IELTS vs PTE: Which is Easier? (2025)

If you're planning to study, work, or migrate abroad, one of the first questions you'll face is: IELTS or PTE, which is easier? It's a question we hear daily at Pounds and Dollars, and the honest answer isn't as simple as picking a winner. The "easier" test depends entirely on your individual strengths, weaknesses, and comfort level with different test formats.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the PTE vs IELTS comparison—from test formats and scoring systems to country-specific acceptance and processing times. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which English test is best for your specific situation.

Table of Contents

• Quick Comparison: IELTS vs PTE at a Glance
• Test Format Differences
• Scoring Systems Compared
• Speaking Section: Human vs Computer
• Writing Section Breakdown
• Reading and Listening Differences
• Which Test for Which Country?
• Which Test Based on Your Strengths?
• Processing Times and Validity
• Cost Comparison
• Final Verdict: Making Your Decision

Quick Comparison: IELTS vs PTE at a Glance

Before diving into details, here's a snapshot of how these two tests compare:

Test Format Differences: The Core Distinction

Understanding the format differences is crucial because this is where most students find one test more suitable than the other.

IELTS Format

IELTS offers two versions—Academic and General Training—both available in paper-based and computer-delivered formats. The test consists of four distinct sections:

• Listening: 30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time (paper) or 30 minutes (computer)
• Reading: 60 minutes, 3 passages, 40 questions
• Writing: 60 minutes, 2 tasks (150 words + 250 words)
• Speaking: 11-14 minutes, face-to-face interview (often on a different day)

Each section is evaluated independently, and you receive separate scores for all four modules. For detailed preparation strategies, check our complete IELTS preparation guide.

PTE Academic Format

PTE is entirely computer-based with an integrated format where skills often overlap:

• Speaking & Writing: 54-67 minutes combined
• Reading: 29-30 minutes
• Listening: 30-43 minutes

The key difference is that PTE uses an integrated approach. For example, a speaking task might also contribute to your reading score if it involves reading aloud. This can work in your favor or against you, depending on your skill balance.

Paper vs Computer: What's the Real Impact?

Many students wonder if computer-based testing is harder. Here's what you should know:

• Typing Speed: PTE requires typing for all written responses. If you type slowly (under 30 words per minute), this could significantly impact your Writing score.
• Reading on Screen: Some students find it harder to concentrate when reading lengthy passages on a computer screen compared to paper.
• Navigation: IELTS allows you to move back and forth between questions easily. PTE has a more linear structure with time limits per question.
• Note-taking: Both tests provide rough paper, but IELTS paper-based allows more natural annotation of reading passages.

Scoring Systems Compared

Understanding how each test scores you is essential for setting realistic targets.

IELTS Scoring (0-9 Bands)

IELTS uses a 9-band scale with half-band increments (6.0, 6.5, 7.0, etc.). Your overall band score is the average of all four section scores, rounded to the nearest half or whole band.

• 9: Expert user
• 8: Very good user
• 7: Good user
• 6: Competent user
• 5: Modest user

Human examiners evaluate Speaking and Writing, which some see as an advantage (flexibility in evaluation) and others as a disadvantage (potential subjectivity).

PTE Scoring (10-90 Points)

PTE uses a 10-90 point scale with no increments—you could score 65, 66, 67, etc. This granular scoring can be advantageous if you just miss a threshold, as you know exactly how much improvement you need.

All evaluation is done by AI algorithms, which ensures consistency but can be less forgiving of accents, pronunciation variations, or creative writing styles.

Score Equivalency Chart

Note: Equivalencies are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the accepting institution.

Speaking Section: Human vs Computer—The Biggest Difference

The speaking format is where IELTS and PTE differ most dramatically, and this is often the deciding factor for students.

IELTS Speaking: Face-to-Face Interview

In IELTS, you speak with a certified examiner for 11-14 minutes across three parts:

• Part 1: General questions about yourself, your home, work, studies (4-5 minutes)
• Part 2: Speak for 2 minutes on a cue card topic after 1 minute preparation
• Part 3: Abstract discussion questions related to Part 2 topic (4-5 minutes)

Advantages of IELTS Speaking:

• Human examiners can adapt to accents and speech patterns
• You can ask for clarification if you don't understand a question
• Natural conversation flow can help nervous candidates
• Non-verbal communication (body language, facial expressions) can support your message

Challenges:

• Some students feel anxious speaking to a person
• Perceived subjectivity in scoring
• Speaking test is often on a different day than other modules

PTE Speaking: Computer-Recorded

PTE speaking tasks are recorded by a computer and evaluated by AI. The section includes:

• Read Aloud: Read text passages aloud (30-40 seconds per item)
• Repeat Sentence: Listen and repeat sentences exactly
• Describe Image: Describe graphs, charts, or images in 40 seconds
• Re-tell Lecture: Listen to a lecture and summarize it
• Answer Short Questions: Brief answers to simple questions

Advantages of PTE Speaking:

• No human interaction—ideal for socially anxious test-takers
• Consistent evaluation with no examiner variability
• All sections completed in one sitting
• You can practice with the exact same task types repeatedly

Challenges:

• AI may penalize non-standard accents more heavily
• Strict time limits—once recording starts, you can't pause
• Technical issues (microphone sensitivity) can affect scores
• No opportunity to ask for repetition or clarification

Which Speaking Format is Easier?

This truly depends on your personality and skills:

• Choose IELTS if: You're comfortable with conversations, have a non-standard accent, prefer flexibility, or need time to think while speaking
• Choose PTE if: You feel anxious around strangers, have clear pronunciation, can think quickly under strict time pressure, or prefer predictable task formats

Writing Section Breakdown

Both tests assess your written English, but the task types and evaluation methods differ significantly.

IELTS Writing

• Task 1 (Academic): 150 words, describe visual data (graphs, charts, diagrams)
• Task 1 (General): 150 words, write a letter (formal/informal)
• Task 2 (Both): 250 words, essay response to an argument or problem

You have 60 minutes total, and human examiners evaluate your work based on four criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

PTE Writing

• Summarize Written Text: Read a passage and write a single-sentence summary (5-75 words, 10 minutes)
• Essay: Write a 200-300 word essay on a given topic (20 minutes)

AI algorithms evaluate your writing, focusing on content, form, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. The shorter essay length and different task types make PTE writing quite different from IELTS.

Key Differences in Writing Evaluation

Which Writing Test is Easier?

• Choose IELTS if: You write better with more time, prefer longer essays where you can develop ideas fully, or have strong handwriting skills
• Choose PTE if: You type quickly and accurately, can write concisely under time pressure, or prefer shorter writing tasks

Reading and Listening Differences

Reading Section

IELTS Reading: 60 minutes, 3 long passages, 40 questions. Question types include True/False/Not Given, matching headings, sentence completion, and multiple choice. Passages come from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.

PTE Reading: 29-30 minutes, various passage lengths with question types like multiple choice, re-order paragraphs, and fill in the blanks. The integrated nature means some reading tasks also assess writing skills.

Key Difference: IELTS gives you more time per passage but requires handling longer texts. PTE is faster-paced with shorter passages but less time to think.

Listening Section

IELTS Listening: 30 minutes of audio, 40 questions. You hear recordings only once and answer questions on conversations and monologues. Paper-based test gives 10 minutes extra to transfer answers.

PTE Listening: 30-43 minutes with integrated tasks. Includes summarizing spoken text (in writing), multiple choice, fill in blanks, and highlight correct summary. Many tasks require typing responses.

Key Difference: IELTS listening is straightforward—listen and answer. PTE integrates listening with writing skills, so you're often typing while listening, which requires stronger multitasking abilities.

Which Test for Which Country?

One of the most practical considerations is which test your target country accepts. Here's a breakdown for popular destinations:

IELTS or PTE for Canada

Canada is unique because different immigration programs have different requirements:

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, CEC): IELTS General Training is the primary accepted test. PTE is NOT accepted for these programs.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Most accept IELTS only, though some provinces are beginning to accept PTE.
• Student Visas: Most Canadian universities accept both IELTS and PTE Academic.
• Work Permits: Depends on the specific program and employer requirements.

Verdict for Canada PR: IELTS is the safer choice for immigration purposes. If you're only applying for university admission, both tests work.

PTE vs IELTS for Australia

Australia was one of the first countries to fully embrace PTE, and it remains widely accepted:

• Skilled Migration (Points-based): Both IELTS and PTE are fully accepted with equal weighting.
• Student Visas: Both tests accepted by universities and for visa applications.
• Professional Registration: Medical, nursing, and other professional bodies accept both.

Verdict for Australia: Both tests are equally valid. Choose based on your personal strengths.

UK Requirements

• Universities: Most accept both IELTS and PTE for admissions.
• UKVI (Visa and Immigration): IELTS for UKVI is specifically required for certain visa types. Regular IELTS or PTE may not be accepted.
• Professional Registration: GMC (doctors), NMC (nurses) have specific requirements—check your profession.

Verdict for UK: Check specific requirements carefully. For university, both work. For immigration, IELTS for UKVI is often required.

USA Requirements

• Universities: Most accept both IELTS and PTE, though some prefer TOEFL.
• Work Visas: English proficiency requirements vary by employer and visa type.

Verdict for USA: Check your target university's preferences. Some US universities list TOEFL as primary, with IELTS/PTE as alternatives.

New Zealand

New Zealand accepts both IELTS and PTE for immigration and academic purposes, making your choice purely about which test suits you better.

Summary Table: Country Acceptance

Which Test Based on Your Strengths?

Now let's get practical. Based on your individual profile, here's which test might be easier for you:

Choose IELTS If You:

• Prefer human interaction—You feel more comfortable speaking to a real person rather than a computer.
• Have a strong accent—Human examiners are trained to understand various accents, while AI might penalize non-standard pronunciation.
• Need time to think—IELTS allows more processing time, especially in Speaking Part 2 where you get a minute to prepare.
• Write better by hand—If typing slows you down, paper-based IELTS removes that barrier.
• Excel at longer writing—The 250-word essay gives you space to develop arguments fully.
• Prefer separate sections—Each module is distinct, so a weakness in one area won't directly affect others.

Choose PTE If You:

• Feel anxious around people—Computer-based speaking removes social pressure.
• Have clear, standard pronunciation—AI rewards clarity and consistent speech patterns.
• Type quickly and accurately—Fast typing is essential for PTE's time-pressured writing tasks.
• Think and respond quickly—PTE's strict time limits favor fast processors.
• Need results urgently—PTE typically delivers results within 48 hours.
• Want flexible scheduling—PTE test centers offer almost daily test dates.
• Prefer predictable, template-based tasks—PTE's task formats are highly consistent.

Student Profile Examples

Profile 1: Software Engineer, Good English, Shy
Recommendation: PTE. Strong typing skills, clear pronunciation from tech work, prefers computer interaction. The structured format suits analytical minds.

Profile 2: Arts Graduate, Regional Accent, Expressive
Recommendation: IELTS. Human examiners appreciate expressive communication. Regional accents are better understood by trained examiners. Longer writing tasks allow creative expression.

Profile 3: Working Professional, Limited Preparation Time
Recommendation: PTE. Faster results, more flexible test dates, and a shorter overall test duration. Can reattempt quickly if needed.

Profile 4: Student Targeting Canada PR
Recommendation: IELTS General Training. It's the only accepted test for Express Entry. No choice here—IELTS is mandatory.

Processing Times and Validity

Results Timeline

If you're working against a tight deadline—perhaps a university application closing date or visa deadline—PTE's faster results can be a significant advantage.

Score Validity

Both IELTS and PTE scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. After this period, you'll need to retake the test if required for applications. Some institutions or immigration programs may require scores less than 2 years old, so always check specific requirements.

Retake Policies

• IELTS: No waiting period between attempts. You can retake as soon as you find an available slot.
• PTE: No waiting period. With daily test availability, you could potentially retake within a week.

Cost Comparison

Test fees vary by location and can change, but here's a general comparison for India (2025):

Cost Advantage: PTE offers unlimited free score reports to institutions, while IELTS charges for additional Test Report Forms beyond the first five. If you're applying to many universities, this can add up.

Final Verdict: Making Your Decision

So, IELTS vs PTE—which is easier? The honest answer is that neither test is universally easier. They're different tests measuring the same skills in different ways.

Choose IELTS If:

• You're applying for Canada PR (no choice—it's required)
• You prefer speaking to humans
• You have a regional or non-standard accent
• You write better with more time
• You prefer paper-based testing

Choose PTE If:

• You're targeting Australia or New Zealand
• You want faster results
• You feel anxious speaking to people
• You type quickly and accurately
• You need flexible test scheduling

Take a Diagnostic First

The best way to decide is to take practice tests for both formats. Many students are surprised—they assumed one would be easier but found the opposite after trying both. At Pounds and Dollars, we offer diagnostic assessments for both IELTS and PTE to help you make an informed choice.

Consider Taking Both Tests

For some students, especially those applying to multiple countries or programs with different requirements, preparing for both tests makes sense. The core English skills (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension) are the same—only the test strategies differ.

IELTS and PTE Coaching at Pounds and Dollars

At Pounds and Dollars in KPHB, Hyderabad, we offer comprehensive coaching for both IELTS and PTE. We don't push one test over the other—we help you choose the right test based on your goals and prepare effectively for whichever you select.

Our offerings include:

• Free Diagnostic Test: Assess your current level in both formats
• Personalized Counseling: Help you choose the right test for your specific situation
• Comprehensive Coaching: Expert trainers for both IELTS and PTE
• Mock Tests: Full-length practice tests with detailed feedback
• Flexible Batches: Morning, evening, and weekend options

Still confused about which test to take? Contact us for a free consultation. We'll analyze your profile, goals, and timeline to recommend the best path forward.