$200–$300	~$25 per report

🎯 DET is the most affordable test — and it doesn’t nickel-and-dime you when sending scores to multiple universities.

Many Much Few Little: Mastering These Common English Quantifiers

🔍 Question Types & Practice Resources

DET offers 19 adaptive question types that simulate real test conditions, including:

Read & Complete
Listen & Type
Interactive Speaking & Writing Tasks
Speaking/Video Samples

💡

Unlimited free practice is available via the official site and DET Study — including AI-scored feedback and realistic timers.

In contrast:

IELTS & TOEFL: Offer limited free practice
PTE: Requires paid access for comprehensive prep

🌍 Where Is Each Test Accepted?

DET: Accepted by 5,700+ programs worldwide, including top schools in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Asia.
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE: Accepted globally — but many require fixed center-based testing, which adds time and cost.

🚀 Why More Students Are Choosing the Duolingo English Test

No travel required: Take the test from home anytime
Fast results: In 48 hours (or 24 hours via DET Study!)
Massive savings: Lowest price + no score report fees
Adaptive AI: Smarter test with fewer irrelevant questions
Real-world format: Integrated skill testing reflects modern communication

🧠 Final Thoughts: DET Is the Smart, Modern Choice

If you're looking for a flexible, affordable, and widely accepted English test, DET checks all the boxes. It’s trusted by thousands of universities, delivers fast results, and gives you freedom over where and when to test.

💡

While all tests have their place, DET stands out for today’s learners — especially those balancing tight schedules and budgets.

💚 DET Study: Your Go-To Platform for Smart Test Prep

Want to maximize your DET performance?

DET Study gives you:

15,000+ AI-scored practice questions 🧠
Templates for speaking and writing ✍️
Personalized feedback with scoring insights 📊
Official 10% discount coupon on the test 💸
Results in 24 hours when purchased through DET Study 🚀

Visit DETStudy.com to start practicing and save today!