Looking for more than a star-studded line-up of teachers and classes? Even though MasterClass may seem like it has it all, you might, like me, be itching for a little more variety and depth from your learning experience. A few years back, when I was looking for some formal training to help develop my career, I was really excited to find other online learning platforms that met my learning goals.
I’ve found and compiled a shortlist of platforms that are worth considering as MasterClass alternatives, and I am hoping, you’ll find them just as handy as I have.
Let’s waste no more time and dive straight into it!
I’ve thoroughly researched various online learning platforms to ensure this article on MasterClass alternatives is both informative and helpful. With my Master’s in Teaching and Education and years of experience using e-learning platforms, I’ve crafted this comprehensive review.
Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor
MasterClass Alternatives Summary Table
Platform
Pros & Cons
- Partnered Organizations
- Verified Certificates
- Free Courses
- Prior Knowledge
- Time Commitment
- Celebrity Instructors
- High Quality Video Production
- Generous Refund Policy
- No Free Trial
- Higher Cost
- No Certificates
- Industry Instructors
- Engaged Community
- Bite-sized Video Lessons
- Limited Topics
- No Free Trial
- Free trial
- Affordable
- Engaged Community
- Non Accredited Certificates
- Quality of Teachers
- Free Plan
- Interactive & Engaging Content
- Industry Partners
- No Accredited Certificates
- Data Specific Topics
- Affordable
- Free Beginner Courses
- Lifetime Access
- No Accredited Certificates
- Experience of Instructors
MasterClass Alternatives In Detail
If you want to dive deeper into MasterClass competitors, keep reading on to learn more about the alternative platforms.
1. Coursera
Coursera is the academic alternative to MasterClass, where you can earn an accredited certificate from one of its partnered Universities or Organizations. Like MasterClass it offers a wide variety of categories, so you’ll always have something new and exciting to dive into.
Coursera offers a wide variety of its courses for free if you opt for the audit mode, this is the ideal to get started with your online learning journey. If you do decide you want to earn an accredited certificate, you’ll need to pay for a course or learning program.
Why Choose Coursera over MasterClass?
After trying both platforms, I’ve found Coursera to be an excellent alternative, especially if you’re seeking an academic learning experience. Its courses are developed in partnership with top universities and organizations, and its accredited certificates provide real value, especially if you need it to show an employer. Even though MasterClass is perfect for honing hobbies and creative skills, Coursera’s emphasis on professional credentials makes it ideal if you’re looking to boost your academic or career qualifications. So whether you’re diving into data science, business or health, Coursera’s academic focus and certification programs are pretty compelling, especially if career growth or formal education is your priority.
2. BBC Maestro
BBC Maestro is best known for its celebrity instructors and highly produced video lessons. It offers a course library of 35+ courses across 7 diverse creative categories. Like MasterClass it regularly adds new courses to the platform, so you’ll likely always have something fresh and new to learn.
You have the option to purchase just 1 course, or you can get an annual subscription which gives you access to all the courses on the platform. In case you change your mind, BBC Maestro offers a generous refund policy of 14-days on the 1 course or 30-days on the yearly subscription.
Why Choose BBC Maestro over MasterClass?
After trying both platforms, it’s clear that BBC Maestro shares many similarities with MasterClass, especially if you’re looking for celebrity instructors. The courses are incredibly well-produced and a pleasure to watch, almost like your favorite Netflix show. One key difference is that BBC Maestro allows you to purchase a single course, which is ideal if you’re not ready to commit to a full year or if you’re interested in a specific course from your favorite celebrity. Plus, you’ll have lifetime access to that individual course. If you’re seeking more flexibility in how you pay for an online learning platform, BBC Maestro is the better choice.
3. Skillshare
At first glance, Skillshare and Masterclass could seem very similar, as they both focus on cultivating one’s creativity. Taking a closer look, you’ll find classes on Skillshare aim to develop the creative skills of individuals, either on a personal or professional level. The classes provide a hands-on approach that you can apply directly, to your own projects. This method of learning gives you a genuine sense of accomplishment when you complete a final project and have something tangible to show for it.
As I write this, Skillshare offers a one month of free trial access to its platform. Thereafter, you will either be subscribed to its monthly or yearly subscription plan. Be mindful that you will need to register to either of these plans before you get access to the free trial, you can read in more detail about Skillshares pricing here. Both subscriptions are reasonably priced for those seeking creative exploration and professional advancements.
Why Choose Skillshare over MasterClass?
You can most definitely learn something from MasterClass, but the bulk of the content is more inspirational rather than instructional– it’s like watching masters excel at their craft. Skillshare classes, on the other hand, actually offer instructional material and video content to help an individual gain a new skill. It’s not star-studded like MasterClass, but it does have some creative industry leaders on its roster. What makes Skillshare stand out over MasterClass is the fact you’ll earn a certificate when you complete a class alongside your completed creative project. I got a real sense of achievement when I completed classes on Skillshare, I even shared mine on LinkedIn and was pretty proud of myself. With all that considered, Skillshare is a platform worth considering over MasterClass.
4. Mindvalley
Mindvalley is like the encouragement you’ve always needed to unlock your full potential, its transformative learning experience goes beyond traditional education. It’s 100+ video lessons, offer a diverse range of categories and learning approaches, which are all committed to fostering growth and transformation in all areas of your life. It’s a platform that is great for folks interested in developing mind, body, health and wellness aspects, as well as wanting to build a community that they can grow and connect with, who are on a similar path.
Currently, Mindvalley offers over a hundred quests (courses) that are divided into 6 main categories. You can choose between a monthly subscription for $49 and a yearly one for $399, and in case you change your mind, a 15-day refund policy is available if the platform doesn’t meet your expectations.
Why Choose Mindvalley over MasterClass?
While MasterClass does offer classes under the Health & Wellness umbrella, its content may feel a little superficial when compared to Mindvalley. Mindvalley provides a much more extensive and thorough approach to the mind, body, spirit and health space. If these are the areas you want to invest in, then Mindvalley would be the obvious choice. Both platforms do share some similarities, Mindvalley like MasterClass has some big industry names as teachers, so if this is important to you, you won’t miss out if you choose Mindvalley. In case you are reluctant to subscribe to a yearly membership plan, Mindvalley unlike MasterClass offers a monthly option. It’s important to consider what your learning goals are, if you are looking to go deeper into areas of personal growth and transformation, then Mindvalley is the obvious choice. If you’re still unconvinced, you can take a look at our in-depth Mindvalley article to help with your decision.
5. DataCamp
During my time exploring online learning platforms, I like many, have observed the ever-growing demand for upskilling in topics like Data and AI. Fortunately, platforms like DataCamp do an excellent job at offering courses in data, programming, tech and much more. Not only that, the platform also stands out for its hands-on learning approach. Some people may find these topics intimidating, especially complete beginners. DataCamp does a stellar job at breaking down concepts and teaching them in a bite – sized way. With their method of learn-by-doing, I felt comfortable in subjects like ChatGPT, Programming and Statistics. As a ChatGPT novice, I walked away with some hard-won AI skills without breaking a sweat.
DataCcamp not only offers individual courses, its career certifications have been built in partnership with industry leaders and are for those seeking the skills for specific job roles like a Data Analyst or Data Scientist. The best part about it are all these certifications are that they are included in the monthly or annual subscription plans.
Why Choose DataCamp over MasterClass?
Datacamp’s focus on learning is about the only common aspect shared with MasterClass. The other 99% of its purpose, content and methodology is a world away different from MasterClass. Both offer high-quality classes, but Datacamps focus is offering the newest data and AI skills, whilst MasterClass prides itself in offering classes in life skills and hobbies. DataCamp can truly help dedicated learners reach both academic and professional goals versus MasterClass which focuses on sharpening a particular skill, like feeling more confident in the kitchen, or learning to write a story. If the intention of your learning experience is to gain the experience and recognition for a career in the Data, AI or tech industry, then DataCamp is the obvious choice.
6. Udemy
Looking to acquire a very specific practical skill? Think Udemy. It provides an astounding number of courses from Data Science, Communication, Design and much more. If broadening your knowledge on a very specific niche topic, it’s likely Udemy will offer it. Somatic Movement Therapy and Airbnb Hosting are just to name as few of those niches. Its courses are taught by passionate enthusiasts who may or may not have a qualification in the topic they are teaching, which for some learners isn’t an issue, but it’s important you’re aware of this.
For those looking for an affordable online platform, Udemy’s individual courses can start as little as $11.99 and its monthly subscription plan is $20.99 which gives you access to 11,000+ courses. On top of that, there are a bunch of free beginner courses to get you started. One very noteworthy feature that certainly adds value to their platform is how Udemy helps learners to stay on track with progress checkers. Having a visual record of my learning progress strengthened my ability to meet my goals.
Why Choose Udemy over MasterClass?
For me, the difference between Udemy and MasterClass really came down to what I wanted out of my learning experience—Udemy feels like less of a commitment, especially when you can just purchase one individual course instead of signing up for a whole year, which is your only option with MasterClass. Of course, a drawback of Udemy is that its instructors may not be qualified in the area they are teaching, and you may feel more comfortable learning from a VIP or celebrity who you know has more credibility. But if that isn’t a priority for your learning experience, and you are just getting started with learning online, then Udemy maybe an excellent starting point. Plus, I am almost certain Udemy will have you covered with whatever niche category you’re after.
Last Thoughts: MasterClass Alternatives
Hopefully, after reading this short list of MasterClass Alternatives, you have found that its competitors are strong contenders. You’ll have gathered that each alternative has something different to offer, which may or may not appeal to your taste. With an increasing number of online learning platforms, it’s definitely wise to read up on the alternatives to make sure you find the right online learning platform for you.
Finding the right MasterClass alternative could mean saving yourself time, money and disappointment. If you’ve tried out any of the alternatives we’ve mentioned in this article, please leave us a comment on how you got on, and in the meantime, happy learning.
Key Takeaways:
- Learning goals
- Budget
- Learning style
- Quality and diversity of courses offered
- Platform reviews and reputation
FAQs
If MasterClass doesn’t meet your learning goals and needs. There are plenty of alternatives that are worth considering like Coursera, Skillshare and Mindvalley all offering a wide range of courses that are flexible and many are very affordable.
MasterClass does not issue any certificates, nor is it accredited as an educational institute. For earning a certificate or degree, consider platforms such as Coursera or DataCamp.