A comprehensive comparison of the most effective AI-powered platforms to help you master all four TOEFL sections.
By Kate Feng, TOEFL Content DeveloperUpdated 8 min read
Written by Kate Feng
HKIS English Teacher (20+ years) & TOEFL Content Developer at PrepEx
Disclosure: PrepEx is one of the tools reviewed in this article. We've included our own platform because we believe in transparency and letting readers make informed comparisons. All other tools were evaluated based on publicly available information, user reviews, and hands-on testing.
The TOEFL iBT remains one of the most challenging English proficiency exams, testing academic English across four skill areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. With the new TOEFL 2026 format launching in January, smart preparation is more important than ever.
Today's most effective test-takers are using AI-powered tools that provide instant feedback, simulate the real test environment, and adapt to individual learning needs. We've evaluated the leading platforms to help you choose the right tool for your TOEFL preparation journey.
#1
PrepEx
Best for AI Speaking Practice & TOEFL 2026 Format
4.8/5
Best For
Students who want conversational AI speaking practice and comprehensive preparation for all TOEFL 2026 task types with instant, detailed feedback.
PrepEx stands out with its Petra AI speaking coach—a conversational AI tutor that provides real-time speaking practice and pronunciation feedback. Unlike traditional recording-and-playback systems, Petra engages in natural dialogue, simulating the interactive experience of working with a human tutor.
The platform is the first to fully support the new TOEFL 2026 format, including Listen and Repeat, Virtual Interview, Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Choose a Response, and Announcement tasks. Every response receives instant AI grading aligned to official ETS rubrics.
Petra AI conversational speaking coach
Full TOEFL 2026 format coverage
Instant AI grading for all 4 sections
ETS-aligned scoring rubrics
Full-length practice tests
Progress tracking and analytics
Free tier available
$39.99/month Pro plan
Considerations
Newer platform (launched 2025)
Question bank smaller than established competitors
Students who want authentic practice questions from the test makers with official scoring insights and performance analytics.
As the official preparation platform from ETS (the makers of TOEFL), TestReady offers authentic practice questions drawn from the same pool as the actual test. The AI-powered feedback provides insights based on the same algorithms used in official scoring.
The platform includes free and premium content, with premium features offering more in-depth score analysis and personalized study recommendations. For students who want the most accurate representation of test questions, ETS TestReady is the gold standard.
Official ETS practice questions
Scoring insights from test makers
Performance analytics dashboard
Free core content available
Trusted brand recognition
Practice test simulations
Considerations
Premium content can be expensive ($50-100+)
Limited AI speaking practice (no conversational coaching)
TOEFL 2026 materials expected closer to launch
Interface can feel dated
#3
Magoosh TOEFL
Best Video Lessons
4.3/5
Best For
Students who prefer structured video lessons and want a comprehensive study schedule with a score improvement guarantee.
Magoosh has been a trusted name in test prep for over a decade. Their TOEFL program features an extensive library of video lessons covering strategies, grammar, vocabulary, and section-specific techniques. The platform's strength lies in its structured approach to learning.
The AI scoring for Speaking and Writing provides useful feedback, though it's less interactive than dedicated AI tutoring platforms. Magoosh's score improvement guarantee adds confidence for students investing in their preparation.
140+ video lessons
Customizable study schedules
AI scoring for Writing/Speaking
Score improvement guarantee
Mobile app available
Email support
Considerations
Question bank is finite (no generative AI)
Speaking practice lacks real-time interaction
Interface feels slightly dated
Subscription-based ($99-149)
#4
Barron's TOEFL Practice
Best for Structured Study
4.1/5
Best For
Students who prefer traditional study materials with the credibility of a trusted test prep brand, combined with online practice.
Barron's has been a household name in test preparation for decades. Their TOEFL offering combines comprehensive study guides with online practice tests and AI-enhanced feedback. The materials are well-organized and thorough.
While Barron's AI features are less advanced than dedicated AI platforms, the quality of explanations and strategies remains excellent. Students who prefer reading and structured lessons will appreciate Barron's approach.
Comprehensive study guides
8 full-length practice tests
Detailed answer explanations
Trusted brand name
One-time purchase option
Print + digital options
Considerations
Limited AI interactivity
No conversational speaking practice
Static question bank
Less focus on TOEFL 2026 format
#5
BestMyTest
Best Budget Option
4.0/5
Best For
Budget-conscious students who want extensive practice materials without breaking the bank.
BestMyTest offers solid TOEFL preparation at a significantly lower price point than competitors. The platform includes full-length practice tests, section-specific practice, and AI scoring for Speaking and Writing responses.
While the AI features and user experience aren't as polished as premium platforms, BestMyTest provides excellent value for students on a tight budget who need access to quality practice materials.
20+ full-length tests
2000+ practice questions
AI Speaking/Writing scoring
Affordable pricing (~$40-80)
Score prediction
Performance analytics
Considerations
Less polished user interface
AI feedback less detailed
No conversational speaking practice
Limited support options
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison of all five platforms
Feature
PrepEx
ETS TestReady
Magoosh
Barron's
BestMyTest
AI Speaking Coach
Petra AI
AI Writing Feedback
Detailed
Official
Limited
AI Question Generation
Limited
Personalized Reports
Limited
Full Practice Tests
Free Tier
7-day trial
Limited
Pricing
$39.99/mo
$50-100+
$99-149
$30-50
$40-80
Mobile App
Coming Soon
Final Verdict
For students preparing for the new TOEFL 2026 format, PrepEx offers the most comprehensive AI-powered preparation with its unique Petra speaking coach and full coverage of new task types. If you want official materials with the credibility of ETS, TestReady remains the gold standard. Students who prefer structured video learning will thrive with Magoosh.
The best choice depends on your learning style, budget, and which sections need the most improvement. Many successful test-takers combine multiple resources—using PrepEx for speaking practice while supplementing with official ETS materials for authentic question exposure.
What is the best AI tool for TOEFL Speaking practice?
PrepEx with its Petra AI speaking coach is considered the best for TOEFL Speaking practice in 2026. Petra provides real-time conversational practice, pronunciation feedback, and supports the new TOEFL 2026 format tasks including Listen and Repeat and Virtual Interview. Unlike traditional recording systems, Petra engages in natural dialogue, simulating the experience of practicing with a human tutor.
Can AI tools accurately grade TOEFL Writing?
Yes, modern AI tools use advanced language models trained on ETS scoring rubrics to provide accurate writing feedback. They evaluate grammar, coherence, task development, and organization. While official ETS scores may vary slightly, AI feedback helps identify specific areas for improvement and tracks progress over time.
How much do AI TOEFL preparation tools cost?
AI TOEFL tools range from free tiers to premium subscriptions: PrepEx offers a free tier and Pro plan at $39.99/month. Magoosh ranges from $99-149. ETS TestReady has free and premium options ($50-100+). BestMyTest is $40-80. Most platforms offer free trials or limited free access to help you evaluate before committing.
What is Petra AI and how does it help with TOEFL?
Petra AI is PrepEx's conversational AI speaking coach that provides real-time speaking practice for TOEFL. Unlike traditional recording systems, Petra engages in natural dialogue, provides pronunciation feedback, evaluates fluency and coherence, and simulates practicing with a human tutor. It's available 24/7 and supports all TOEFL 2026 speaking tasks including the new Virtual Interview format.
What are the new TOEFL 2026 format changes?
TOEFL 2026 introduces significant changes across all sections: Speaking has Listen and Repeat (pronunciation) and Virtual Interview (fluency); Writing adds Build a Sentence (grammar) and Write an Email (practical writing); Listening includes Choose a Response and Announcement tasks; Reading features Complete the Words and Daily Life Reading. The test is shorter overall with more task variety. Learn more in our TOEFL 2026 guides.
Kate brings over 20 years of English language teaching experience from Hong Kong International School (HKIS), one of Asia's premier international schools. Her expertise spans TOEFL preparation, academic writing, and English proficiency assessment. At PrepEx, Kate develops content strategies, writes study guides, and ensures all practice materials align with official ETS standards.