MasterClass

MasterClass Review: Learn from the Best with Elite Online Courses

If you’ve been scrolling through YouTube or social media, chances are you’ve stumbled across a MasterClass ad featuring a celebrity like Gordon Ramsay, Natalie Portman, or Neil Gaiman promising to teach you their craft. Those slick, cinematic previews make it hard not to pause and wonder: Is MasterClass really worth it? I’ve spent hours diving into the platform, analyzing user reviews, and exploring its courses to bring you this in-depth, no-BS review. Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a creative looking to level up, or just intrigued by the hype, let’s unpack what MasterClass is all about, its pros and cons, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

What Is MasterClass?

MasterClass is an online learning platform launched in 2015 by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen. It’s built on a simple but bold idea: let the world’s most successful people—think A-list celebrities, industry titans, and award-winning experts—teach you their skills through beautifully produced video courses. From cooking with Gordon Ramsay to storytelling with Neil Gaiman, MasterClass offers over 200 courses across 11 categories, including arts, business, food, writing, music, and wellness.

Unlike traditional e-learning platforms like Coursera or Udemy, MasterClass doesn’t focus on academic credentials or technical certifications. Instead, it leans into “edutainment”—a mix of education and entertainment. The courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, and delivered in bite-sized video lessons (usually 10–20 minutes each). You get access to workbooks, community discussions, and, in some cases, AI-powered tools to enhance your learning. It’s like Netflix for knowledge, with a subscription model that gives you unlimited access to all courses.

MasterClass offers three annual membership tiers (billed upfront):

Individual: $120/year ($10/month) – One device, no offline access.
Plus: $180/year ($15/month) – Two devices, offline downloads.
Premium: $240/year ($20/month) – Six devices, offline downloads.

There’s no free trial, but a 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test the waters. You can also gift memberships or opt for “MasterClass at Work” for group licenses.

Why MasterClass Stands Out

Let’s start with what makes MasterClass unique. I’ve tried platforms like Skillshare, Coursera, and The Great Courses, and MasterClass feels like it’s in a league of its own. Here’s why:

1. Star-Studded Instructors

The biggest draw is the instructors. MasterClass doesn’t mess around—they recruit the best of the best. Want to learn screenwriting? Aaron Sorkin’s got you. Curious about negotiation? Former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss breaks it down. From Serena Williams teaching tennis to Malala Yousafzai discussing advocacy, the roster is stacked with names you’d never expect to find teaching online. These aren’t just experts; they’re legends who’ve shaped their fields.

As a user on Quora put it, “I am pleasantly surprised by the intimacy, candor, and vulnerability that the teachers exhibit.” The instructors aren’t just reading from a script—they share personal stories, failures, and insights you won’t find in a textbook.

2. Cinematic Production Quality

MasterClass courses are a visual treat. The videos are shot like mini-movies, with crisp visuals, dynamic camera angles, and polished editing. It’s no surprise—MasterClass reportedly spends up to $500,000 per course on production. Whether it’s Gordon Ramsay slicing ingredients in a sleek kitchen or Hans Zimmer scoring a film in his studio, the production makes you feel like you’re right there with them.

One reviewer on PCMag nailed it: “If you were to draw a Venn diagram showing the best ideas from TED Talks and the high-quality production value from the best television of the past decade, the overlap would be MasterClass.” This isn’t your average Zoom lecture—it’s immersive and engaging.

3. Bite-Sized, Flexible Learning

Each course typically includes 10–20 lessons, with most videos lasting 6–20 minutes. This makes it easy to fit learning into a busy schedule. Whether you’re watching on your phone during a commute or listening to audio-only mode while doing chores, MasterClass adapts to your lifestyle. The mobile app is intuitive, and the Plus and Premium plans let you download videos for offline viewing.

I love that you can bounce between courses without feeling overwhelmed. One day, you might dip into Margaret Atwood’s writing class; the next, you’re learning poker strategy from Daniel Negreanu. The flexibility is perfect for curious minds who want to explore multiple topics.

4. Diverse Course Catalog

With over 200 courses across categories like arts, business, food, music, and wellness, there’s something for everyone. Want to master Texas-style BBQ with Aaron Franklin? Done. Curious about mindfulness with Jon Kabat-Zinn? It’s there. MasterClass also adds new courses monthly, so the library keeps growing.

Some standout courses include:

Neil Gaiman: The Art of Storytelling – Practical tips for fiction writers, delivered with Gaiman’s captivating charm.
Chris Voss: The Art of Negotiation – A game-changer for anyone in business or everyday life.
Gordon Ramsay: Cooking I & II – Michelin-star techniques made accessible.
Natalie Portman: Acting – Deep dives into character portrayal and script analysis.

5. Community and Supplemental Materials

Each course comes with a downloadable PDF workbook packed with recaps, assignments, and resources. For example, Yotam Ottolenghi’s cooking workbook doubles as a functional cookbook. MasterClass also fosters a community where students can discuss lessons and share projects, though some users note the community feature isn’t as robust as on platforms like Skillshare.

Recently, MasterClass introduced AI-powered tools to provide insights and summaries, adding a modern twist to the learning experience. Occasionally, instructors host live streams or answer student questions, though direct interaction is rare.

My Personal Experience with MasterClass

To give you a real sense of what MasterClass is like, I signed up for the Individual plan and dove into a few courses. Here’s what stood out:

Neil Gaiman: The Art of Storytelling

As a writer, I was drawn to Gaiman’s course. His 19 lessons cover everything from narrative structure to editing. What I loved most was his practical advice, like “see your story through the eyes of your readers.” It changed how I approach revisions. The workbook included exercises that pushed me to draft a short story, and the community discussions helped me get feedback. Gaiman’s storytelling is so engaging that I binged the course like a Netflix series.

Chris Voss: The Art of Negotiation

This course was a revelation. Voss, a former FBI negotiator, teaches techniques like “mirroring” and “tactical empathy” that I’ve since used in work and personal conversations. The lessons are short but packed with actionable tips. I practiced his strategies during a salary negotiation and felt more confident than ever. One reviewer on Trustpilot called it “seriously bad ass,” and I couldn’t agree more.

Gordon Ramsay: Cooking

I’m no chef, but Ramsay’s energy is infectious. His course covers knife skills, ingredient selection, and dishes like Beef Wellington. The production quality made every lesson feel like a cooking show. I tried his scrambled egg recipe, and let’s just say my breakfast game has leveled up. The workbook’s recipes were a nice bonus.

Overall, I found the courses inspiring and well-structured. The high production value kept me engaged, and the workbooks added depth. However, I wish for more hands-on assignments and instructor feedback, which I’ll dive into later.

What Users Are Saying

To get a balanced view, I scoured reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Quora, and blogs. Here’s what users love and what they don’t:

The Good

Inspiring and Engaging: Many users rave about the “aha” moments. One Trustpilot reviewer said, “MasterClass is an experience, a backstage pass to the minds that shape industries.”
High Value for Money: At $10–20/month, users feel the unlimited access to 200+ courses is a steal compared to one-on-one lessons with experts.
Life-Changing Insights: A reviewer on Dreamgrow shared how Daniel Negreanu’s poker course taught them deductive reasoning, which they applied beyond the table. Others credit courses like Aaron Franklin’s BBQ for elevating their skills.
Great for Creatives: Writers, musicians, and filmmakers especially love courses from Margaret Atwood, Hans Zimmer, and Martin Scorsese.

The Not-So-Good

Limited Depth for Professionals: Some users, like one on BitDegree, said MasterClass feels more like “watching a Netflix show” than a deep dive into technical skills. If you’re an advanced learner, you might find it lacking.
No Certificates: Unlike Coursera, MasterClass doesn’t offer certificates, which can be a drawback for career-focused learners.
Subscription-Only Model: The annual upfront payment ($120–$240) and lack of a free trial deter some users. One Trustpilot reviewer complained about unexpected renewal charges.
Limited Interaction: While workbooks and community forums are great, there’s little to no direct instructor feedback. A Medium reviewer noted, “The community feature seems way behind other platforms.”

Pros and Cons of MasterClass

Let’s break it down:

Pros

World-Class Instructors: Learning from icons like Serena Williams or Bob Iger is a rare opportunity.
Top-Notch Production: The cinematic quality makes lessons engaging and immersive.
Diverse Topics: From poker to philosophy, there’s something for every interest.
Flexible and Accessible: Self-paced lessons and a user-friendly app fit any schedule.
Affordable for Value: At $10–20/month, you get unlimited access to a growing library.
30-Day Guarantee: Try it risk-free and get a refund if it’s not for you.

Cons

Not for Deep Technical Learning: Courses prioritize inspiration over hands-on skills.
No Free Trial: The upfront payment can feel risky without a test run.
Limited Interactivity: Don’t expect live feedback or robust community engagement.
No Certificates: Not ideal if you need credentials for your resume.
Annual Commitment: No monthly billing option, which may deter some.

How MasterClass Compares to Competitors

To see how MasterClass stacks up, let’s compare it to popular alternatives:

MasterClass vs. Skillshare

Focus: Skillshare emphasizes hands-on, beginner-friendly courses in creative fields like design and photography, while MasterClass focuses on inspiration from elite instructors.
Instructors: Skillshare has a mix of professionals and amateurs, whereas MasterClass only features A-listers.
Community: Skillshare’s community is more active, with project-based feedback.
Pricing: Skillshare offers a free trial and monthly billing ($15/month), making it more flexible than MasterClass’s annual plans.

Verdict: Choose Skillshare for practical, community-driven learning; pick MasterClass for high-profile inspiration.

MasterClass vs. Coursera

Focus: Coursera offers academic, career-oriented courses with certificates, often from universities. MasterClass is more about personal growth and creativity.
Instructors: Coursera features professors; MasterClass has celebrities.
Depth: Coursera dives deep into technical subjects like data science, while MasterClass keeps things broad and motivational.
Pricing: Coursera courses can be free or $30–$100 each, but MasterClass’s subscription gives unlimited access for a flat

MasterClass vs. The Great Courses

Focus: The Great Courses offers academic lectures by professors, while MasterClass blends education with storytelling.
Production: MasterClass’s cinematic style outshines The Great Courses’ straightforward lectures.
Pricing: The Great Courses often charges per course ($50–$200), while MasterClass’s subscription is more cost-effective for multiple courses.

Verdict: The Great Courses suits academic learners; MasterClass is for those seeking engaging, celebrity-led content.

Who Is MasterClass For?

MasterClass isn’t for everyone, but it’s a fantastic fit for:

Lifelong Learners: If you love exploring new topics, from cooking to philosophy, MasterClass is a treasure trove.
Creatives: Writers, musicians, filmmakers, and artists will find inspiration from icons like Margaret Atwood and Hans Zimmer.
Busy Professionals: The bite-sized lessons and mobile app make it easy to learn on the go.
Fans of Edutainment: If you enjoy TED Talks or documentaries, MasterClass’s storytelling style will hook you.

It’s not ideal for:

Advanced Professionals: If you’re already an expert, the courses may feel too introductory.
Certificate Seekers: No credentials are offered, so look elsewhere for career-focused learning.
Budget-Conscious Learners: The upfront annual cost might be a stretch if you’re not committed.

Is MasterClass Worth It?

After diving into the platform and analyzing countless reviews, I’d say MasterClass is absolutely worth it for the right person. For $120–$240 a year, you get unlimited access to over 200 courses taught by the world’s best minds, delivered in a format that’s engaging and flexible. That’s less than the cost of a single workshop with a local expert, let alone a legend like Martin Scorsese.

The platform shines for curious, self-motivated learners who value inspiration and storytelling over technical depth. Courses like Chris Voss’s negotiation class or Neil Gaiman’s storytelling lessons can genuinely change how you approach your work or life. The production quality and diverse catalog make it feel like a steal at $10–20/month.

That said, it’s not perfect. If you need certificates, hands-on projects, or deep technical training, platforms like Coursera or Skillshare might be better. The lack of a free trial and limited interactivity could also be dealbreakers for some.

Tips to Get the Most Out of MasterClass

To maximize your experience, here’s what I recommend:

Start with Your Passion: Pick a course that excites you, like Natalie Portman’s acting or Gordon Ramsay’s cooking, to stay motivated.
Use the Workbooks: The PDFs are packed with exercises and resources—don’t skip them.
Engage with the Community: Share your work in forums to get feedback and connect with others.
Mix and Match: Explore courses outside your comfort zone, like philosophy or poker, to spark new ideas.
Set a Schedule: Treat MasterClass like a hobby—dedicate 30 minutes a day to learning.

Final Thoughts

MasterClass is like having a front-row seat to the minds of the world’s greatest talents. It’s not just about learning skills; it’s about gaining insights, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible. The platform’s cinematic production, diverse courses, and affordable pricing make it a standout in the crowded e-learning space. While it won’t make you an expert overnight or replace a formal education, it’s a powerful tool for personal growth and creative exploration.

If you’re a curious soul who loves learning from the best, MasterClass is a no-brainer. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free. So, why not dive in and see what Gordon Ramsay, Margaret Atwood, or Serena Williams can teach you? Your next “aha” moment might be just a lesson away.

Have you tried MasterClass? Which course are you eyeing? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

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Frequently asked questions

General

What is MasterClass?

MasterClass is the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to watch or listen to hundreds of video lessons taught by 200+ of the world’s best.

Whether it be in business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more, MasterClass delivers a world class online learning experience. Video lessons are available anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV and FireTV streaming media players.

What is included in a MasterClass membership?

Membership includes access to an incredible catalog of 200+ classes taught by the world’s best on cooking, leadership, photography, writing and more.

Each class includes around 20 video lessons that are 10 minutes long on average, along with an in-depth workbook. You also get access to our smartphone and TV apps, offline lessons, our members only newsletter, and our dynamic community of members around the world.

Where can I Watch?

With MasterClass, you can learn and be inspired anytime, anywhere, including your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku streaming media players. You can even download your favorite lessons and watch on the plane or listen during your commute in audio-only mode.*

*Audio mode is not available for all classes.

Which classes are right for me?

MasterClass offers 200+ classes across a variety of categories, including business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more. Every class has been designed to be accessible for people with little to no experience and advanced students alike. With new classes launching regulary, you can learn practical skills, ignite new passions, and get everyday wisdom.

Check out our catalog and watch a few class trailers!

What is MasterClass On Call(Beta)?

MasterClass On Call (Beta) is a conversational AI product that allows you to talk to personas of some of the world’s most influential and knowledgeable experts, including Chris Voss, Dr. Matt Walker, and more coming soon. Get world-class wisdom and personalized advice, direction, and guidance at your fingertips. Start a conversation with your AI mentors anytime through a voice call on our website or through the On Call iOS app.

Sessions

What is Sessions by MasterClass and how are they different from classes?

Sessions by MasterClass is a new hands-on format by MasterClass where you can learn alongside the world’s best by working on projects and activities as part of a structured curriculum. You will actively participate in the sessions by sharing your work with an engaged community and get feedback from your peers. All video content is pre-recorded and you maintain access to all Session materials during your membership.

Are Sessions included in my MasterClass subscription?

Yes, purchasing a MasterClass subscription provides you with unlimited access to all current sessions and classes, as well the new sessions and classes launched each month. Your annual membership unlocks a catalog of 200+ classes and sessions taught by the world’s best on cooking, leadership, photography, writing, and more.

With a MasterClass subscription,* you also get access to our smartphone and TV apps, offline lessons (for classes only), our members-only newsletter, and our community of members around the world.

*Sessions are available on Android, Desktop, and iOS. Each subscription will share one profile for session progress (including Family and Duo subscriptions).

What skill-level is required for Sessions?

Sessions are designed for people at all skill levels. Your instructor will walk you through a structured curriculum with step-by-step instructions, but will also challenge you to go beyond the session content by exploring your own creativity. You will be able to gain support and up-level your skills by participating in an engaging community and by receiving meaningful feedback on your work from peers.