IELTS vs. Duolingo: Which English Proficiency Test Is Right for You?

So, you've decided to study abroad or apply for that dream job overseas, right? Your application is almost complete, but there's one crucial requirement left: proving your English proficiency.  

For years, the IELTS was the default choice for many Filipinos, and it's quite understandable, considering that it's trusted and accepted by more educational institutions, private companies, and government agencies. However, new types of English proficiency tests have become available recently, with a prominent example being the Duolingo English Test (DET). 

As the name suggests, DET is developed by Duolingo itself. The team behind the language-learning app leveraged its expertise to build a new type of English proficiency test that's affordable and convenient to take. 

And indeed, one of the most appealing aspects of DET is its convenience. You can take the test anytime and anywhere, as long as you have a decent computer, a stable internet connection, and a good-quality camera and microphone. To add to that, DET costs about US$70 [1] (about ₱4,100, as of October 2025) -- this is less than a third of the Standard IELTS test, which is priced at ₱13,660. 

Now, you might think that DET is already the better option, but it's also crucial to consider the long-term value and recognition of the test you choose. IELTS continues to be the most trusted high-stakes English proficiency exam for a variety of reasons that DET and other English tests cannot match. 

IELTS is renowned for its comprehensive and rigorous assessment of all four language skills: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. The exam assesses these skills through a variety of well-established tasks, including multiple-choice questions, essay writing, and, most notably, face-to-face interviews with certified examiners. 

The Reading section tests your ability to understand a variety of texts, from factual articles to descriptive passages. Questions are designed to assess not just your comprehension but also your ability to infer meaning, identify the author's purpose, and follow complex arguments. This section reflects the real-world reading demands of academic and professional environments, ensuring that you can effectively process and analyze written information when you're already abroad. 

In the Listening section, you will be exposed to a range of accents and speaking styles, mirroring the diversity that you'll experience in the international work or academic setting. This might seem overwhelming, but all it does is assess your ability to understand main ideas and specific details when someone is speaking directly to you.  

The Writing section requires you to produce coherent and well-structured written outputs, demonstrating your ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively. Examiners assess not only grammatical accuracy and vocabulary range but also the ability to organize information logically and present a clear argument.  

Another unique feature of the IELTS test is its Speaking Test, which is highly regarded for its ability to assess a test-taker's fluency, pronunciation, and ability to communicate effectively in a real-world setting. It is done in a face-to-face format (whether through a video call or in-person communication), which allows you to engage in a natural conversation with human examiners. Overall, this provides a more nuanced and reliable assessment of your speaking abilities, and the human element becomes a significant advantage because it results in a more accurate evaluation of your true communication skills. 

DET typically uses a computer-adaptive format [2], which means that the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the test-taker's performance. It's true that this can efficiently gauge your general English proficiency, but it may not provide the same depth of assessment as the IELTS test. The negative effect of this particular lapse is evident in evaluating your true communicative competence as a test-taker. 

One peculiar feature of the Duolingo English Test would be the last part of the exam, where you will be asked to provide a Writing Sample and a Speaking Sample [2]. These two samples will not be graded and, instead, will just be sent to institutions, so they can evaluate your English proficiency themselves. 

On the surface, this might seem like a novel approach because it gives institutions a more direct outlook of your writing and speaking abilities, allowing them to assess your communication skills first-hand. However, it has quite a lot of drawbacks, and the most obvious one would be the lack of a standardized scoring system, which introduces the element of subjectivity.  

Each institution will have its own criteria for evaluating the samples, leading to inconsistent and potentially unfair assessments. Without a clear benchmark, it's difficult to ensure that all candidates are being judged on a level playing field. 

In contrast, IELTS employs a rigorous and standardized scoring system for both its Writing and Speaking sections. Certified human examiners who are trained to apply consistent criteria are the ones doing the evaluation of your Writing and Speaking tests. This ensures a fair and reliable assessment of your English proficiency, providing institutions with a clearer and more objective measure of your abilities.  

All in all, DET's unscored samples provide a very personalized touch, which can have advantages of its own. However, IELTS's standardized grading approach offers a more trustworthy and equitable evaluation for all test-takers. 

When choosing among different English proficiency exams, it's important to consider whether or not they are accepted by the institution you're applying to. In this regard, IELTS is undoubtedly the better option. 

DET is now accepted in over 6,000 institutions, according to their website. But IELTS is trusted by over 12,500 universities/colleges, government agencies, public offices, and private companies -- no matter where you're applying to, there's a high chance that they accept the IELTS test. 

This widespread acceptance of IELTS is not just a matter of numbers. Rather, it reflects a deep-seated trust in the test's validity and reliability. Institutions worldwide recognize that IELTS provides a comprehensive and accurate assessment of English proficiency, making it a great tool for evaluating students or workers from diverse backgrounds.  

It's also important to note that IELTS is backed by a long history of research and development. ensuring that it remains aligned with the changing needs of the academic and professional communities. 

IELTS and DET have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances, goals, and the specific requirements of the institution you are targeting.  

However, it’s important to note that while the Duolingo English Test is indeed more affordable and convenient, IELTS remains a widely recognized and respected option for those seeking a comprehensive and reliable evaluation of their English abilities. Ultimately, the key is to research thoroughly. 

Be sure to understand your own needs and select the test that best aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. By doing so, you can arrive at a more informed decision and confidently take the next step toward your goals. Good luck! 

[1] Carlisle, F. (2025). Duolingo English Test Price (2025): Everything You Need to Know About Costs and Fees. Retrieved from: https://lastminuteenglish.com/duolingo-english-test-price/ 

[2] GoArno (2025). What is the Duolingo English Test Format and Pattern? Retrieved from: https://goarno.io/blog/what-is-the-duolingo-english-test-format-and-pattern/ 

[3] Lane, C. (2025). All you need to know about the Duolingo English test. Retrieved from: https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/admissions-advice/duolingo-english-test-us-college-admissions-all-you-need-know/