If youโre looking at expanding your knowledge, learning new skills, or enhancing a hobby, chances are youโre comparing Skillshare vs MasterClass. These platforms are well known in the online learning sphere, each offering learning experiences via online courses.
We have tried them both and can tell you our favorite. Letโs first talk about what each platform brings to the table so you can determine the fit for your own goals and needs.
Skillshare vs Masterclass
We believe that everyone learns differently and there is no right or wrong platform. If it works for you, then that is the best. We do want to share what we feel is better for certain learning goals, dependent upon specific skills and experiences with popular online learning platforms.

Skillshare: Creatorsโ Online Learning Community
Our Skillshare review comes from our own user experience in the online platform. Skillshare is a hub for individuals inclined to improve practical skills or expand their interests in various fields. Skillshare has a wide range of courses aimed at creatives. Individual courses are offered in graphic design, photography, writing, and marketing. If you are a creator or an entrepreneur in the creative field, Skillshare classes may be the route for you to take.
Reasons People May Favor Skillshare
- Diverse Selection โ With a catalog of over 30,000 classes thereโs something for everyoneโs interests. Want to delve into animation? Thereโs a class tailored for that pursuit. Are you considering venturing into web development? Skillshare has resources dedicated to that field.
- Community Engagement โ One standout feature of Skillshare is its sense of community. Users can showcase their projects, receive feedback from peers, and engage in efforts within this setting.
- Affordability โ Skillshare operates on subscription plans, where you pay an annual fee to access all their classes. Itโs a deal if youโre looking to enroll in different courses. It also has a 7-day free trial. It is a great way for you to see if it is worth sticking around. Skillshare is offering our readers a free month trial by using this link. Note, SkillShare no longer offers month to month membership.
- Interactive Learning โ Many of the classes on Skillshare involve hands-on projects; youโre not just passively watching videos โ youโre actively engaging and applying what you learn. Itโs a way to put your knowledge into practice immediately.
- Your Skillshare teacher is an expert in their field. Each instructor showcases that they are industry leaders and enthusiasts in their field. Once they apply to teach and are approved, they can share their knowledge through the platform.
We have found fabulous courses on e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and professional development. You can find exclusive content at a reasonable price when comparing courses in a creative field. When comparing Skillshare vs Masterclass, you may find more reliability in the Skillshare platform.
MasterClass: Learning from the Best
MasterClass offers a learning experience like no other. Itโs the place to be if you want to be taught by experts in their respective fields. It can be awe-inspiring when you learn about acting from Natalie Portman, or filmmaking from Martin Scorsese. Itโs not just the Hollywood industry though. We loved our gardening class taught by Ron Finlay. Pretty sure we have watched that one three times. We enjoy it that much!

Reasons People May Favor MasterClass
- Renowned Instructors โ The main attraction of MasterClass courses are the celebrity instructors, obviously. These arenโt just professionals; they are known figures in their field. Learning from individuals at the pinnacle of success can be motivating.
- Production Quality โ The videos on MasterClass are not informative but visually appealing and enjoyable to watch. They are highly produced. The high production standards elevate the learning process making it more engaging.
- Comprehensive Courses โ Each MasterClass course consists of lessons that delve into the subject matter. You can gain an understanding of the subject directly from experts in the field. Who else would you want to learn about leadership from other than Coach K?!
- Access + Affordability โ When it comes to MasterClass they offer an All Access Pass through an annual subscription. With the All Access Pass, you have unlimited access to all their courses. If youโre interested in exploring topics outside of the creative realm, this may be more appealing.
We have found that when it comes to Skillshare vs MasterClass, for us, we have used MasterClass more in the past year than any other platform. MasterClass sessions have now been added, making it even more appealing. When new courses are added, it feels like they are free courses since you are already a member.

We have limited guest passes that we can share for a 14-day trial, at various times throughout the year. If you are interested in trying it out, either try this link for the free guest pass or contact us if the link no longer works. We can try to grab another one for you.
Skillshare vs MasterClass: Which Should I Choose?
Since both platforms have a mobile app, they can both be utilized on your phone or desktop. Both allow you to go at your own pace, and both seem to have great ease of use.
If you prefer hands-on learning and want to delve into skills, Skillshare might be the choice. Its community-oriented vibe and project-focused classes make it a great fit for both individuals and professionals.
On the other hand, if youโre keen on learning from personalities and industry experts while taking high-quality, comprehensive courses, then MasterClass is the way to go. The chance to learn from top-tier professionals is truly exceptional.

You may not see the key differences in what we have told you here, but we find that MasterClass can be inspiring, motivational, and the best option for instructor quality. Some of the material may be dated though, so pay attention to that. For example, Kris Jennerโs The Power of Personal Branding is excellent.
We all know she has prior experience in this field. We dare to say that she is the expert in personal branding, however, her guidance on social media content and posting is no longer relevant.
Final Verdict
When it comes to comparing Skillshare vs Masterclass, both are platforms that cater to different industry professionals and offer classes that can appeal to those most eager to improve professional and personal development.
Skillshareโs hands-on approach with a strong community focus suits those looking for creativity and skill exploration. On the other hand, MasterClass offers online courses led by celebrities with high-quality video lessons for an enriching educational experience.
Ultimately it boils down to finding what aligns with your style and interests as to what the right platform is for you. We have found there is more bang for our buck with MasterClass, therefore, with our experience, it is the better option. No matter which option you go with youโre in, for a learning journey.

We have talked previously about how online classes make theย Best Minimalist Gift Ideas for People Who Donโt Want Clutter. MasterClass classes or Skillshare courses both make an excellent choice as a sustainable gift or a great work from home gifts.
You may enjoy reading our picks for the Best MasterClass Courses for Wellness.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Skillshareโs courses are better for beginners from a skill level, however, MasterClass is better for inspiring and motivating beginners.
You can sometimes with instructors on SkillShare. With MasterClass, interaction is very uncommon, however, if you tag an instructor on social media, some will often interact if you mention that you took their course.
Most online platforms allow you to go back and finish at your own pace. Your progress is usually saved, so you can pick up where you left off. This is no different with Skillshare nor MasterClass.