An IELTS preparation app helps you practise for the IELTS English test on your phone, with mock tests, speaking practice, writing feedback, listening drills or grammar exercises. Some cover every section and some focus on one skill. Ten apps follow, in no particular order, for Academic and General Training.
IELTS is often the gate between you and a university place, a job or a visa, so most people don't want to leave it to chance. They'd rather practise every day, not just the week before. Apps make that easier, because you can fit a speaking drill or a grammar set into a commute.
The ten apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from the app's own App Store listing, read this week. For writing practice on paper too, my list of IELTS writing topics gives you questions to try.
IELTS preparation apps at a glance
I checked the free plan column on each app's own App Store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the listing names a free app, a free version, a free tier or free content. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the listing I read named neither, even where there's a download button, so check the app's own page before you subscribe.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| EnglishScore | English level test app | Checking your level before you book | Not stated |
| GoPrep | AI English exam prep platform | A study plan that adapts to you | Not stated |
| IELTS Listening - 3 levels | IELTS listening practice app | Listening practice at three levels | Not stated |
| IELTS Practice Band 9 | AI IELTS preparation platform | Aiming at a specific band score | Not stated |
| IELTS Prep App | All-section IELTS prep app | Covering every section in one app | Not stated |
| IELTS Speaking & Listening | Writing and speaking scoring app | Scoring essays and speaking answers | Not stated |
| IELTS Speaking Assistant | IELTS speaking materials app | Speaking topics and practice material | Not stated |
| IELTS Writing Tutor | IELTS writing practice app | Model answers for Task 1 and 2 | Not stated |
| IELTSpeaking | AI speaking mock test app | Full speaking mock tests | Not stated |
| LearnEnglish Grammar | English grammar practice app | Grammar accuracy for writing | Yes |
Ten IELTS apps worth a look
EnglishScore
Best for: Learners who want a quick read on their English level and a certificate from a British Council company before booking a full exam.
GoPrep
Best for: Test takers who want mock tests in all four skills, instant AI feedback and a personalised plan that changes as they improve.
IELTS Listening - 3 levels
Best for: Candidates whose weakest section is listening, with practice split into three levels alongside grammar and vocabulary.
IELTS Practice Band 9
Best for: Ambitious candidates chasing a set band, from 6.5 up to 9, who want AI-powered preparation across the whole test.
IELTS Prep App
Best for: Self-studiers who want one app that works on all four test sections rather than a separate app for each skill.
IELTS Speaking & Listening
Best for: Anyone who wants Task 1, Task 2 and speaking answers scored as they practise, for Academic or General Training.
IELTS Speaking Assistant
Best for: Learners who mainly need speaking material, with practice resources gathered in one app to prepare for each part.
IELTS Writing Tutor
Best for: Candidates who lose marks in writing, with real examples, model answers and structured practice for both writing tasks.
IELTSpeaking
Best for: Nervous speakers who want full speaking mock tests with one-to-one AI examiner feedback and band scoring.
LearnEnglish Grammar
Best for: Test takers whose grammar slips under pressure, with thousands of free practice questions from the British Council.
Which app for which weak spot
- Speaking makes you nervous: IELTSpeaking.
- Writing loses you marks: IELTS Writing Tutor.
- Listening is your weakest section: IELTS Listening - 3 levels.
- Your grammar slips under pressure: LearnEnglish Grammar.
- You want a plan that adapts: GoPrep.
Know the test before you practise
The official IELTS site says IELTS Academic takes 2 hours and 45 minutes in total. Listening takes about 30 minutes, Reading and Writing take 60 minutes each, and Speaking takes 11 to 14 minutes.
It also says the Listening and Speaking tests are the same in Academic and General Training, while Reading and Writing are different. So speaking and listening practice is useful whichever version you take, but writing and reading practice should match your test.
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How to plan your practice
- Take one full practice test first to find your weakest section.
- Spend most of your app time on that section, a little every day.
- Record yourself answering speaking questions, then listen back.
- Write at least one full essay a week and compare it with model answers.
- Do a timed mock test in the last week, at the same time of day as your exam.
Planning to study overseas? The apps for the whole process are in study abroad apps.
What an app can't do for you
AI scoring is a helpful guide, but it isn't an official band. Use app scores to track whether you're improving, not to decide you're ready. A teacher or a speaking partner can also catch habits an app won't, like answers that sound memorised, and they'll tell you when you're rushing.
And read, watch and listen in English outside the apps. Podcasts, news and conversations build the vocabulary and speed that drills alone won't, and you'll find the test feels far less strange when English is part of your day.
Do you make IELTS, English test or language learning apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on IELTS apps
Pick one app for your weakest skill and one that covers the whole test, then use them a little every day. Match your reading and writing practice to the version you're taking, Academic or General Training. And treat app scores as a direction of travel, not a promise of your band.
To practise speaking with real topics, my list of ESL conversation questions by level is a useful extra.
Want your tool on this list? Featured spots and reviews here are paid partnerships. Here's how to partner with me.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app for IELTS preparation?
Use one app for your weakest skill and one that covers the whole test. The table above shows what each app focuses on.
Are IELTS apps free?
Most are free to download, and at least one grammar app here names itself free on its listing. Check the free plan column.
How long is the IELTS Academic test?
The official IELTS site says IELTS Academic takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, with Speaking taking 11 to 14 minutes.
Is the speaking test the same for Academic and General Training?
Yes. The official IELTS site says Listening and Speaking are the same in both versions.
Can an app give me my real IELTS band?
No. App scores are a practice guide. Only the official test gives you a band.
How long should I prepare for IELTS?
It depends on your current level and target band. Take a practice test first, then plan steady daily practice.
