If you need an English test for a visa or university application, you’ve likely narrowed it down to two giants: PTE Academic and IELTS. This leads to the most important question of all: which one is easier to get a high score on?
Let’s get right to it. While neither test is a walk in the park, one of them is almost certainly a better fit—and therefore easier—for you.
Here’s the simple answer:
PTE Academic is often easier if you’re a fast typist with a clear, fluent speaking voice who prefers talking to a computer. The test is graded by an AI, which loves technical precision.
IELTS is often easier if you’re a strong conversationalist who is more comfortable with a human examiner and a traditional test format. Plus, it offers a paper-based option, which is a huge relief if you’re not a confident typist.
So, how can you be sure which one is right for you? The rest of this guide will explore the real-world differences behind this advice, breaking down each section of the test to show you exactly where you are likely to excel.
IELTS vs PTE : Human Grader vs AI Grader
Before we get into the sections, you must understand the core philosophical difference between the two tests.
- IELTS: Even though you can take IELTS on paper or on a computer, your Speaking and Writing are always checked by trained human examiners. They can understand natural communication, different accents, and real-life expressions.
- PTE Academic: Your entire test, including the Speaking and Writing sections, is graded by a sophisticated AI (Artificial Intelligence) algorithm. The AI scores you based on specific metrics like fluency, pronunciation, and keyword usage.
This single difference influences everything about the two tests. An AI can be very objective, but it can also be tricked. A human can understand a complex idea even if your grammar isn’t perfect, but they might be influenced by a lack of confidence. Your comfort with being graded by a human versus a machine is a huge factor in your decision.
PTE vs IELTS : Key differences
| Feature | IELTS | PTE Academic |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face conversation with a human examiner. | Speaking into a microphone. AI grades your recorded answers. |
| Test Format | Can choose between computer-based and paper-based. | Computer-based only. |
| Scoring System | Integrated. Your performance in one section (e.g., Listening) can affect your score in another (e.g., Speaking). | Section-Specific. Each of the four skills is scored separately. |
| Question Types | Varied. Multiple choice, short answers, matching, diagram labeling, etc. | Integrated and unique. Many questions test multiple skills at once (e.g., listen and then speak). |
| Acceptance | 12,000+ organizations. The global leader, especially strong in the UK. | 3,500+ organizations. Very strong for Australian visas and accepted by many universities. |
| Results Time | 1-5 days (computer) or 13 days (paper). | Very fast: usually within 48 hours. |
IELTS vs PTE: Section by Section Breakdown
Let’s break down the experience in each part of the test.
What Is the Speaking Test Like in IELTS vs PTE?
The IELTS Experience (A Conversation):
The IELTS Speaking test (11-14 minutes) is a natural, one-on-one conversation with a friendly examiner. It flows from simple questions about you to a more in-depth discussion.
Why this might be easier for you: It feels like a real-world interaction. If you are a good communicator who can think on your feet, you will excel. The human element means the examiner can understand your meaning even if your accent is strong or you hesitate briefly.
The Challenge: For some, talking to an examiner face-to-face can be nerve-wracking.
The PTE Experience (A Series of Tasks):
In the PTE test, you sit in a cubicle with a headset and speak into a microphone. You will complete a series of short, rapid-fire tasks, such as reading a sentence aloud, repeating a sentence exactly as you hear it, and describing an image on the screen.
Why this might be easier for you: It’s an impersonal and objective process. If you have a clear, standard accent and can speak very fluently without ums or ahs, the AI will likely score you very high. There is no human to get nervous in front of.
The Challenge: The AI is ruthless when it comes to fluency. Long pauses or self-corrections can significantly lower your score. Background noise from other test-takers can also be very distracting.
How Does the Writing Test in PTE Compare to IELTS?
The IELTS Experience (Structured Essays):
You have 60 minutes to complete two tasks. Task 1 is either describing a chart/graph (Academic) or writing a letter (General). Task 2 is a 250-word essay. Your score is based on the quality of your ideas, your structure, vocabulary, and grammar.
The PTE Experience (Shorter, Varied Tasks):
The PTE Writing section is combined with Speaking and includes tasks like summarizing a long paragraph into a single sentence and writing a 200-300 word essay.
Why this might be easier for you: The AI grader is known to be less focused on the creativity or structure of your essay and more focused on technical elements like correct grammar, spelling, and the use of relevant keywords. Many test-takers find that using a simple, memorized template can lead to a high score.
The Challenge: The “summarize written text” task is a unique and difficult skill that requires practice.
How Do IELTS and PTE Differ in Listening and Reading?
The IELTS Experience (Straightforward and Focused):
The IELTS Listening and Reading tests are direct assessments of those skills. You listen to audio and answer questions about it. You read a text and answer questions about it. The skills are tested separately.
The PTE Experience (Integrated and Multitasked):
PTE is famous for its integrated skills questions, where your performance in one skill affects the score of another.
Example 1: You might listen to a short lecture and then have to write a summary. This single question affects both your Listening and Writing scores.
Example 2: You might read a transcript on the screen while listening to an audio recording and have to click on the words that are different. This affects both your Reading and Listening scores.
The Challenge: This requires you to be an excellent multi-tasker and a very fast typist, as many answers must be typed quickly.
Final Considerations: Acceptance and Which Test Suits Your Skills
Where Are IELTS and PTE Accepted?
While PTE is growing, IELTS is still the undisputed global leader. It is accepted by over 12,000 organizations. PTE is accepted by over 3,500. For immigration to Australia and New Zealand, PTE is very strong. For the UK, Canada, and the USA, IELTS is often the safer and more widely accepted choice. Always check the specific requirements of your target institution.
PTE or IELTS : Which Test Fits Your Personal Skills ?
- Are you a nervous speaker but have a very clear accent? PTE might be for you.
- Are you a great conversationalist but have messy handwriting? The computer-based IELTS might be for you.
- Do you have great ideas but struggle with perfect grammar? IELTS might be more forgiving.
- Are you a fast typist who can multitask under pressure? PTE might be a great fit.
The only way to truly know which test is easier for you is to experience the format.
👉 Take a full IELTS Mock Test or a full PTE Mock Test to see how well you perform in both mock tests.