Always wanted to learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay, writing from Neil Gaiman, or basketball from Steph Curry? MasterClass makes it possible.
It’s tempting to dive into their star-studded binge-worthy lessons that combines a high Netflix-level production value with a motivational TED talk, but there's that practical question: How much is this gonna set you back?
Let's break down the costs so you can decide if signing up is the right move for you!
Remember when a fancy online course subscription could cost you hundreds of dollars a month? Yikes!
Thankfully, MasterClass has always been about shaking things up. They made learning from the world's best accessible, and their pricing's gotten even more streamlined over the years. Let's break down your choices:
MasterClass plans are billed annually. Here's what you'd likely pay as of the time of writing (check their site for the latest and any promos).
MasterClass pricing at a glance (2024)
| Plan Name | Annual Cost (approx.) | Devices | What You Get |
| Individual | $120 | 1 | Unlimited classes on a single device, downloadable workbooks, community access |
| Standard | $180 | 2 | All the Individual perks, but you can watch on two devices simultaneously |
| Premium | $240 | 6 | Everything in Standard, but for up to six screens at once |
Important Notes:
MasterClass is awesome, but savvy learners know there are ways to make it even more affordable! Here are a few tricks to keep in mind:
The easiest way to slash your cost is to share! Find a like-minded friend or family member, and split the cost of a Standard ($180) or even Premium ($240) plan. This can potentially cut your individual cost almost in half!
If you have that perfect someone celebrating a birthday, graduation, or you just want to be generous with a friend or your loved this coming holiday, why not share the love?
A MasterClass subscription makes a unique, super-thoughtful gift. Plus, here's a sneaky-smart tip: If a friend or family member is also keen on MasterClass, that’s an easy easy save, and get to enjoy those awesome classes together!
While not super frequent, MasterClass occasionally offers discounts. Follow them on social media, or subscribe to their email for alerts on upcoming sales.
Also, keep an eye out around the following holidays: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, even New Year's might be times to grab a discounted plan.
Sometimes new subscribers get a special intro deal. Worth trying with a new email address so you might snag a plan for 10-20% off!
Okay, the hype around MasterClass is real. Those star-studded instructors, beautifully shot videos...it's tempting to hit that "Enroll" button right away. But before you do, let's get practical. Here are a few key factors to consider when deciding if MasterClass is truly worth the investment:
Sure, $180 for the Plus tier upfront might feel like a splurge. But let's break it down: that works out to approximately $15 per month.
Compare that to your Netflix subscription, a couple of fancy coffees, or one takeout meal... suddenly, MasterClass seems way more justifiable! Plus, you're not just paying for entertainment – you're investing in learning that could seriously enhance your life or career.
If you're truly passionate about developing a new skill or delving deeper into a hobby, MasterClass is tough to beat.
Their in-depth courses provide structured learning with real-world insights you won't usually find on a freebie YouTube channel. That said, if you're just casually curious, those random tutorials might do the trick.
MasterClass won't magically turn you into a Michelin-star chef overnight (dang it!). Real learning takes time and dedication.
If your schedule is already packed to the brim, even the most amazing instructors won't be able to help you much. Be honest with yourself about how much time you can realistically commit to watching the lessons and practicing what you learn.
Some MasterClass courses are purely theory-based, while others encourage you to get hands-on. Before you excitedly enroll in that baking masterclass, consider if you need to budget for special ingredients, or if your screenwriting course might necessitate snagging some new software.
These extra costs can add up, so it's best to factor them in when deciding if the value is still there for you.
MasterClass is a big name in online learning, but they're not the only option out there. Let's look at some popular alternatives and how they stack up:
| Platform | Pricing Model | Approx. Cost | Free Content Availability | Notes |
| MasterClass | Annual Subscription | Individual: $120/year Standard: $1800/year Premium: $240/year | Limited (Occasional trailers or sample lessons) | Access to ALL courses, device limits vary per plan |
| Udemy | Pay-per-Course | $10-$200 per course (sales are frequent) | Some free courses and previews | Prices vary wildly by course length and instructor |
| Skillshare | Annual Subscription | Around $168/year | A decent selection of free classes | Access to all courses |
| The Great Courses | Pay-per-Course | $10-$750+ per course | Limited (Occasional short lectures or previews) | Sales and bundle deals available occasionally |
Udemy is more like a huge marketplace of individual courses. They cover a vast range of topics – from coding to cake decorating – and the quality can vary between instructors. Here's the gist:
Skillshare operates on a subscription model similar to MasterClass. However, their course selection tends to be more focused on creative pursuits – think design, illustration, photography, etc. Here's how it compares:
If you want the academic lecture experience without the stuffy lecture hall, The Great Courses might be your jam! They offer in-depth courses across history, science, literature – you name it. Think of them like the ultimate college class crash course.
Okay, it’s obvious at this point that MasterClass offers amazing instructors and high-quality lessons. But at the end of the day, is hitting that "enroll" button the right choice for you? Let's break down which types of learners get the absolute most value out of a MasterClass subscription:
If you're determined to gain a specific skill – whether it's mastering the perfect French omelet or finally writing that screenplay – MasterClass could be your game-changer.
Their classes are designed to give you in-depth knowledge straight from the experts and are way more structured than random Internet tutorials. Think of it like an accelerated apprenticeship with the world's best.
Always dreamed of learning photography, painting, or even stand-up comedy but never knew where to start? MasterClass can be your Kickstarter!
It removes the intimidation factor, making even complex skills approachable through guidance from passionate masters of their craft. Plus, who wouldn't want to geek out with Neil Gaiman on writing or Serena Williams on tennis?
Let's be honest, sometimes the celebrity instructor IS a major part of the appeal. If you've always been fascinated by a specific person's work and want a peek behind the curtain of their process, MasterClass delivers. Think of it like a much more exclusive podcast interview with the added bonus of actionable advice and insights.
Important Note: Even if you fit one of these categories, the "worth it" factor also depends on your budget, learning style, and how much time you realistically have to dedicate. MasterClass is a powerful tool, but it's up to you to make the most of it!
MasterClass can be an awesome investment, but it's wise to do some research before taking the plunge. Here's how to ensure it's the right fit for you:
Unfortunately, MasterClass doesn't offer a free trial. This is a bummer, but they do have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you try it and decide it's not for you, you can request a refund within that period. Just be sure to check their current refund policy for any specific conditions.
MasterClass commercials are slick, but what do regular people really think? Seek out honest reviews on platforms like Reddit, forums dedicated to online learning, or even independent blogs.
Look for opinions that go beyond the hype and address whether the learning style and content depth match your needs.
Official MasterClass student discounts are rare and often change. It absolutely doesn't hurt to do a quick Google search before checkout on the off-chance there's a current promo.
However, be wary of third-party sites promising massive discounts – these are often too good to be true. Stick to the official MasterClass site for the most reliable information on pricing and offers.
MasterClass is an investment – in yourself, your skills, your fun! If you're ready to learn from the best, the price tag might just be worth it.
Hey, I'm Michael, your friendly Course Scout! As a lifelong learner and online course enthusiast, I'm passionate about helping you discover the best educational resources out there. When I'm not exploring new courses, you can find me in my backyard watering my plants. Follow Michael on LinkedIn and X.
