alt="IELTS Liz vs. Magoosh: Which Is Better for IELTS Preparation"
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IELTS Liz vs. Magoosh: Which Is Better for IELTS Preparation

English Learning, Reading / Writing

Many students ask me:

“Which IELTS website is better—IELTS Liz or Magoosh?”

If I had one dollar for every time I heard this question, I’d probably be relaxing on a beach in Goa right now!

But jokes aside, this is an important decision. The right website can help you move from a Band 6.5 (almost there) to a Band 7.5 (success!).

There are many IELTS websites online, so it’s easy to feel confused.

That’s why I wrote this post—to help you decide.

I’ve been teaching English and IELTS for over 10 years, and I’ve used both IELTS Liz and Magoosh with my students.

They are both good, but they are very different.

Let’s look at them side by side.

Meet the Websites

What is IELTS Liz?

Liz is a former IELTS examiner. She has a YouTube channel and a website called ieltsliz.com.

Her videos and lessons are simple, clear, and very useful—especially for Writing and Speaking.

I often use her videos in my classes. Her advice comes from real examiner experience.

What is Magoosh?

Magoosh is a big online learning platform from the USA. They have courses for many tests, including IELTS.

Their IELTS program includes:

  • Video lessons for all sections

  • Practice questions

  • Mock tests

  • Score tracking tools

It’s a full, all-in-one system.

Comparison: IELTS Liz vs. Magoosh

Let’s compare them in 6 important areas:

✅ 1. Teaching Style

IELTS Liz:

  • Simple, clear explanations

  • Best for Writing and Speaking

  • Videos feel like a personal class

  • No unnecessary details

Magoosh:

  • Lessons for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking

  • Taught by different teachers

  • Subtitles and transcripts included

  • More academic and structured

👉 Verdict:
For quick, smart IELTS tips—Liz is great.
For full, step-by-step learning—Magoosh is better.

✅ 2. Practice Questions and Mock Tests

IELTS Liz:

  • Some free questions

  • No full practice tests

  • Focus on learning strategies

Magoosh:

  • 600+ practice questions

  • Full IELTS mock tests

  • Score prediction and progress tracking

👉 Verdict:
Want more practice? Choose Magoosh.
Just starting and want to understand the test? Try Liz first.

✅ 3. Writing and Speaking Help

IELTS Liz:

  • Great sample essays and answers

  • Strong grammar and vocabulary tips

  • Based on examiner experience

  • Perfect for self-study

Magoosh:

  • Lessons and examples

  • Writing feedback only with premium plan

  • No speaking practice with a teacher

👉 Verdict:
Need better Writing and Speaking? Go with Liz.
Want general lessons without feedback? Magoosh works too.

✅ 4. User Experience

IELTS Liz:

  • Simple website

  • Easy to use

  • Mostly text-based

Magoosh:

  • Modern, professional platform

  • Tracks your progress

  • Works on computer and phone

👉 Verdict:
If you want a clean, easy-to-read site—Liz is good.
If you want interactive tools—Magoosh is better.

✅ 5. Cost and Value

IELTS Liz:

  • Most content is free

  • Paid courses cost around $20–$40

  • One-time payment

Magoosh:

  • Starts at $109 for 1 month

  • Full access to all lessons and tests

  • Writing feedback costs extra

👉 Verdict:
On a budget? IELTS Liz is the winner.
Want a full course with everything in one place? Magoosh is worth it.

✅ 6. Support and Updates

IELTS Liz:

  • Not very active now

  • Still replies to some comments

  • Support mostly on YouTube and website

Magoosh:

  • Active blog and YouTube

  • Email support (replies in 1–2 days)

  • Frequent updates

👉 Verdict:
Want help and reminders? Go with Magoosh.
Learning alone and just need lessons? Liz is enough.

When to Choose IELTS Liz

Use IELTS Liz if:

  • You study alone and want clear, short lessons

  • You need help with Writing and Speaking

  • You don’t want to spend much money

  • You like a simple, easy website

Student Tip:
One of my students from Kerala improved her Writing score from Band 6 to 7 in 3 weeks using only Liz’s videos and sample essays.

When to Choose Magoosh

Use Magoosh if:

  • You want a full IELTS course with everything

  • You need lots of practice questions and tests

  • You want to track your scores

  • You’re aiming for Band 7.5 or higher

Teacher Tip:
I suggest Magoosh for students preparing for Academic IELTS who want to improve Reading and Listening quickly.

Are There Any Weak Points?

Yes. No website is perfect.

IELTS Liz:

  • No full mock tests

  • No speaking feedback

  • No score tracking

Magoosh:

  • Teachers mostly have American accents

  • No live speaking practice

  • You may still need a tutor for Writing help

So… Which One Should You Use?

You can use both!

Many students start with IELTS Liz for free tips, then move to Magoosh for full practice.

Think of it like this:

  • IELTS Liz = your wise teacher giving smart advice

  • Magoosh = your study gym where you train every day

Final Advice: Study Smart

Whichever you choose, remember:

  • Make a study plan

  • Focus on your weak areas

  • Don’t only watch—practice!

  • Get feedback when possible

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

What Do You Think?

Have you used IELTS Liz or Magoosh?

Tell me what worked for you! And if you still have questions, feel free to ask. I’m here to help.

Happy IELTS prep—and good luck with your dream Band score! 🎯

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Manoj Sharma is an English teacher and soft skills trainer with more than 10 years of experience in teaching students of different age groups and levels. He specializes in spoken English, vocabulary building, grammar, phrasal verbs, and daily-use English.

Through his website Love You English, he helps learners speak English confidently using simple explanations, real-life examples, and easy learning techniques. His goal is to make English learning practical, enjoyable, and stress-free for students, job seekers, and professionals.