# AWL Builder vs IELTSpeaking

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IELTSpeaking at 94% against AWL Builder's 50%. IELTSpeaking also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 17 months). AWL Builder's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IELTSpeaking sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. AWL Builder asks for nothing beyond the download.

IELTSpeaking holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IELTSpeaking has 1.2K ratings behind it against 32, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of AWL Builder's written reviews are positive against 94% of IELTSpeaking's.

AWL Builder ships an update every 17 months, IELTSpeaking every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AWL Builder | IELTSpeaking |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/awl-builder/id501624983/reviews) | **[4.6 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ieltspeaking/id734412264/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **93.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 17 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 59 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [EFL Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/942981362) | [Gravity Tech, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1712987580) |

## What reviewers say

### AWL Builder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/awl-builder/id501624983)

This app helps learners and teachers master the Academic Word List (AWL) with tools for downloading, organizing, and studying words. It offers definitions in simple English, Japanese translations, and native speaker pronunciation, utilizing spaced repetition for efficient learning.

**Highlights:** Download and organize AWL, Intelligent flashcard system, Spaced-repetition learning, Progress tracking and reporting, Simple English definitions, Japanese translations, Native speaker pronunciation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### IELTSpeaking

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ieltspeaking/id734412264)

Boost your IELTS Speaking score with AI-powered mock tests and instant feedback. Access an updated question bank with sample answers to improve grammar, fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Track your progress and identify areas for targeted improvement.

**Highlights:** Full IELTS Speaking mock tests, 1-on-1 AI examiner feedback, Precise band scoring, Up-to-date question bank, Band 6 & 7 sample answers, Progress tracking

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Pro Weekly Trial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Pro Monthly | $29.99 | per month |
| Premium Pro Monthly | $29.99 | per month |
| Premium Pro Yearly | $99.99 | per year |
| 100 points | $0.99 | one-time |
| 200 points | $1.99 | one-time |
| 300 points | $2.99 | one-time |
| 400 points | $3.99 | one-time |
| 500 points | $4.99 | one-time |
| 600 points | $5.99 | one-time |
| 1000 points | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2000 points | $19.99 | one-time |
| 3000 points | $29.99 | one-time |
| 4000 points | $39.99 | one-time |
| Premium Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |
| One-Time Exam Marking | $149.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for IELTS speaking practice
- 🚀 Well-structured app
- 💡 Simulates real exam conditions
- 👍 Provides detailed feedback
- 👍 Useful for improving speaking skills

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Not free to use
- 🐛 Sign-in issues
- 💰 Costly for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Sign-in errors
- Compatibility issues on some devices

**Requested features**

- More free practice topics
- Ability to upload custom topics
- Improved sign-in process


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AWL Builder free?

AWL Builder is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is IELTSpeaking free?

IELTSpeaking is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AWL Builder or IELTSpeaking?

IELTSpeaking is rated higher. AWL Builder averages 4.2 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while IELTSpeaking averages 4.6 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do AWL Builder or IELTSpeaking have ads?

Neither AWL Builder nor IELTSpeaking shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AWL Builder or IELTSpeaking?

AWL Builder ships an update every 17 months, and IELTSpeaking every 6 days. Most recently, AWL Builder was updated on October 21, 2026 and IELTSpeaking on October 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*