SkillShare vs MasterClass 2025– Which One To Choose? (#1 Reason)

skillshare logo
Skillshare $8.73 
👉🏻Buy Now
masterclass logo
Masterclass $180
👉🏻Buy Now
Features1. Thousands of classes on creative and practical skills.
2. Affordable subscription with unlimited access.
3. Community projects and peer feedback.
4. Bite-sized lessons for quick learning.
1. Premium courses taught by world-famous experts.
2. High-quality video production.
3. Classes on diverse topics like cooking, writing & filmmaking
4. Inspirational content from industry leaders.
Advantages✅ This platform is good for learning basic skills
✅ The platform has a mobile application
✅ It allows anybody to be a creator and create courses
✅ They are personal development classes.
✅ It can be accessed on your PC, smartphone, or tablet.
✅  Bookmarks are available for some videos
Disadvantages❌  The classes can be taken in English only❌The audio is in English only
Value For Money There are two subscriptions offered – Free and Premium.f you want to buy single classes, you will have to pay $90 for every class you take. If you want to take the All-Access Pass, you have to pay $180 for an annual subscription and you can access every class that is offered on Masterclass.
Customer SupportSkillshare Support helps with account setup, memberships, billing, technical issues, and teacher resources. MasterClass offers a Help Center for account management, subscription details, billing, and technical support. Find guidance on resetting passwords, troubleshooting issues, and accessing device-specific help.

When it comes to online learning, two popular platforms that often come up are SkillShare and MasterClass. Both offer unique ways to learn new skills and gain insights from experts in various fields, but they cater to different needs and learning styles.

I decided to explore both platforms to see which one stands out in terms of course variety, teaching style, and value. If you’re interested in creative arts, business, or cooking, this comparison will help you decide which platform suits your learning goals. Let’s break it down!

Bottom Line Upfront: Masterclass is a better platform in comparison to Skillshare because here world’s best experts share their insights on how to become a better writer, cook, actor, and much more. Experts like Gordon Ramsay, Natalie Portman, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and many more are here to guide you in your journey. Get the one-year pass of Masterclass today. Try Masterclas Now.

SkillShare Vs Masterclass: Which One Is The Best? ( In-Depth Comparison )

About Skillshare:

skillshare overview

An extensive range of business, technological, and creative courses are available on Skillshare. Important components of the course include student participation in practical projects, sharing of their work, and peer and teacher evaluation.

For beginners and hobbyists looking to improve their skills in graphic design, photography, writing, marketing, and more, the platform is well known for its accessible pricing and community-driven atmosphere.

As a Skillshare subscriber, you gain access to unlimited courses while learning at your own pace. It is common for Skillshare instructors to share practical knowledge and insights based on their own experience.

In addition, students can connect with learners around the world via the platform’s interactive nature.

About MasterClass:

MasterClass overview

MasterClass takes a premium approach to online learning, offering courses taught by world-renowned experts in their fields. These experts are often celebrity figures or leaders in areas like film-making, cooking, writing, acting, music, and business.

The platform focuses on delivering high-quality video lessons that emphasize inspiration and personal storytelling, making it appealing to students looking for in-depth, motivational content.

Unlike Skillshare, MasterClass provides single-class purchases instead of a subscription model, though you can opt for an annual membership that gives access to all courses.

In comparison with Skillshare’s hands-on approach, the site provides a more passive learning experience and is renowned for its excellent production value and professionally shot content.

For people who want to learn from famous people and understand their creative processes, MasterClass is ideal.

Pricing of Skillshare vs Masterclass:

Skillshare Pricing

  • Free Version:
    • Provides access to a limited selection of courses, along with related content like PDF workbooks and community discussions.
    • You can watch the introductory videos of most classes but are locked out of the full content unless you upgrade to the Premium plan.
    • Difficulty in determining which classes are available for free users.
  • Premium Membership:
    • Price: $167.88 per year (billed annually). Some users outside the US may see lower pricing.
    • You get access to the entire catalog of courses, with the ability to download classes for offline viewing via the Skillshare mobile app.
    • 30-day free trial available, but you must create an account and add payment details to access the trial.
    • Annual members receive affiliate perks such as discounts on Adobe software, Squarespace subscriptions, Society6 products, and more.
  • Skillshare Teams:
    • Aimed at organizations or groups, providing same access as the Premium plan.
    • Price: $159 per person per year.

Skillshare’s pricing structure offers a flexible learning experience, with the free version allowing users to explore the platform, and the Premium version unlocking full access to the content library along with extra perks for annual members.

MasterClass Pricing Plans

  1. Standard Plan
    • Price: $5.20/month (billed annually at $62.40)
    • Access:
      • 200+ classes across 11 categories
      • Watch on your computer, TV, phone, or tablet
    • Devices you can watch on at the same time: 1 device (no sharing with household)
    • Offline viewing: Not available
  2. Plus Plan
    • Price: $6.20/month (billed annually at $74.40)
    • Access:
      • 200+ classes across 11 categories
      • Watch on your computer, TV, phone, or tablet
      • Bonus class guides & content
    • Devices you can watch on at the same time: 2 devices (share with your household)
    • Offline viewing: Available
  3. Premium Plan
    • Price: $8.00/month (billed annually at $96.00)
    • Access:
      • 200+ classes across 11 categories
      • Watch on your computer, TV, phone, or tablet
      • Bonus class guides & content
    • Devices you can watch on at the same time: 6 devices (share with your household)
    • Offline viewing: Available

Features & Benefits of Skillshare vs Masterclass

Skillshare

Skillshare stands out with its team-based courses, designed for businesses to enhance team-building and efficiency management.

It allows project-based learning, where students work on real-world projects while learning, providing practical knowledge alongside theory.

This feature encourages active learning and keeps students engaged with the subject. Unlike MasterClass, Skillshare also allows admin switching and promotes collaboration, making it ideal for teams.

Skillshare offers a dynamic and community-driven learning experience, with the following features and benefits:

  1. Wide Range of Creative Classes: Access to over 25,000 classes on topics like graphic design, photography, animation, and writing.
  2. Project-Based Learning: Learn by doing—create projects, share with peers, and get feedback.
  3. Affordable Membership: A free trial and low-cost Premium membership, providing full access to courses.
  4. Offline Viewing: Download classes via the mobile app for offline learning.
  5. Access to a Community: Join a vibrant community of creators and professionals, and network with peers.
  6. Flexibility: Learn at your own pace with on-demand courses and flexible schedules.
  7. Expert Instructors: Courses taught by industry professionals, including Marques Brownlee and Alicia Souza.
  8. Skillshare for Teams: A dedicated plan for businesses and organizations to provide learning resources to employees.

Pros

  • This platform is good for learning basic skills
  • Skillshare offers students the chance to gain practical experience by working on projects.
  • There are a huge variety of courses on this site
  • The interface of the site is very simple and easy to use
  • Once you subscribe, you get access to all the courses offered
  • It allows anybody to be a creator and create courses
  • It is not very expensive
  • This platform is very user-friendly
  • It can be accessed on your PC, smartphone, or tablet
  • Some courses have workbooks that can be downloaded
  • The platform has a mobile application
  • Some of the courses are advertised as offering accreditation.

Cons

  • The quality of content can vary depending on the instructor
  • The comments and timestamps by students on videos could be distracting
  • There are issues faced in the pricing
  • The classes can be taken in English only
  • Bookmarks are available for a few courses only

MasterClass:

MasterClass is perfect for creatives like artists, musicians, writers, directors, and photographers who want to learn from world-famous experts. It’s great for gaining inspiration and insights, even in areas like sports (ballet, tennis, poker).

However, it doesn’t teach practical skills for boosting your income. If you’re looking for regular interaction with instructors, this platform might not be ideal, as the Q&A response rate is low. But, the video quality is top-notch.

MasterClass offers a premium learning experience, featuring courses taught by world-renowned experts in their fields:

  1. World-Class Instructors: Learn from celebrities and industry leaders such as Gordon Ramsay, Christina Aguilera, and Spike Lee.
  2. High-Quality Production: Professionally produced classes with cinematic-style videos and immersive content.
  3. All-Access Pass: A single subscription gives access to all MasterClass courses in a wide variety of fields.
  4. Inspiring Content: Courses designed to inspire and provide insights into personal journeys and industry success.
  5. Flexible Learning: Watch lessons on mobile, desktop, and TV with the option for offline viewing.
  6. Perfect for Professionals: Great for those seeking inspiration and advanced learning from the best in the business.
  7. Broad Course Variety: Topics range from cooking to business, film-making, writing, and more.
  8. Exclusive Access: Learn from the best in the world with personal stories and expert tips to enhance your skills.

Pros

  • The videos are of the best quality and are high-definition videos
  • The classes are not very long and can be completed in one sitting
  • The annual membership offers more savings 
  • World-famous people create classes 
  • The classes are quite engaging and can get anyone hooked
  • They are personal development classes
  • The user can get inspiration and advice from the experts
  • It can be accessed on your PC, smartphone, or tablet
  • All the classes are professionally recorded
  • Bookmarks are available for some videos
  • Every single course has workbooks that can be downloaded
  • This platform has a mobile app as well.

Cons

  • The platform can be a bit expensive (a single course costs $90)
  • The audio is in English only
  • The platform is not apt for those who wish to hone specific work-related skills.

Both platforms offer unique learning experiences—Skillshare is ideal for hands-on learning and community involvement, while MasterClass provides high-quality, inspirational courses from leading experts in their fields.

Content and Quality

Skillshare

This is quite important when you opt for any education-based platform. Content quality is the main criterion for understanding whether the platform is really good or not.

There are a lot of positive opinions on Skillshare’s content. Many users have indicated that the online classes are quite basic, which is a con of this platform.

Also, instructors do not indicate if the course is for beginners or advanced-level users, and this must be taken care of, as users can then decide which course is apt for them. 

The descriptions of the courses are a bit vague as well. Other than these minor issues, the courses appear to be made in a very professional manner and are very informative. A lot of people are quite happy with the content offered by Skillshare.

Masterclass

MasterClass has been created for those who want personal development. So yes, the courses will not be giving you certificates once you complete them. MasterClass has premium teachers and instructors who are world-famous.

The online classes have been organized into video-based lessons. The lessons are a bit short (generally between 3 -14 minutes). The videos can be watched in one sitting.

The video lessons are of high quality; basically, they are Hollywood-level production quality. You will definitely enjoy watching these videos. 

All the lessons offered are of the same quality and are quite different from the videos offered by other e-learning providers. The videos are well-scripted and have been shot in HD, and the production is flawless.

However, you must remember that these courses cater to those who look for personal development and inspiration from the best in the industry.

Navigation And Interface

Skillshare

Here, we discuss if the website is user-friendly and how accessible it is. Once you reach the front page, you can find the various categories related to the courses.

The front page is pretty interactive and inviting. This learning platform is quite straightforward, and the design is quite simple. It also starts with a very interactive video on the platform.

SkillShare Vs Masterclass SkillShare

You can browse through the various courses offered. Through its simplicity, this website does its job pretty well and gives us a break from the flashy pages.

Once you register on this platform and select a course, the instructor will have an introductory video ready to greet you, along with the list of online classes offered. It can certainly help you in learning new skills.

On scrolling further, you will get the description of the course, details on the instructor, and many related courses. The interface is quite simple and easy to navigate.

A feature that can be annoying is that students are allowed to leave comments on the video’s timeline.

Though this is quite popular nowadays, it could be distracting. Overall, SkillShare is simple and easy to use. It is very intuitive and is not loaded with banners, pop-ups, buttons, etc.

Masterclass

SkillShare Vs MasterClass Masterclass

When it comes to Masterclass, when you visit the landing page, you will be greeted by a black-themed page. The first thing you see at present is the current offer, which is to buy one all-access pass and get another totally free. 

You have a video running in the background, which gives you a glimpse of who your instructors are! You can also watch the trailer.

Towards the top right-hand corner of this page, you can browse through the categories (currently 9) and check out the online classes offered under each category with the name of the instructor mentioned as well. 

As you scroll down, you get an idea of the online courses and the renowned experts who will be teaching the subjects. You also get details on courses that have been recently added, reviews from users, and FAQs. To get the best Masterclass discount codes, visit the page here.

Once you register yourself and get the all-access membership pass for a year, you get unlimited access to all the courses anytime.

MasterClass has a unique and intuitive interface that shows you various lessons related to some of the instructors you might not consider.

Learning Experience

Skillshare

In the end, what matters is the learning experience that you derive from the platform, in addition to the pricing strategies of the company. Skillshare has a wide range of courses, and hence,e it is tough to comment on the learning experience.

Skillshare claims that it only has “accredited” instructors, thereby guaranteeing a great experience. Also, the reviews indicate users have a positive experience when they use this site.

The courses are quite good in quality and offer in-depth learning as well as the ability to work on projects, thereby giving students practical exposure. 

Masterclass

MasterClass Learning Experience

Masterclass has some really high-quality videos delivered by some of the renowned experts in different areas like Acting, Film Making, Cooking, Lifestyle, Makeup, Fashion, Sports, etc. 

The users have shared quite a lot of positive experiences related to the courses. The classes are quite short and can be completed in a sitting each.

The classes focus on inspiring you to get started, to be more innovative and creative, and are mainly inspirational videos.

They motivate the user to think beyond the ordinary. The experts give you insights into their careers, what made them different, and how they managed to reach the position that they are at present.

The classes do not add a kind of practical value.

There are no certifications. You pay to listen to experiences and insights from some of the very famous artists, singers, chefs, etc.

It might be good for those who wish to have some personal development. However, it will not enhance any specific skill related to IT, technology, business, etc.

How to Watch Skillshare and MasterClass (Apps and Access)?

Both MasterClass and Skillshare may be accessed through a computer’s browser, and both can also be downloaded as applications for mobile devices.

Assuming that the service you subscribe to allows for offline viewing, the mobile versions of both applications make it simple to save videos for viewing at a later time.

On Skillshare, there is a button that allows you to download a full course to your mobile device. On the other hand, MasterClass only provides this functionality for individual videos. In addition, MasterClass has applications for all of the main smart TV platforms.

Even though Skillshare does not offer apps specifically designed for smart TVs, you can still cast the movies from your mobile device to your television by using either Chromecast or Airplay.

The website and applications developed by MasterClass have a very minimalist design, which makes it simple to locate the content you want.

The interface of Skillshare is a bit more crowded and a touch more difficult to navigate. In spite of the fact that it’s a tight race, I’m going to have to give this one to MasterClass.

Masterclass vs SkillShare: Instructors

The main difference between Skillshare and MasterClass is the quality of instructors.

Skillshare

instructor

Many people, even those who might not have teaching or course-creation experience, develop courses on Skillshare. This implies that instructors can differ in quality.

Skillshare’s peer-review system makes it easier for users to locate excellent courses. The reasonable monthly cost would suggest that not all of the courses are of the best quality.

Once you watch the first video of any course, you’ll quickly know if it meets your expectations. If not, you can easily switch to a different course.

While teaching standards on Skillshare are generally good, they can differ based on the instructor’s approach. Once you find a great instructor, you can take all their courses.

Masterclass

Instructor

MasterClass stands out because it offers courses from world-renowned experts like Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, Gordon Ramsay, and Steve Martin.

The platform is known for its high-quality content, taught by some of the best in their fields. These instructors are top-level professionals, whether they run billion-dollar businesses or have earned Michelin stars for their restaurants.

For people who wish to succeed in their line of work and want to get guidance and inspiration from the top professionals in the field, MasterClass is ideal.

It provides unique perspectives from professionals who are genuinely experts in their fields.

Security of Skillshare vs Masterclass:

Skillshare:

Skillshare takes various technical and organizational security measures to protect your Personal Data. While they make every effort to secure your information, no online activity can be completely risk-free.

Skillshare cannot guarantee absolute security, so it’s important to be mindful of the risks when sharing personal information.

The responsibility of safeguarding your Personal Data also falls on you. To protect your information, Skillshare advises you to:

  • Change your password regularly.
  • Use a mix of letters and numbers for stronger passwords.
  • Ensure you’re using a secure browser when interacting online.

If you ever feel that your account’s security has been compromised or suspect someone else is using your account, Skillshare encourages you to contact them immediately through the contact details provided.

Masterclass:

MasterClass takes data security seriously and employs several practices to ensure the protection of your information. The platform has a security steering committee that oversees security policies, with regular third-party audits to assess effectiveness.

They use enterprise cloud providers like Cloudflare, AWS, and Heroku, which are SOC2 and ISO27001 compliant.

For data protection, MasterClass encrypts both data in transit using TLS 1.3 and data at rest in production databases. The platform also uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and password managers for improved access control.

To maintain a high level of security, they run an active bug bounty program, perform penetration testing, and utilize static application security testing in their development pipeline. These measures help ensure that your personal information remains secure while using the platform.

Quick Links:

FAQs | SkillShare Vs Masterclass

📱Can I download classes for offline viewing on Skillshare and MasterClass?

Skillshare: Yes, you can download classes to the mobile app for offline viewing with the Premium membership.
MasterClass: Yes, offline viewing is available via the MasterClass mobile app.

⭐Which platform has better course quality?

MasterClass is known for premium-quality courses with high production value and expert instructors.
Skillshare offers a variety of courses with community-driven content, but the quality can vary based on individual instructors.

🏅Which platform is better for beginners?

Skillshare: More accessible for beginners with a focus on hands-on learning and an affordable price.
MasterClass: While beginner-friendly, it is more ideal for people looking to learn from top experts in various fields and is best suited for those seeking inspiration.

🖥️Can I watch classes from both platforms on multiple devices?

Skillshare: Yes, you can watch courses on computer, tablet, TV, and phone.
MasterClass: Yes, courses are available on multiple devices, including smart TVs and mobile apps.

🔄How often are new courses added?

Skillshare: Continuously adds new courses, with a focus on ongoing community engagement.
MasterClass: Adds new courses less frequently, but they are typically from high-profile figures and offer more in-depth content.

💬Can I get help from instructors on both platforms?

Skillshare: Provides community discussion areas and the ability to interact with instructors, but responses are not always guaranteed.
MasterClass: Offers less direct interaction with instructors. You can engage in the comment section but the focus is more on self-paced learning.

🤑Does MasterClass offer discounts?

Yes, MasterClass occasionally offers discounts or promotions. They also provide a family plan, allowing you to share access with up to 6 people at once.

👶Is Skillshare suitable for children?

Skillshare offers a broad range of content, but the platform is more geared towards adults and teens. It’s not specifically designed for children. However, you can find some creative courses for younger audiences.

Conclusion: SkillShare Vs Masterclass 2025 

Both Skillshare and MasterClass offer outstanding learning experiences, but the choice depends on your budget, skill needs, and the type of courses you’re after.

Skillshare is great for learning specific skills in fields like fine arts, writing, and photography, offering a wide variety of courses by various instructors.

While quality can vary, the Premium membership unlocks full access to their courses and provides a more interactive classroom-like experience.

MasterClass, however, excels at inspiring creativity with celebrity-led courses from experts like Gordon Ramsay and Christina Aguilera. It offers high-quality content focused on motivation and learning from the best in the industry.

The full-access pass is ideal for people who want to learn from top experts because it allows you to explore all of their offerings.

Ultimately, MasterClass is better for people looking for inspiration and professional insights, whereas Skillshare is great for experiential learning with teachers. You may make excellent investments in your future with both platforms!

Masterclass Popular Videos 



SkillShare Popular Videos 



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