shouldiuse.io

New check

Comparison

ETS vs IELTS

ETS and IELTS both land on Depends.

ETS

ets.org

Depends
Confidence: Medium

If your target program requires the GRE or TOEFL, ETS is effectively your only vendor . you don't get to choose.

Read the full report

IELTS

ielts.org

Depends
Confidence: Medium

Buy IELTS only if your target university, employer, or immigration program specifically requires it . it is a paid exam, not software.

Read the full report

Add this comparison to your site

Put the ETS vs IELTS badge on your site.

Visitors see the independent comparison.

The link points here, and search engines follow it.

This is the badge visitors see on your site.

Depends ETS Depends IELTS Independent comparison on Should I Use It

Paste one snippet. Keep the link as it is. A nofollow tag stops search engines from following it.

ETS versus IELTS
CompareETSIELTS
VerdictDependsDepends
Best forApplicants whose programs require GRE/TOEFLUK/Australia/Canada visa applicants
Who it's not forAnyone whose schools accept IELTS, PTE, or DuolingoAnyone whose school accepts cheaper tests like Duolingo or PTE
PrivacyNo known public vulnerabilities found in the sources reviewed.⁹Strict test-security regime and score-confidentiality pledges; one 2025 technical-error incident reported.16
Support qualityTrustpilot 1.1/5; recurring service complaintsFormal complaint channels exist; users report poor service
Public sentimentSentiment is strongly negative . Trustpilot rates 1.1/5 'Bad', with complaints about fees, proctoring terminations, and support.¹Test-takers describe high stakes and stress, with complaints clustering on cost, customer service, score changes, and bans, while free prep is widely used.14
Biggest gotcha$220 per GRE attempt; retakes get expensive fast³A Nov 2025 technical error changed some scores months after release.16

Pick ETS when

  • Applicants whose programs require GRE/TOEFL
  • Schools needing standardized score benchmarks
  • Employers screening English skills via TOEIC

When ETS is not a fit

  • Anyone whose schools accept IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo
  • Test-optional applicants . skip the $220 fee
  • At-home test-takers wary of proctoring terminations
  • Price-sensitive test-takers who may need retakes

Pick IELTS when

  • UK/Australia/Canada visa applicants
  • University applicants where IELTS is required
  • Migration candidates needing accepted proof
  • Self-studiers using free official materials

When IELTS is not a fit

  • Anyone whose school accepts cheaper tests like Duolingo or PTE
  • Casual learners just wanting to gauge their English level
  • People needing certified results within days
  • Buyers expecting SaaS-style support . it is an exam, not software

Sources

  1. Educational Testing Service Reviews . Trustpilottrustpilot.com
    review
  2. Educational Testing Service (ETS) | BBB Complaintsbbb.org
    review
  3. ETS terminated my exam due to security reasons . Reddit r/GREreddit.com
    review
  4. Just a little angry about the ETS . Reddit r/GREreddit.com
    review
  5. Write ETS a review . Reddit r/GREreddit.com
    review
  6. ETS complaints on BBB website, company responding . Facebookfacebook.com
    review
  7. GRE General Test Feesets.org
    official
  8. ETS Productsets.org
    official
  9. Product security page . ets.orgets.org
    security
  10. ETS Privacy and Security Policyets.org
    official
  11. ETS Research Institute Awarded $4 Million U.S. Department of Education Grantets.org
    news
  12. IELTS sample test questions and practice papersielts.org
    official
  13. Free IELTS Practice and Mock Tests (British Council)takeielts.britishcouncil.org
    official
  14. IELTS Official Reviews on Trustpilottrustpilot.com
    review
  15. I've got banned on IELTS for 5 years (Reddit)reddit.com
    review
  16. IELTS candidates see scores changed months later (VnExpress)e.vnexpress.net
    news