Choose Duolingo (DET) if...

  • You want your score fast (1-2 days)
  • You'd rather test from home
  • Budget is a real factor
  • Your target school is on Duolingo's accepted list
  • You get nervous speaking live to strangers

Choose IELTS if...

  • You need it for a visa or immigration application
  • Your school or employer specifically requires it
  • You want live speaking practice with a real examiner
  • You're applying somewhere DET isn't yet recognized
  • You prefer a well-established, universally known score