MasterClass offers online classes taught by well-known experts across business, writing, cooking, music, film, and other subjects. But is the membership actually worth paying for?
In this MasterClass review, I’ll share my experience after using the platform for almost two years and cover its pricing, features, pros and cons, course quality, and overall value to help you decide if it is right for you.
My Quick And Honest Review On MasterClass
Overall, when it comes to the quality of the courses and the credibility of instructors, MasterClass is unbeaten.
They have courses made with utmost production value, and their instructor list comprises the crème of the industry, the celebrities of their respective fields. This has contributed to my personal growth.
However, the only hiccup I found in the platform was that online learning is common and mostly preferred today.
MasterClass has around 200 courses, mainly for the creative skill set, but in today’s world, a large population also wants to take technical courses to boost their skills.
I rate MasterClass a 4/5.
What Is MasterClass?
MasterClass is an online education platform that stands out from the others. Its celebrity instructors and Documentary-style production make learning both informative and entertaining.
MasterClass was founded by David Rogier, originally under the name Yanka Industries. Aaron Rasmussen later joined as co-founder and chief technology officer.
The learning experience on MasterClass is designed to be immersive and almost cinematic.
Each course is divided into video lessons, typically 10 to 20 minutes each, with accompanying downloadable workbooks.
The content is accessible on-demand, allowing users to learn at their own pace and in the comfort of their own houses.
Key Features Of MasterClass
- Expert Instructors: Learn from 200+ well-known instructors, including Gordon Ramsay, Neil Gaiman, Serena Williams, and Hans Zimmer.
- Professionally Produced Lessons: Classes use high-quality video production with a polished, documentary-style format.
- Large Course Library: Access 3,500+ video lessons across 13 categories, covering creative, business, lifestyle, and professional subjects.
- Offline Viewing: Eligible plans let you download lessons and watch them without an internet connection.
- Workbooks and Resources: Many classes include downloadable workbooks, exercises, assignments, and lesson summaries.
- Multiple Device Support: Watch classes on computers, smartphones, tablets, TVs, and other supported devices.
- Learning Activities: Selected classes include exercises and projects that help you apply what you learn.
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Eligible memberships are covered by a 30-day refund period, subject to the applicable terms.
MasterClass Pros And Cons Based On My Experience
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I found while using MasterClass for almost a year, which you should consider before buying a subscription.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Learn from well-known experts in their fields. | No live classes or direct instructor interaction. |
| Enjoy engaging, professionally produced lessons. | Few options for coding, computing, and other technical subjects. |
| Courses cover cooking, writing, music, sports, and more. | No official or accredited certifications. |
| Learn at your own pace and revisit lessons whenever you want. | – |
| Discuss lessons and interact with other learners. | – |
| Access workbooks and other supporting materials. | – |
| Learn from your phone or other mobile devices. | – |
MasterClass Reviews by Users
You can also find out what people who have consumed masterclasses have to say about the platform.
I am quoting a couple of user master class reviews below.
“The Value Exceeded the price. The insight, thoughts, and ideas are powerful for my business and me. My brother Loves the Master Class more than I do. It’s a win-win, MC. Thank You” – Trustpilot Philip Williams
“I love this app – it’s excellent. I recommend it to everyone I speak to who is after new ways of self-developing. It’s got topics on everything you could think of. The ONLY thing that would give it a 5* from me is making it compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.” – Trustpilot Harry Ward
Classes And Categories On MasterClass
MasterClass offers courses across 13 categories, each taught by world-renowned experts.
Here are some of the most popular Masterclasses that I took:
1. Arts & Entertainment
Thus, this is MasterClass’ biggest category, with courses on photography, acting, singing, filmmaking, film scoring, animation, screenplay, and more.
Some famous classes from this category are:
- Jodie Foster teaches filmmaking
- David Finch teaches Creativity and Film
- Helen Mirren teaching Acting
- Christina Aguilera teaches Singing
- Misty Copeland teaches Ballet
- David Mamet teaches creative writing.
- Kevin Hart (Using humor to make your mark)
- Neil Gaiman Teaches The Art Of Storytelling
2. Home & Lifestyle
The Home & Lifestyle section teaches interior design, cooking, wellness, and gardening. A total of 26 classes are available in this category. For example:
- Donna Farhi teaches Yoga
- Lweis Hamilton teaches a Winning Mindset
- Joe Holder Teaches Fitness and Wellness Foundations
3. Music
This is another famous category on MasterClass. These courses are taught by famous singers, songwriters, and scores. Some of the most popular classes are:
- Mariah Carey teaches Voice as an Instrument
- Alicia Keys teaches Songwriting and Producing
- Tom Morello Teaches Electric Guitar
- Usher Teaches the Art of Performance
- Metallica Teaches Being a Band
4. Design & Style
If you are into fashion and beauty, including students and professionals, you will also find courses in this category, like
- Anna Wintour teaches Creativity and Leadership
- Naomi Campbell teaches Modelling
- Marc Jacobs teaches Fashion Designing
- Bobbi Brown teaches Beauty and Makeup
5. Business
If you want motivation to succeed in your career, MasterClass also has a collection of courses taught by leading entrepreneurs like
- Paul Krugman teaches Economics and Society
- Richard Branson teaches Disruptive Entrepreneurship
- Mark Cuban teaches Win Big in Business
- Kris Jenner teaches the Power of Personal Branding
6. Food
If you are someone like me and enjoy watching food shows, MasterClass is known for its food and teaching courses. These include:
- Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking
- Alice Walters teaches The Art of Home Cooking
- Roy Choi teaches Intuitive Cooking
- Thomas Kellar teaches Cooking techniques.
7. Sports & Gaming
For sports enthusiasts, MasterClass also has a course for all sports enthusiasts out there.
- Simone Biles teaches Gymnastic fundamentals
- Serena Williams Teaches Tennis
- Stephen Curry teaches BasketBall
8. Science & Tech
For science enthusiasts, MasterClass offers courses covering space exploration, scientific thinking, and mathematics.
- Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration
- Neil deGrasse Tyson Teaches Scientific Thinking
- Terence Tao Teaches Mathematical Thinking
- Bill Nye Teaches Scientific Thinking and Problem Solving
MasterClass brings together well-known experts and educators, giving you the chance to learn from leading names across science and technology.
You can click here to browse their categories and find a class that excites you.
If you don’t want to go through each category and browse on your own, here is the list of the best MasterClass courses that are highly recommended by me. I have listed the most popular masterclasses within each category.
How Much Does MasterClass Cost?
A MasterClass subscription starts at $10 per month when billed annually, with three individual plans and a separate option for businesses.
- Standard Plan: Costs $10/month ($120/year) and provides full catalog access on one device. Offline downloads are not included.
- Plus Plan: Costs $15/month ($180/year) and includes access on two devices plus offline downloads.
- Premium Plan: Costs $20/month ($240/year) and supports up to six devices, along with offline downloads.
- MasterClass for Work: Designed for businesses and organizations that want to provide access to larger groups. Pricing depends on the team size and requirements.
If you want to save more on MasterClass subscription, you can use a 50% off MasterClass coupon code to get a bigger discount on your annual plan.
Things To Consider Before Signing Up For MasterClass
Before signing up for MasterClass, consider these key factors:
Content Quality
MasterClass focuses on high-quality video content, with professional editing and cinematography. The polished production makes the lessons engaging and easy to watch.
The courses are available on demand, so you can watch them whenever it suits your schedule.
Instructor Expertise
MasterClass features well-known instructors and industry experts, including figures such as Serena Williams and Neil Gaiman.
Learning directly from experienced professionals is one of the platform’s main strengths.
Variety of Topics
MasterClass covers a wide range of subjects, including cooking, writing, business, sports, music, and more.
If you are mainly interested in creative and skill-based courses, you will find plenty of options on the platform.
Flexible Learning and Mobile Access
MasterClass lets you learn at your own pace. You can start, pause, and resume lessons whenever you want.
Higher-tier plans also offer offline downloads, which can be useful when you do not have an internet connection.
MasterClass also has a mobile app, allowing you to watch lessons or listen to course content while on the go.
Supplementary Materials
Many courses include workbooks, recipes, guides, and other supporting materials. These resources complement the video lessons and can help you apply what you learn.
Platform Usability
MasterClass has a simple interface and organized course library, making it easy to browse topics and find lessons. The platform is designed to provide a smooth learning experience across web and mobile devices.
How Does MasterClass Compare To Other E-Learning Platforms?
MasterClass stands out from many e-learning platforms because it focuses on expert-led video classes and the overall learning experience rather than formal qualifications.
After using both MasterClass and Skillshare, I found several differences worth considering.
Content Focus
MasterClass covers subjects such as cooking, writing, business, music, film, design, and personal development. Platforms such as Coursera and Skillshare offer broader catalogs that may include programming, data science, AI, and other technical subjects.
Instructors
One of its main differences is the instructor lineup. Classes are taught by well-known professionals and public figures, including Gordon Ramsay, Serena Williams, and other recognized names in their fields.
Other learning platforms also use experienced instructors, but celebrity-led teaching is less central to their offering.
Course Format and Pace
Classes are primarily pre-recorded and self-paced, allowing you to watch lessons on your own schedule. This format works well for independent learners but may not suit those looking for regular live instruction.
Certificates
The platform may provide completion certificates for eligible classes, but these are not the same as accredited academic or professional qualifications. Platforms such as Coursera and edX offer accredited or industry-recognized credentials for some programs.
Community Features
Community interaction is more limited than on platforms built around peer feedback, group projects, assessments, or direct instructor interaction.
What Are The Best MasterClass Alternatives?
If you are looking for features that are not available in MasterClass, here are a few alternative platforms you can explore to see if you get what you want:
- Skillshare
- Coursera
- Udemy
- Udacity
- edX
- Khan Academy
- Linux Foundation
- LinkedIn learning.
However, there are certain features that MasterClass possesses that stand it from its competitors.
If you want, I have covered MasterClass alternatives with features, pros and cons, and pricing. You will get a comprehensive comparison.
How To Create A MasterClass Account?
MasterClass makes it very simple to create an account. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
Step 1: Go To MasterClass.com. Choose a membership plan. Click Continue.
Step 2: Type in your email address, and click Continue With Email.
Step 3: Proceed with your payment by entering your card details. And click Place Secure Order.
That’s all it takes! You’re now ready to explore the classes on MasterClass and enjoy this exciting platform.
Is MasterClass Worth It?
After considering the course quality, content, and overall learning experience, I believe MasterClass is worth the cost for learners who enjoy expert-led courses.
The platform offers high-quality videos, practical lessons, and a wide range of topics. Its content is also updated regularly, which adds value to the subscription over time.
Final Thoughts
MasterClass is a strong choice if you want to develop creative skills through engaging, expert-led courses.
You can sign up for a MasterClass plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you time to try the platform and decide if it suits your learning needs.
I hope this MasterClass review helps you make your decision. Happy learning!
FAQs on MasterClass Review
What Are The Cons Of MasterClass?
The main drawbacks of MasterClass are that it does not provide accredited certificates and has a limited selection of technical courses, such as coding and computing.
How Much Does MasterClass Subscription Cost?
MasterClass plans start at $120 per year, with the full amount billed upfront. There is no monthly billing option. You can also look for MasterClass discounts and seasonal offers to save on your annual subscription when promotions are available.
Is MasterClass Worth It For Writers?
MasterClass offers several writing courses taught by experienced writers, including Shonda Rhimes, Aaron Sorkin, and Issa Rae. If you want to improve your writing skills, you can learn from these experts through flexible, self-paced lessons.
Does MasterClass Provide A Certificate?
MasterClass does not provide accredited certificates. However, you may receive a certificate of completion after finishing a course.
