12 Best Free Websites for IELTS Preparation

Nowadays, there are many free online resources to help you prepare for the IELTS exam effectively, ranging from foundational lessons to advanced test-taking strategies. Below are 12 of the best free websites and apps for your IELTS preparation.

Top 12 Best Free Online IELTS Preparation Websites

1. TED-Ed (ed.ted.com)

TED-Ed is the educational platform from TED, offering lessons through short videos from speakers around the world. With topics ranging from science to the arts, TED-Ed not only helps improve your listening skills but also expands your vocabulary and general knowledge.

Pros:

• Offers engaging lessons via TED Talks, helping to improve listening skills and build vocabulary.
• Diverse topics—including science, technology, culture, and history—help learners practice thinking in English.
• Lessons include subtitles, exercises, and interactive questions after each video to test comprehension.

Cons:

• Does not focus on specific IELTS skills like Writing or Speaking.
• Lacks a structured system of exercises or tests aligned with the IELTS format.

2. Dictionary (dictionary.cambridge.org, oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com)

Cambridge Dictionary and Oxford Learner’s Dictionary are two of the most reputable resources, providing detailed definitions, standard pronunciations, illustrative examples, and synonyms/antonyms. These are essential tools for looking up words and expanding your vocabulary for the IELTS exam.
Pros:

• Provides detailed word definitions, including pronunciation, grammar, and usage examples.
• Both sites feature audio for listening and pronunciation practice in both British and American English.
• Helps learners expand their vocabulary, a crucial skill for IELTS.

Cons:

• These are reference tools only; they do not offer specific IELTS lessons or practice tests.
• No exercises tailored to the Reading, Writing, Speaking, or Listening sections of the IELTS.

3. Cambridge English Write & Improve (writeandimprove.com)

Write & Improve is an AI-powered writing tool from Cambridge that provides instant feedback. With a wide variety of topics and task types, this site is particularly useful for practicing and improving your Writing skills for the IELTS exam.

Pros:

• Provides an effective writing practice environment with automated feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and writing style.
• User-friendly interface that encourages learners to try different types of writing tasks.
• Uses AI technology to analyze and provide detailed feedback.

Cons:

• Supports Writing only; no materials for other skills.
• Automated feedback may not always be perfectly accurate and cannot replace the guidance of a human teacher.

4. IELTS Liz (ieltsliz.com)

IELTS Liz is a well-known website offering free study materials and effective test-taking tips for the IELTS. Here, learners can find detailed lessons for all four skills—especially Writing and Speaking—along with practical test strategies.
Pros:

• Rich content, ranging from basic guides to advanced lessons for each IELTS skill.
• Includes many videos and detailed articles on Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking.
• Provides effective tips and test-taking strategies.

Cons:

• Some advanced materials require payment.
• The interface is not updated frequently and can be difficult to navigate.

5. IELTS Simon (ielts-simon.com)

IELTS Simon was founded by former IELTS examiner Simon Corcoran and provides simple, practical lessons on Writing and Speaking. The site focuses on effective preparation methods, helping learners achieve high scores without unnecessary complexity.

Pros:

• Created by a former IELTS examiner, offering practical knowledge and test strategies.
• Extensive material, especially for Writing and Speaking, with useful sample sentences and structures.
• Regularly updated with new lessons and test tips.

Cons:

• Some advanced materials require payment.
• The interface and organization are somewhat dated, which may be challenging for new users.

6. IELTS Exam (ielts-writing.info/EXAM)

IELTS Exam is a website dedicated to Writing practice, providing sample questions and model essays. It is an ideal place for learners to reference the structure and idea-development process for their own writing.

Pros:

• Focuses on writing prompts, helping learners practice Writing across various topics.
• Analyzes sentence samples and structures to help students understand how to write to IELTS standards.

Cons:

• Primarily offers Writing materials; no sections for other skills.
• Content is limited and not as comprehensive as other IELTS-focused sites.

7. IELTS Buddy (ieltsbuddy.com)

IELTS Buddy provides detailed lessons for all four IELTS skills, along with supplementary vocabulary and grammar materials. The site also features test tips and sample exercises to help learners improve their skills comprehensively.

Pros:

• Detailed lessons for all four skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
• Provides sample tests, study materials, and useful test-taking tips.
• Covers essential supporting skills like vocabulary and grammar.

Cons:

• The website design is somewhat outdated and not very user-friendly.
• Some lessons are quite general and lack the depth found on more specialized sites.

8. IDP IELTS (ielts.idp.com/prepare)

IDP IELTS is the official resource from IDP, providing study materials, sample tests, and video tutorials. This is one of the most reliable sites for beginners or those looking to understand the structure of the IELTS exam.
Pros:

• Official material from IDP, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date information regarding the exam.
• Provides practice tests, study materials, and video guides, suitable for beginners.

Cons:

• Materials are not as extensive or detailed as dedicated IELTS preparation sites.
• Mainly provides basic information and materials, with fewer in-depth exercises or specific test strategies.

9. Learn English Online by British Council (learnenglish.britishcouncil.org)

The British Council website offers a wide range of English lessons from basic to advanced, suitable for IELTS learners. Users can practice vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading through interactive exercises and diverse lessons.
Pros:

• Offers many free English lessons, from basic to advanced, suitable for learners.
• Includes extensive practice for vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills.
• High-quality materials backed by the British Council.

Cons:

• Does not focus directly on the IELTS exam; it is general English.
• Lacks Writing and Speaking practice materials in the IELTS format.

10. IELTS Mentor (ielts-mentor.com)

IELTS Mentor is a free preparation site with many lessons and sample tests for all skills. Learners can refer to model essays and detailed test analyses to master the structure and effective ways to approach the IELTS exam.
Pros:

• Rich and detailed materials for all four IELTS skills.
• Sample tests and model essays for the Writing section are highly regarded.

Cons:

• Simple web interface that can be difficult to navigate at times.
• Some materials may not be updated with the latest changes to the IELTS exam structure.

11. IELTS Online Tests (ieltsonlinetests.com)

IELTS Online Tests is a site dedicated to real-time IELTS practice tests, helping learners get familiar with the exam structure and identify their weaknesses. These full-length tests are very useful for practicing and improving skills before taking the actual exam.
Pros:

• Provides full-length IELTS practice tests with real-time timers and automated scoring.
• Integrated score analysis helps learners identify their strengths and weaknesses.
• Easy-to-use interface with a testing experience that closely mimics the real exam.

Cons:

• Primarily focused on practice tests; lacks detailed study materials for individual skills.
• Automated scoring may not be entirely accurate for Speaking and Writing sections.

12. IELTSMaterial (ieltsmaterial.com)

IELTSMaterial provides free study materials and sample tests for all four IELTS skills. Additionally, the site offers vocabulary exercises, useful Writing and Speaking templates, and effective test-taking tips.
Pros:

• Provides free study materials and sample tests for all skills.
• Includes tips and strategies for each section of the IELTS.
• Extensive materials, especially vocabulary and templates for Writing and Speaking.

Cons:

• Many premium materials require payment.
• The interface is not always easy for new users to navigate.