Before choosing between IELTS and TOEFL, check your shortlisted universities actually accept both — most do, but not universally, and a wasted test fee is an easy mistake to avoid.
Format differences that matter
IELTS uses a face-to-face speaking interview; TOEFL records your spoken answers into a microphone. Students who find a live examiner more natural than talking to a screen tend to score better on IELTS, and vice versa.
Scoring style
TOEFL is entirely multiple-choice and typed for writing, which suits students more comfortable with a computer-based, single-correct-answer format. IELTS includes handwritten sections (for the paper version) and short-answer questions that reward precise, concise writing.
Practical considerations
IELTS results are available slightly faster in most test centres, and computer-delivered IELTS has narrowed the turnaround gap further. Check test centre availability in your city — this alone sometimes settles the decision.
Our general recommendation
Take a free practice test for both before registering. The score is usually similar once converted, but your comfort with the format has a measurable effect on performance under exam conditions.