MasterClass Review 2026: Is MasterClass Worth It?
MasterClass features a broad selection of courses taught by leaders in their fields. Explore the pros and cons of MasterClass courses, who they tend to work best for, who may prefer alternative learning options, and what to consider before signing up.
Online degrees and colleges continue to grow in popularity as learners look for more flexible and affordable opportunities. However, not all learners want to pursue a full degree or enroll in a traditional college course.
This need for single classes has led to platforms like MasterClass growing in popularity. MasterClass provides learners with unique opportunities to gain knowledge directly from subject matter experts (SMEs) without having to pay high tuition rates or commit to the rigid schedules that come with college enrollment.
Learn more about what MasterClass is, the pros and cons of MasterClass, MasterClass subscription costs, available courses, and whether it is worth it for your educational and career goals.
What is MasterClass?
MasterClass is a learning platform that emphasizes individual courses as opposed to a learning pathway that results in a certificate or a degree. There are 13 different subject groups, including Science & Technology, Food & Drink, and Art & Design.
MasterClass courses are taught by an SME, usually an active professional in the field. For example, the courses in the Film & TV category are taught by notable names, including Shonda Rhimes, Samuel L. Jackson, Ron Howard, and many others.
These programs are designed to appeal to a broad range of students, including beginners and more advanced learners. The goal of a MasterClass session is just learning for the sake of learning, with no grades or assessments.
Students have access to both video and audio-only versions of courses, both offered in a fully on-demand format. Depending on the subscription plan a learner has, they can share their subscription with family members across multiple devices.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Is MasterClass Worth it?
MasterClass' worth depends on what a student’s goal is. If a learner is just looking to learn more for the sake of learning or expanding a skillset for work, MasterClass is a great and affordable option. However, some learners might not view these courses as valuable because they don’t result in a certificate, transferable credit, or assessments.
Advantages of MasterClass
MasterClass can be a strong option if you learn best through high quality video lessons and a clear, guided structure. Instead of piecing together random tutorials online, you get curated courses that feel intentional and easy to follow. It is especially useful when you want to explore a new interest, build confidence in a skill, or stay motivated with consistent learning. Below you will find the pros of taking MasterClass courses.
- Learn from recognized leaders: Courses are taught by well known professionals, which can make lessons more engaging and memorable.
- High production value: Videos are polished and easy to follow, helping you stay focused.
- Wide range of topics: Writing, cooking, film, leadership, business, music, wellness, and more are available under one membership.
- Easy to fit into your schedule: Lessons are usually broken into shorter segments, so you can learn in small pockets of time.
- Helpful supporting materials: Many classes include workbooks, exercises, and prompts that encourage practice.
- Practical insights plus mindset: You often learn both techniques and how experts approach decisions, creativity, and problem solving.
- Good value if you take multiple classes: The subscription model can be cost effective when you plan to explore several topics.
- Motivating and inspiring: The format can help you build momentum, especially when you need a fresh start or a creative boost.
MasterClass offers high-quality, structured video courses taught by well-known experts across a wide range of topics, making it a convenient and motivating way to build skills and explore new interests. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on the student and what they’re trying to accomplish, since it’s best for inspiration and practical guidance rather than formal academic credit or credentials.
Disadvantages of MasterClass
MasterClass can be inspiring and enjoyable, but it is not the best fit for every learner. The platform focuses on learning through high quality video storytelling, which means you may get more insight and motivation than step by step training. If you need clear outcomes, formal instruction, or direct feedback, you may find its limitations frustrating. Find the cons of taking MasterClass courses below.
- Not designed for credentials: You do not earn academic credit, certifications, or widely recognized professional credentials.
- Limited feedback and coaching: Most classes do not include personalized review, grading, or instructor interaction, so it can be harder to know if you are improving.
- Less hands on structure: Some courses feel more like a master talk than a guided program with assignments, practice checks, and skill benchmarks.
- Results depend on self discipline: You may need to create your own practice plan and follow through on exercises without external accountability.
- Depth varies by topic: Some classes provide strong frameworks, while others stay at a high level and may not cover advanced technical details.
- Not ideal for absolute beginners in some areas: If you are brand new, you might prefer courses that move slower and include more foundational instruction.
- Subscription model may not fit all users: If you only want one or two topics, a yearly membership can feel expensive compared to buying a single course elsewhere.
- Entertainment factor can be misleading: Great production can make content feel impactful even when you still need additional resources to master the skill.
MasterClass can be a great supplement, but many learners benefit most when they pair it with practice, projects, or more interactive training.
How Much Does a MasterClass Subscription Cost?
There are three different MasterClass membership plans available to learners. Each plan is billed monthly on a subscription format. The three plans are:
Standard: $10/month or $120/year
Plus: $15/month or $180/year
Premium: $20/month or $240/year
The main difference between these levels is the number of active devices that can use your account at any point. Plus and Premium allow users to download lessons for offline study. MasterClass offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows learners to try out courses without a long-term commitment. MasterClass also regularly offers reduced rates throughout the year.
MasterClass offers different payment plans and options for employers. This allows employers to reimburse and cover costs for a single employee or a larger team trying to learn specific skills. Employer-based packages include access to different courses that are more tailored to professional environments.
List of Masterclass Courses
There are currently over 200 courses in MasterClass’ catalogue, with new courses added monthly. These courses cover 13 different learning categories, including business-related learning skills offered through employer plans.
Here is a sample list of some of the courses available to help give prospective learners an idea of what MasterClass can do for their personal and career advancement goals.
Power of Storytelling: This course, taught by LeVar Burton, covers key elements of storytelling, including communication skills, how to connect with audiences, and why stories matter.
Advertising and Creativity: Jeff Goodby and Rich Silverstein (of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners) teach the basics of creating advertising from concept to execution.
Campaign Strategy and Messaging: Karl Rove and David Axelrod share lessons learned from their combined experiences running presidential campaigns.
Poker: Learn the intricacies of poker, including how to read tells and make smart bets, from seven-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu.
Scientific Thinking and Communication: Neil DeGrasse Tyson teaches students a two-fold approach to science: how to identify the truth through logic and how to communicate this truth to others.
Screenwriting: This course covers the technical and creative skills required to write screenplays for film and television, taught by Oscar and Emmy winner Aaron Sorkin.
Athlete’s Mindset: Wayne Gretzky, NHL Hall of Famer, teaches learners how to develop an athlete’s mindset and how to apply it to competitions and beyond.
Small Habits that Make a Big Impact on Your Life: James Clear, author of the New York Times’s best-selling book Atomic Habits, teaches some of the lessons from his book and how small habits can benefit you.
Dramatic Writing: David Mamet, award-winning playwright and author, shares the skills he uses to write compelling stories, from creating story ideas to writing dialogue.
Investigative Journalism: Bob Woodward, one of the legendary journalists who broke the Watergate Scandal in the 1960s, teaches the skills needed to investigate, interview, and report on stories.
Conservation: The late Dr. Jane Goodall discusses the role of conservation in the world, with lessons focusing on both local and global approaches.
The Power Playbook: Stanford business professor Jeffrey Pfeffer shares his insight on the theories and practices of power, particularly in the workplace.
Authentic Leadership: This course covers important leadership skills, including crisis management and decision-making, taught by former President George W. Bush.
Art of Negotiation: Former FBI lead hostage negotiator Chris Voss provides a guide to the various tricks used in high-stakes negotiating and explains how they can be used in daily life.
Cyberwarfare: The Front Line is You: This course is taught by three cyber defense professionals and teaches vital skills that learners can use to protect their personal assets, such as online finances.
Make Compelling Videos That Go Viral: Students in this course learn how to create ideas, produce videos, and share content on multiple platforms that can be used personally or professionally.
Leading Winning Teams: Geno Auriemma, the winningest coach in NCAA DI basketball history, teaches skills to lead teams and groups in any setting.
Creating Outside the Lines: Learn how to create and develop stories and ideas from Issa Rae, an Emmy-nominated writer, actor, and producer.
Prepare to Be Unprepared: Amy Poehler teaches how improv comedy skills can be used in business and other professional settings to help learners prepare for unexpected situations.
Find Online Courses Today
MasterClass offers a variety of high-quality standalone courses. If you’re looking for online courses that can count toward a degree or a certificate, use our resources to find the best options for your educational and professional goals.
