E-Learning is one of the fastest ways to acquire skills in any field.

Some of them offer quality, well-structured courses delivered by good instructors.

But how about MasterClass, the e-learning platform that has been filling our screens with sleek ads?

MasterClass website opened on an iPad

Where does it belong in the quality spectrum?

What Is MasterClass?

However, MasterClass takes a less conventional approach to teaching.

Screenshot of the MasterClass homepage

You don’t get traditional academia or classroom-style lessons.

Instead, you get masterclassescomplex topics broken down by subject area experts with enormous real-world experience in their field.

Unlike most e-learning brands, MasterClass places anemphasis on the quality of coursesand the instructors that deliver them.

MasterClass courses and instructors

But apart from the allure of celebrities and big names, what’s the MasterClass platform like?

Do the offered courses live up to the hype?

And perhaps more importantly, is it worth your time and money?

Mariah Carey’s class on MasterClass

However, if you’re paying for MasterClass classes, you’ll want more than just good video quality.

You’ll need high-value content as well.

Does MasterClass live up to the hype on this metric?

Quality of MasterClass courses

In terms of the quality of instructors, it couldn’t get any better than that.

It took about two days to complete the three courses we sampled.

All three courses had around 15 hours of videos in total.

MasterClass classes typically give an overview of topics with some in-depth explanation.

Similarly, Chris Voss’s masterclass onthe art of negotiationprovided valuable and potentially game-changing ideas on negotiation.

For a rookie trying to succeed in negotiation-style conversations, it could be very useful.

The class was worth every second of its running time, nonetheless.

MasterClass courses tend to come packed with an air of inspiration.

Once you’re done with a class, you’ll want to take action.

The workbook is designed to fit the topic of the masterclass involved.

Although MasterClass classes are pre-recorded, from time to time, instructors host live video sessions.

This session offers a rare chance to interact with industry experts who also double as instructors on the platform.

Are MasterClass Courses Right for You?

To make the most of MasterClass courses, you should have some level of proficiency in the subject area.

Most MasterClass instructors assume that their audience is at least moderately knowledgeable in their fields.

As a result, the lessons are delivered with some level of abstraction.

As you progress, MasterClass could then be the perfect place to polish your skills.

Need a class on handling the pressures of leadership?

What better way to learn than from Bill and Hilary Clinton’s MasterClass lessons?

Need to improve your gymnastics skills?

How about learning from the phenomenal Simone Biles?

MasterClass Pricing Options

MasterClass offers a $180 yearly subscription with an optional $15 monthly plan.

Several times a year, a MasterClass subscription comes with an option to include another non-paying MasterClass user.

There are no free trials available, so you’ll have to pay to try out MasterClass.

Is MasterClass Worth the Hype?

MasterClass gives you access to courses by some of the world’s biggest names.

The program focuses on high-pedigree topics and skills, such as leadership and negotiating.

If this case, MasterClass is worth every dollar.