IELTS preparation app with free AI scores every day
BandLadder gives you 2 speaking and 2 writing AI band scores free every day, and every Reading and Listening module test free, for IELTS Academic and General Training. Your account works on your phone and on the web.
Free to download on iPhone and Android. Sign in with your BandLadder web account.
What the app gives IELTS learners
Free AI speaking and writing scores
2 speaking and 2 writing scores free every day, reset at midnight India time (Asia/Kolkata). Each score gives a band estimate on the four public criteria for that skill. Paid plans remove the daily limit, subject to fair use.
Free Reading and Listening tests
Every Reading and Listening module test is free to take and is marked as soon as you finish, plus 1k+ shorter Reading and Listening drills. Explanations and answer locations come with Premium.
Academic and General Training
Choose IELTS Academic or General Training when you start, and switch later. There are 49 Academic and 10 General Training full mocks in the library, which comes with a plan.
Speaking in the exam's three parts
Part 1 questions, Part 2 cue cards with a minute to prepare, and Part 3 discussion, from 1.5k+ speaking sets. Record on your phone, then read back what the app heard.
AI Study Centre, free for every learner
Set a target band and test date and get a daily plan built from your own weak areas. The Study Centre is free for every signed-in learner on the website, and it opens to free learners in the app from the next app update, with no paid pass needed.
One account on phone and web
Sign in with the same email, Google or Apple account. Your plan, attempts and streak carry across, so you can write essays on a laptop and speak on your phone.
How to prepare with the app
1. Pick your test
Academic if you are applying to study at university, General Training for most migration and work routes. The Speaking and Listening sections are the same in both; Reading and Writing differ.
2. Take a Reading or Listening test first
It is free, marked straight away, and shows which section needs the most time.
3. Use the daily speaking and writing scores
Spend your 2 speaking and 2 writing scores on the task types you find hardest, then try the same task again after reading the feedback.
4. Sit a timed mock closer to the test
A full timed mock shows whether you can hold your level for the whole paper, not just one task.
An honest note on fit
BandLadder is built for scored practice. Its band scores are estimates to guide your practice, not a promise of your test result. The app is new, so it has far fewer reviews than older IELTS apps. If you need a live teacher or a structured course from the basics, use one alongside it or instead of it. If speaking is your main worry, see our English speaking app page for how to practise speaking every day.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free IELTS preparation app?
Yes. BandLadder is free to download, with no card. A free account gets 2 IELTS speaking and 2 writing AI scores a day and every Reading and Listening module test, scored. Unlimited scoring, the full mock library and answer explanations come with a plan.
Which is the best app for IELTS preparation?
It depends on what you need. If you want lots of scored speaking and writing practice on your phone, try BandLadder's free tier and judge it yourself. If you want a teacher-led course or an app with years of reviews, a longer-established app may suit you better. We compare free tiers, including where others give more, on our free IELTS practice page.
Are the app's band scores official?
No. They are practice estimates from BandLadder's own AI, not IELTS results. Only the official test partners issue IELTS scores, and BandLadder is not linked to them.
Does the app cover IELTS General Training?
Yes. Choose General Training when you start. Speaking and Listening are shared with Academic, and the app has General Training Reading tests and Task 1 letters.
How new is the app?
The app is new and has few store ratings so far. Longer-established IELTS apps have many more reviews, so start with the free tier before you pay for anything.
Does the app work offline?
No. You need an internet connection to practise and to get AI feedback.
Sources
- IELTS test types: Academic and General Training (ielts.org)
- IELTS Speaking format and criteria (ielts.org)
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