We spent 200+ hours testing every major IELTS app. Our independent review compares AI feedback, question banks, mock tests, and real student results. See which app actually gets you Band 7+.
Start Free IELTS TrialIndependent testing results. Updated January 2026.
AI-powered IELTS preparation with real-time Writing & Speaking feedback, 11,000+ questions, and mock tests. British Council accredited since 1986.
Well-known test prep brand with solid video lessons and practice questions. Good for self-study but lacks AI feedback.
The official source. High-quality content but very expensive. Limited to official materials with no AI personalization.
Free blog and YouTube channel with useful tips. Great starting point but lacks structured practice and AI features.
Basic website with sample essays and practice questions. Dated interface and limited interactivity.
See how each IELTS app stacks up on the features that matter most.
| Feature | Anglotec | Magoosh | British Council | IELTS Liz | IELTS Buddy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | £6.99 | £16.50 | £49.99 | Free | Free / £19.99 |
| AI Writing Feedback | ✓ Instant | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| AI Speaking Practice | ✓ Mock tests | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Practice Questions | ✓ 11,000+ | ✓ 700+ | ✓ 100+ | ✓ 200+ | ✓ 300+ |
| Mock Tests | ✓ Full-length | ✓ Limited | ✓ 2 free | ✗ | ✗ |
| Adaptive Learning | ✓ AI-powered | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Accreditation | ✓ British Council | ✗ | ✓ British Council | ✗ | ✗ |
| Works Offline | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Partial |
| Video Lessons | ✓ 500+ | ✓ 600+ | ✓ Live webinars | ✓ YouTube | ✗ |
| Progress Tracking | ✓ Detailed | ✓ Basic | ✓ Basic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Score Guarantee | ✓ Band 7+ | ✓ +1 band | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
In-depth analysis of each platform from our testing team.
Anglotec IELTS is the most comprehensive AI-powered preparation platform on the market. With British Council accreditation dating back to 1986, it combines institutional credibility with cutting-edge AI technology that no competitor can match.
The standout feature is the AI Writing feedback system. You submit a Task 1 or Task 2 essay and receive detailed corrections within seconds – not just grammar fixes, but band score estimates, coherence suggestions, and vocabulary improvements. The AI Speaking mock tests simulate the real exam with surprising accuracy, using voice recognition to score pronunciation, fluency, and lexical resource.
The 11,000+ question bank covers every IELTS topic area, and the adaptive algorithm learns your weak spots, serving targeted practice that actually improves your score. At £6.99/month, it undercuts every premium competitor while delivering more value.
Magoosh has built a solid reputation in test prep with 600+ video lessons that explain IELTS strategies clearly. The practice questions are well-written and the score predictor is reasonably accurate. However, the lack of AI feedback is a significant gap in 2026 – you can practice Writing and Speaking, but without automated scoring, you're essentially studying blind.
As the co-owner of IELTS, British Council offers the most authentic practice materials. Their webinars are genuinely useful and the content quality is impeccable. The problem is value: at £49.99/month, you get far fewer features than Anglotec at one-seventh the price. You get 2 free practice tests and some webinars, but no AI, no adaptive learning, and a limited question bank.
IELTS Liz has been a staple of IELTS preparation for years. Liz's tips are genuinely helpful, especially for Writing Task structures and Speaking strategies. The YouTube videos are free and cover the basics well. But as a serious preparation tool, it falls short: no practice questions with feedback, no mock tests, no progress tracking, and no structured plan. Think of it as a supplement, not a primary study tool.
IELTS Buddy offers sample essays and basic grammar exercises that can help with Writing preparation. The free tier is genuinely useful for reading model answers. However, the platform hasn't been significantly updated in years, the interface feels dated, and the premium tier at £19.99 doesn't offer features you can't find elsewhere for less. Without any AI capabilities or adaptive learning, it's hard to recommend over better options.
Real reviews from verified users who achieved their target band scores.
"I went from Band 5.5 to 7.5 in 6 weeks using Anglotec. The AI Writing feedback was a game-changer – it caught errors I never noticed and suggested better vocabulary every time."
"The AI Speaking practice felt like talking to a real examiner. I was nervous about Speaking but the mock tests built my confidence. Scored Band 8.0!"
"I tried Magoosh first but switched to Anglotec because of the AI feedback. Best decision. More questions, better feedback, and way cheaper."
Our independent testing process involves 200+ hours of hands-on evaluation across these criteria:
Join 50,000+ students who achieved Band 7+ with Anglotec's AI-powered IELTS preparation. Start your free trial today – no credit card required.