MasterClass is suitable for users seeking diverse skills from renowned professionals, while Duolingo Max is ideal for language learners who want a personalized, AI-driven experience. The choice depends on individual learning goals and preferences.
| Attribute | MasterClass | Duolingo Max |
|---|---|---|
| Course Variety | Offers a wide range of courses across various categories, including arts, business, sports, lifestyle, and more. Over 200 classes spanning 11 categories. Creative fields have the most coverage, while technology and science are less represented. | Offers courses in over 40 languages. For English speakers, languages include Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese. Some courses may have limited Max features. |
| Instructor Quality | World-renowned professionals, experts, and celebrities in their respective fields. Platform carefully vets its instructors to ensure high content quality. | Employs scientifically-backed teaching methods. Leverages AI, including GPT-4, for personalized learning experiences. |
| Learning Structure | Courses consist of 10-20 bite-sized lessons, typically 10-15 minutes long. Includes video lessons, workbooks, and assignments. | Provides a structured learning path with bite-sized, game-like lessons. Lessons cover vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and conversation skills. |
| Interactive Elements | Downloadable PDFs, suggested practice time guides, community activities, and AI-powered tools for insights and summaries. | Includes interactive lessons for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Features like 'Explain My Answer' and 'Roleplay' enhance engagement. Gamified with points, levels, and challenges. |
| Personalized Learning | Allows multiple profiles (up to 6 with Plus and Premium plans) to track progress independently and receive personal recommendations. | AI adapts to the learner's pace and level. 'Explain My Answer' offers personalized feedback. AI-powered practice adapts to individual learning styles. |
| Skill Application | Includes practical exercises and assignments. Sessions by MasterClass are designed to be more practical, with users working on projects and activities. | Roleplay feature allows practicing real-world conversations with AI characters. Adventures transform language practice into an exploration game. |
| Community Support | Community of members around the world. Sessions by MasterClass allow users to share their work with an engaged community and get feedback from peers. | Features competitive leaderboards. |
| Accessibility | Available on various devices and platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Android TV. Working on adding multilingual subtitles. | Available on iOS and Android devices. |
| Cost and Subscription Model | Annual membership plans only: Standard ($120/year), Plus ($180/year), and Premium ($240/year). All plans provide unlimited access to all courses. No monthly billing. | A premium subscription tier above Super Duolingo. Includes all Super Duolingo benefits. Monthly and annual subscription options are available. Family plans are also offered. |
| Offline Access | Plus and Premium plans allow users to download videos for offline viewing on mobile devices. Standard plan does not offer this feature. | Allows downloading lessons for offline use. |
| Progress Tracking | Automatically saves your progress, allowing you to resume where you left off. Progress remains attached to your account even if your subscription expires. | Tracks progress and provides insights into improvement areas. |
| Language Options | All classes can be viewed with closed captioning/subtitles in English. Some classes offer subtitles in additional languages. | Offers over 40 languages. However, AI-powered features may not be available for all languages. |
| Price | $120/year - $240/year | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |