Duolingo English Test (2024) vs. TOEFL & IELTS: Which is Right for You?

The Duolingo English Test is officially accepted by over 4500 universities and institutions worldwide, with more joining every day. DET is a standardized online English test proficiency test and it is the best alternative to traditional tests like the TOEFL and IELTS. The best thing about the Duolingo Test is that you do not need to visit the test center. You can take it online, from anywhere in the world. It is much cheaper than IELTS.

Many universities in the world as well as many scholarships are now accepting Duolimgo. Such as the Fulbright Scholarship 2025, and the University of Saskatchewan Scholarship in Canada. The Duolingo English language test is acceptable in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, USA. Send your scores to an unlimited number of institutions for free. More details, on the difference between Duolingo and IELTS are given below.

All You Need to Know about: What is Duolingo English Test?

  • Test Center?: Take Tests online anytime, anywhere.
  • Time?: Finish in 1 hour and get results in 2 days
  • Accepted by over 4500 universities.
  • Send your results to unlimited universities for free.

Duolingo English Test Price

It was launched in 2016 and grew in popularity and acceptance at universities during COVID-19 with a price of $49. The current cost of a Duolingo Test is just $59.

  • Convenient: Take the test online anywhere, anytime — no traveling to a test center or appointment needed
  • Fast: Get your results within 2 days of completing the test, and share it with anyone, immediately
  • Affordable: A fraction of the cost of other tests. Send your scores to an unlimited number of institutions for free!

Which Universities Accept Duolingo English Test?

The test is acceptable worldwide. You can check the list of universities, and countries where Duolingo is accepted.

Free Practice Test

You need to set up your account online and start an unlimited free practice test.

Score Comparision

This table shows a comparison of Duolingo score vs TOEFL, IELTS, and CEFR.

source: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/test_takers/scores

Requirements for Duolingo Test?

It is an online test for which you have to sit in front of your computer.

  • No other people present
  • Good lighting
  • No noises or distractions
  • A reliable internet connection
  • Windows or Mac operating system
  • A front-facing camera
  • A microphone
  • Speakers
  • A passport, driver’s license, or a government-issued ID

Setup and Test Duration

  • Introduction and setup (five minutes)
  • Adaptive test (45 minutes)
  • Video interview (10 minutes)

Comparison between Duolingo and IELTS

FeatureDuolingoIELTS
PurposeLanguage Learning PlatformStandardized English Proficiency Test
FormatAdaptive computer-based test (2 sections)Four-section test (computer or paper)
SectionsAdaptive exam & video interviewListening, reading, writing, speaking
Scoring10-160 score (higher=better)1-9 band scale (each band=specific proficiency)
Acceptance4500 universities currentlyOver 10,000 institutions in 140 countries
Cost$59Higher test fee (varies by location)
Accessibilitycan be taken online from homeTesting centers only
FocusVocabulary & grammar drillsAll four language skills in real-life scenarios
DifficultyGenerally considered easierMore challenging, in-depth assessment
Preparation timeFlexible, ongoing learningStructured preparation with dedicated study materials
Validity2 years2 years
EmphasisLanguage acquisitionTest-taking skills
Best suited forBeginners & intermediate learnersAcademic study, immigration, professional settings

Duolingo English Test Website

Choosing between Duolingo and IELTS depends on your specific needs and goals. If your target university and program department accept Duolingo then I think you should go for it.

As Opportunities Corners founder, my name is Muhammad Saim Rasheed. I completed my higher education from University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar. I have been to Egypt for the AIESEC internship in 2016. In addition, I am an alumnus of the U.S. Department of State's (SUSI 2017) Exchange Program. I participated in the Young Leaders Fellowship in the Maldives in 2021, and I went to the International Youth Leadership Summit in Turkiye in 2022. Since 2017, I have participated in numerous fully funded educational and leadership programs. I therefore created this blog based on my own personal experiences, and I mentor students who are eager and enthusiastic about pursuing fully funded opportunities. You can visit the official source for additional information by clicking on the links provided at the end of the post. Read more about me and our partners here.