TOEFL vs Duolingo: Which English Test Is Right for You?
The TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test (DET) both prove English proficiency for university admission, but they differ in cost, length, format, and how widely they are accepted.
This guide compares the two head-to-head so you can pick the test that matches your budget, timeline, and target schools — without wasting money on the wrong one.
Format and Length
The two tests feel very different: TOEFL is a long academic exam, while Duolingo is short and adaptive.
TOEFL iBT
About two hours covering Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing with academic passages and lectures.
Duolingo English Test
About one hour, computer-adaptive, taken at home with a webcam and shorter integrated tasks.
Cost Comparison
Price is often the deciding factor for budget-conscious applicants.
TOEFL
Generally US
85-US$325 depending on country.
Duolingo
Significantly cheaper, usually around US$65, which is why many applicants start with it.
Score Acceptance
Acceptance is the most important factor — the cheapest test is useless if your school does not take it.
TOEFL acceptance
Accepted by virtually every English-taught university worldwide; the long-standing standard.
Duolingo acceptance
Accepted by thousands of institutions and growing, but some programs still require TOEFL or IELTS.
Which Is Easier?
Difficulty depends on your strengths, not just the test name.
TOEFL difficulty
Demands academic stamina, note-taking, and longer responses, but the format is predictable and well-documented.
Duolingo difficulty
Shorter but adaptive and fast-paced, with unfamiliar question types that can surprise first-timers.
Results and Convenience
If you are short on time, turnaround and location matter.
TOEFL results
Scores typically arrive in about a week; testing is at a center or at home.
Duolingo results
Results usually return within a couple of days, fully online from home.
How to Choose
Let your target schools and timeline make the decision for you.
Check requirements first
Confirm which tests and minimum scores each target program accepts before booking.
Match your situation
Pick Duolingo for speed and budget if accepted; pick TOEFL for the widest acceptance and academic familiarity.
Pick the Test Your School Accepts
TOEFL wins on universal acceptance and academic rigor; Duolingo wins on price, speed, and convenience. The right choice is whichever your target schools accept at the score you need.
If you choose TOEFL, the section and study-plan guides below will get you to your target efficiently.
FAQ
Is the TOEFL or Duolingo test better?
Neither is universally better. TOEFL has wider acceptance and academic rigor; Duolingo is cheaper, shorter, and faster. Choose based on what your target schools accept.
Is Duolingo easier than TOEFL?
Duolingo is shorter but adaptive and fast-paced. TOEFL is longer but more predictable. "Easier" depends on your strengths and familiarity with each format.
Do universities accept Duolingo instead of TOEFL?
Thousands do, and the number is growing, but some programs still require TOEFL or IELTS. Always confirm with each target school.
How much cheaper is Duolingo than TOEFL?
Duolingo is usually around US$65 versus US
85-US$325 for TOEFL, making it significantly cheaper.
How long does each test take?
The TOEFL iBT takes about two hours; the Duolingo English Test takes about one hour.
Which test gives faster results?
Duolingo results usually return within a couple of days, while TOEFL scores typically take about a week.
Can I take both tests?
Yes. Some applicants take Duolingo first for speed and budget, then take TOEFL if a target school requires it.
How do Duolingo and TOEFL scores compare?
They use different scales (Duolingo 10-160, TOEFL 0-120). Use official concordance tables to compare, and check each school's required minimum.