The short answer
Choose Magoosh IELTS if you learn best from a structured video course (120+ lessons, 850 questions with explanation videos, up to 10 full mocks) and want unlimited AI grading and a target-score guarantee for one price over six months. Choose BandLadder if you want to start free with a scored full mock, buy a short pass from 7 days in your own currency, and practise with more than 2,700 reading and speaking drills.
Magoosh IELTS details were read on ielts.magoosh.com/plans on 10 October 2026 and may have changed since; check Magoosh IELTS directly for current features and prices. Magoosh IELTS is a trademark of its owner. BandLadder is not affiliated with Magoosh IELTS.
Checked 10 October 2026
BandLadder vs Magoosh IELTS at a glance
| BandLadder | Magoosh IELTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Exams covered | IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, PTE Academic, PTE Core | IELTS Academic and General Training |
| Pricing | 7-day to 90-day passes, priced in your local currency; one-time, no automatic renewal | Premium US$109 for 1 month or US$129 for 6 months (list prices; a sale code showed US$54.50 and US$64.50 until 12 October 2026); instalments offered on the 6-month plan |
| Free tier | 1 full-length IELTS mock, 2 speaking and 2 writing AI evaluations a day that do not expire; no card | 7-day free trial with limited access to some lesson videos and practice questions |
| Scoring | AI scoring of writing and speaking on the four IELTS criteria, in minutes, unlimited on a pass; no human marking | Unlimited AI speaking and writing grading on Premium, plus a score predictor |
| Lessons and practice | Full-length, sectional and timed IELTS mocks; 1,325 Reading drills (preview free, attempt with a free account) and 1,413 Speaking drills with recorded examiner audio; recorded video lectures in the app with a pass | 120+ video lessons, 850 practice questions with explanation videos, up to 10 full-length mock tests, study schedules |
| Human help | No human marking | Unlimited Ask-an-Expert questions and an AI tutor |
| Mobile apps | iOS and Android apps with the same practice and scoring | Apps for iPhone, iPad and Android, per their FAQ |
| Refunds | See our cancellations and refunds page | 7-day money-back guarantee; Premium carries a target band score guarantee (money back if you miss your target, per their FAQ) |
Choose BandLadder if…
- →You want a full mock scored before you pay anything.
- →You need a week or two of practice, not a one- or six-month plan.
- →You want to pay in your own currency rather than US dollars.
- →You want hundreds of short reading and speaking drills to repeat by question type.
- →You might move to PTE later and want to keep the same platform.
Choose Magoosh IELTS if…
- →You learn best from video lessons and want a full course with study schedules.
- →You want unlimited AI grading for six months at a single price.
- →The target band score guarantee matters to you.
- →You want to ask experts questions as you study.
See the difference yourself
Take a free mock test with AI scoring, no commitment.
Try a free IELTS mock →Frequently asked questions
How much does Magoosh IELTS cost?+
Their plans page lists Premium at US$109 for one month and US$129 for six months. On 10 October 2026 a sale code cut these to US$54.50 and US$64.50 until 12 October. BandLadder passes run from 7 days to 3 months, priced in your local currency.
Does Magoosh IELTS use AI grading?+
Yes. Premium includes unlimited AI speaking and writing grading. BandLadder also scores writing and speaking with AI, on the four IELTS criteria, and free accounts get 2 speaking and 2 writing evaluations a day.
Does Magoosh IELTS have a free trial?+
A 7-day free trial with limited access to some lessons and practice questions. BandLadder has no trial clock: a free account's daily evaluations do not expire.
Is Magoosh or BandLadder better for IELTS?+
They suit different learners. Magoosh is the stronger pick if you want a taught video course with a guarantee. BandLadder suits you if you mainly want to practise and be scored, start free and buy short passes. Neither uses human examiners for writing and speaking.
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