PTE Academic Preparation Websites: The "Good", The "Okay" and The "Don't Bother"

A list of 6 popular PTE Academic preparation sites test takers can use to practice and familiarise themselves with the test along with my honest opinions as a tutor and whether or not you, as a future PTE Academic candidate, should look into any of these sites.

"Good" = give it a go, I recommend it. "Okay" = literally just means that the site is okay but not my favourite. What does "Don't bother" mean, though? It means don't waste your time or money on these sites.

I have no affiliations and no personal connections to any of these sites and the opinions stated in this blog are purely my own. No offense is intended to any of the sites or companies deemed "Don't Bother"; it just means I won't be recommending these sites to my own students.

There aren't many sites that are useful for PTE Academic preparation

1.        PTE Official Preparation (Pearson) https://www.pearsonpte.com/preparation : The official site offers a range of resources, including practice tests, preparation courses, and tips directly from the test makers.

My honest opinion: The practice tests (there are 5 in total, each approximately AUD$35) are the BEST and most ACCURATE gauge of your level. Apart from the practice tests, once again it’s all about the money, money, money. The free resources provided aren’t good enough and the books are just too expensive.  Category: OKAY but NECESSARY

2.        E2Language (https://www.e2language.com/pte#all-packages): A well-known online platform offering video tutorials, practice tests, and one-on-one coaching specifically for PTE Academic. The PTE Academic courses range from “express” to “gold” to “Intensive”; AUD$96 – AUD$555.

I don't recommend E2 for PTE Academic prep

My honest opinion: They’re the only company that has an official relationship with Pearson so their material is high quality and reliable. The major downsides are the prices, the teachers are unrelatable (watch a YouTube video of any of their lectures) and possibly out of touch with the average test-taker and finally, where’s that good ‘ol AI marking? They don’t have an AI marking system. They do have guided mock tests. Category: DON’T BOTHER

3.        PTE Tutorials https://ptetutorials.com : This site provides practice tests, a mobile app, study plans, and detailed exam strategies.

My honest opinion: Yes, they have AI software that will mark your speaking and writing but unfortunately, I can’t support this site as you are forced to download the mobile app in order to sign up. Pricing ranges from super affordable (eg AUD$2 for unscored mock tests) to expensive coaching (~AUD$500 for 4 weeks). Not my favourite. Category: DON’T BOTHER

4.        ApeUni https://www.apeuni.com/: A free platform with AI-scored mock tests, speaking practice, and a large question bank. Straight up, the word FREE needs to be emphasized. An abundance of practice material and free AI marking (a limited number) and the VIP access allows for unlimited AI marking and mock tests. Prices range from FREE to AUD$25 for VIP Access all the way up to AUD$600 for Live classes for 6 months. A huge database of questions with AI marking + feedback.

My honest opinion: This is my favourite site for coaching and demonstration. I use site to teach students exactly how to tackle questions and demonstrate how the AI marks test takers. Downsides: accuracy. Sometimes questions are harder or easier than the real test. Category: GOOD

5.        PTE Magic https://ptemagic.com.au/: Sydney-based PTE coaching company (with a large Vietnamese base). Major upsides are that they allow to join for free, they have their own AI software, they offer coaching and of course, AI-marked mock tests. Courses range from “Crash” to “Extensive” and prices range from AUD$350 to AUD$1350.

My honest opinion: It’s a “yes” from me and they also have a YouTube channel that might be helpful. Category: GOOD

6.        PTE Study https://ptestudy.net/: Also Sydney based and very similar to APEUni. Lots of FREE material to study and work with but no access to their AI marking without a VIP subscription. Access to mock tests is limited as well, but their pricing is very fair. Prices range from ~AUD$10-AUD$35.

My honest opinion: great for practice but once again, I would choose APEUni over this site and would always use the official PTE Pearson practice tests to gauge my level. Category: OKAY

So there you have it, folks! A list of the most popular websites used for PTE Academic preparation. Did I miss any of your favourite sites? Leave me a comment and share your favourite sites so we can see how it stacks up against these ones!

Got something better than the sites I listed? Share them in the comments below. Don't agree with my opinions? Discussions are welcome! Share your thoughts!