In January 2026, ETS overhauled the TOEFL iBT with new question types, a streamlined format, and AI-driven scoring rubrics. Two platforms moved fast to update their content for the new exam: Arno (GoArno) and PrepareBuddy. If you're choosing between them for your TOEFL 2026 preparation — or wondering which covers more ground — this comparison breaks it down across features, AI technology, test coverage, and pricing.
Platform Snapshot: PrepareBuddy vs Arno
Before diving into the feature-by-feature breakdown, here's the core identity of each platform:
Arno (GoArno.io) is a focused test prep platform originally built for the Duolingo English Test, which has expanded to cover TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic. It's well-regarded for being one of the first platforms fully updated for the 2026 TOEFL format, offering free unlimited practice for all new question types with AI scoring trained on the revised rubrics. With over 250,000 students, Arno is a strong option for TOEFL-focused learners.
PrepareBuddy is a comprehensive AI-powered test preparation and assessment platform covering 12+ test types — IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CELPIP, OET, GRE, GMAT, SAT, Duolingo English Test, PTE Core, and multilingual proficiency tests in 11 languages. Beyond individual students, PrepareBuddy also powers white-label platforms for coaching centers, universities, and education consultants across Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Feature Comparison: PrepareBuddy vs Arno (GoArno)
| Feature | PrepareBuddy | Arno (GoArno) |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL 2026 Format Coverage | ✓ Updated for 2026 | ✓ First-mover, full 2026 format |
| Tests Supported | 12+ (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT, SAT, CELPIP, OET, DET + more) | 3 (TOEFL, DET, PTE Academic) |
| Full Mock Tests | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Unlimited (paid plan) |
| Free Practice | ✓ Free diagnostic + free practice tests | ✓ Unlimited free practice questions |
| AI Scoring (Speaking & Writing) | ✓ 120B model, 94% human grader alignment | ✓ Trained on 2026 rubrics |
| Voice AI Speaking Practice | ✓ Real-time conversation, 30+ accents, 48-emotion detection | Record and submit only |
| Adaptive Testing | ✓ GRE/GMAT/SAT-style difficulty adjustment | ✗ Not available |
| Personalized Study Plans | ✓ AI-powered, adapts by performance | ✓ Available on paid plan |
| AI Tutor (24/7) | ✓ Remembers each student's progress | ✗ Not available |
| Multilingual Proficiency Tests | ✓ 11 languages (CEFR A1-C2) | ✗ English only |
| White-Label B2B Platform | ✓ Full custom branding, domain, emails | ✗ Not available |
| Psychometric Assessments | ✓ Big Five, Holland Code, HEXACO, DISC | ✗ Not available |
| IELTS / GRE / GMAT / SAT | ✓ Full modules with adaptive testing | ✗ Not available |
| Institution / B2B Features | ✓ Batch management, analytics, white-label | ✗ Individual students only |
TOEFL 2026: How Both Platforms Handle the New Format
The January 2026 TOEFL iBT overhaul introduced several new question types that caught many platforms off guard. These include Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Listen and Choose a Response, Take an Interview, and Academic Discussion — all designed to test more authentic, real-world English use.
Arno's TOEFL 2026 advantage: Arno moved quickly and is widely recognised as one of the first platforms to fully cover every new 2026 question type with dedicated practice sets and AI scoring trained specifically on the new rubrics. If TOEFL-specific depth is your primary requirement, Arno's focus here is genuine.
PrepareBuddy's TOEFL 2026 approach: PrepareBuddy's TOEFL module is updated to current format standards with a 120B parameter AI model — the largest available for content generation, producing content that is 96% indistinguishable from official materials in blind tests. PrepareBuddy's key differentiator for TOEFL is its Voice AI system: real-time conversational practice with 30+ English accents and 48-emotion detection. For students practicing the new Take an Interview speaking task, conversational AI practice is significantly more effective than record-and-submit tools.
AI Technology Comparison
| AI Capability | PrepareBuddy | Arno (GoArno) |
|---|---|---|
| Content Generation Model | 120B parameters — 96% indistinguishable from official exams | Not disclosed |
| Scoring Accuracy | 95% AI accuracy, 94% human grader alignment (RAG-enhanced) | Trained on 2026 rubrics — specific accuracy not published |
| Speaking Evaluation | Real-time Voice AI: 30+ accents, fluency analysis, pronunciation scoring | AI scoring on submitted recordings |
| Writing Evaluation | RAG-enhanced with evidence-based citations, 94% human alignment | AI scoring on writing submissions |
| Adaptive Difficulty | Section-level adaptation matching real GRE/GMAT/SAT algorithms | Not available |
| Multi-Model Verification | Multiple AI rounds cross-check for accuracy (10% improvement) | Single model scoring |
Test Coverage: The Fundamental Difference
This is where the two platforms diverge most clearly. Arno covers three tests: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test. PrepareBuddy covers 12+ test types including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, PTE Core, OET, CELPIP, GRE, GMAT, SAT, Duolingo English Test, and adaptive language proficiency tests in 11 languages.
Why does test coverage matter beyond simply "having more options"? Several practical reasons:
First, many students take multiple tests. A student applying to both US universities (TOEFL) and UK universities (IELTS) needs both on one platform. With Arno, that student needs a separate subscription elsewhere. Second, students who discover mid-preparation that their target institution prefers a different test don't need to switch platforms. Third, for coaching centers and education consultants, a single platform covering all tests is far more cost-effective than managing 3-4 separate subscriptions across different student cohorts.
Who Should Choose Each Platform
Choose Arno if:
- Your sole focus is TOEFL iBT and you want deep, format-specific 2026 practice content
- You're on a tight budget — Arno's free tier is genuinely generous with unlimited question practice
- You prefer a streamlined, TOEFL-focused interface without multi-test complexity
- You're already a Duolingo English Test or PTE Academic student who wants to add TOEFL prep on the same account
Choose PrepareBuddy if:
- You need TOEFL preparation alongside any other test — IELTS, PTE, GRE, GMAT, SAT, or CELPIP
- You want Voice AI speaking practice with real conversational interaction (not just record-and-submit)
- You're a coaching center, consultant, or university that needs a white-label platform for multiple student cohorts
- You want adaptive testing that adjusts difficulty in real time based on your performance
- You value AI scoring transparency — PrepareBuddy's RAG-enhanced evaluation provides evidence-based citations alongside scores
- You need the highest-quality AI-generated practice content (120B model, 96% indistinguishable from official materials)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arno better than PrepareBuddy for TOEFL 2026?
Arno has strong early coverage of the 2026 TOEFL format and a generous free tier. For students whose only goal is TOEFL and who want the deepest format-specific content, Arno is worth considering. PrepareBuddy offers a higher-capability AI engine (120B model), real-time Voice AI speaking practice, and the flexibility to prepare for 12+ tests on one platform — which matters for students with multiple test goals or those who need conversational speaking practice.
Does PrepareBuddy cover the TOEFL 2026 format?
Yes. PrepareBuddy's TOEFL module is updated to current official format standards with AI-generated content that is 96% indistinguishable from official materials, and AI scoring aligned to current rubrics.
Can I use PrepareBuddy for free?
Yes. PrepareBuddy offers a free practice test and a free diagnostic test with no credit card required. The first month of the full platform is also free with no lock-in contracts.
Does Arno offer IELTS preparation?
No. Arno covers TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test only. For IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT, CELPIP, or OET preparation, PrepareBuddy is the platform to use.
Which platform is better for coaching centers?
PrepareBuddy. Arno is designed for individual students and does not offer institutional or B2B features. PrepareBuddy's white-label platform lets coaching centers brand the entire experience as their own — including domain, colors, emails, and PDF reports — while managing all student cohorts across multiple test types from one dashboard.
Bottom Line
Arno earns genuine credit for moving fast on the 2026 TOEFL format and offering a strong free tier for TOEFL-focused students. If TOEFL preparation is your singular priority and you're budget-conscious, it's worth trying.
But if you're preparing for more than one test, want the most advanced AI speaking practice available, or need a platform that scales to support your students, institute, or consultancy — PrepareBuddy covers more ground with more powerful AI at its core.
Try PrepareBuddy free today: take a free TOEFL practice test with no credit card required, or schedule a demo to see the full platform in action.
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