MasterClass is ideal for users seeking engaging, high-production-value courses taught by celebrities and experts in creative fields. edX is better suited for users looking for academic courses, professional certifications, and degree programs from top universities, with more flexible pricing options and potential for accreditation.
| Attribute | MasterClass | edX |
|---|---|---|
| Course Variety and Breadth | Over 200 courses across 11 categories, including cooking, writing, music, business, sports, photography, cinematography, and dog training. | Offers over 4,600 online courses across computer science, data science, business, humanities, engineering, design, and more. Covers subjects like AI, robotics, sustainability, and public health. |
| Instructor Quality and Reputation | Taught by world-renowned experts and celebrities like Serena Williams, Mark Cuban, and Margaret Atwood. | Courses are instructor-led by experts from top partner institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley. |
| Pricing and Subscription Options | Three annual membership plans: Standard (around $120/year), Plus (around $180/year), and Premium (around $240/year). No monthly options. 30-day money-back guarantee. | Audit many courses for free. Certificates range from $50-$300. Professional Certificates: $200-$2,500. MicroMasters/MicroBachelors: $600-$1,500. Degree programs: $10,000-$25,000. 'For Groups' plan: $349 per learner per year. |
| Course Structure and Learning Experience | Typically 2-3 hours in total, divided into 10-20 lessons that are 10-15 minutes each. Premium, cinematic, and engaging learning experience. | Mix of self-paced and instructor-paced classes. Uses its own Learning Management System (LMS). |
| Certificate and Accreditation | Does not offer certificates or accreditation. | Certificates are verified and shareable. Not an accredited institution, but offers accredited courses and degree programs through university partnerships. Certificates are widely accepted by employers. |
| User Interface and Platform Accessibility | User-friendly and accessible on iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Android TV. Watch on desktop, TV, or mobile devices. | User-friendly interface. Conforms to WCAG 2.0 Level AA for accessibility. |
| Community and Support | Limited sense of community, with limited interaction with instructors. Paths encourage dynamic participation and peer feedback in a Discussion Community. | Discussion forums and group projects. |
| Offline Access | Available for Plus and Premium plan members via the mobile app (iOS and Android). Not all video lessons are available due to legal restrictions. | Downloadable videos and transcripts. Mobile app allows video downloads. |
| Skill Level | Online classes created for students of all skill levels. | Courses for all skill levels. |
| Course Length and Time Commitment | Each course is just over 60 minutes in length, providing you with the flexibility to complete it in one sitting or at your own pace. | Short courses: 2-6 hours/week for 4-8 weeks. Professional programs: self-paced between 6 months and 1 year. |
| Mobile App Availability | Available on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. | Free mobile app for Android and iOS. |
| Content Updates and New Courses | New classes are added every month. | Continuously updates offerings to include emerging fields like AI, machine learning, and blockchain technology. |