MasterClass is ideal for users seeking inspiration and insights from renowned experts with a focus on production quality, while Khan Academy is better suited for students and learners looking for free, comprehensive academic content and skill development.
| Attribute | MasterClass | Khan Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Course Variety and Depth | Offers a wide range of courses across categories like food, design, arts, music, business, sports, writing, science, home & lifestyle, and wellness. Classes range from gardening and poker to cooking and novel writing. Courses are designed to provide a foundational understanding, inspire creativity, and enhance knowledge. | Offers over 10,000 video lessons covering math (K-12 through early college), grammar, science, history, AP courses, SAT prep, and more. Hosts content from other educational sources like Crash Course and the Museum of Modern Art. |
| Instructor Credentials and Experience | Uses A-list celebrities and renowned industry leaders as instructors. These instructors share insights, techniques, and personal anecdotes. Examples include Gordon Ramsay, Neil Gaiman, and Steve Martin. | Not available |
| Subscription Cost and Value | Offers annual membership plans. The Standard plan is around $120 USD per year, the Plus plan is around $180 USD per year, and the Premium plan is around $240 USD per year. All plans provide access to the entire catalog. MasterClass does not offer monthly payment options. | Non-profit organization that provides free educational content. All resources are available without any subscription fees. |
| User Interface and Experience | Designed to be cinematic and visually engaging, with high production quality. The platform is easy to use and navigate on various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs. | Aims to have a user-friendly interface. Some users have found it difficult to locate specific courses and resources. There have been efforts to redesign the app to improve navigation and engagement. |
| Learning Structure and Curriculum Design | Courses are typically structured into 2-3 hours of content, divided into 10-20 lessons that are 10-15 minutes each. The courses are designed so concepts build upon one another. Each class includes a downloadable workbook with recaps and tips. | Provides supplementary practice exercises and materials for educators. Courses are presented in a sequential order with units containing video lectures and other materials. |
| Accessibility Features | Committed to providing an accessible website experience. Accessibility features include a 'skip to content' link, keyboard accessibility, text alternatives for non-text content, and sufficient color contrast. Text can be resized up to 200%. | Offers several accessibility features including the ability to hide visually-dependent content, remove color from videos, and reduce motion. Transcripts and subtitles are available for videos. Improved keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility. |
| Mobile App Availability and Functionality | Has mobile apps for iOS and Android. The apps allow users to watch classes on the go and offer audio-only mode for hands-free learning. | Official apps for both iOS and Android devices. The apps allow users to download videos for offline viewing and sync progress with their Khan Academy account. |
| Offline Viewing Options | Plus and Premium plan members can download select video lessons for offline viewing on iOS and Android devices. This feature is not available on the Standard plan, and not all courses are available for download. | Videos can be downloaded on the Khan Academy app for offline viewing. |
| Community Engagement and Support | Offers a members-only community area for course discussions. However, some reviews note limited interaction with instructors and other learners. | Aims to create a welcoming environment. A community feature to foster collaboration and engagement among learners has been introduced. |
| Progress Tracking and Assessment | The platform provides progress tracking. | Provides progress tracking tools to help learners stay organized and motivated. Interactive exercises, quizzes, and tests offer instant feedback. |
| Certificate of Completion | MasterClass does not generally offer official certificates of completion. However, some courses, like those through Arizona State University, may offer digital micro-credentials upon successful completion. | Does not currently offer certificates upon completion of courses. Provides energy points, medals, and avatars to reward students. Certificates may be available for completing specific programs like "Khan for Educators". |
| Specific Subject Matter Expertise | Offers courses across a multitude of subjects, including cooking, writing, business, and more. | Covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, economics, history, arts, and computer programming. |