When it comes to proving English proficiency for studying or settling abroad, both PTE (Pearson Test of English) and the Duolingo English Test (DET) are popular choices. But one big question students often ask is:
“Which test is easier – PTE or Duolingo?”
The answer depends on your personal strengths, test preferences, and how comfortable you are with technology-based testing. In this blog, we’ll break down the difficulty level, scoring systems, and unique features of both tests to help you decide which one is right for you.
🧠 1. Test Format & Structure:
📝 PTE (Pearson Test of English):
- 3 sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening
- Duration: Around 2 hours
- Conducted at a test center
- More academic and structured
- Tasks include essay writing, reading aloud, summarizing, etc.
🖥️ Duolingo English Test:
- One single adaptive test
- Duration: Around 45–60 minutes
- Taken from home with a webcam
- Tasks include describing images, completing sentences, short speaking clips, etc.
- Casual, interactive, and less academic
🟩 Verdict: Duolingo feels more like a quiz, while PTE is more like a traditional exam. For students used to classroom-style tests, PTE might seem easier. For those who prefer quick, intuitive tasks — Duolingo wins.
📊 2. Scoring System & Evaluation:
📈 PTE:
- Score range: 10–90
- AI evaluates based on pronunciation, grammar, coherence, etc.
- Scoring is detailed and based on strict linguistic criteria
📉 Duolingo:
- Score range: 10–160
- Adaptive test: Questions get harder or easier based on your answers
- Also AI-graded, but simpler and quicker
🟩 Verdict: Duolingo’s scoring feels less rigid and more forgiving, while PTE can be more intense with its technical breakdown of language proficiency.
⚙️ 3. Adaptive Nature:
Duolingo adapts in real-time. If you answer correctly, the next question gets harder. If you get it wrong, it gets easier. This smart system means you’re always tested at your level — but it can also make the test feel unpredictable.
PTE, on the other hand, is not adaptive in real-time, so you get a standard test like most academic exams.
🟩 Verdict: Duolingo is more adaptive and flexible. PTE is more controlled and consistent.
🎯 4. Which Is Easier Overall?
Let’s summarize:
| Criteria | PTE | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~2 hours | ~1 hour |
| Location | Test center | From home |
| Question Style | Formal, academic | Casual, interactive |
| Scoring | Detailed, strict | Adaptive, flexible |
| Evaluation | AI-based, technical | AI-based, student-friendly |
| Ease of Practice | Moderate | High |
Overall Ease:
➡️ If you’re more comfortable with quick responses, casual questions, and at-home testing — Duolingo may feel easier.
➡️ If you prefer structured formats and academic settings and are confident in grammar and writing — PTE might suit you better.
📝 Final Thoughts:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What feels easy for one student might be challenging for another. The best way to choose? Try a few sample questions from both tests and see which format you feel more confident with.
No matter which tests you choose, preparation is key — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way!