PTE vs TOEFL 2026: Which Test Should You Take? Complete Comparison

PTE vs TOEFL — both are computer-based, both are widely accepted, and both measure academic English proficiency. But they serve different primary markets and have distinct formats. PTE dominates the Australia immigration pathway while TOEFL dominates the USA university admissions market. This comparison helps you choose the right test based on your destination, format preference, and score goals.

PTE vs TOEFL at a Glance

Format Differences

Both PTE and TOEFL are computer-based, but the structure is very different. PTE has 20 item types across 3 integrated parts — Speaking & Writing are combined in Part 1, and individual items contribute to multiple skill scores through cross-contribution. TOEFL has 4 separate sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) scored independently.

PTE Speaking: Includes Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, and Answer Short Question — all recorded via microphone and AI-scored. Tasks are diverse and template-friendly.

TOEFL Speaking: 4 tasks — 1 independent + 3 integrated (combining reading/listening with speaking). Scored by a combination of AI and human raters. More conversational and opinion-based.

PTE Writing: Summarize Written Text (1 sentence, 5-75 words) + Write Essay (200-300 words). Both typed.

TOEFL Writing: 1 integrated task (reading + listening + writing) + 1 academic discussion. Both typed. TOEFL writing focuses more on synthesis of information from multiple sources.

PTE vs TOEFL Scoring

Which Countries Accept Which?

Which Is Easier for Indian Students?

PTE may be easier if: You prefer template-based speaking tasks (Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture use templates), you benefit from cross-contribution scoring (excelling at Read Aloud boosts both Speaking AND Reading), and you want pure AI scoring with no human rater variability.

TOEFL may be easier if: You are strong at synthesising information from multiple sources (integrated writing/speaking tasks), you prefer the traditional 4-section format, and your target is primarily US universities where TOEFL is the gold standard.

When to Choose PTE Over TOEFL

Choose PTE when: Australia is your primary destination, you want 48-hour results, you want unlimited free score reports, you prefer AI-only scoring, you are targeting UK visas (TOEFL is not SELT-approved for UK), or you are planning to take a single test for multiple purposes (immigration + university).

When to Choose TOEFL Over PTE

Choose TOEFL when: USA is your primary destination and specific target programmes require TOEFL, you prefer integrated speaking tasks over template-based ones, you are also taking the GRE (both are ETS products — familiar interface), or your target German universities explicitly prefer TOEFL.

EEC Coaches Both PTE & TOEFL

EEC offers coaching for PTE (₹7,500) and TOEFL preparation. Your initial counselling session determines which test suits your goals and strengths. Both include FREE study abroad counselling for your target destination. Visit any EEC centre for a diagnostic assessment.

“TOEFL still dominates US university admissions, but PTE is closing the gap fast. For students applying to both US and Australian universities, PTE covers both with a single test.”

— EEC Test Prep Team, Dual-Certified Trainer

Related Resources & Further Reading

Ready to begin? Register for a free demo class. PTE is also accepted for study in New Zealand. Planning Canada? See our study in Canada options. Read our PTE Academic complete guide. Read our PTE fee structure in India. Read our PTE Academic vs PTE Core. Read our PTE scores for Australia PR. Read our PTE vs IELTS comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common PTE vs TOEFL questions: