MasterClass Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings

MasterClass is an online learning platform known for video courses taught by celebrity experts. It offers a subscription for unlimited access to all classes. This article gives students and parents a detailed look at MasterClass in 2025, with user reviews, pricing information, and comparisons. We cover how MasterClass works, what users say, and how it stacks up against other tutoring and learning services.

MasterClass Reviews and Testimonials

Trustpilot: MasterClass has about 1,036 reviews on Trustpilot with a TrustScore of ~1.5 out of 5 (average rating 1.7/5). Many reviewers gave 1-star. Common complaints include unexpected renewals, difficulty cancelling subscriptions, and poor customer service when requesting refunds. However, some users still gave 5 stars for content quality. Overall, the Trustpilot summary notes “significant dissatisfaction” due to cancellation issues.

The disparity between user satisfaction on different platforms is striking. The chart below breaks down the sentiment score across major review sites.

As you can see, while the content scores high on G2, the billing practices severely drag down the ratings on Trustpilot.

Better Business Bureau (BBB): BBB shows 18 customer reviews for MasterClass, averaging 1.17/5 stars. Reviewers on BBB call MasterClass “predatory” and even “a scam”, mainly because of hidden charges and refund problems. For example, one reviewer wrote that MasterClass “fraudulently charged” a Black Friday price and “refused to refund my money”. These users praised the content but strongly criticized billing practices and support.

G2: The software review site G2 has 14 MasterClass reviews with an average of 4.3/5. Several users on G2 praise MasterClass’s content. For example, one user gave 4.5/5, noting “outstanding instructors” and a “wide range of topics”. The few negative reviews (including a 0/5) mention issues like forced renewals and lack of human support. In general, G2 reviewers like the quality of the lessons but wish the service handled subscriptions better.

Reddit: Comments on Reddit forums echo these points. One student said MasterClass offers “great content… inspiring” lectures with “flexible learning”. Another said the production quality is “good” and instructors are “world class”. However, users note drawbacks: “no assignments or feedback” and that it “can feel a bit pricey if you don’t use it regularly”. Many Redditors point out that MasterClass is motivational but not very practical, since “it’s not really a ‘how to’” guide.

The MasterClass Site: The official MasterClass website highlights student success stories, but it does not show raw user reviews. The company quotes learners praising the “cinematic” video quality and celebrity teachers. These testimonials generally focus on course content quality. However, company-posted testimonials do not address issues like billing or support.

Is MasterClass legit? MasterClass is a real, established platform (it has over 2 million subscribers worldwide) and is not labeled a scam by any authority. However, multiple user reviews warn that MasterClass’s billing system can be problematic. Reviewers frequently say MasterClass automatically renews memberships and makes refunds difficult. In summary, MasterClass itself is a legitimate service offering genuine courses, but users should be cautious about its automatic renewal and refund policies.

MasterClass Pricing

Pricing Range

MasterClass uses a subscription model rather than hourly rates. In the U.S., an annual “All Access” membership costs about USD $120–$240 per year. There are no tutor commissions or per-hour fees, and the price does not vary by subject or instructor. MasterClass offers three plans: Standard ($120/yr), Plus ($180/yr), and Premium ($240/yr). A Premium membership lets you use the service on more devices. There is no separate fee for individual classes. For teams, MasterClass at Work provides group discounts (5–35% off) for buying 5 or more memberships. Check the official pricing page for details.

Understanding the tiered pricing is crucial before you commit. Here is a clear breakdown of what each annual plan actually includes.

Note the yellow warning: there is no monthly option, so the ‘per month’ price listed on their site is always billed as one lump sum.

What students say about pricing

Many students feel the MasterClass subscription is worthwhile if they use it a lot, but overpriced if they only watch a few courses. On Reddit, one user noted the annual fee could be “pricey if you don’t use it regularly”. Another said MasterClass can feel like “a lot of money” for passive content. Compared to similar services, MasterClass is in the middle range. For example, Skillshare costs about $168/year, and Coursera Plus is ~$59/month. MasterClass’s $10–$20 monthly equivalent may seem high given that it does not offer live help or credits. In contrast, competitors like Udemy sell individual courses (often $10–$50 each) or Chegg Study is about $15–$20 per month. Overall, students often say MasterClass is best if you binge many courses to get your money’s worth.

Hidden costs

There are no registration fees or extra charges beyond the annual subscription. You get all available classes for your plan’s price. However, many users warn of “hidden costs” in the form of hard-to-spot renewals. Customers report that MasterClass renewed their membership automatically (often at full price) with little warning. If you forget to cancel, you effectively pay for another year. Other than that, there are no add-on fees or cancellation penalties—just the risk of being charged for another subscription if you don’t cancel on time.

How MasterClass’s pricing works

Payments are handled yearly, up front. MasterClass accepts credit cards (and possibly PayPal) to buy an annual membership. There is no option to pay month-by-month on the site. When you sign up, you pay immediately for the full year and then MasterClass auto-renews your plan each year. MasterClass occasionally runs promotions (like holiday sales) that can lower the price. They also partner with companies (for example, Verizon has offered bundled deals) so sometimes subscriptions are included with other services. Group or corporate packages are available under MasterClass at Work with volume discounts. There are also gift subscriptions and student discounts (some sites report a 15% student discount). Overall, you pay once per year and get unlimited courses.

Free Trial

MasterClass does not offer a free trial. Instead, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee on new subscriptions. In other words, you pay upfront for the year, but you can request a refund within 30 days if unsatisfied (see Refund Policy). There is no period where you can use it free for a few days without payment.

Refund policy

MasterClass’s official policy is a full refund within 30 days of your initial purchase. This applies only to first-time subscriptions (not renewals). However, user reviews indicate mixed experiences. Some customers report successfully getting their money back when cancelling early. Others say MasterClass’s support made it difficult and sometimes refused refunds despite the 30-day guarantee. For example, one BBB review quoted MasterClass’s policy (full refund if unused within 30 days) but noted “they flat refused to refund my money” anyway. In summary, the policy promises refunds, but be aware that some users found it hard to claim them. Always cancel promptly if you plan to ask for a refund.

To avoid getting caught in this billing loop, it is crucial to understand exactly how the renewal timeline works. The flowchart below visualizes the critical ‘Day 30’ cutoff that catches many students off guard.

As shown above, once that 30-day window closes, the auto-renewal for the next year is often locked in, making subsequent refund requests extremely difficult.

MasterClass Alternatives

Students might look for MasterClass alternatives if they want live tutoring, cheaper pricing, or more practical learning. In this space, popular services include Chegg, Course Hero, Quizlet, Wyzant, and My Engineering Buddy (our own service). Each has a different focus, as summarized below.

With so many options available, it helps to see them side-by-side. The comparison table below highlights the key differences between MasterClass and academic alternatives.

If your primary goal is passing a difficult exam, a passive video platform like MasterClass simply cannot compete with the interactive help of Chegg or My Engineering Buddy.

Chegg

Chegg Study offers homework help and textbook solutions, mostly in STEM and business subjects. It costs about $15.95 to $19.95 per month for subscriptions (much lower than MasterClass’s annual fee), and it provides step-by-step solutions and on-demand Q&A. Tutors answer questions in writing rather than live chat. Pros: Chegg is more affordable month-to-month and covers core school subjects. Cons: It lacks the high-production video classes of MasterClass and has no celebrity instructors. Chegg is ideal for students needing straightforward homework help on math, science, and engineering problems.

Course Hero

Course Hero is a study library and Q&A site. It offers access to lecture notes, solved problems, and a limited number of tutor questions per month. Full access requires a paid subscription (~$40/month for basic, with cheaper rates for multi-month plans). Pros: Course Hero has a large library of academic resources (notes, practice problems) and can help with a wide range of college subjects. Cons: It is text-based, not video-based, and can be expensive for occasional users. Unlike MasterClass, it does not have videos or famous teachers—just educational content and paid expert answers.

Quizlet

Quizlet is a study tool focused on flashcards and practice tests. It’s free with ads, or about $7.99/month for Quizlet Plus. Pros: Quizlet is excellent for memorization, vocabulary, and quick review; it’s user-friendly and very affordable. Cons: It is not a tutoring service and has no instruction videos. Quizlet does not teach new concepts step-by-step; it only helps you practice facts or concepts you already know. So it is much cheaper than MasterClass but serves a very different purpose.

Wyzant

Wyzant is a marketplace for live tutors in many subjects. Tutors set their own hourly rates, typically between $35 and $60 per hour on average. Pros: You get real-time, one-on-one help in any subject you pick (math, science, languages, test prep, etc.). You pay only for the time you need, and you can choose tutors by their qualifications and reviews. Cons: Tutoring can be costly per hour, and quality varies by tutor. Wyzant is best if you need personalized guidance, but it does not offer pre-recorded courses or subscription content like MasterClass.

My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a global tutoring platform specializing in STEM. It offers live one-on-one tutoring (online chat or video) in engineering, math, physics, and related subjects. Pricing is by the hour (starting around $20/hr). Pros: Tutors are vetted experts and can explain complex problems interactively. There is no subscription; students pay only when they get help. Cons: MEB does not have self-study content or an offline library of courses. Unlike MasterClass, MEB does not have celebrity instructors or pre-made lectures. Overall, MEB excels at personalized academic help, whereas MasterClass focuses on inspirational video lessons.

How it Works?

For Students

Students start by creating an account on MasterClass.com and choosing a subscription plan. You enter your email and payment method, then you can begin immediately. After signing up, you have unlimited access to over 200 classes. To find a class, browse by category (e.g. cooking, writing, business) or instructor name. There is no need to connect with a tutor. Instead, you click on a class and watch video lessons. You learn at your own pace: there are no live session schedules. You can watch classes on any device (desktop, smartphone, Apple TV, Roku, etc.). Lessons are on-demand, and with higher-tier plans you can download videos for offline viewing. MasterClass’s “Sessions” feature offers a 30-day structured learning path for selected topics, where you complete activities as you go.

For Tutors

MasterClass does not operate like a typical tutoring marketplace. You cannot sign up to be a tutor by submitting credentials. Instead, MasterClass recruits famous experts and celebrities to create each course. Aspiring instructors generally cannot apply through the site. (The company does have a Careers page, but it lists corporate roles, not teaching positions.) In short, MasterClass instructors are chosen by the company, not by an open application process. There’s no hourly pay or commission model; instructors agree to film courses under contract with MasterClass. In this sense, traditional “tutor” questions (earnings, hours, etc.) don’t apply. Instructors get paid a flat fee or royalties for their course, rather than setting their own rates.

MasterClass: Company Information

MasterClass was founded in 2014 (launched 2015) by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen. Rogier (CEO) started the company while at Stanford; Rasmussen (CTO) helped develop its style. The company’s mission is to make “education… something nobody can take away” by teaching “things people can’t learn elsewhere”. Its vision is summed up by the motto “everyone should have access to genius”.

MasterClass is headquartered in San Francisco, USA. It operates globally: as of 2025 it has over 2 million subscribers and 11+ million users worldwide. The service is most popular in the US, but also has users in the UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond. (By contrast, My Engineering Buddy specifically serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries.) MasterClass employs several hundred people (around 600–672 as of 2023). It partners with over 200 instructors, meaning around 200 celebrity-taught classes are available.

MasterClass offers subscription-based services: an all-access pass to hundreds of video classes, as well as business licensing (MasterClass at Work) for corporate learning. It does not offer live one-on-one tutoring or homework help. Key offerings include unlimited access to all recorded lessons, downloadable workbooks, and weekly “Sessions” (30-day learning projects) on certain topics.

The subjects cover a broad mix. You can learn cooking, music, writing, filmmaking, sports, business, design, lifestyle, science and more. Major categories include Arts & Entertainment, Writing, Food, Business, and more. However, the catalog is heaviest on creative and life-skills topics and lighter on STEM or professional test prep.

MasterClass’s unique features include its celebrity instructors (Oscar-winners, sports stars, chefs, etc.) and Hollywood-style video production. All classes have high-end visuals and storytelling. The platform markets itself as a “Netflix for learning” – one subscription covers all 200+ classes. They also provide downloadable course materials (PDF workbooks) and a smooth mobile app. According to user reviews, the production quality is indeed excellent, though users say it is more for inspiration than for earning a degree.

USP of MasterClass

• Celebrity teachers: Each course is taught by a well-known expert (e.g. Gordon Ramsay, Serena Williams, Margaret Atwood).
• Cinematic quality: Videos are produced like a TV documentary, with top-notch visuals and storytelling.
• All-access subscription: One fee lets you watch unlimited classes (no per-class charges).
• Wide topics: Covers diverse fields (cooking, writing, business, etc.) with high production value for each topic.
• Structured learning: New “Sessions” feature offers 30-day guided projects to make learning more hands-on.

Drawbacks of MasterClass

• Subscription only: No monthly plan or per-class purchase; you must pay annually (no free trial).
• Passive learning: All content is pre-recorded video; there is no live tutor or feedback. There are no quizzes or interaction.
• Content gaps: Strong on creative/lifestyle topics but limited offerings in hard science or tech.
• Billing issues: Many users report surprise renewal charges and difficulty getting refunds.
• No credentials: Classes do not grant certificates or credits (it’s non-academic entertainment).

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy

MasterClass focuses on self-paced video lessons from famous instructors, while My Engineering Buddy (MEB) provides live STEM tutoring. For example, MasterClass’s yearly subscription is $120–$240, whereas MEB charges about $20 per hour of tutoring. MasterClass covers broad topics but often at a high level. MEB tutors specialize in subjects like engineering and physics and give direct feedback. In practice, a student needing help with complex homework would find MEB’s one-on-one sessions more useful. MasterClass’s content can inspire, but MEB’s live help offers detailed problem solving.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your learning style and goals. The visual below highlights the fundamental difference between ‘watching to be inspired’ and ‘working to learn’

If you need to sit back and relax, MasterClass is perfect; if you need to pick up a pencil and solve equations, active tutoring is the only viable path.

Customer Support and Policies

MasterClass customer service reviews are mixed. Many user comments say support is slow or unhelpful. Officially, MasterClass has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, but some customers report difficulty actually getting refunds. By contrast, MEB advertises responsive support (via email/WhatsApp) and clear refund rules. In summary, MasterClass’s policies are straightforward on paper, but in practice users have experienced frustrations when dealing with billing and support.

Global Reach and Localization

MasterClass is global in reach, with over 2 million subscribers around the world. However, all courses are in English (though subtitles are available for some). The platform is built for a worldwide audience but does not have specialized support for non-English users. My Engineering Buddy also has a global user base – it explicitly serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries – and some tutors speak multiple languages. In other words, both platforms work internationally, but neither offers full multilingual instruction: MasterClass content is English-only, while MEB’s tutors primarily use English or relevant local languages.

MasterClass’s future plans

MasterClass is already moving into AI. In late 2024 it launched “MasterClass On Call,” where users can chat with AI versions of instructors (like an AI Mark Cuban). More AI-powered mentors (AI Gordon Ramsay, Gloria Steinem, etc.) are being added. The company is also expanding its content library each year, adding new categories and instructors (recently introducing more science and game design courses). We found no official announcements on bilingual content or major app changes. The focus seems to be on using AI to make learning on-demand and on adding interactive features (the “Sessions” structure is one example).

 

FAQs About MasterClass

How does MasterClass compare to My Engineering Buddy? MasterClass is a celebrity-led video platform (one annual fee for all content), while My Engineering Buddy is live online tutoring by experts at about $20/hour. MasterClass inspires with broad classes; MEB helps with specific STEM homework. Each serves different needs: MasterClass for general enrichment, MEB for targeted engineering/math help.

Is MasterClass worth it? Many students find MasterClass inspirational and well-produced. However, it is expensive for what it delivers, and content may not teach practical skills. If you use the service heavily (watching dozens of classes), it can be worth the price. But if you need hands-on learning, other platforms or tutoring may be more valuable.

What subjects does MasterClass cover? MasterClass has classes in creative and lifestyle fields (writing, cooking, music, art, business, sports, etc.). It offers fewer classes in technical or scientific subjects. For example, it’s excellent for learning storytelling, cooking techniques, or music production, but it doesn’t teach calculus or chemistry.

Does MasterClass offer a free trial? No. MasterClass does not have a free trial. It only offers a 30-day refund guarantee on new subscriptions. That means you pay up front for the year, and then you can get your money back within 30 days if you cancel.

Can I cancel and get a refund? You can cancel MasterClass anytime in your account, which will stop future charges. For refunds, the policy is 30 days on new subscriptions. In theory you get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days. In practice, users say you must request it promptly and it may require persistence with support.

What devices work with MasterClass? MasterClass works on web browsers and has apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and other devices. You can use it on laptops, tablets, phones, and smart TVs. On higher-tier plans you can even download lessons to view offline. So you can learn anywhere, not just on your computer.

Is MasterClass for practical learning? Not really. MasterClass is more about inspiration. It’s like watching a Netflix-style lecture. Most reviewers say it lacks hands-on exercises or real feedback. If you want to learn by doing (like working through problems or assignments), MasterClass alone won’t do that. It’s better for high-level insights than for step-by-step skill training.

Still undecided? We have created a simple decision path to help you make the final call based on your budget and academic needs.

If you landed on the ‘Live Tutoring’ path, we are here to help you get the grades you deserve.

Conclusion

MasterClass’s strengths lie in its inspirational celebrity-led courses and top-quality video production. Many users love the high-end feel and the big ideas it presents. Its weaknesses include an annual-only price model, limited interactivity, and a focus on entertainment over practical skills. In summary, MasterClass is great for motivated learners seeking inspiration, but it falls short if you need active tutoring or academic support. For complex subjects like engineering, My Engineering Buddy is a strong alternative: it offers live 1:1 help tailored to difficult topics, often at a lower cost for heavy users. MEB’s personalized tutoring addresses the detailed questions and homework MasterClass cannot, making it a better fit for advanced STEM learning.