English proficiency is one of the crucial requirements when planning to study abroad. Duolingo and PTE have emerged as popular options for international students among the available English language tests. Both tests are widely accepted and offer unique benefits, but which one is best for you? In this article, we will provide a detailed comparison between Duolingo and PTE in terms of cost, format, acceptance level, and more, to help you choose the best one aligned with your goals.
Duolingo vs PTE: Comparison Table
| Feature | Duolingo Test | PTE Test |
| Format | Fully online test. It can be taken from home. | PTE is a computer-based exam. It has to be taken at an authorized test center. |
| Duration | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| Difficulty level | The Duolingo test is considered easier. | The PTE test is challenging. |
| Cost | $59 | The PTE test is expensive. The cost can vary depending on the country it is being taken. Generally, the cost can be anywhere between $200 and $400. |
| Acceptance | The test is accepted by over 4,000 universities worldwide. | The test is accepted by over 3,500 universities worldwide. |
| Visa Acceptance | The test is recognized by many universities worldwide for admissions. However, it is generally not accepted for student visa applications in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, even if the university itself accepts the test for admission purposes. | The test is recognized in many countries and has a broad acceptance for visa and immigration purposes, making it a strong option for students with long-term plans abroad. |
| Testing pattern | The Duolingo test uses adaptive testing. This means the difficulty level of the questions changes based on your responses. | The PTE does not use adaptive testing. It follows a fixed structure and question order. Every student receives a similar type of question, and the score is based on their performance across all the questions. |
| Scoring | All scores are on a scale of 10 to 160. | Each section is scored on a scale of 10 to 90. |
| Test Results | Within 2 days. | 2 to 5 days. |
Duolingo vs PTE: Which One is Better for you?
Choose the Duolingo test if you are:
- Looking for an affordable, quick, convenient, and easy test experience that you can take from home.
- Planning to apply to mid-level and low-ranking universities, where the Duolingo test is more widely accepted compared to the top-tier universities.
- Applying to countries where Duolingo test scores are accepted for admission, and where student visas do not require English proficiency tests like PTE, TOEFL, or IELTS.
Choose the PTE test if you are:
- Planning to apply to top-tier universities across the world.
- Looking for a test that is widely accepted for student visa applications.
- Comfortable to take the test at an authorized test center with a fixed format.
Final Thoughts
Both Duolingo and PTE English tests are excellent options. However, each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Review the comparison between the two and choose the one that suits your goals. Additionally, your selection also depends on the destination country and the requirements of your chosen university. Always check the English proficiency test requirements of the institution before selecting a test.
FAQs
Duolingo is often considered easier than PTE because it is shorter in duration and includes straightforward multiple-choice questions, along with relatively easier writing and speaking tasks.
The clear winner is Duolingo. The Duolingo test results are declared within 48 hours or less than 2 days after taking the test. On the other hand, the PTE takes 2 to 5 days to declare the test results.
Yes, both Duolingo and PTE use AI-scoring systems to evaluate test takers’ English proficiency.