As more students and professionals prepare for international education and careers, the choice between the Duolingo English Test (DET) and TOEFL has become a key question. At DET Practice Test, we’ve seen firsthand how this decision can impact your goals, your preparation journey, and even your budget. Let’s dive deep to help you make a confident, informed choice, based on real data, our experience supporting millions of DET candidates, and the latest updates.
Understanding DET and TOEFL: An Overview
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Modern, fully online, adaptive, can be taken 24/7 from home, results within 48 hours, costs $70.
- TOEFL: Long-respected, available at test centers worldwide (limited online options available in some regions), paper and computer formats, results in approximately a week, costs around $200–$300 depending on location.
Exam Format and Test-Day Experience
| Feature | Duolingo English Test | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode | Online, at home | Test center (majority), limited home option |
| Duration | ~1 hour | 2–3 hours |
| Question Style | Adaptive, varied (read, write, speak, listen in mixed order) | Four fixed sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) |
| Scheduling | Anytime, on demand | Specific dates, advance booking required |
| ID/Proctoring | Automated & human, video-based from your webcam | In-person (center staff) or remote live proctor |
- DET is ideal if you need flexibility, have time or travel restrictions, or want a faster route from booking to results.
- TOEFL offers a traditional exam-center experience, which some find reassuring, but scheduling can be less convenient.
Cost Comparison
| Test | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Duolingo English Test | $70 ($60 with voucher: buy here) |
| TOEFL | $200–$300 |
DET’s cost advantage is significant—especially for those applying to multiple schools or on a tight budget. Also, DET allows you to send your score to unlimited institutions at no extra cost, whereas TOEFL typically limits free score recipients and charges for additional reports.
Scoring, Results & Timing
- DET: Scored from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments, with granular skill breakdowns. Results in 2 days.
- TOEFL: Scored from 0 to 120, with 4 equal-weight sections. Results in 6–8 days.
DET to TOEFL Score Comparison Table
| DET Score | TOEFL iBT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 75 | 44–49 |
| 90 | 62–67 |
| 100 | 74–79 |
| 110 | 86–91 |
| 120 | 97–102 |
| 130 | 108–112 |
| 145 | 119 |
| 150–160 | 120 |
Most top-tier schools expect a DET score of 120+ or a TOEFL score of 100+, but this varies—always confirm your institutions’ policies!
Exam Content, Adaptive Testing, and Preparation
- DET: Highly adaptive—question types and difficulty change based on your responses. More dynamic, a broad mix in short micro-sections (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening can all appear in the same segment). Includes integrated tasks and a video interview.
- TOEFL: Four clearly separated sections. Passages can be long and academic—requires stamina and time management. Some prepare for this structure specifically, as it mirrors many Western university assessment styles.
At DET Practice Test, we find students appreciate DET’s shorter length, but preparation is critical for both. Our free full-length DET mock test and targeted practice sets reflect the latest test format, helping users adjust to the adaptive, integrated nature of the exam.
Global Acceptance: Where Are Your Scores Valid?
- TOEFL: Recognized as the gold standard at most top US, Canadian, UK, and Australian schools, plus for visa purposes.
- DET: Accepted by over 5,500 institutions worldwide—including hundreds in Canada, the US, and beyond. DET’s recognition is growing rapidly, though some universities and specific programs (or immigration/visa offices) may continue to require TOEFL.
Always check each university’s official policy. It’s not uncommon for one school to accept both exams, another to only accept TOEFL, and a third to prefer DET for specific programs. Contacting the admissions office directly can clarify any gray areas.
Speed, Flexibility, and Accessibility
- DET: If you need results urgently (for example, if the application deadline is close), DET is the only test with guaranteed 48-hour results.
- TOEFL: If you need approval for programs or visas that do not yet accept DET, or you strongly prefer a traditional test center, TOEFL remains a safe choice.
Practical Factors: Which Test Fits Your Life?
- Do you have reliable internet, a quiet room, and the required equipment (for DET)?
- Are test centers accessible to you, or are you in a remote area (TOEFL)?
- How quickly do you need your scores?
- Are you confident with computer-based adaptive tests (DET), or do you prefer fixed-structure exams?
- What is your comfort level with speaking and writing spontaneously on camera (DET’s video interview)?
When Should You Choose DET?
- Your chosen universities or programs formally accept DET scores
- You want faster and more affordable testing (especially if finances or time are tight)
- You are unable to visit a test center, or center slots are booked far in advance
- You want to easily send scores to multiple institutions
When Should You Choose TOEFL?
- Your target university or program requires TOEFL specifically
- Immigration or government processes mandate TOEFL
- You want a conventional test-center experience or are more comfortable with a fixed-section academic test
Making The Final Decision: Smart Next Steps
- List all your target universities and programs. Double-check their English test requirements—policies can change frequently!
- Calculate your personal priorities: cost, accessibility, speed, confidence with technology, and what exam feels most comfortable after a practice session.
- Take a free official-style DET practice test and, if possible, a TOEFL practice test. This will often make your choice obvious based on your performance and preference.
- Explore our guide to DET format and university acceptance for extra details on the latest university policies and how DET is scored.
- When ready, review official exam voucher codes for cost savings. (DET vouchers guarantee a discount and are instantly delivered.)
Additional Expert Strategy and Common Pitfalls
- VERIFY, THEN REGISTER: Policies change every year. We hear from students who assumed DET/TOEFL was accepted—always confirm before booking!
- Check your tech setup for DET early. Run sample tests, especially if you’re not used to talking to a camera or using screen-sharing software to meet proctor requirements (see our recent update on new DET room scan policies).
- If you struggle with speaking, check out our in-depth tips on practicing for DET speaking alone before test day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is DET easier than TOEFL? Difficulty depends on your English proficiency and test-taking skills. The DET format is shorter and less repetitive, but its adaptive questions challenge you at your level. Explore more with our post Is Duolingo English Test Easier than IELTS? Key Differences.
- How do DET practice scores compare to official results? While no practice platform can promise an exact match, our AI-powered scoring is closely aligned with official DET grading—as reported by thousands of satisfied users.
- Can I send DET scores to many universities? Yes, DET allows unlimited free score reports. TOEFL typically grants four free reports and charges for extra institutions.
Conclusion
The choice between Duolingo English Test and TOEFL depends on your goals, priorities, and where you plan to apply. Both are valid, respected, and widely recognized, but their structure, speed, cost, and experience are distinct. We encourage you to compare your options using authentic tools, check requirements at every stage, and decide based on what fits your situation best.
For up-to-date DET practice tests, latest exam news, expert tips, and official voucher discounts, visit DET Practice Test. Our platform is dedicated to helping you succeed, wherever your English proficiency journey takes you.
Also Read:
- Duolingo Interactive Speaking: Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the New Format
- What is the Duolingo English Test? Full Guide to Format, Scoring & Why Universities Accept It
