PTE vs IELTS: Which English Test Should You Choose?

Choosing the right English language test is the first major decision on your journey to studying or migrating abroad. For most people, the choice comes down to two of the most widely recognized options: the PTE (Pearson Test of English) and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Although both tests measure the same four core skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—they differ significantly in their delivery, scoring, and overall experience.

Making the right choice is crucial. The test that aligns with your personal strengths can make a real difference in your final score, saving you time, money, and stress. But how do you decide? Which test is easier? Which is faster? And what score do you actually need?

This definitive guide will give you a clear and honest comparison of PTE vs IELTS. We will answer all the most common questions, from score conversions to cost, and provide a detailed, skill-by-skill breakdown of what it’s like to take each test. By the end, you will have all the information you need to choose the test that gives you the best chance of success.

The Quick Answer: PTE vs IELTS at a Glance

For those who want a fast overview, this table summarizes the key differences between the two tests.

PTE vs IELTS Score Comparison Chart

One of the most frequent questions is how scores from the two tests compare. The PTE to IELTS conversion table below provides a clear guide based on official research.

Answering Your Score Questions

• What is IELTS 7 equal to PTE? An IELTS band of 7.0 is equivalent to a PTE score in the range of 65 to 72. A score of 65 is the standard target.
  
• Is 65 in PTE a 7? Yes, a PTE score of 65 is the widely accepted equivalent of an IELTS 7.0 band score.
  
• What is PTE 50 equal to in IELTS? A PTE score of 50 falls on the border between an IELTS 5.5 and 6.0.

Is PTE Easier Than IELTS?

This is the question on every student’s mind. The honest answer is: the “easier” test is the one that best matches your personal skills and personality. There is no universally easier option.

So, which English test is the easiest for you? Let’s explore the factors that might make one feel easier than the other.

Reasons PTE Might Be Easier for You

• Objective AI Scoring: The PTE test is scored entirely by a computer. If you get nervous in formal interviews or worry about a human examiner’s potential bias, the objective and impartial nature of AI scoring might feel fairer and less stressful.
  
• Emphasis on Fluency: The PTE Speaking score heavily rewards smooth, continuous speech. If you can speak at a steady pace without many hesitations, you can achieve a high score, even with a noticeable accent.
  
• Integrated Scoring Advantage: PTE combines skills in many tasks. For example, your listening and typing skills in “Write from Dictation” boost your Writing score. This allows you to use your strengths (like fast typing) to help your overall score.
  
• Computer-Based Format: If you type much faster than you hand-write and are comfortable with a computer, the 2-hour, fully digital PTE exam will feel more efficient.

Reasons IELTS Might Be Easier for You

• Human Interaction in Speaking: The IELTS Speaking test is a real conversation with an examiner. If you are a confident conversationalist and feel you can express yourself more naturally when talking to a person, this format will be a better fit.
  
• Separated Skills Sections: IELTS tests each of the four skills in isolation. If you prefer to concentrate on one skill at a time (e.g., focus only on Reading for 60 minutes), this structure can feel less overwhelming.
  
• Time to Preview Questions: In many IELTS Listening tasks, you are given time to read the questions before the audio starts. This can be a significant strategic advantage.
  
• Choice of Paper or Computer: IELTS offers both computer-based and paper-based tests. If you prefer the tactile experience of a pen and paper and like to underline text, IELTS gives you that option.

A Detailed Comparison of Each Test Section

The Speaking Section: Human vs. Machine

This is the most significant difference. The IELTS TEST is a live interview, where your ability to develop ideas in a conversation is key. In contrast, the PTE TEST involves you speaking into a microphone in response to on-screen prompts, where your rhythm and clarity are paramount. Think about whether you perform better in a natural conversation or in a structured, individual recording session.

The Writing Section: A Breakdown of the Tasks

In IELTS, you have 60 minutes for two tasks: describing a visual (like a chart or graph) and writing a 250+ word essay. In PTE, you have 10 minutes to summarize a text into one sentence, and 20 minutes to write a 200-300 word essay. The shorter time and word count in the PTE essay may appeal to those who can type quickly and structure their thoughts concisely.

The Reading and Listening Sections

IELTS Reading features three long academic passages with 40 questions in total. It requires sustained concentration. PTE Reading is a series of shorter, varied tasks like re-ordering paragraphs and filling in blanks.
IELTS Listening allows you to preview questions, while PTE Listening requires you to respond more immediately to tasks like summarizing audio and taking dictation.

Practical Differences: Price, Speed, and Rules

PTE vs IELTS Price: Which is Cheaper?

The cost of both tests is a major consideration for many students. It’s important to note that fees vary by country and are subject to change, so you should always check the official websites for the most current pricing. However, we can provide a direct comparison for two south asian countries: India and Bangladesh.

Price Comparison in India (2025)

In India, the standard academic tests for both PTE and IELTS are priced very similarly.

Note: The IELTS One Skill Retake option is also available in India for ₹12,000. PTE prices are inclusive of 18% tax.

The Verdict for India: For the main academic tests, the prices are almost identical. The choice should therefore be based on the test format and your skills, not on cost.

Price Comparison in Bangladesh (2025)

In Bangladesh, there is a more noticeable difference in pricing, with PTE often being the more affordable than IELTS.

The Verdict for Bangladesh: When you convert the USD to BDT, the PTE Academic test is often cheaper than the IELTS Academic test. For students in Bangladesh, this cost difference could be a major factor in their decision.

General Conclusion on Price:

While there can be regional differences, the cost of the main tests is generally competitive. Your decision should primarily be based on which test format gives you the best chance of achieving your target score on the first attempt, as the cost of a retake is always more expensive than choosing the right test initially.

Speed of Results

PTE has a significant advantage in speed. You will typically receive your results within 48 hours. In contrast, IELTS computer-based results take 3-5 days, and paper-based results take up to 13 days. If you have an urgent application deadline, PTE is the better option.

Retake Policies: The IELTS One Skill Retake

This is a key advantage for IELTS. If you take the computer-delivered IELTS and perform poorly in just one section (e.g., you get a 6.5 in Writing but 7.5+ in everything else), the One Skill Retake policy allows you to re-sit just that one section. In contrast, if you want to improve your PTE score, you must retake the entire two-hour test.

How long are PTE and IELTS scores valid?

Both PTE and IELTS scores are officially considered valid for two years. While a specific university might have its own policy for academic admission, for all immigration purposes (like for Australia or Canada), your test must have been taken within the last two years.

Which test is recognized more widely, PTE or IELTS?

Both are global leaders in English testing.

• IELTS is the most established test, accepted by over 11,500 organizations.
  
• PTE is newer but is accepted by over 3,300 institutions and is growing rapidly. It is accepted by:
  • 100% of universities in Australia and New Zealand.
  • The Australian, UK, and New Zealand governments for all visa and immigration applications.
  • Over 90% of Canadian universities.

IELTS or PTE Which One is Better for UK?

For UK university admissions, both PTE Academic and IELTS Academic are fully accepted. For visa purposes, you must take a specific UKVI-approved version of the test, either “IELTS for UKVI” or “PTE Academic UKVI”. Both are equally valid.

Final Checklist: How to Choose the Right Test for You

• Choose PTE if:
  
  • You need your results very quickly.
  • You are a fast typist and comfortable with computers.
  • You get nervous in face-to-face interviews and prefer an objective AI score.
  • You are good at speaking smoothly and consistently.
    
• Choose IELTS if:
  
  • You are a confident conversationalist.
  • You prefer the option of a paper-based test.
  • You want the flexibility of the “One Skill Retake” policy.
  • You perform better when you can preview questions before listening.

Your Next Step: How to Prepare for Your Chosen Test

Whichever test you choose, preparation makes the difference between a good score and a great one. Here are some tips:

1. Get familiar with the format. Review official question types and practice each skill. For PTE, work on integrated tasks like summarizing spoken text. For IELTS, practice reading long passages and writing essays.
   
2. Improve your general English. Read newspapers, watch English media and speak with friends. Exposure to different accents helps for both tests. PTE’s listening clips and IELTS recordings use various regional accents oneielts.com.
   
3. Use timed practice tests. Our free PTE practice test simulates exam conditions. We also offer sectional mock test and full mock exams with instant AI scoring. Planning to take IELTS? Access free IELTS practice tests, topic‑wise exercises and mock exams at oneIELTS.com.
   
4. Work on weaker skills. If pronunciation or fluency is your weak spot, our speaking practice tools provide immediate feedback. If writing is challenging, practice summarizing text and organizing ideas into clear paragraphs.
   
5. Plan your study schedule. Set a realistic timeline for each skill and track your progress. Small, regular practice sessions are more effective than last‑minute cramming.

Frequently Asked Questions About PTE vs IELTS

Q1. What are the full forms of IELTS and PTE?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. PTE stands for Pearson Test of English.

Q2. Is there a new update on the PTE vs IELTS score comparison?

The score comparison chart in this article is based on the latest official concordance studies for 2025. There have been no major changes to the score equivalencies.