The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is an English proficiency test for non-native English speakers. Colleges and universities use it worldwide to assess the English skill level of prospective international students.

There are two types of IELTS tests, an Academic test, and a General Test. The academic test is used for college/university admissions, whereas the general test is used for work visas, immigration, etc.

There are a lot of online resources and books available that promise absolute success but figuring out which one of them is worth it can be quite a hassle, which is why I have put together a list of the top 10 IELTS prep resources available either in book format or as online courses.

The list below contains a mix of some of the best IELTS books available on the market, as well as online courses that students love.

10. IELTS Book for General Training and Academic by Mometrix

This IELTS prep book by Mometrix is aimed towards both the general and the academic IELTS test. It includes practice test questions that resemble what you will likely see on an actual IELTS, as well as detailed answer explanations.

Key Features:

• Practice test questions with detailed answer explanations
• Step-by-step video tutorials to help you master difficult concepts
• Tips and strategies to help you get your best test performance
• A complete review of all IELTS test sections
• Listening Module (Including Links to Audio Samples)
• Reading Module
• Writing Module
• Speaking Module

Get it here.

9. IELTS Vocabulary Masterclass 8.5

If vocabulary is something you struggle with, then this book is the perfect learning companion for you. It features hundreds of essential words that are likely to show up on an IELTS test. It also offers a wide range of phrasal verbs, essay words, graph-specific vocabulary, and of course, speaking vocabulary.

Key Features:

• Master Phrasal Verbs, Essay Vocabulary, Graph Vocabulary & Speaking Vocabulary.
• Improve your level of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.
• Full of highly targeted and easy to follow exercises and explanations.
• Specialized exercises and review notes for the exam.

Get it here.

8. IELTS 5 Practice Tests by Simone Braverman

IELTS 5 Practice Tests is an excellent resource for those looking to get a lot of practice in. It includes five full-length IELTS tests with listening parts available for download.

Key Features:

• Contains five full-length IELTS practice tests.
• The included tests feel as authentic as the real IELTS papers.
• Locations of answers in sentences are underlined.
• Listening recordings can be downloaded online.

Get it here.

7. IELTS Prep Plus by Kaplan

Kaplan is a well-respected name in the world of standardized test prep, and their IELTS Prep Plus is no exception. This book contains a total of 6 full-length Academic IELTS tests and 2 General training tests.

Key Features:

• in-depth review of the whole IELTS test, both academic and general.
• Test-taking strategies and exam-like practice for all four sections of the Academic and General Training IELTS tests.
• Includes audio tracks to help you practice your speaking and listening skills.
• Includes personalized score reports to help you focus your study.

Get it here.

6. Barron’s IELTS Superpack

Barron’s IELTS Super pack is easily the most comprehensive preparation guide available on the market. It has not 1, not 2 but 4 different books that focus on various aspects of the IELTS exam in detail.

Key Features:

• Get comprehensive prep with 4 Academic Module practice exams and 2 General Training Module practice exams.
• Extensive subject review and access to audio tracks online.
• Learn expert strategies to help you answer questions efficiently, plus get access to audio material online and on CD.
• Build your vocabulary with 600 words that appear most frequently on IELTS exams, plus access to audio online and CD.

Get it here.

5. Complete IELTS Prep Course on Udemy

Udemy is a popular online platform that offers courses on anything imaginable. Their complete IELTS course has more than 21000 ratings, and a total of 94,000 students have taken it thus far. This course is suitable for both academic and general IELTS.

Key Features:

• Academic and General Exam Strategies and Tactics
• Over 9,000 Confirmed 5-Star Reviews
• Computer-Based Exam Strategies and Tactics
• Increase Reading Answer Accuracy to Band 8+
• Successfully overcome IELTS Listening Traps
• 20+ Assignments to Test Your Knowledge

Get It from here.

4. IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers by Cambridge Uni Press

When it comes to IELTS prep material, Cambridge University Press makes some of the best books. Their IELTS Academic 14 is an incredible IELTS resource that uses authentic examination papers to give you an exact idea of what you will encounter on test day.

Key Features:

• Authentic examination papers from Cambridge Assessment English provide perfect practice because they are EXACTLY like the real test.
• FOUR complete examination papers plus details of the different parts of the test and the scoring system.
• This book comes with answers, tapescripts, sample writing answers, and audio.
• Listening material can be downloaded.

Get it here.

3. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

Nothing beats official prep material when it comes to studying for standardized tests. Cambridge English Language Assessment is one of the bodies that oversee IELTS, and hence they know the test better than anyone. Their Official guide for IELTS is based on information gathered from the IELTS test-takers themselves.

Key Features:

• Covers all the IELTS sections in detail.
• Offers strategy and advice that is practical.
• Includes eight full-length authentic IELTS tests with detailed answer explanations.
• It consists of a DVD with listening and speaking tests.

Get it here.

2. Road to IELTS Official Course

Road to IELTS is an official online course offered by the British Council. As far as authenticity is concerned, no other course can beat the quality of Road to IELTS. British Council is the body that makes and regulates IELTS; hence they are better equipped than anyone else to teach this course.

Key Features:

• Chosen by 5,000,000 IELTS candidates.
• Official British Council online course.
• Includes a total of 36 individual practice tests with answer keys.
• Includes videos of 5 candidates taking the Speaking test.
• Free trial available.
• Free diagnostic test.

Get it from here.

1. Magoosh IELTS Online Prep

Magoosh offers one of the best interactive IELTS prep courses online. They have in-depth video lessons that cover concepts, pitfalls, and shortcuts. You will have access to over 600 practice questions and much more.

All Magoosh IELTS plans include graded speaking assessments as well as live, drop-in classes with an IELTS expert.

Get FREE access to Magoosh IELTS here.

Key Features:

• Live Classes – Classes are 1 hour and 15-minute interactive sessions with a Magoosh IELTS Expert designed for active participation. Classes will cover topics across all sections of the exam—Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading. We also offer Conversation Classes to build confidence and gain practice using English with other students and native English speakers.
• Graded speaking assessments – After students record their interview responses to a practice session or mock test, they will now have the option to submit the recording to our IELTS experts for feedback. Our IELTS Experts will review their responses and send a detailed score report (including IELTS band score and detailed feedback) in less than two days.
• Study anywhere, anytime on desktop or mobile
• Fully supported on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Offers courses for both Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS.
• Over 600 practice questions to help you prepare for your exam
• A responsive team of remote tutors answers your questions via email

Get FREE access to Magoosh IELTS here.