When I came across MasterClass’s endless ads with its $120 yearly plan, I had the same question you might be pondering: Is MasterClass worth it?
Are they just scamming people by hiring the top sharks to put generic courses on the platform to make a fool of the public? Or is there something more?
I decided to purchase MasterClass to explore its courses and have some thoughts about this platform.
Before you completely dismiss it or spend your precious dollars on the subscription, hear me out! I might change your mind for the better with this in-depth MasterClass review.
MasterClass Review 2024: In A Nutshell
After spending time on an annual plan and going through several courses, here is a summary of everything you need to know about this platform.
| Price | $120 per year |
| Free Trial | No free trial |
| Refund policy | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Courses | 200+ classes |
| Niches covered | Cooking, songwriting, producing, communication, acting, Science & Tech (To name a few) |
| Average course duration | 2-5 hours |
| Instructors | Gordon Ramsay, Mark Cuban, Bill Clinton, Chriss Voss, Lewis Hamilton, Thomas Keller (To name a few) |
| Reason to Choose MasterClass | In-depth, Structured, & Effective to Learn New Subjects (Apart from Credible Instructors) |
| Cons of MasterClass | Less personalization, no feedback, & no certificates |
| Best For | Curious about different subjects & have rudimentary knowledge about them |
| Overall Ratings | 4.3 / 5 (G2 Ratings) |
Overview Of MasterClass
With world-class celebrity instructors and a diverse range of courses on its platform, MasterClass is all about learning about different subjects. Into wellness? Music? Sports? You will find courses that span from Science to Arts.
Most classes have almost 20 lessons that last up to 10 minutes. (Ideal for people learning in chunks and who don’t like to bombard themselves with information) You will find regular new classes on the platform you can access with your MasterClass subscription.
So, this is what MasterClass is about. Your one-stop solution for any subject you want to dive deep into! (With top sharks talking about their expertise.)
What Makes MasterClass Special?
If you want to learn about movie directing, let’s say. You get to learn straight from James Cameron and Martin Scorcese, and I believe that’s the best part about the platform.
Gone are the days when those legends kept their secrets to themselves. They spill everything they know in these courses!
Pros And Cons Of MasterClass
MasterClass comes with its own set of pros and cons. It’s a highly individual decision whether this is the type of learning you prefer or not. It isn’t for everyone, of course.
Pros:
Cons:
Course Categories On MasterClass
You have diverse options and subjects you can learn from during your subscription period.
You will get segments based on the interests you show. Since I wanted to learn more about Health & Wellness in my overall life, I checked out their “Mindfulness & Meditation” classes.
But then, I didn’t have to limit myself there. I hovered over “stress management” and even took Natalie Portman’s course on acting. (Even though I had no intention of becoming an actor. Perhaps I had a crush.)
Categories covered by MasterClass include:
How Does MasterClass Course Look Like?
All their courses are self-paced. (This means you have the authority and flexibility to learn at your convenience and according to your schedule.) With my full-time job, there was no way I could spend hours on a course every day.
Now, if you are a student, and let’s say you want to try some course on Sunday (Since the rest of your days are busy), it’s your call. You can go through multiple lessons in a day.
So what do these courses have? Are they just video lectures? Thankfully, no!
- Quizzes: Most courses have assessments at the end of each lesson or module.
- Assignments: Some courses include hands-on assignments or projects to apply the concepts.
- Supplementary Materials: Additional resources, reading materials, and downloadable content are also provided to enhance learning.
What about the video quality? MasterClass videos are high-quality, cinematic, and produced by real filmmaking experts. You can select the quality option based on your internet speed or gadget.
5 Best MasterClass Courses: My Picks
My top 5 picks out of the lot? Here we go! I am choosing these courses based on how effective they were in delivering what they promised.
1. Donna Farhi Teaches Yoga Mindfulness And Meditation
Donna Farhi is a renowned yoga instructor, evident in her speech throughout the course. Whenever someone is spiritually inclined, their words and expressions speak for themselves.
This was the first course I completed, and I am glad I did. Her gentle approach and deep understanding of yoga philosophy are commendable.
2. Jon Kabat-Zinn Teaches Mindfulness And Meditation
Okay, I wanted more mindfulness after going through Donna’s course, and that’s where I found Jon. Jon Kabat-Zinn is a pioneer in the field of mindfulness-based stress reduction. He shares transformative techniques for cultivating mindfulness and meditation in daily life.
This course significantly helped me to reduce my stress levels and see things from a grand perspective. It’s otherwise difficult in this fast-paced world.
3. Lewis Hamilton Teaches Racing
After watching the seven-time Formula One World Champion on Netflix, I wanted to see Lewis’s comprehensive course on racing. He shared a lot of his techniques and strategies for success on the track. The highlight of this course was related to what I could learn from his life.
His mental preparation and the pursuit of excellence are what make this course worth its duration.
4. Chris Voss Teaches The Art Of Negotiation
I always had a hard time negotiating because of my low confidence. That’s where this title intrigued me. Former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss imparts invaluable negotiation techniques applicable in various contexts—business deals, relationship negotiations—you name it!
His high-stakes experiences are truly intriguing, and his experience is worth your ears.
5. Natalie Portman Teaches Acting
Talking about crushing on an Academy Award-winning actress, Natalie Portman, I truly enjoyed that course. She shared her approach to acting and talked about script analysis and character portrayal. As a writer, her preparation methods helped me understand character depth more.
If you are into acting, this is the course! If you are a fan of hers, then yes, don’t miss out on this. She shared a lot of her personal experiences and remained authentic throughout.
Who Are The Instructors Of MasterClass
So, who are these “VIP instructors” exactly from whom you are going to learn? Here are my top 5 picks, who I believe are the best in what they do.
1. Gordon Ramsay
Who doesn’t know the witty and overwhelming figure Gordon Ramsay? Renowned chef and television personality known for his Michelin-starred restaurants and cooking shows like “Hell’s Kitchen” and “MasterChef.”
2. Neil Gaiman
Bestselling author known for his works in fantasy, science fiction, and graphic novels. His approach towards writing is simply eye-opening.
3. Martin Scorsese
The legendary filmmaker known for iconic movies such as “Goodfellas,” “Taxi Driver,” and “The Departed” covers topics like storytelling, directing actors, and the director’s role in the filmmaking process.
4. Hans Zimmer
Oscar-winning composer renowned for his evocative and memorable film scores, including “The Lion King,” “Inception,” and “The Dark Knight Trilogy” shows the creative process behind his iconic music.
5. Bob Iger
Former CEO of The Walt Disney Company offers insights into business strategy, leadership principles, and innovation gleaned from his successful tenure at Disney.
How Much Does MasterClass Really Cost?
You will find three subscription plans, and they look like this:
A family plan or duo plan is obviously more cost-effective. So, if you can convince your other half or sibling to learn with you, that is going to be the best option. Of course, the solo plan is also not that expensive.
You can opt for that if you are the only curious soul in your family and friends.
Can You Try MasterClass For Free?
While you can catch teasers and course overviews for free, sadly, there are no MasterClass free trials. You will have to purchase the course. But there is good news in the next section!
MasterClass Refund Policy: Does It Have Any?
You will get a 30-day money-back guarantee if you do not find MasterClass effective. (No question asked!)
You can simply visit this page to request a refund. Need any help? Reach out to support@masterclass.com.
Things I Learned From MasterClass Courses
Meditation, mindset, and learning about a new experience from my favorite teachers are what I value the most from all the MasterClass courses I have taken until now.
The one common factor among all the instructors was their humility while sharing such valuable insights. Chris Voss’s talk about his negotiation skills and experience after a year of tackling difficult situations was inspiring.
This happens only when you truly learn from the masters of their respective fields. They are not here just for the money. (At least, it looks like that to me.) I am able to remain more mindful by actually living with the course for months. This makes a lot of difference.
You don’t get that after watching a podcast because you do not live long enough with that individual. It is exactly like reading a book. It’s just that it’s easy to consume and doesn’t require much effort.
Things Where MasterClass Can Improve (My Honest Experience)
I wish I could have two-way communication with the instructors. Perhaps a small session? It is obviously much more effective to talk with your mentors personally. That is missing. However, you can engage with the online community and fellow learners.
Apart from that, I think not everyone wants to access all the courses on the platform. Let’s say I only want to access the course by Chris Voss; in that case, subscribing to the entire platform doesn’t make much sense. You also cannot purchase the course for a lifetime.
A few modifications can make this platform even more inviting.
MasterClass User Reviews & Testimonials
I always go through reviews before purchasing anything, and I found some really interesting ones.
Robert’s good words about the course by Natalie were that final piece of the puzzle that made me give it a shot.
Jon and Jean both had a nice in-depth view of their experience with the platform, and most of the reviews were quite positive. I got the confidence that MasterClass is definitely not just for the show.
This was an interesting POV. I learned quite a lot, and I am not sure if I agree with MsAmes321, but I can see the point. Perhaps some classes lean more towards inspiration and what drives the masters than actually teaching the main subjects.
MasterClass Alternatives: How Do Others Compare?
I have tried to compare MasterClass with its few competitors. I encourage you to check out the other alternatives, in case they make more sense to you. But comparing them is not that easy, as each platform offers something unique.
| Aspect | MasterClass | Udemy | Coursera | Skillshare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor Quality | A-list celebrities and experts in their fields. | Varied, includes professionals and industry experts. | A mix of university professors and industry professionals. | Diverse range, including professionals and enthusiasts. |
| Pricing (Annual) | $120 | $180 | $399 | $168 |
| Course Variety | Limited but curated selection across various disciplines. | Extensive, covering a wide range of topics with many user-generated courses. | Extensive, offering courses from universities and institutions worldwide. | Diverse, spanning creative arts, business, technology, and more. |
| Interactivity | Limited interactivity primarily focused on video content. (Apart from selective quizzes and assignments) | Varies by course, and often includes quizzes, assignments, and practical exercises. | Interactive features like quizzes, graded assignments, and discussion forums. | Interactive elements such as projects, workshops, and peer feedback. |
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Verdict: MasterClass Is Definitely Worth It
So, the one and final question. Is MasterClass worth it? Yes! A big yes!
It delivers everything it promises, and you will have a plethora of courses available on the platform in your arsenal.
I recommend you go through the top few courses. See if they are valuable to you and whether the topics intrigue you. If you find a couple of topics you feel can help you in any shape or form, go and give them a shot.
Because, of course, the 30-day guarantee is there. So go ahead and purchase your subscription (preferably a family plan), and don’t forget to share your favorite courses or what you seek to learn from them in the comments below.
Any questions? I would love to address them.
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