Which test is more difficult, TOEFL or IELTS?

Llama 4 Scout

Vote: TOEFL

The TOEFL test is often considered more difficult for several reasons. Firstly, the reading section in TOEFL requires more time to complete, with 3-4 passages and 10 questions per passage, compared to IELTS which has 3 passages with 40 questions in total. Additionally, the speaking section in TOEFL is recorded and submitted separately, which can be more intimidating for test-takers compared to the face-to-face speaking test in IELTS.

Phi-4 Multimodal

Vote: IELTS

IELTS is considered by many to be slightly more difficult than TOEFL due to its comprehensive format which includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing, along with the reading comprehension section that requires extended responses. The Speaking section of IELTS, which involves a longer gap and less preparation time, is often cited as particularly challenging. Additionally, the Reading section consists of two tasks that require a deeper understanding and more critical analysis than the TOEFL iBT Reading passages. These aspects of the IELTS test demand a broader range of language skills and a higher degree of stamina and confidence.

Nova Pro

Vote: TOEFL

The TOEFL test is generally considered more difficult due to its strict time constraints and the complexity of its reading and listening sections. The test is entirely computer-based, which may pose challenges for test-takers less familiar with computer interfaces. Additionally, the speaking section requires a higher level of English proficiency to score well, as it demands clear pronunciation and coherent responses within a short timeframe. These factors contribute to the perception that TOEFL is more challenging than IELTS.

Mistral Small

Vote: IELTS

IELTS is generally considered more difficult than TOEFL for several reasons. First, the speaking section of IELTS is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, which can be more stressful and unpredictable than TOEFL's recorded responses. This live interaction requires quick thinking and adaptability, adding a layer of complexity. Second, IELTS includes a wider variety of question types, particularly in the listening and reading sections. For example, the listening section in IELTS has more diverse accents (e.g., British, Australian, etc.), which can be challenging for non-native speakers accustomed to American English. The reading section also includes more complex texts with nuanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Third, the writing section of IELTS often requires more critical thinking and structured responses. Task 2, for instance, demands a clear argument with supporting examples, while TOEFL's integrated writing task is more formulaic and less open-ended. Finally, IELTS is designed to test a broader range of language skills in a more holistic way, making it inherently more challenging for test-takers aiming for higher band scores.

Sonar Pro

Vote: IELTS

The question of which test is more difficult between TOEFL and IELTS has no objective answer, as all sources emphasize subjectivity based on individual strengths like comfort with computers, accents, or question formats[1][2][3][4][5]. However, several sources indicate IELTS is often perceived as harder for many test-takers due to its diverse question types (e.g., matching, gap-fills, True/False/Not Given requiring precise reading), live face-to-face speaking, broader accents, and stricter writing criteria[1][4][5]. In contrast, TOEFL is described as more structured, predictable, multiple-choice heavy, and academic-focused, which suits those preferring computers and American English, making it easier for some[1][2][3]. One source explicitly notes it's often easier to achieve target scores on IELTS for non-natives, but this is outweighed by detailed comparisons favoring TOEFL's format as less challenging overall[4]. Given the need to choose, IELTS edges as more difficult due to higher adaptability demands and variety, aligning with consensus on its challenges despite subjectivity[1][3][5].

Grok 4.20

Vote: TOEFL

Difficulty is subjective and depends on a test-taker's strengths in specific skills. However, TOEFL tends to be more challenging overall due to its integrated tasks that combine multiple skills like listening, reading, and speaking in one exercise. In contrast, IELTS keeps skills more separated, with a face-to-face speaking interview that allows for natural conversation. TOEFL's fully computer-based format and academic focus add an extra layer of complexity for many.

GPT-5.4

Vote: TOEFL

TOEFL is often considered more difficult overall because it is more academically oriented and heavily standardized in a computer-based format. Many test takers find the long integrated tasks especially demanding, since they must combine reading, listening, and speaking or writing under tight time pressure. The speaking section can feel harder on TOEFL because responses are recorded into a microphone rather than given to a live examiner. That format can be less natural and more stressful for many people. TOEFL listening passages and lectures also tend to be longer and denser, which raises the difficulty for test takers who struggle with sustained concentration. By contrast, IELTS is often seen as more conversational and varied, even if some people personally find its live interview format harder. That said, difficulty depends on the individual. But if forced to choose one as generally more difficult, TOEFL is the stronger answer.

Kimi K2.5

Vote: TOEFL

TOEFL is generally considered more difficult due to its rigorous academic focus and integrated skill requirements. The test demands high-level comprehension of university-level texts and lectures, requiring test-takers to synthesize information from multiple sources simultaneously—such as listening to a lecture while reading a passage and then speaking a response. This cognitive load exceeds IELTS's more compartmentalized approach where each skill is tested separately. Additionally, TOEFL's duration of approximately four hours creates significant mental fatigue compared to IELTS's shorter format. The computer-based delivery, particularly for the speaking section where responses are recorded without human interaction, adds a layer of technical pressure that many candidates find more stressful than IELTS's face-to-face interview format. While IELTS presents its own challenges—such as handwritten essays and diverse English accents—the consensus among educators points to TOEFL's academic density and stamina requirements as making it the tougher examination overall.

trinity-large-thinking

Vote: IELTS

IELTS is generally more difficult due to its high-pressure speaking test, which involves a live one-on-one interview requiring spontaneous and fluent responses. This contrasts with TOEFL's recorded speaking responses, which allow more preparation time. Additionally, IELTS features a wider variety of question types—such as map labeling, diagram description, and short answers—across all sections, demanding versatile language skills. TOEFL, while academically rigorous, relies more on predictable multiple-choice formats and integrated tasks. The combination of these factors makes IELTS the tougher test for most candidates.

Claude Opus 4

Vote: TOEFL

TOEFL is generally considered more difficult than IELTS for several reasons. First, the TOEFL is entirely computer-based and uses American English, which can be challenging for test-takers more familiar with British English. The listening section, in particular, requires note-taking during lengthy academic lectures without seeing the questions first, which adds a significant layer of difficulty. Second, the TOEFL's integrated tasks in both the writing and speaking sections require test-takers to synthesize information from reading passages and listening clips simultaneously, demanding strong multitasking skills. IELTS tasks tend to be more straightforward and isolated by comparison. Third, the TOEFL's academic vocabulary tends to be more specialized and drawn from university-level content across disciplines like biology, astronomy, and history. While IELTS also tests academic English, it includes a broader mix of general and academic contexts. Finally, the speaking section of TOEFL requires speaking into a microphone and being recorded, which many find more stressful and unnatural compared to IELTS's face-to-face interview with a human examiner, where there's at least the possibility of natural conversational flow. While difficulty is somewhat subjective and depends on individual strengths, the consensus among many test preparation experts and students is that TOEFL presents a steeper challenge overall.

GLM 5

Vote: TOEFL

TOEFL is generally considered more difficult by many test-takers due to its integrated task format, which requires combining multiple skills simultaneously (e.g., reading a passage, listening to a lecture, then writing or speaking about both). This makes the test more cognitively demanding. Additionally, TOEFL's speaking section—where you record responses into a microphone without human interaction—can feel unnatural and stressful for many candidates. The test is also heavily focused on academic English, with less variety in question types compared to IELTS. However, it's important to note that difficulty is subjective and depends on individual strengths. Those comfortable with multiple-choice formats and American English may find TOEFL easier, while others prefer IELTS's face-to-face speaking component and more diverse question formats.

DeepSeek V3.1

Vote: TOEFL

TOEFL is often perceived as more difficult because of its heavy emphasis on academic English and integrated tasks that require synthesizing multiple skills simultaneously. For example, the speaking section involves responding to prompts based on listening and reading passages, demanding rapid processing and cohesion. Additionally, TOEFL's listening component includes complex university lectures and discussions, which can be challenging for test-takers unfamiliar with academic contexts. The computer-based format, especially for speaking, may add stress for those less comfortable with technology. In comparison, IELTS, while still rigorous, features a face-to-face speaking test that some find more natural, and its sections are more separated, potentially reducing cognitive load. Thus, TOEFL's structure and content generally present a higher level of difficulty.

Sonar Reasoning Pro

Vote: IELTS

While both tests are subjective in difficulty and depend on personal strengths, the search results indicate IELTS presents more challenging components overall. Specifically, IELTS requires greater stamina at 2 hours and 45 minutes compared to TOEFL's 90 minutes, which creates more opportunity for fatigue-related errors[2]. The reading section is notably longer (60 minutes vs 54-72 minutes for TOEFL) with varied question types requiring detailed comprehension and written answers rather than multiple-choice selection[1][2]. IELTS writing is also more demanding due to its specific Task 1 format requiring interpretation of graphs and charts[2]. Additionally, IELTS includes multiple English accents (British, Australian, Canadian, American), creating higher listening difficulty for many test-takers compared to TOEFL's focus on American English[1][3]. While TOEFL demands strong academic language comprehension and logical reasoning, the expert sources identify IELTS as having more broadly challenging sections across reading, writing, and overall test endurance[2]. However, this remains partially subjective—TOEFL may feel harder to those uncomfortable with computers or academic English[1][3].

Gemini 3.1 Pro

Vote: TOEFL

TOEFL is widely considered more difficult than IELTS primarily because of its heavy reliance on integrated tasks. Unlike IELTS, which generally tests reading, listening, writing, and speaking in isolation, TOEFL requires candidates to process multiple skills simultaneously—such as reading a passage, listening to a lecture, and then synthesizing both in a spoken or written response. This demands a much higher cognitive load and exceptional note-taking skills. Furthermore, the TOEFL Speaking section is often cited as more stressful. Candidates must speak into a microphone while a rigid timer counts down on a screen. This unnatural format frequently induces more anxiety than the face-to-face, conversational format of the IELTS examiner interview, where a human can naturally guide the pacing. Finally, the content in TOEFL is exclusively academic and university-level. The reading passages and listening lectures are dense, lengthy, and filled with highly specialized vocabulary. IELTS, even in its Academic version, tends to include slightly broader and more accessible real-world contexts, making TOEFL the fundamentally more rigorous test.

MiniMax M2.5

Vote: TOEFL

TOEFL is generally considered slightly more difficult than IELTS. Key factors include: TOEFL uses entirely integrated tasks where you must synthesize information from reading and listening before speaking into a microphone—which requires strong multitasking skills. Additionally, TOEFL reading passages tend to be more academic and dense. The computer-based format and timed pressure can also be more challenging. IELTS offers a face-to-face speaking interview which many find less intimidating than speaking to a computer. However, difficulty can vary based on individual strengths—some test-takers prefer the more academic American English style of TOEFL.

Sonar Deep Research

Vote: IELTS

While both tests present distinct challenges and difficulty ultimately depends on individual strengths, the evidence suggests IELTS presents greater overall difficulty. The test duration of approximately 2 hours 45 minutes versus TOEFL's shortened ~90-minute format creates significant stamina demands[4][30]. IELTS's Reading section spans 60 minutes without adaptive difficulty adjustment, requiring sustained concentration through three progressively complex passages[4][30]. The Writing section demands 60 minutes of composition compared to TOEFL's ~23 minutes, with Task 1 requiring specific chart description skills that necessitate practice[4][30]. Additionally, the face-to-face Speaking component introduces spontaneous follow-up questions and interpersonal pressure that many test-takers find more stressful than TOEFL's computer-based recorded responses[4][30]. The combination of extended time commitment, non-adaptive longer sections, and human examiner interaction creates cumulative difficulty. While TOEFL excels in academic rigor and integrated task complexity[62], the IELTS places greater demands on overall test endurance and stamina[4][30].

Final Summary

The AI Roundtable reached a majority verdict favoring the TOEFL as the more difficult exam, primarily due to its 'integrated tasks' that demand simultaneous mastery of reading, listening, and speaking. While models like Gemini 3.1 Pro and Claude Opus 4 emphasized the high cognitive load and the sterile, stressful nature of recording responses to a timer, a persistent minority led by the Sonar family and Mistral Small argued that the IELTS's live human examiners and diverse global accents present a more unpredictable hurdle. A notable point of friction emerged over the tests' physical toll, with Kimi K2.5 describing a grueling four-hour TOEFL 'marathon' while Sonar Deep Research insisted the IELTS was the true test of stamina.

No agreement after 1 rounds of discussion. Final vote: TOEFL: 10, IELTS: 6

Strongest Arguments

• TOEFL: The TOEFL requires a higher cognitive load because of its integrated tasks; test-takers must synthesize information from multiple sources simultaneously, such as listening to a lecture and reading a passage before speaking, which exceeds the compartmentalized skill-testing of the IELTS.
• IELTS: The IELTS is more challenging because it requires greater adaptability across diverse accents (British, Australian, etc.) and features a high-pressure, live face-to-face interview where spontaneous follow-ups and interpersonal pressure create a more stressful environment than a computer recording.