MasterClass is one of the most popular online learning platforms around. It offers a range of courses on a variety of subjects, from cooking to acting to even stand-up comedy. You name it, MasterClass probably has a course on it.
The question is, is it worth the price? That’s what we’re here to find out. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a look at everything MasterClass has to offer, from the courses themselves to the instructors, to the value you get in return for your money.
What Is MasterClass?
MasterClass is an online education platform that was founded in 2015 by two ex-Googlers, David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
MasterClass offers “classes” from world-renowned instructors in a wide range of fields, including writing, cooking, music, business, design, and more. The platform has amassed an impressive list of instructors, including Serena Williams, Gordon Ramsay, Annie Leibovitz, and Malcolm Gladwell.
At the time of this writing, MasterClass costs $180 for an annual subscription.
Who Is MasterClass For?
MasterClass isn’t just for aspiring actors and musicians. In fact, anyone looking to learn a new skill or improve on an existing one can find a class on MasterClass. You don’t need any prior experience or training — just a desire to learn.
That’s because MasterClass is all about personal development. Whether you’re looking to become a better writer, speaker, chef, or musician, MasterClass has you covered. You can even learn how to start your own business or how to think more creatively.
And what’s really great about MasterClass is the roster of A-list instructors. With over 180 classes available, there’s something for everyone. From Malcolm Gladwell to Serena Williams, these instructors are experts in their field and are passionate about teaching.
How Much Does MasterClass Cost?
MasterClass offers four different pricing plans:
- Individual plan for $180/year
- Duo plan for $240/year
- Family plan for $276/year
All of the plans include unlimited access to all of the classes on the platform.
MasterClass does offer a free trial. You can sign up for a free trial here. MasterClass also offers a discount if you purchase an annual subscription. You receive 10% off the price of an annual subscription when you purchase it for 12 months.
How does MasterClass work?
MasterClass offers learning courses with individual lessons that range from two to five minutes. This makes it easy to watch short lessons when you’re short on time or dive into a full course if you have the time and dedication.
All classes come with a variety of learning materials, including exclusive instructional videos from celebrity instructors, interviews with experts, eBooks, and lesson plans. As classes are updated monthly with new content, there’s plenty of new material for students to explore.
Each course typically lasts between 2-5 hours, depending on the topic, and students can expect to walk away with new skills and knowledge after completing the course. MasterClass also offers an interactive forum for students to share their work, ask questions of each other and interact directly with instructors as well.
What types of courses are available on MasterClass?
MasterClass offers a wide range of courses across varied topics, which continues to grow. It’s an ideal platform for anyone wanting to learn new skills or deepen their existing knowledge.
There are creative classes offered in film and TV, food and cooking, music and singing, design and style, and wellness. You can even make personalized courses depending on your interests.
Plus, there’s the new MasterClass Playlist feature that allows you to create custom learning pathways through different topics.
The MasterClass sessions are typically split into several modules with multiple lessons included in each module. Most courses have between 30-50 video tutorials with downloadable worksheets, resources, practice opportunities, and other activities that help you engage more deeply with the subject matter.
Each video is approximately 10 minutes in length and includes a full transcript if you prefer to read instead of watching the explanation.
Top 10 Best MasterClass Classes
If you’re jumping into MasterClass and looking for the best of the best, then you’re in luck. We’ve curated a list of our top 10 favourite classes on the platform.
Firstly, we have to shout out the legendary Gordon Ramsay who takes us through all his culinary secrets in his MasterClass. From perfecting dishes like Tuscan Steak to understanding fundamental cooking techniques, you’ll learn from one of the world’s best chefs.
Other notable classes include Margaret Atwood who provides an insight into how she pens her novels as well as Martin Scorsese’s Cinematic Storytelling Class which dives deep into how he creates masterpieces like The Departed and The Wolf of Wall Street.
On top of these classics, we’d suggest checking out David Lynch on Transcendental Meditation, Spike Lee’s 6-Hour Film Production, and Shonda Rhimes’ Writing for Television class if you want to get creative and take those talents to a professional level.
How Accessible Is the Content on MasterClass?
When it comes to accessibility, MasterClass does not disappoint. All of the content is made available on their website and mobile app, meaning that you can learn from any device, at any time.
Plus, the website is user-friendly and intuitive, and there are over 180+ classes from 11 categories available for $180/year.
Members get unlimited access to all 100+ instructors, plus some really cool added bonuses like interactive exercises, office hours with experts, and other special content. Most courses contain 25 video lessons ranging from 5-30 minutes each — so you can easily fit them into your schedule.
The platform also offers helpful features such as Google Chromecast Support, and the ability to create playlists or watch offline by downloading videos — which makes it incredibly easy to pick up learning wherever you left off. You can also access transcripts of each lecture — making it super easy to search through and absorb pertinent information quickly and effectively.
How to find a perfect MasterClass course?
Navigating the MasterClass catalog can be a bit intimidating at first, but thankfully, the platform makes it easy to find the right course for you.
The first step is to use the search bar to explore options, as well as filter by interests and instructors. You can also browse courses by category on their website for more focused options. They highlight newly added courses and staff picks, which can be a great way to discover something new.
If you’re still not sure where to start, click on the ‘Explore Courses’ tab in the top navigation bar — here you’ll find collections of classes by themes like ‘Creativity and Invention’ or ‘Innovation & Entrepreneurship’. This makes it easier to find the perfect course for your needs! With over 80 classes available, there’s bound to be something that fits your interests and goals.
What are people saying about MasterClass?
We did a deep dive into what people have to say about MasterClass, and here’s what we found. The majority of everyone who’s taken a course has had something positive to say about it.
Most people enjoy the step-by-step approach, with video demonstrations and talk-throughs that really help explain concepts in detail. Additionally, they mention how comprehensive the curriculum is, and how it can be applied in the real world.
Additionally, people appreciate the platform’s user interface and its ability to keep track of your progress as you take classes. There are also helpful community boards where you can connect with fellow members and ask questions.
Overall, if you’re looking for detailed instruction on topics like cooking, photography, or music production from experts in those fields, MasterClass looks like it might just be worth your time.
MasterClass Alternatives:
If you’re still not sure whether MasterClass is the right learning platform for you, there are plenty of other options out there.
Skillshare is an online learning platform with over 19,000 classes and millions of learners. It offers courses in a variety of topics like photography, writing, marketing and more.
Check my complete article about Skillshare review…
Udemy also has thousands of courses available in topics from business to culinary arts. You can read my complete article about Udemy review…
Then there’s Mindvalley, which is an online learning platform focused on personal growth and development. It offers courses from experts in mindfulness to nutrition and success thinking.
Pluralsight is another alternative offering tech courses for beginners as well as experts in web development and software engineering.
Finally, Craftsy has creative classes ranging from knitting to cake decorating and more.
There are plenty of MasterClass alternatives out there if you’re not sure whether it’s the right learning platform for you. Each one has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research to find the one that best fits your needs.
No matter which option you choose, make sure to do a bit of research before committing to the course. Researching various platforms will help you determine which one best suits your needs!
MasterClass FAQs
We’ve noticed a lot of people asking the same questions when it comes to MasterClass, so we wanted to take the time to answer some of those questions here.
Which is the highest-rated MasterClass?
The highest-rated MasterClasses seem to be those taught by chefs Gordon Ramsey and Wolfgang Puck. There are also a few other classes that get high marks, including the ones taught by Aaron Sorkin, Annie Leibovitz, and Steve Martin.
What is the average length of a MasterClass?
Most MasterClasses are around 2 hours long, with some being a little shorter and some being a little longer. There are a few that are closer to an hour, and a few that are closer to 3 hours.
Are MasterClasses live or pre-recorded?
All of the MasterClasses are pre-recorded, so you can watch them at your convenience. You can also re-watch them as many times as you want.
Do you get a certificate after taking a MasterClass?
No, you don’t get a certificate after taking a MasterClass. However, you do get access to all of the class materials, which include videos, lectures, and assignments.
Is Skillshare better than MasterClass?
This depends on what you’re looking for. Skillshare is more affordable and offers more classes, but the quality of the content is lower. It really comes down to personal preference.
Is MasterClass expensive?
Masterclass is not a budget option, but you do get access to high-quality classes from world-renowned instructors. So, it could be worth it if you’re looking for specific skills or lessons.
How to get MasterClass for free?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to get MasterClass for free. The only way to access the classes is to sign up for a subscription.
What is the MasterClass refund policy?
The MasterClass refund policy is that you can cancel your subscription at any time and you will not be charged for the following month. So, if you cancel on January 15th, you will not be charged for February.
Conclusion:
We hope this MasterClass review has helped you decide if this is the right learning platform for you. Overall, we think MasterClass is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about their passions or honing their professional skills. The video lessons are engaging and taught by some of the world’s top experts, and the supplemental materials are plentiful.
The only downside is the cost. Although MasterClass offers a lot of value, it’s on the expensive side. If you’re not sure you’ll use all the features or you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider other online learning platforms.
