PTE vs IELTS 2026: Which Exam is Easier? (The Honest Truth)
Stuck at the crossroads of your study abroad or migration journey? Choosing between the PTE (Pearson Test of English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the first major decision you will make.
While both exams assess your English proficiency for visas and universities globally, they are fundamentally different in how they test you. Is the AI-scored PTE really "easier" than the human-scored IELTS? Let’s break down the differences, score conversions, and pass rates to help you decide.
⚡ At a Glance: PTE vs. IELTS Comparison Table
| Feature | PTE Academic / Core | IELTS Academic / General |
| Format | 100% Computer-based. | Paper-based OR Computer-based. |
| Speaking Test | Recorded via Microphone (AI-scored). | Face-to-Face interview with a human. |
| Duration | 2 Hours (Fast-paced). | 2 Hours 45 Minutes. |
| Scoring | 10-90 Scale (Integrated scoring). | 0-9 Band Scale (Sectional scoring). |
| Results | Typically within 48 hours. | 3-5 days (Computer) / 13 days (Paper). |
| Fairness | Unbiased AI (No human mood factor). | Human examiners (Subjective element). |
🧠 The "Difficulty" Debate: Which One Should You Pick?
The definition of "easy" depends on your personal strengths. Here is the reality check:
Choose PTE if...
You are tech-savvy: You have good typing speed and are comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
You get nervous around people: In PTE, you speak to a computer in a busy room. There is no examiner staring at you, which reduces anxiety for many.
You want to "hack" the exam: PTE is rule-based. If you use specific templates (like the ones on PTE Guide App) and keywords, the AI rewards you heavily.
You need quick results: Perfect for last-minute visa applications.
Choose IELTS if...
You prefer human conversation: If you struggle to speak naturally to a screen, the IELTS examiner might be better as they can interpret body language and accents better than AI.
You have messy handwriting: (Wait, actually, choose computer-based IELTS or PTE for this!).
You want sectional independence: In IELTS, if you mess up Listening, it doesn't hurt your Reading score.
In PTE, tasks are "Integrated" (e.g., Repeat Sentence scores heavily for both Speaking AND Listening).
📊 PTE to IELTS Score Conversion Chart (2026 Updated)
Universities and immigration bodies (like Australian DHA) use specific concordance tables.
| PTE Score | IELTS Band Equivalent | Proficiency Level |
| 84+ | 8.5 - 9.0 | Expert |
| 79 - 83 | 8.0 | Very Good (Superior) |
| 73 - 78 | 7.5 | Good |
| 65 - 72 | 7.0 | Competent (Academic Standard) |
| 58 - 64 | 6.5 | Competent |
| 50 - 57 | 6.0 | Modest |
| 42 - 49 | 5.5 | Modest |
Critical Note: To get "8 Bands" for Australia PR (20 points), you need 79+ in each section of the PTE.
🌏 Visa Acceptance: Canada, Australia & UK
One of the biggest myths is that PTE is not accepted as widely as IELTS. Let's bust that myth.
Australia & New Zealand: PTE is 100% accepted for all visa categories (Student, PR, Work). In fact, it is the preferred choice for PR applicants due to the higher probability of scoring 79+.
United Kingdom: Both PTE Academic and "PTE Academic UKVI" are fully accepted.
Canada (The Game Changer):
For Study (SDS): IRCC now accepts PTE Academic.
For PR/Migration: Canada now accepts PTE Core, a new version of the test designed specifically for migration, alongside IELTS General Training.
🏆 The Verdict
If you are a good typist and can memorize templates, PTE is statistically "easier" to score high (especially 79+) compared to IELTS, where writing 8.0 is notoriously difficult.
However, PTE requires specific strategies. You cannot just "know English"; you must "know the test."
Ready to beat the AI?
Stop guessing and start practicing. Download the PTE Guide App to access AI-scored mock tests that mimic the real exam algorithm.
