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Martin Barrett
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The 9 Best Masterclass Alternatives & Competitors For Taking Online Courses

9 Best Masterclass Alternatives for 2023

Masterclass is great, but it isn’t the only option out there if you want to learn online! Truth is, with all the recent improvements in online learning, there are more options than ever. This means you have plenty to choose from!

Learning new skills is an important part of life. It doesn’t matter what the skill is – from academics to art, every skill is important. You may want to learn a new skill for a job, or just learn one for fun.

Either way, you can explore dozens of online learning platforms that offer what you’re looking for. Masterclass might be the first platform you think of for learning skills, but you shouldn’t stop there. That site isn’t for everyone, and it is limited in many ways.

So, if you want to learn about some amazing Masterclass alternatives that are 100% worth checking out, you’re in the right place. Here, we will be going through nine of the best options that you should consider. We guarantee that you will love at least one of these.

Understanding What A Masterclass Is

A masterclass is simply an in-depth class that is taught by professionals in their field. The term has changed over the years to be a more loose definition. Now, “masterclass” can be used to describe any kind of course or lesson that is professionally taught.

While it used to only refer to in-depth and niche classes reserved for serious learners, it can now also cover the basics. For example, you may get a masterclass in making choux pastry, and you could also get one covering the fundamentals of watercolors.

Masterclass Itself

Masterclass itself is one of the most popular online learning platforms in the world. It’s innovative, easy to use, and has hundreds of in-depth and incredible courses to choose from.

A Masterclass course can be given by celebrities and other professionals, which only draws more people in. Below are a few examples of some Masterclass classes:

  • Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking II
  • Dan Brown Teaches Writing Thrillers
  • Bobbie Brown Teaches Makeup and Beauty
  • Jessie Kribbs Teaches Wilderness Survival

Masterclass videos (see also ‘Can You Watch MasterClass Videos On Amazon Prime?‘) are beautifully shot and put together in a professional and impressive manner that everyone loves. New content is put out all the time, and the interface is among the best.

Masterclass Drawbacks

There are some drawbacks to note, however. This site doesn’t typically go in-depth in its videos. As such, people might not feel like they are getting their money’s worth only to be told the basics.

Not only that but considering how popular the site is, it doesn’t have as many courses and videos as you might expect. Categories are not as comprehensive as other online education platforms (like the ones we’ve listed below).

Because of this, Masterclass isn’t actually a suitable option for everyone if you want in-depth lessons on topics. Sure, what they do have is beautifully done, but many people would prefer to get rich information and learn everything they can on a topic.

If you’re one of those people, then stick around! We’re going to go through nine of the best Masterclass alternatives that you can definitely get your money’s worth.

Masterclass Alternatives – 9 Best Options

1. Nas Academy

Nas Academy is one of the first Masterclass alternatives we will mention. It offers a wide range of creative courses such as scriptwriting, storytelling, publishing, and much more. Learners pay for courses separately, with prices ranging from just $29 all the way up to $699 for in-depth lessons.

This is a great platform for those who want to participate in live classes to learn creative skills and not be tied to a monthly subscription.

  • Free Trial: no subscription
  • Free Version: no subscription
  • Monthly Price: learners pay per course they take (typically between $29 and $699 depending on the course)
  • Course Types: creative courses related to media such as editing, photography, scriptwriting, publishing, storytelling, entrepreneurship, branding, and more
  • Number of Courses: live classes and courses are taught
  • Offers Certification for Completion: yes (not accredited)

2. Skillshare

The second Masterclass alternative is possibly the most well-known learning platform here, Skillshare offers over 30,000 incredible, high-quality courses. The monthly fee is just $32, or you can pay $168 for a whole year.

Here, there are courses on every topic imaginable, including video editing, web design, photoshop, and so much more. However, there are no recognized certificates of completion.

  • Free Trial: 30-day free trial
  • Free Version: yes
  • Monthly Price: $32 or an annual subscription of $168 per year (comes to $14 per month)
  • Course Types: varies, but includes web design, video editing, filmmaking, photoshop, writing, time management, voice-over, music composition, and much more
  • Number of Courses: over 30,000
  • Offers Certification for Completion: no

3. Coursera

Coursera is a well-known online learning platform that focuses on academic topics such as data analytics, and business. This site offers over 3,000 courses and certificates of completion.

While they are on the more expensive end of the spectrum out of all these Masterclass alternatives, this platform is undeniably excellent for those who want to further their academic knowledge for work.

  • Free Trial: 7-day free trial
  • Free Version: yes
  • Monthly Price: $59 per month or $399 per year (comes to $33 per month).
  • Course Types: varies, but focuses on the academic with courses like social science degrees, data analytics, computer science, and business.
  • Number of Courses: over 3,000 courses
  • Offers Certification for Completion: yes
Coursera

Degrees, Certificates, & Free Online Courses

  • More than 5,000 courses
  • Professional Certificates
  • Degrees from the Top Universities
Try Coursera

4. Rouxbe

Rouxbe is the ultimate learning platform for cooking. Here, there are 78 incredible and detailed classes that cover a wide range of cooking and baking for anyone with an interest. With a reasonable price of just $9.99, this is a subscription that anyone can afford.

  • Free Trial: 14-day free trial
  • Free Version: no
  • Monthly Price: $9.99 or $99.99 per year (works out to $8.30 per month)
  • Course Types: food-related courses such as various culinary techniques
  • Number of Courses: 78
  • Offers Certification for Completion: accredited certifi