MasterClass Review (2023): Is It Really Worth It?

If you’re looking for a way to expand your knowledge and skills, MasterClass might be the ideal solution. With classes from renowned experts in many fields, finding something new that interests you is easy. But is MasterClass truly worth it?

In this review of MasterClass, we’ll look at all the aspects of this online learning platform to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. We’ll cover the types of courses available, the quality of instruction and materials, pricing plans, and more.

By the end of this review, you’ll have all the information you need to decide whether MasterClass is worth it for you. So let’s dive in.

What is MasterClass?

MasterClass is an online learning platform that offers users access to classes taught by world-renowned experts. The company was founded in 2015 and is among the most popular online education platforms.

From photography to cooking, the range of topics available on MasterClass is truly impressive. The courses are broken down into lessons with video lectures, interactive exercises, and resources to download.

The classes are well-structured and easy to follow, making them perfect for individuals of beginner levels. But does MasterClass offer good value for money? Is it worth the cost? Let’s look at what to expect from this platform.

How Much Does MasterClass Cost?

MasterClass introduced a three-tier pricing model for its annual subscription to cater to different user needs:

• Individual Plan: At $120 per year, this plan is ideal for solitary learners who prefer self-paced online learning.
• Duo Plan: Priced at $180 per year, this allows simultaneous viewing on multiple devices, making it a good fit for couples or friends.
• Family Plan: At $240 per year, the plan is perfect for families who want to learn together.

The Duo and Family plans also offer the added benefit of downloading video lessons for offline viewing.

With each plan, you can access all MasterClass courses to explore various subjects at your leisure. For instance, if you want to learn about photography from Annie Leibovitz or cooking from Gordon Ramsay, MasterClass has it.

Moreover, the company offers a 30-day free trial period on its annual subscription plans. That allows you to test the courses before you commit and see if they suit your educational goals.

MasterClass also provides a MasterClass at Work program. This allows businesses or companies to purchase seats for their employees. The pricing structure for this program is available upon requesting it from the sales team.

Do MasterClass Courses Offer Good Value?

While the cost of MasterClass may be higher than some online learning platforms, the quality of its courses more than justifies the price tag. With world-renowned experts as instructors, you can rest assured that you’re learning from the best.

The classes come with well-structured lessons, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost in the material. Plus, some interactive exercises and resources can be used to practice what you learn and gain additional insights.

This makes it easier for learners to retain and apply the knowledge in real-life scenarios. Overall, MasterClass courses offer good value for their cost. The quality of the material is top-notch, and it’s easy to use.

With the 30-day guarantee and multiple pricing options, you can explore the platform without worrying about a large upfront investment.

What is It Like to Use MasterClass?

Wondering what it’s like to use MasterClass? Here’s what you can expect when you sign up for the platform:

Interface and Course Discovery

Let’s start with the interface. The MasterClass platform is user-friendly, so navigating around it won’t be a problem. All the courses are neatly organized into categories, making them easier to find.

MasterClass has many different categories, such as:

• Art & Entertainment
• Business
• Cooking
• Home & Lifestyle
• Music
• Writing
• Science & Technology
• Wellness

These categories are further broken down into subcategories for more precise searches, making it easy to find precisely what you want. You can also view the top classes as well as the new courses that have been recently added to the platform.

Course Flow and Quality

Once you’ve found a course that interests you, it’s time to check out the material. You can expect each class to be divided into multiple lectures with video instruction.

The lessons are well-structured and easy to follow, with plenty of additional resources for added practice and insight.

In addition, some courses offer downloadable workbooks or other supplementary materials like PDFs that can be printed out as a handy reference guide.

It’s not an understatement to say that the quality of MasterClass courses is excellent. The instructors are passionate about their craft and provide detailed instruction, leaving no stone unturned regarding knowledge.

Features and Resources

Apart from the courses, MasterClass also provides other features and resources to help enhance your learning experience.

For instance, you can join discussion forums to connect with like-minded learners worldwide. Here, you can exchange ideas, ask questions, or chat. It’s a great way to engage with people who share similar interests to your own.

You can also take notes while you watch the video lectures and have them stored in your account for easy reference. It can be a great way to track and review what you’ve learned when needed.

Finally, MasterClass offers an app for iOS and Android devices that provides access to the courses on the go. You can learn anytime, anywhere—perfect for busy professionals or those who travel often.

Pros of MasterClass

• High-Quality Instructors: All MasterClass instructors are well-renowned experts in their respective fields. That means you’re guaranteed to learn from the best.
• Structured Lessons: Each course is broken down into easy-to-follow lessons that make it easier to absorb the material. Plus, there are interactive exercises and resources to practice and reinforce your learning.
• 30-Day Guarantee: They provide a 30-day guarantee, so you don’t have to worry about an upfront investment if it doesn’t fit your needs.
• Mobile App: The MasterClass app provides access to courses on the go so you can learn anytime, anywhere. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
• Networking Opportunities: Through the discussion boards, you can connect with other learners in your field. This could be a fantastic way to build relationships and gain valuable insights.
• Packed With Extras: The platform provides extras, like downloadable workbooks, to enhance your learning experience. You can also take notes while you watch the video lectures and store them in your account.
• Multiple Pricing Options: MasterClass offers various pricing options to make it more accessible to everyone, such as annual subscriptions for individuals and families.

Cons of MasterClass

• No Certification: MasterClass does not offer any certification or college credit for courses, which could be an issue for those who need credentials to advance in their careers or qualify for job opportunities.
• Lack of Live Interaction: Learners may not receive adequate support due to the pre-recorded nature of the courses. The platform’s discussion boards may be helpful but are not always active.
• Not Suitable for Advanced Learners: MasterClass courses might not be suitable for advanced learners looking to learn complex topics like programming or machine learning.
• High Price Point: The subscription fee could be too expensive for some learners as the platform only offers annual plans and no financial assistance. That being said, MasterClass does offer discounts throughout the year, so keep an eye out.
• Content Might Be Outdated: With the ever-changing landscape of technology and skills, some content on MasterClass might become outdated over time. You may need to look elsewhere for more up-to-date courses. But the platform does offer new classes regularly, so it won’t be long before you find something interesting.

MasterClass Alternatives

MasterClass is a solid platform for learning new skills, but it’s not the only one out there. Here are some alternatives you could consider if MasterClass doesn’t fit your needs:

MasterClass vs Coursera

Coursera is a popular e-learning platform offering thousands of college-level courses from top universities worldwide. Courses include topics such as computer science, business, and data science.

It also offers professional certificates, specializations, and degrees for learners who want credentials. Unlike MasterClass, many courses on Coursera are free to audit (but not to earn a certificate).

The downside is that Coursera might be more difficult for beginners since the content is more academically focused. Still, it’s an excellent platform for learners looking for college-level education without attending a physical university or college.

MasterClass vs Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers thousands of courses on creative topics such as design, illustration, photography, film-making and more.

Skillshare courses are usually shorter and more project-based. Learners can take classes at their own pace, and free and paid options are available.

However, most of the courses on Skillshare are created by other learners. They may not be as high-quality as those found in MasterClass.

For creative professionals looking to learn new skills quickly without having to commit too much time, Skillshare might be a better option. Otherwise, MasterClass is likely the way to go.

MasterClass vs Udacity

Udacity provides courses in coding, data science, and other related fields. In contrast to MasterClass, its lessons are more academically focused and geared toward acquiring technical skills and career advancement.

It also offers Nanodegrees, which are immersive programs designed to get you ready for a job in the tech industry. However, these come with a hefty price tag and may not be suitable for those on a budget.

The platform has plenty of free courses worth checking out, but you’ll likely get more value from the paid options if you’re looking to upskill. That said, it might not be the best choice for creative professionals since it focuses on tech-related fields.

Both MasterClass and Udacity are excellent platforms for those looking to upskill. But it all depends on your needs and budget.

Final Thoughts

MasterClass is an excellent learning platform for those seeking new skills from top-notch instructors. The pre-recorded lessons are easy to follow, and the extras like workbooks and downloadable resources make it easier to retain information.

But it’s not for everyone. Some may find the price point too expensive, and no certification is offered for completing courses. Additionally, advanced learners might not find the content suitable for their needs.

If you aim to sharpen your existing skills or learn something new, MasterClass is a great choice. Research and compare different courses before committing to the platform—you could save time and money in the long run.

The bottom line is that MasterClass is a great tool to start your learning journey. With its quality instructors, structured lessons, and different pricing plans, MasterClass offers an accessible way to learn from the best in their field.

Regardless if you’re a beginner or an experienced learner, there’s something for everyone on the platform. So why not give it a shot? You’ve got nothing to lose and plenty of knowledge to gain.