Overview

The service pairs timed practice with estimated scores and courses, spanning short exercises through full mock tests. The free tier remains available after registration, while Premium is tied to a British Council test booking rather than a separate published price. That makes it a practical starting point for self-directed candidates, but less compelling for anyone who needs sustained access beyond the test window.

The British Council, which provides IELTS Ready, is a registered charity in England and Wales and Scotland. The site may share an encrypted identifier with advertising and analytics partners, a consideration for candidates attentive to data sharing.

Key features

Mock tests and estimated scores: Practice ranges from 25-minute and 50-minute tests to full mocks. Tests provide estimated scores, including estimates across all four skills, giving candidates a way to gauge preparation rather than just complete exercises.
Free study material: The free package includes short Speaking and Listening courses and live expert webinars, alongside mock-test practice. It is useful for getting started, but does not provide the four-skill course coverage included with Premium.
Premium feedback and courses: Premium adds 40 AI feedback upgrades, Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking scores, and short and full courses across all four skills. A personalised study guide and expert support add structure for candidates who want more direction.
Webinars: Free users can attend live expert webinars; Premium adds on-demand access. The expanded format is useful for candidates who cannot make a live session.
Exam coverage: Preparation covers IELTS Academic, General Training and UKVI, so candidates can use the service across these exam types.

Pricing

IELTS Ready is freemium. The free package is available forever after free registration, so candidates can keep using its core preparation without a booking. Premium has no separate published price; it is free when you book an IELTS test with the British Council, and access runs from registration until seven days after the test date.

Plan	What it includes	Best fit
IELTS Ready	Free forever; 25-minute and 50-minute mock tests, two full mock tests, short Speaking and Listening courses, and live expert webinars.	Candidates who want ongoing basic practice or are not booking through the British Council.
IELTS Ready Premium	Free with a British Council IELTS booking; available from registration until seven days after the test date. Includes 40 full mock tests, courses covering all four skills, a personalised study guide, expert support, and additional Premium features.	British Council test-takers who want broader practice and guided preparation in the lead-up to their exam.

The free plan’s two full mocks and narrower course coverage are the main trade-offs against Premium. Premium’s extensive mock-test access and four-skill coverage are valuable during a focused test-preparation period, but the access window is short-lived: it is not an ongoing paid tier for continued study after the exam.

Platforms

IELTS Ready is available on the web. Candidates looking for a mobile app should consider a service with stated Android or iOS support instead.

Who it's for

IELTS Ready is a strong fit for candidates who want free practice before committing to a test booking, and especially for those booking IELTS with the British Council who can use Premium during the run-up to their exam. It is less suitable for candidates who need mobile access, long-term Premium access, or broad course coverage without booking through the British Council.

Pros and cons

Pros

Free access does not expire: The core package gives candidates a lasting way to practise, including two full mocks and short Speaking and Listening courses.
Premium covers all four skills: British Council test bookings unlock courses and scores across Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, with 40 full mock tests for intensive preparation.
Multiple IELTS exam types: Academic, General Training and UKVI candidates can all use the preparation material.

Cons

Premium is booking-dependent and temporary: It is free only when booking with the British Council and ends seven days after the test date, limiting its value for candidates seeking ongoing access.
The free plan is narrower: It offers two full mocks and Speaking and Listening courses, not the four-skill course coverage and extensive full-mock access of Premium.
Web only: Candidates who prefer a dedicated mobile app will need another option.
Identifier sharing: The site may share an encrypted identifier with advertising and analytics partners, which may concern privacy-conscious candidates.

Alternatives

For other exam-preparation choices, browse Exam Prep Apps or Language Test Prep Apps. TOEFL TestReady is a relevant alternative for TOEFL candidates, with a full TOEFL iBT practice test and a readiness pack. Choose PTE Academic Smart Prep for PTE preparation; its plans include scored practice tests and, at higher tiers, practice questions. For other exams, GregMat, AAMC MCAT Official Prep, Kaplan Test Prep, GMAT Official Prep, LSAT Demon and 7Sage are alternatives to consider.

Verdict

IELTS Ready is a sensible choice for IELTS candidates who want lasting free practice or are booking with the British Council and can make use of Premium before their exam. The combination of mock tests, estimated four-skill scores and broader Premium courses gives test-bound candidates a useful preparation path. Look elsewhere if you need a mobile app, a Premium option that lasts beyond the test window, or four-skill courses without a British Council booking.

	IELTS Ready	Synap
Free plan	No	No
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	—	£100/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Web	Android, extension, iOS, macOS, Web, Windows
Free plan	Yes	No
Full-length mock tests	Yes	—
Revision plans	Yes	—
Exam scope	exam_family	—
Platform support	Web	—

IELTS Ready vs Synap

IELTS Ready

Synap