MasterClass Review

With online learning becoming as popular as it is today, many different platforms that provide users with educational courses try to do something original in order to stand out from the crowd. In this MasterClass review, we’ll be discussing a platform that has managed to do it quite well.

Truth be told, MasterClass does stand out of the crowd of e-learning sites - big time. Naturally, as you can imagine, though, people wondering, “Is MasterClass worth it?” are going to encounter various answers - there are good reasons for why that’s the case, too.

Throughout the MasterClass review, I’ll give you examples of what the platform does great (and what it’s unique for), and some things to keep in mind even if you do decide to choose it as your go-to source of knowledge and education (i.e. the MasterClass prices).

Verdict at a Glance: MasterClass is a very unique online learning platform that offers its users courses taught by celebrity professionals in their respective fields. While the courses are of super-high quality, and provide a lot of useful information, it’s important to note that MasterClass is a better fit for entertainment purposes rather than learning highly technical subjects. For the latter, you should check out DataCamp, Coursera, or edX.

What is MasterClass?

Before proceeding with a full MasterClass review, we should look back and see how this platform came to be. MasterClass was founded by David Rogier, a student at Stanford University, in 2015 as "Yanka Industries." Initially, it only had three instructors and a few classes.

However, it expanded with time, so now it offers over 180 classes and hosts a curated roster of accomplished mentors, each of whom is a luminary in their field, boasting accolades, awards, and a wealth of practical experience.

What truly distinguishes MasterClass is its cinematic approach to learning. The meticulously produced video lessons provide a rare glimpse into the minds and creative processes of these eminent figures. It's an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience that transcends the traditional confines of textbooks and lectures.

Who is MasterClass for? Well, I'd say the platform is for inquisitive minds, celebrity admirers, and those who'd rather level up their skills than be couch potatoes. Whether one seeks to refine their culinary skills, harness the power of storytelling, or master the intricacies of a musical instrument, MasterClass has got their back.

However, it is more for entertainment purposes, as you won't learn any university-level skills on this platform.

MasterClass Review: PROS

Now, let's focus on some of the best features of the learning platform in question, as pointed out by the user MasterClass reviews left online.

As you can imagine, it would be rather difficult to talk about anything else without addressing the elephant in the room - the fact that the list of MasterClass instructors includes a significant number of A-list celebrities.

Professional Instructors (Most of Them - Celebrities)

When you go to search for a way to learn something new online, you probably rarely expect that you’ll end up being taught by Timbaland or Dan Brown, right? Well, that’s the feature that makes MasterClass unique - within this platform, that’s perfectly possible.

For most people (even those who leave MasterClass reviews online), the term “online courses” does not associate with celebrities. Instead, they probably expect to see a college professor on the other side of the screen, teaching them a topic that they’ve been mastering for the bigger parts of their lives, too.

In some other cases, though, you could be taught by entrepreneurs who have “hacked” the topic themselves, and now want to share that knowledge with other people.

It’s very rare for you to encounter an actual celebrity who would teach you a course on something that they’re an expert on. Well, except if you read through MasterClass reviews - these will tell you that, with MasterClass, that’s all you’ll get.

From celebrated musicians like Carlos Santana to culinary maestros like Gordon Ramsay, from literary icons such as Margaret Atwood to athletic legends like Serena Williams, MasterClass brings together a diverse and illustrious ensemble of teachers.

To put it short, MasterClass hires many famous people from various fields of expertise, and creates professional, high-end courses with them. Speaking of which…

Exceptional-Quality Courses

For those who are wondering is MasterClass worth it, probably one of the biggest factors is going to be the quality of the courses available on the platform. I mean, needless to say, this should be the key factor no matter what platform it is that you’re considering to learn on.

There are many different aspects that make up the quality of the course. Some of the more general ones would include:

• Sound quality
• Video quality
• Course structure
• The instructor’s fluency (language-wise)
• Quality of the course material
• etc.

All of that being said, multiple user MasterClass reviews will tell you that the learning site in question takes the term “quality” to a whole new level. I can say the same.

To put it short, MasterClass courses are shot in a professional manner - so professional, in fact, that I actually felt like I was watching a high-production-level TV show, instead of an online course.

Though, when it comes to the MasterClass video player, you'll get a pretty familiar experience compared to other online learning platforms – a video player on the right, the list of course lessons on the left, and a section for adding notes.

With the visual and audio factors aside, the course materials and structures themselves do not seem to have any issues, either. While it’s surely a case-by-case scenario, and each course (and instructor) is different, with such high attention to quality, in general, MasterClass seems to have made sure that you do get what you paid for.

To be frank, this is actually very refreshing. With many modern learning platforms out there, you can’t really be sure what you’ll get - each course will likely be significantly different from the other, simply because they’re both created and taught by completely different people.

Now, most of the legitimate learning platforms are going to have some sort of general quality control measures and standards in place - that’s for sure. Still, these measures might have loopholes, and if the platform houses a wide variety of different courses, it can be difficult to keep up!

In short, user MasterClass reviews are almost unanimous in this regard - you can expect high-quality courses from the platform, no matter the topic!

There is one major BUT, though – MasterClass doesn't provide certificates. So, you won't receive formal recognition for completing a course. This also further solidifies the fact that the platform is made for entertainment purposes. However, it might impact the motivation of those users who seek tangible acknowledgment of their efforts.^[1]

Pleasant Platform Navigation

Another aspect that is surely important when it comes to online learning providers is platform navigation and design. A complicated user interface and an unpleasant design are two things that might stop any new user from exploring the platform further. Then, it won't matter if the courses are top-notch, right?

Well, MasterClass doesn't disappoint in this aspect. Just like it provides high-quality courses, it also provides a high-quality user interface and aesthetically pleasing design. Once you enter the landing page, you'll be greeted with a questionnaire about what brings you to the platform. If you engage with it, you'll be prompted to sign up (I'll talk about that in a bit).

However, if you want to explore the rest of the landing page, you'll notice the main course subjects offered by MasterClass, new and upcoming courses, other user reviews, and some additional info about the platform.

Now, once you decide to sign up, you can either engage with the aforementioned questionnaire or just click the "Sign Up" button. I went with the former. After I chose what I wanted to accomplish, I was also asked how much time I wanted to spend learning, and then I was provided with personalized class recommendations before signing up. That's a pretty nice touch.

What is not nice, however, is that you first have to pick a subscription plan before anything else when signing up. Then, you have to fill in your email address, and THEN you have to... pay. Besides, there's no free trial, and you have to pay for the whole year immediately. 

To be honest, I didn't like this. I'd surely appreciate it if I could try out the platform before committing to it, especially if we're talking about a year-long commitment. Now, okay, MasterClass does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you "don't love" their annual membership.

However, I don't know about you, but these money-back guarantees usually seem like too much of a hassle for me. What if there's some error and it doesn't work? Then I'll have to contact the platform, which leads to numerous emails, calls, and... headaches.

You can learn a bit more about each course, including seeing its trailer, sample, and lesson plan, even without signing up on the platform. But such a level of exploration might not be enough for everyone.

To put it all aside, the payment process itself is pretty self-explanatory, and once you get that out of the way, you'll be able to access the platform and start browsing through its variety of classes. How good is MasterClass in this aspect?

Wide Variety of Topics to Choose and Learn

One of the core strengths of MasterClass (at least as promoted by multiple user MasterClass reviews) appears to be the fact that the platform houses courses that involve many different topics and categories.

That’s wonderful.

You see, with the vast majority of learning platforms out there, the focus is clear and simple - IT. There are even programming- and coding-exclusive e-learning sites out there - it’s that popular of a topic!

When you actually do manage to encounter a learning platform that wouldn’t be exceptionally-focused on IT, in many cases, you’ll end up disappointed by the quality or the choice pool of lessons on other topics. That’s something I know from my own, personal experience, too.

It’s something that multiple MasterClass reviews contest when it comes to this learning platform, however. And with good reason.

On MasterClass, you’ll be able to find a wide variety of different courses - they range from topics such as the earlier-mentioned writing and acting, all the way up to filmmaking and cooking.

Do note that MasterClass provides filters for easier navigation through its topics. You can filter the course format (Classes, Original Series, Playlists, or Sessions), the duration (from under 5 minutes to over 4 hours), or even your personal progress with courses you have already started (or finished), and the ones you put on your wishlist.

Overall, MasterClass is able to accommodate a lot of different students, with some very differing wants and needs. While the platform might not be the best option for those who are looking for some IT- or programming-related courses, there are other online education providers that will cater to such needs, like DataCamp or Udacity.

MasterClass Sessions

MasterClass also brought forth a fresh approach to learning with its latest feature, Sessions. This hands-on format allows you to learn directly from celebrities but in a more extensive way. If you've used any other popular learning providers, you might have noticed that they offer extensive learning paths. Well, MasterClass Sessions are something like that.

Once you pick a session, for the next 30 days, you'll be engaged in projects and activities, gaining practical skills and knowledge. Active participation is encouraged, as you'll complete real-world projects and be able to share them with a lively community.

Moreover, you'll receive constructive feedback from experienced teaching assistants, enhancing your learning journey. This structured curriculum redefines online education, offering a dynamic and enriching experience for learners of all levels. But how extensive are these Sessions?

Let's take Shea McGee's Session on designing your space. This session is thoughtfully divided into seven comprehensive sections.

Within these sections, you embark on a journey to master the art of crafting a design plan, selecting harmonious fabric schemes, refining floor plans, choosing the perfect furniture pieces, adding distinctive interior accents, and even illuminating your space with expertly curated lighting designs.

Each section provides a focused and in-depth exploration of these elements, ensuring you gain a well-rounded understanding of the entire design process. By the end of this Session, you'll have honed your interior design skills and, hopefully, successfully transformed your space.

So, it's pretty extensive, as far as a course on home design can get extensive.

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MasterClass Reviews: CONS

With most of the positive aspects mentioned in user MasterClass reviews out of the way, let us transition to some of the more-negative points that are referenced when talking about the platform, and while discussing questions such as “is MasterClass worth it?”.

It’s worth pointing out that there aren’t actually all that many negative MasterClass reviews online! Most users are quite happy with the platform in question, and would surely recommend it to their peers. That said, there are some things worth noting before you dive head-first into MasterClass.

Lack of Courses on Specific Topics

Earlier on in this MasterClass review, I mentioned that the platform houses a lot of different courses, in some varying topics. While that is true, in essence, it’s still worth pointing out the fact that some people are going to encounter a lack of options when they first come to learn on the site.

Notably, most of these people are likely going to be IT-focused.

Programming is a difficult topic - that’s obvious. It can be really hard finding and choosing the best online learning site that would provide you with top-tier quality in regard to IT-related subjects (spoiler alert, DataCamp, or Udacity would). MasterClass does, indeed, lack such capabilities, too.

On top of that, some past user MasterClass reviews pointed out an interesting observation - most of the MasterClass courses are very theoretical, in nature. This means that you’ll likely have a pretty difficult time trying to find a course that would be very “hands-on” with its approach - while there are tasks to do, most courses are going to be very theory-driven.

With some subjects, that’s fine - with others, it’s actually the only way to go about it! That said, there are also topics that require a lot of participation and even more work on the student’s part. However, in regard to these reviews, MasterClass did roll out its Sessions feature not so long ago, which does provide a more hands-on learning approach.

Questionable Applicability

If you’re reading through various MasterClass reviews in order to figure out whether or not MasterClass is the best e-learning option for you, this is a point you should pay really close attention to.

Multiple users are likely going to tell you that while MasterClass does, in fact, offer amazing quality and some top-tier celebrity-taught courses, it’s more of a platform that you’d use for your own leisure and during your free time, rather than to actually learn something new.

Apparently, this is also echoed by the way that MasterClass is designed, too - as mentioned before, it caters more to the entertainment side of things, rather than the strictly-educational one.

This, for a fact, can be discouraging if you’re looking for legitimate courses that would provide you with legitimate and practically-applicable knowledge. Let me put it this way - if you go to a job interview and bring your edX or Coursera certificate, you’ll probably add a lot of the general impression that you’d leave to your potential employer.

However, if you come and say that Neil deGrasse Tyson taught you science on MasterClass, well… That’s less likely to leave a lasting impression.

MasterClass At Work

Now that we've discussed the main pros and cons in this MasterClass review, it's also worth noting that this platform is not only for individual use. Like many other top-notch online learning providers, it offers a platform for businesses - MasterClass At Work.

It can be used for upskilling employees in such topics as problem-solving, time management, leadership, and so on. Apart from premium bite-sized content that is accessible to all users, MasterClass At Work also provides such features as outcome-focused learning paths and communal learning.

Besides that, it offers flexible content customization based on individual employees or teams, advanced reporting and analytics, and is suitable for large enterprises, as it is a SOC-2-compliant tool.

The pricing depends on the size of your team. Businesses that have teams below 50 members can quickly activate MasterClass At Work subscriptions through the self-service option. Bigger teams, however, will have to contact MasterClass and wait for their direct response and offer.

Speaking of pricing, what is the case with MasterClass plans for individuals?

MasterClass Pricing Plans

The MasterClass cost does appear to be… a difficult topic when discussing the platform, and whether or not it’s worth trying out.

For starters, note that it has changed quite a bit. Past user MasterClass reviews noted that there were basically two options for you to pick from - either an all-access pass or a single-course one.

The all-access pass cost $180 for a year, while the single-course pass cost $90. However, when it comes to the MasterClass cost, the company stopped providing the latter, eventually offering only an all-access pass (which also changed a bit, but I'll discuss that in a sec).

So… If the latter was discontinued and the former changed, why am I even mentioning them, in the first place? Simple - to show you just how incentivized people were to purchase the yearly subscription (seeing as it was only double the price of that of a single course!).

It might even be the reason why MasterClass eventually eliminated the payment-per-course option, as it probably wasn't that popular. After doing that, though, the next big change in MasterClass pricing was rolling out more subscription plans.

To be more precise, MasterClass now offers three plans – Individual, Duo, and Family. They mostly differ in terms of the number of devices you can connect to at a time. Also, the Individual plan doesn't allow downloading content for offline viewing. But what about the actual prices?

Table: MasterClass pricing plans

Admittedly, if you take only the individual plan into consideration, MasterClass is still quite expensive. Sure, you could go ahead and compare its prices with those of, say, edX - the latter is MUCH more expensive, for sure!

That being the case, however, you should also take into account the fact that, with edX, you can expect to get university-level education - not something that you can expect to receive from MasterClass. On top of that, the actual courses on MasterClass are, for the most part, entertaining more than they are practical.

When you mix these things up into the price comparison, it sure does sway the MasterClass cost towards a more expensive side of things.

However, multiple user MasterClass reviews will tell you that, if you are actually looking for an entertaining way to brush up your knowledge in some specific field, and are not really in search of a full-on educational course, then the prices offered by MasterClass are, in fact, quite fair.

Especially if you find 5 friends or family members who will subscribe to the Family plan with you – then, you'll be able to access MasterClass for $40 per year, which is a very nice deal.

Since we're on the topic of pricing, it's also worth noting that there is a MasterClass Grants program, which donates MasterClass annual memberships to accredited charitable organizations, supporting communities in need. The focus areas include low-income families, BIPOC youth, and current or formerly incarcerated individuals.

Learning Experience on MasterClass

What about the learning experience on MasterClass? Well, this question definitely doesn't have one clear answer, as it all depends on who the learner is, what are their expectations, skill level, and so on. Most user MasterClass reviews reflect a generally positive sentiment towards the platform, though.

Users consistently praise the caliber of instructors on MasterClass. They appreciate learning from experts who have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. The production value of the video lessons is also often cited as a standout feature. Users find the content to be well-produced, engaging, and visually appealing.

However, some user MasterClass reviews do point out that the pricing of the platform is not ideal. While it’s justified with TV-level production and the courses being taught by celebrities, it may still be a bit too expensive for the common user.

When it comes to my learning experience on MasterClass, I'd say that the courses are really beautifully made. At times it feels more like watching a Netflix show, rather than a course.

At the same time, though, if I was looking for a platform to learn some professional skills on a more in-depth level, MasterClass would not be my first choice. Besides, I really disliked the "subscribe to a plan to access the platform" idea.

That being said, MasterClass does provide a unique and engaging learning experience, but there is definitely room for improvement.

Popular MasterClass Course Picks

So, you've read my MasterClass review, and now you're wondering, "Which class should I start with?" While I cannot tell you what you should do, I can definitely tell you what you could do.

For one, you could elevate your cooking skills with Gordon Ramsay's classes, where he imparts his culinary expertise, sharing techniques, tips, and various recipes.

You could also check out a class where Bill Clinton, the former President of America, offers insights on inclusive leadership, drawing from his extensive political experience to guide you in fostering collaboration and positive change.

If you're looking for something creative, you could watch a class by Neil Gaiman, a prolific author, where he explores the art of storytelling, delving into the creative process, character development, and crafting compelling narratives.

Maybe you're a dog lover? Then you might want to take a look at Brandon McMillan's class. He is an Emmy-winning animal trainer who provides comprehensive guidance on effective dog training techniques in his class.

If you're tired of counting sheep, you could also consider watching Matthew Walker's class on the science of better sleep. He is a renowned sleep scientist who shares scientific insights and practical strategies in his class to help improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Well, I think you get the drill - there are many different classes. If none of these seem like something you'd want to watch, you can explore other classes on the platform; I believe you'll find something interesting.

MasterClass VS Competitors

With all that being said, the last thing I want to do is compare MasterClass with some of the most popular online learning providers.

MasterClass VS DataCamp

DataCamp is a specialized platform focused on data science and analytics. It offers a tailored curriculum that revolves around programming languages, data manipulation, and analysis.

The platform is particularly valuable for individuals looking to build specific technical skills in data science. Thus, it's an excellent choice for those interested in data analysis, machine learning, and similar fields. It also puts a strong emphasis on interactive learning and practical exercises, which is very important when it comes to effective learning^[2].

	DATACAMP	MASTERCLASS
Overall Score	9.8	8.2
Best For	Best for Students	Learning from Celebrities & Professionals
Headquarters	4.9 of 5.0	4.1 of 5.0
Latest Coupons	SAVE 50% All DataCamp Coupons	Get deal All MasterClass Coupons
Verdict	A leading data & AI course-focused online learning platform for beginners and advanced learners.	An entertainment-focused online learning platform that houses celebrity-taught courses.
	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review

Table: The comparison of the main information about MasterClass and DataCamp

So, while you can watch some truly entertaining courses on MasterClass, if you're up for learning serious technical skills, DataCamp might be a more suitable option.

MasterClass VS Udemy

Udemy is a highly flexible online learning platform, offering a wide variety of courses across a broad spectrum of subjects. It covers technical skills, personal development, creative topics, and much more.

These courses, often created by individual experts, are known for being accessible and affordable. In fact, Udemy offers over 600 free courses, which is good news for those looking for a more affordable way of learning.

	UDEMY	MASTERCLASS
Pros	A huge variety of courses Easy-to-navigate interface Over 600 free courses Useful additional features	Celebrity-taught courses Exceptional course quality Wide topic selection Aesthetically pleasing website design
Cons	Limited interaction with instructors Not all courses are of the highest quality	Pricey More geared towards entertainment, rather than education
Value For Money
Content Quality
	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review

Table: The pros & cons of MasterClass and Udemy

Thus, in comparison to MasterClass, Udemy stands out for its extensive selection and course affordability. However, not all courses on Udemy are of the highest quality, which is not the case with MasterClass.

MasterClass VS edX

edX offers courses curated by universities and renowned institutions. This platform caters to a diverse audience, providing an extensive range of subjects that encompass both academic disciplines and professional development.

edX distinguishes itself by offering a more structured and formal learning experience, aligning closely with university-level education. Learners on edX have the option to earn certificates and even pursue full degrees from reputable institutions.

	EDX	MASTERCLASS
Skill Analysis
Course Recommendation Engine
Connection with the Lecturer
Personalized Learning Paths
	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review

Table: The comparison of MasterClass and edX features

Therefore, MasterClass appeals to those seeking inspiration and unique insights from accomplished experts, while edX is a versatile platform suitable for those pursuing academic credentials, professional development, and technical skills.

Conclusions

So - is MasterClass worth it? Well, it depends.

If you’re someone who’s looking for an entertaining way to learn something new, or even practice some already-existing skills, then yes - MasterClass is surely worth paying attention to. Chances are that you’ll be able to find a class that would suit your expectations, and that would perhaps even be taught by a celebrity that you admire.

On the flip side, however, you should also understand that, if you need to further your education because you’re looking for a new job, or want to get a raise in an already-existing one, well… In this case, there are better options than MasterClass available for you to pick from. Coursera and edX are the two leaders in this regard.

Either way, I do hope that this MasterClass review was useful to you, and that you were able to make the right decision. Good luck, and until next time!

Scientific References

1. M. Borah: 'Motivation in Learning';

2. N. Yannier, S.E. Hudson, K.R. Koedinger, et al.: 'Active Learning:“Hands-On” Meets “Minds-On”'.