I tried it myself and loved how easy it was to follow along. It starts at $120 a year, which felt worth it for the quality you get. Masterclass is an online platform where top experts, like chefs or writers, teach you their skills through fun video lessons. You watch, learn, and try things at your own pace—perfect for picking up something new!
- Learn from top experts like Gordon Ramsay or Serena Williams—super inspiring!
- High-quality videos that feel like a movie, making it fun to watch.
- Flexible pace so you can learn whenever you want.
- No certificates, so it’s more for fun than career boosts.
- Some celebs aren’t great teachers, even if they’re famous.
Price: $5
I have taken a masterclass course lately and want to tell you about it! It was cool learning new things from pros who are super good at what they do.
I’ll share what I liked, what shocked me, and if you should try it too. It’s like we’re talking over a snack about something fun I did. Want to hear more? Let’s start! 🍪😊
What Is MasterClass?
MasterClass is an online learning platform that offers pre-recorded courses taught by experts in various fields. Unlike other platforms like Udemy or Coursera, MasterClass focuses on delivering high-quality video content from industry-leading professionals.
MasterClass is breaking the barriers in “edu-tainment” — a sphere of online learning that’s both enlightening and insightful.
It’s the marriage of your most engaging college seminar (without the brick-and-mortar classrooms) and digital media production, as each MasterClass offering is debuted documentary-style to instruct creatively and brilliantly.
The as-seen-everywhere platform is glittered with elite household names, from Martha Stewart giving the 411 on her blossoming, home-making suburban garden to Sara Blakely teaching the masses about entrepreneurship and the creation of transformative womenswear brand SPANX.
The $10 a month certainly unlocks the cream of the crop — the carefully curated litter of those who can speak to their craft most astoundingly.
Key Features of MasterClass:
- World-Class Instructors: Learn from celebrities and experts like Martin Scorsese, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Natalie Portman.
- High-Quality Production: The courses feel more like documentaries, making them visually engaging.
- Wide Range of Topics: From arts and science to sports and business, there’s something for everyone.
- Community Engagement: Share insights and connect with other learners through the platform.
Who Is MasterClass Best For?
If you’re looking for a platform to gain practical, high-level insights from industry leaders, MasterClass is a great choice. It’s particularly suitable for:
- Aspiring Professionals: Gain inspiration from your idols.
- Hobbyists: Explore a range of topics without diving into overly technical details.
- Creative Minds: From filmmaking to reactive writing, there’s plenty of content for creative souls.
MasterClass Pricing
🔒 Masterclass Pricing Plans 2025
Masterclass now offers three annual membership tiers, all including a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and access to 200+ classes. Here’s what each plan includes:
| Plan | Price (Billed Annually) | Access | Devices | Offline Viewing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $72/year ($6/month) | 1 class every 3 months | 1 device | ❌ | Casual learners |
| Plus | $180/year ($15/month) | Unlimited classes | 2 devices | ✅ | Couples or frequent users |
| Premium | $240/year ($20/month) | Unlimited classes | 6 devices | ✅ | Families or small teams |
✅ All Plans Include:
- Access to Masterclass on TV, desktop, tablet, and mobile
- Bonus class guides and downloadable workbooks
- 30-day money-back guarantee
While the price might seem steep, the value comes from the unmatched expertise of the instructors and the high-quality content.
MasterClass at Work:
MasterClass at Work brings top-notch learning to teams and businesses. Here’s what you can jump into:
- Leadership Skills with Bob Iger (Disney CEO)
- Negotiation Tactics with Chris Voss (former FBI hostage negotiator)
- Effective Communication with Robin Roberts (Emmy-winning broadcaster)
- Team Engagement through 1000+ lessons from world-class experts
It’s designed to boost skills and inspire your crew, and it is all accessible on any device, anytime!
What is the Most Popular Class on MasterClass?
It’s tough to pin down the absolute most popular MasterClass since they don’t release an official ranking, but I’ve dug into what people are buzzing about and tried out a bunch myself.
Popularity really depends on what you’re into, so I’ve pulled together a mix of standout classes I’ve finished—ones that hooked me and left me with plenty to jot down. Here’s what I’ve got:
- Martha Stewart — Think Like a Boss, Live Like a Legend
- Chris Voss — The Art of Negotiation
- Neil Gaiman — The Art of Storytelling
- Kelly Wearstler — Interior Design
- Tony Hawk — Skateboarding
- Daniel Pink — Sales and Persuasion
- Annie Leibovitz — Photography
- Thomas Keller — Cooking Techniques I
- Christina Aguilera — Singing
The cool thing? These range from quick hits under an hour to deep dives over four hours. You can knock some out in a lazy afternoon or stretch the meatier ones across a few weeks.
MasterClass keeps it easy to pick up fresh skills or sharpen what you’ve already got!
Pros and Cons of MasterClass
Pros
- Unparalleled Expertise: Where else can you learn storytelling from Shonda Rhimes
- High-Quality Videos: Professional-grade visuals that keep you engaged.
- Flexible Learning: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.
- Broad Topic Range: Diverse subjects, from cooking to leadership.
Cons
- Limited Depth: Courses might not suit those looking for in-depth training.
- No Certifications: Unlike Coursera or Udemy, there are no certificates of completion.
- Subscription-Only Model: No option to purchase individual courses.
Mix It Up with Playlists
If you’re not up for watching one instructor talk about a single topic for hours, MasterClass has a cool option called Playlists. These are short video collections pulled from different teachers, all tied together by a common idea.
Each playlist has a catchy name, such as Taking Smart Risks, Writing Great Dialogue, Being a Leader, or Mastering Ingredients.
I love how the MasterClass team picks out the best bits from various courses—stuff that’s easy to enjoy no matter your interests.
They’re way shorter than full classes, and they might even spark your curiosity about a course you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise while scrolling through the site.
What Kinds of Topics Can You Find on MasterClass?
MasterClass covers tons of cool topics. Here’s a taste of what you can explore:
- Cooking with Gordon Ramsay or Thomas Keller
- Writing with Neil Gaiman or Margaret Atwood
- Photography with Annie Leibovitz
- Business like negotiation with Chris Voss or entrepreneurship with Sara Blakely
- Skateboarding with Tony Hawk
- Singing with Christina Aguilera
- Gardening with Ron Finley
From arts to sports to life skills, there’s something for everyone taught by the best!
My MasterClass Review
From a young age, I’ve always loved the idea of learning. At five years old, I enjoyed playing school just as much as attending it at 18. As the years went by, my classes became increasingly fascinating, especially in college, where I focused on journalism and writing and explored diverse perspectives to refine my craft.
That’s where MasterClass comes in. While it doesn’t feel like a traditional school experience, its focus on expert-led educational programming captures the excitement of learning in a stress-free environment. There’s no pressure on grades or deadlines—and, for the most part, no assignments either.
As I browsed through the vast offerings on MasterClass, I was amazed at the variety of skills I could learn. That’s the beauty of this platform—there are no limits. Of course, I’m not expecting to walk away from Melinda French Gates’ MasterClass and suddenly establish a $69 billion philanthropic foundation or rival SPANX’s success (let’s be real, the AirEssentials Half-Zip is untouchable).
However, the most valuable lesson from MasterClass is the opportunity to learn directly from experts who are at the top of their game. A TED Talk or a YouTube video can’t replicate this kind of exclusive, first-person insight.
I first tried MasterClass a couple of years ago, but it’s in the last four months that I’ve truly dived into its courses. Sometimes, I’d pick a class because of the instructor (hello, Gordon Ramsay!), while other times, I was drawn to the subject matter (like Noam Chomsky’s course). The platform truly offers something for everyone.
As someone who’s always valued education, I appreciate MasterClass’s dedication to fostering continuous learning through creativity and brilliance.
Each course is produced with a documentary-like quality, blending the aesthetics of the History Channel with the feel of a modern classroom.
Some courses share exclusive, personal anecdotes, while others give you a behind-the-scenes look—like Robin Roberts taking viewers backstage at Good Morning America or Martha Stewart showcasing her home-grown vegetables in her backyard.
These glimpses add an extra layer of depth to the learning experience, connecting you to the instructors in a way that feels authentic and inspiring.
My usual setup for MasterClass is at my desk, with my notebook and pen.
In-Depth Look at Popular MasterClass Courses
1. Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking
This course is perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Ramsay shares his kitchen secrets, from perfecting scrambled eggs to crafting Michelin-starred dishes. While it’s not a substitute for culinary school, it’s packed with practical tips.
2. Serena Williams Teaches Tennis
For sports lovers, Serena’s course offers insights into techniques, mindset, and training routines. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate players.
3. Neil Gaiman Teaches Storytelling
Aspiring writers will find Gaiman’s course invaluable. He shares his process for crafting compelling stories, making it a must-watch for budding authors.
How Does MasterClass Compare to Competitors?
When compared to platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare, MasterClass stands out for its focus on celebrity-led content and production quality. However, it falls short in terms of course variety and certifications.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | MasterClass | Udemy | Coursera |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Celebrity Insights | Practical Skills | Academic Learning |
| Pricing | $120/year | $10-$200/course | $50-$500/course |
| Certifications | No | Yes | Yes |
| Depth of Content | Moderate | High | Very High |
FAQs About MasterClass
💁♀️Is MasterClass suitable for beginners?
Yes, but keep in mind that MasterClass is more about inspiration and insights than technical training. Beginners will find it motivational, but they might need additional resources to master specific skills.
🙋♂️Can I cancel my MasterClass subscription?
Yes, MasterClass offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can cancel your subscription anytime during this period for a full refund.
🙆♀️Does MasterClass offer free trials?
Currently, MasterClass does not offer a free trial, but they do provide a sneak peek of their courses through free lesson previews.
🙋♀️ How long are the courses?
Most courses are around 2-5 hours long, divided into short lessons of 10-20 minutes each.
🤷♂️Is there an app for MasterClass?
Yes, MasterClass has a mobile app for both iOS and Android, allowing you to learn on the go.
Quick Links:
Final Verdict: Is MasterClass Worth It?
If you value learning directly from world-class experts, enjoy visually stunning content, and seek inspiration rather than technical depth, MasterClass is a worthy investment. However, if you need detailed training or certifications, platforms like Coursera might be a better fit.
MasterClass brings the world’s best to your screen. Whether it’s hearing Aaron Sorkin’s screenwriting secrets or learning comedy from Steve Martin, this platform is more than just online learning; it’s an experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into MasterClass and let the masters inspire you!
