MasterClass Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?

If you are considering MasterClass, then knowing what’s included in its annual membership plans are essential before deciding if it’s worth it?

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To ensure this MasterClass pricing article is both informative and beneficial, I’ve invested considerable time researching MasterClass classes, subscription plans, its money-back guarantee and feedback from MasterClass users. Furthermore, my Master’s degree in Teaching and Education, combined with using online learning platforms, has given me a wealth of knowledge to comprise this detailed article on MasterClass pricing.

Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor

In this detailed MasterClass costing article, we discuss; How Much Does MasterClass Cost?, MasterClass Memberships?, MasterClass Refunds? and more. We will do our best to explain in as much detail as possible, so you’re left with an overview of the MasterClass platform. In case you’re looking for a more detailed MasterClass review you can read it here.

How Much Does MasterClass Cost?

MasterClass offers annual membership plans only, which are divided into 3 different plans:

• Standard: $120 USD billed annually (working out at $10/month)
• Plus: $180 USD billed annually (working out at $15/month)
• Premium: $240 USD billed annually (working out at $20/month)

Standard Plan (formerly the Individual Plan)

The standard membership plan is ideal for the single user. You will get access to thousands of classes which you can watch and enjoy on your TV, phone or tablet. With this plan, you can only have 1 account and watch from only 1 device at a time. Sadly, there isn’t the option to download any classes to watch online. The standard annual plan is $120 USD a year, which when you consider that you are likely to take one class a month, it works out at $10 USD a month per class.

Plus Plan (formerly the Duo Plan)

The Plus membership plan is perfect for a couple or two friends or family members. Like the Standard plan, you will get full access to thousands of classes which you can watch on your TV, phone or tablet. The Plus plan is 1 account which you can access from 2 devices at the same time. This plan allows you to download and watch offline, which is perfect if you plan to use MasterClass on your commute or when travelling. The Plus annual plan costs $180 USD annually, which works out at $15 USD a month.

Premium Plan (formerly the Family Plan)

Finally, the Premium plan that’s perfect for a family or group of friends. Like the other plans, you will get full access to thousands of classes which you can watch from your preferred device (TV, phone or tablet). The Premium plan is 1 account which you can access from 6 devices at the same time, think of it like a Netflix account, I share one with my family which we all enjoy watching at the same time. Like the Plus membership, you can download and watch classes offline. The Premium plan is $240 USD annually, which works out at $20 USD a month.

Registering with MasterClass

Registrating with MasterClass is super easy and straightforward. Once you land on the homepage, all you need to do is enter your email address and click on GET STARTED (see image below).  

Then you are taken to choose one of its subscription plans; Standard, Plus or Premium plan. All memberships give you full access to its thousands of classes across a dozen categories. The distinct difference between the plans are that the Plus and Premium plans, allow you to download for offline viewing and more than one device can use the MasterClass platform at the same time.

Finally, you will be taken to a secure order page where you just need to add your card number, expire date and CVC and then click on PLACE SECURE ORDER (see image below). Then you are ready to start exploring MasterClasses class categories and exploring its thousands of classes on a wide variety of topics.

Does MasterClass Offer a Free Trial?

Sadly, MasterClass doesn’t offer any free trials. But it does offer a bunch of free video lessons. They are around 10 minutes long and some they currently offer are from celebrity instructors like Anna Wintour and Chris Voss.

These sneak peek teasers of the class aren’t quite the same as trying the MasterClass platform for free, but it does help to give you a better idea of what to expect from the platform.

However, if you are looking for a wider variety of free courses or a free trial, it would be best to check out platforms Udemy or Skillshare.

What's Included in a MasterClass Membership?

Every MasterClass membership includes the following to ensure you have a full learning experience: Unlimited access to 150+ instructors, Watch anywhere, anytime, Audio-only mode, Sessions by MasterClass, Downloadable class guides and 14-day guest passes.

Sessions by MasterClass

MasterClass has introduced a whole new way of learning, with Sessions. It’s a hands-on learning format where you can learn from the world’s best following a flexible 30-day curriculum, completing real-world projects and receive meaningful feedback.

Some of the current available sessions are from Christina Aguilera where you will learn how to elevate your singing and stage presence. Other Session include ‘Create 8 award-worthy bakes with Joanne Chang’ and ‘Perfect 12 negotiation tactics with Chris Voss’. The best part about Sessions is that they are included within your MasterClass subscription. Sessions can be enjoyed on desktop and iOS.

Downloadable Workbook

With each class, you are provided with a PDF workbook which is downloadable. The workbook is stylishly put together and has a helpful summary of everything said in the video. It is a practical resource which you can reference back, and it summarizes all the main points. That means if you aren’t keen on taking notes, you’ve got it all in front of you.

Playlists

Playlists are a way to explore the entire catalog and learn from more than one instructor. It mixes and matches Masterclass classes based on a topic or theme like ‘The Kitchen’ or ‘Big Ideas’. These pre-made collections of lessons are an excellent way to dive a little deeper into multiple classes.

Community

MasterClass has created a hub where you can interact with fellow students and ask any questions or engage in discussions. There are some students who really take full advantage of this feature, giving feedback and are an active part of the community. But there are other cases where the discussions seem to be standing still and don’t have any interaction.

MasterClass App

The Masterclass app allows you to stream anytime, anywhere and at your own pace. The content quality is excellent, and its videos play seamlessly. Even on the smaller screens of an iPhone or Android, you still have that cinematic feel. It is available for both iOS and Android users and has an audio online function as well as an offline viewing, so you can enjoy a podcast style learning experience. The MasterClass App has high rating with both Apple at 4.9 and a 4.4 with Google Play.

The MasterClass App

MasterClass Guest Pass

With each MasterClass membership, you will be entitled to sharing a Guest Pass with a friend or loved one. In my case, I felt spoiled and was given 3 to share out. The Guest Pass gives your lucky friend or loved one a free 14-day access to the platform. The recipient is free to cancel at anytime and will only be charged if they subscribe when the free trial ends. But if they do change their mind within the 30-days of activating the Guest Pass they will get a full refund, just like you do when you subscribe to MasterClass.

MasterClass Offers

Several times a year, MasterClass runs a special 2 memberships for the price of 1 promotion. This means you can buy one annual membership and gift another one to a friend, colleague or loved one. At the time of writing this article, MasterClass was running this offer. So if you are lucky enough to be signing up when this promotion is running, I say go for it.

MasterClass Social Impact

MasterClass has had a very positive impact on underprivileged social groups and believes everyone should have the opportunity to learn from the best. It is working in a very active way to help communities who don’t have the access or resources for a MasterClass membership. Since 2019 MasterClass has given out 718 free annual memberships to nonprofits, 150k + to currently or formerly incarcerated individuals and 315k + to undeserved communities.

If you’re an organization that supports one of the communities that could benefit from the gift of learning, then you can submit an application to the MasterClass team here.

Accepted Payment Methods & Currencies

You can purchase your MasterClass annual membership using a credit card or PayPal. The accepted credit cards are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

If you are having any problems with the payment going through using any of these payment methods, then do check you haven’t made a typo, or you may need to refresh your browser and clear your cache. If that still doesn’t work, then logging out of your account and logging back in might work

How to Cancel a MasterClass Membership?

If you choose not to continue with your MasterClass membership, you can easily cancel your membership and its automatic renewal via your account page. Simply navigate through these 3 easy steps:

1. Log into your account through www.masterclass.com
2. Once logged in, click on your Profile Menu in the top-right corner and click on settings.
3. Scroll down to account settings and click the Cancel Membership button under the membership section of the page.

After you’ve followed the steps to cancel your membership, it won’t renew when your current subscription period expires. If you are unsure or have any questions, you can reach out to MasterClass support here.

MasterClass Refunds

MasterClass does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you do decide that MasterClass isn’t the online platform for you, then you can submit a request to MasterClass for a refund here. The refund process is really straightforward and in my experience I was super impressed with how quickly, responsive and smooth it was. After submitting my request, I was recieved a message from MasterClass on the same day, who informed me my refund would be within my account in 5-10 business days. I received the full refund 5 days later. So, if like me, you’re hesitant to financially commit to something, be rest assured that with MasterClass you’ll receive your refund stress-free.

MasterClass Cost Comparison

I thought it would be interesting to compare MasterClass and cost related features alongside other popular online learning platforms. That way, we are able to get a good overview of how its pricing model compares to its competitors.

As illustrated in the table above, MasterClass starting price for its individual annual plan works out the cheapest compared to other platforms. It doesn’t offer a monthly plan or a free trial, unlike Skillshare or Udemy. But it does offer the most generous refund policy. It does offer fewer classes than some of the other online learning platforms.

In a recent study where we looked at 200+ MasterClass customer reviews, we found that ‘Value for Money’ was the third most common positive review, which is coherent when you compare its cost with other online learning platforms. If you are curious to read the full study on MasterClass Customer Reviews, you can do so here.

Most Popular MasterClasses (Updated)

I revisited the Top 10 Most Popular MasterClass Classes that are most enjoyed by MasterClass users. This information might be helpful for you, particularly if you’re keen on knowing what classes others are enjoying, if anything, it maybe a great kickoff for your learning journey with MasterClass.

1. Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography

Starting at the top, the most popular MasterClass among users is Annie Leibovitz’s MasterClass on photography. In this MasterClass Annie invites you into her studio and onto her shoots to teach you everything she knows about portraiture. The MasterClass starts with a look back at her career and the impact of storytelling through photography. It covers topics like portrait photography, creating concepts, studio vs location. A particularly engaging part of the course involves Annie reviewing and offering advice on student’s work. The MasterClass spans 3 hours 4 minutes and comprises 15 video lessons.

2. Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking

Following next is Gordon Ramsay’s MasterClass, where he guides you in elevating your cooking skills. This course covers crucial techniques, ingredients, and recipes. It starts with an introduction to Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen and an overview of what the MasterClass will entail. Each video lesson focusing on a specific topic – ranging from kitchen layout, mastering, vegetables and herbs, to preparing fish and shellfish. The entire MasterClass is 3 hours 52 minutes long, comprising of 20 video lessons.

3. Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting

In this MasterClass, Aaron Sorkin, an Academy Award-winning writer, imparts his knowledge in screenwriting for film and television. He delves into the intricacies of the craft, teaching the principles of storytelling, dialogue, character development, and the key elements that make a script successful. Each video lesson, part of a series of 35, concentrates on different aspects of screenwriting, such as generating story ideas, character development, and engaging the audience. The entire MasterClass comprises 35 video lessons, with a total duration of 8 hours and 1 minute.

4. Neil Gaiman Teaches The Art of Storytelling

Neil Gaiman’s MasterClass takes you on a journey through the Art of Storytelling, where he reveals his process for generating original ideas, crafting believable characters, and building engaging fictional worlds. In his introductory lesson, Neil expresses his enthusiasm for teaching and his hope that you will create meaningful stories. Subsequent lessons delve into topics such as Truth in Fiction, Discovering Inspiration, Finding Your Unique Voice, and more. He wraps up the MasterClass discussing the responsibility associated with creating art for an audience. This MasterClass consists of 19 video lessons, totaling 4 hours and 29 minutes.

5. Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking

At the midpoint of our top 10 list, Werner Herzog, an acclaimed director with 70 films and 50 awards to his name, imparts his knowledge on various facets of filmmaking. His areas of focus include storytelling, cinematography, location scouting, self-financing, among others. The initial video lessons concentrate on storytelling and scriptwriting. Subsequent lessons delve into financing first films, honing negotiation skills, scouting locations, leading a team, and more. This MasterClass totals 5 hours and 50 minutes, consisting of 26 video lessons.

6. Herbie Hancock Teaches Jazz

Herbie Hancock, starting from the living room of his family home, has ascended to become a globally celebrated jazz musician. In his MasterClass, you’ll explore Herbie’s techniques in improvisation, composition, and harmony. The video lessons each highlight a unique aspect of jazz music, ranging from improvisation and the importance of listening, to piano fundamentals, and beyond. This MasterClass spans 4 hours and 23 minutes and includes 25 video lessons.

7. James Patterson Teaches Writing

Coming next is James Patterson, the celebrated author known for his record of 19 consecutive No.1 bestsellers on the New York Times list. In his MasterClass, Patterson shares his expertise in creating captivating characters, crafting engaging dialogues, and maintaining reader interest. The video lessons cover various writing aspects, including passion, habit, raw ideas, plot development, research, and more. This class marks his first foray into online writing instruction, guiding you from the beginning to the end of your book-writing process. The MasterClass is 3 hours and 31 minutes long, with a total of 22 video lessons.

8. Hans Zimmer Teaches Film Scoring

Hans Zimmer, an Academy Award-winning composer who is largely self-taught, shares his unique approach to music creation. He divulges his techniques for constructing sounds from the ground up, creating memorable character themes, and composing music for films often before seeing them. His video lessons span a range of topics, such as theme development, storytelling, working with directors, scoring beneath dialogue, and more. The MasterClass lasts 5 hours and 40 minutes and includes 31 video lessons.

9. deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production

Joel Zimmerman, widely known as deadmau5, is celebrated for his innovative sound and unique style, influencing many in the industry. In his MasterClass, Joel leads you through the intricacies of creating melodies, the techniques of mixing and mastering, and the art of forging distinct sounds. The video lessons encompass a variety of subjects, including music theory, setting up a home studio, crafting melodic structures, song structuring, remixing, and beyond. This MasterClass spans 5 hours and 24 minutes, comprising 23 video lessons.

10. Anna Wintour Teaches Creativity and Leadership

Rounding out the top 10 is the MasterClass from Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue. She provides an unparalleled look into her professional realm, teaching effective leadership with vision, creativity, and assertiveness. Anna begins her MasterClass by reflecting on her early career experiences that have molded her current leadership style. She also invites you into her Vogue offices, offering valuable advice to emerging talents and designers on the paths to success. This MasterClass is 2 hours and 36 minutes long, consisting of 12 video lessons.

MasterClass Alternatives

Mindvalley

Best for Personal Growth

4.6

Read review Visit Mindvalley

Coursera

Accredited Certificates

4.8

Read review Visit Coursera

Skillshare

Best For Creative Courses

4.5

Read review Visit Skillshare

Mindvalley

Mindvalley is a little different from other online learning platforms as its focus is on personal growth. It offers a well-rounded catalog covering topics like mind, body, soul and much more.

Mindvalley is an alternative to MasterClassMindvalley offers a couple of subscription plans: a monthly option for $49 USD or an annual membership at $399 USD. Choosing either option unlocks unlimited access to the platform’s rich library of over 100 courses, all backed by a 15-day money-back guarantee.

Coursera

Coursera partners with over 325+ esteemed universities and leading companies to offer high-quality courses, specializations, degrees, and more. Among its prestigious collaborators are top Universities like Stanford, Duke, and Penn, as well as industry leaders such as Google and IBM.

Coursera offers free registration, giving you access to a diverse range of learning paths including single courses, Guided Projects, Specializations, Professional Certificates, MasterTrack Certificates, and Degrees. For even more learning opportunities, Coursera Plus provides a subscription-based model, either monthly or annually, granting unlimited access to over 7,000 courses.

Skillshare

Skillshare stands out as an online learning hub for creativity, with more than 25,000+ classes covering a wide range of artistic disciplines such as animation, illustration, music, photography, and beyond.

Skillshare offers both monthly and annual subscription options, with the monthly plan costing $29 USD and the annual subscription set at $99 USD. Upon registering, you’re welcomed with a free trial that grants complete access to the platform and all its classes. Should you choose not to proceed with a subscription, remember to cancel within the initial 14 days to avoid any charges.

MasterClass Costs: Last Thoughts

I am hoping now you have a clearer idea of MasterClasses pricing and membership plans. It is important before purchasing a membership to consider exactly what you are looking for, and your budget, let me briefly summarize.

MasterClass is best for:

Please leave a comment below if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help you out.

MasterClass Costs: FAQs