Best Tools to Practice IELTS Speaking Alone in 2025
If you’re preparing for the IELTS speaking test and feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. That nervous energy before you say your first word in English? That’s real. Many learners—especially those studying on their own—struggle with one big question: How do I actually practice speaking when there’s no one to talk to?
Whether you’re too shy to join a speaking group, don’t have access to a tutor, or just need something that fits your own schedule, the good news is: 2025 offers more helpful tools than ever for self-practice.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best tools for IELTS speaking practice in 2025, especially ones that help simulate real conversations and test conditions. These are things I wish I’d known earlier. (P.S. — I’ve also put together a simple cheat sheet you can download at the end.)
BetterSpeak – For Real-Time, Judgment-Free Speaking Practice
Let’s start with the one I personally keep returning to. BetterSpeak isn’t your typical language app—it actually lets you have a conversation with an AI that listens, responds, and gently corrects you in real time. What I love most? It doesn’t feel robotic or stiff. It’s patient. Supportive. And most importantly, it helps you overcome the fear of speaking out loud.
How to use it: You just speak. No scripts or buttons to press. It gives you feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and even helps with fluency patterns—like whether you’re hesitating too much or going off-topic.
Confidence tip: Start with simple, everyday topics. Then, slowly move to IELTS-style questions. The more you speak without fear of judgment, the more natural it becomes.
IELTS Speaking Assistant (Mobile App)
There are some great mobile apps out there designed specifically for IELTS speaking practice. IELTS Speaking Assistant is one that offers timed practice questions, sample answers, and a place to record your own responses.
How to use it: Pick a topic from Part 2 or Part 3 of the test and time yourself. Record your answers so you can listen back and catch areas to improve.
Confidence tip: Don’t try to memorize model answers. Use them to learn structures and phrasing, but make your responses personal. That’s what examiners want anyway!
YouTube Shadowing + Recording
This one’s free and surprisingly effective. Find native speaker answers to IELTS questions on YouTube. Then shadow (repeat along with) what they say, matching their tone and rhythm.
How to use it: Pause after each sentence and repeat out loud. Then try recording your own version of the same answer and compare.
Confidence tip: Focus on sounding clear, not native. Your accent isn’t a problem—clarity and coherence matter more.
Google Docs + Voice Typing
Want a fun way to visually see how fluent you sound? Open Google Docs and turn on “Voice Typing.” As you speak, your words will appear on the screen in real-time.
How to use it: Use IELTS sample questions, speak your answer, and let Google type it for you. Then review what came out. Did the sentences make sense? Were there awkward pauses?
Confidence tip: Don’t worry if it’s messy at first. This tool helps you see your speaking patterns, which makes it easier to improve over time.
IELTS Speaking Test Simulators
There are several web-based tools that simulate full IELTS speaking tests. These can be really helpful if you want to practice under test-like conditions.
How to use it: Use these once a week as a checkpoint. Don’t worry about perfection—use it to spot growth areas.
Confidence tip: Treat it like a game, not a judgment. You’re collecting feedback, not a final grade.
You Don’t Need a Partner to Speak Up
Practicing IELTS speaking alone can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried about sounding “wrong.” But with the right tools and a bit of kindness toward yourself, progress is totally possible. In fact, some days, speaking with an AI or into your phone feels safer than any classroom.
That’s why I keep using tools like BetterSpeak. It’s low-pressure, available 24/7, and it’s helped me finally say things out loud without freezing up.
📝 P.S. I’ve made a quick cheat sheet with tool links and practice ideas to keep by your side.
Keep going. You’ve got this.