If you’ve ever dreamed of learning cooking from Gordon Ramsay, filmmaking from Martin Scorsese, or writing from Margaret Atwood—all from the comfort of your home—MasterClass may already be on your radar. But with its premium pricing and unique format, one question lingers: Is MasterClass actually worth the subscription?
In this honest and in-depth MasterClass review, we’ll dive deep into the platform’s features, pricing, content quality, value for money, and who it’s best suited for. Whether you’re a casual learner or a creative professional, this guide will help you decide if MasterClass deserves your attention—and your money.
What is MasterClass?
MasterClass is a premium online learning platform known for offering celebrity-taught courses across a wide range of categories including cooking, writing, sports, film, music, science, business, and more. Launched in 2015, it has quickly become a household name for those seeking inspiration and knowledge from world-renowned experts.
Key Highlights:
- Classes taught by celebrities and industry leaders
- High production value (Netflix-style videos)
- 180+ classes across diverse fields
- New classes added regularly
- Available on desktop and mobile apps
Who Are the Instructors?
MasterClass sets itself apart with its star-studded lineup of instructors. Rather than typical educators, you learn directly from global icons in their fields.
Examples of Instructors:
- Gordon Ramsay – Cooking Techniques
- Serena Williams – Tennis Fundamentals
- Margaret Atwood – Creative Writing
- Martin Scorsese – Filmmaking
- Neil deGrasse Tyson – Scientific Thinking
This alone makes MasterClass appealing to those who admire these figures or want to understand the thought process behind true mastery.
Course Quality and Format
Each course typically includes:
- 20–30 lessons, each about 10 minutes long
- High-quality video production (cinematic style)
- A downloadable PDF workbook with assignments
- Community discussions
- No quizzes or certifications
The lessons focus less on academic rigor and more on inspiration, mindset, and real-world insights.
Pros:
- Visually stunning, engaging videos
- Easy to consume in short sessions
- Real stories and techniques from elite professionals
Cons:
- Limited hands-on practice
- Not ideal for skill certification
- Sometimes lacks technical depth
Categories of Courses Available on MasterClass
Here are the main categories of classes you’ll find on MasterClass:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Business
- Cooking
- Sports & Gaming
- Music
- Writing
- Science & Technology
- Wellness & Lifestyle
- Design & Style
- Community & Government
How Much Does MasterClass Cost?
As of 2025, MasterClass offers three subscription tiers, all billed annually:
| Plan | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $120/year | 1 device at a time |
| Duo | $180/year | 2 devices at once |
| Family | $240/year | Up to 6 devices |
Each plan provides unlimited access to all courses. There is no free trial, but they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is MasterClass Worth It?
It depends on your learning goals. MasterClass is best viewed as inspirational content rather than a hands-on educational tool.
MasterClass is worth it if:
- You admire the celebrity instructors
- You enjoy storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights
- You’re looking for creative inspiration
- You want high-quality, on-demand learning
MasterClass may not be worth it if:
- You prefer academic, certified learning
- You need quizzes, projects, or instructor feedback
- You want step-by-step tutorials or technical depth
MasterClass vs Competitors
Here’s how MasterClass stacks up against other major online learning platforms:
| Feature | MasterClass | Skillshare | Coursera | Udemy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Celebrity insights | Creative skills | Academic/professional | Varied topics |
| Pricing | Annual subscription | Monthly subscription | Per course or monthly | Per course |
| Certification | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Instructors | Celebrities | Industry experts | Professors | Anyone |
| Content Style | Story-driven, inspirational | Practical, project-based | Lecture-based | Varied |
Best MasterClass Courses to Watch in 2025
Here are some of the top-rated MasterClass courses that learners rave about:
- Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking
- Chris Voss Teaches Negotiation
- Margaret Atwood on Writing
- Martin Scorsese on Filmmaking
- James Cameron Teaches Filmmaking
- Aaron Sorkin on Screenwriting
- Neil deGrasse Tyson on Scientific Thinking
- Howard Schultz on Business Leadership
- Anna Wintour on Creativity and Leadership
Pros and Cons Summary
✅ Pros:
- High production quality
- Legendary instructors
- Great for inspiration and mindset
- Easy to watch and binge
- Mobile-friendly and accessible
❌ Cons:
- No certifications or assessments
- Not ideal for beginners needing practice
- Pricey for casual learners
Who Should Use MasterClass?
MasterClass is ideal for:
- Creatives looking for mentorship and inspiration
- Fans of specific celebrities
- Busy professionals who prefer on-the-go learning
- Lifelong learners who love storytelling and real-life insights
Not ideal for:
- Students needing academic rigor
- People looking for professional certifications
- Beginners who want guided practice
Final Verdict: Is MasterClass Worth the Money?
Yes—if you’re seeking inspiration, not certification.
MasterClass isn’t a platform for skill certification or job advancement. But it excels as a source of motivation, insights, and artistic enrichment. For the right audience, the value far exceeds the price.
At around $10/month (when billed annually), it offers access to hundreds of hours of content you can’t get anywhere else. Just don’t expect quizzes, feedback, or hands-on training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Author Profile
- At Learners View, we're passionate about helping learners make informed decisions. Our team dives deep into online course platforms and individual courses to bring you honest, detailed reviews. Whether you're a beginner or a lifelong learner, our insights aim to guide you toward the best educational resources available online.
Latest entries
Career GrowthJune 6, 2025Udacity Review: Are Nanodegree Programs Worth the High Price?
Career GrowthJune 6, 2025GetSmarter Review: Are University-Backed Online Courses Worth It?
Career GrowthJune 6, 2025CreativeLive Review: Is It the Top Choice for Creative Learning?
Career GrowthJune 6, 2025DataCamp Review: Is It the Right Platform for Data Science Beginners?
