MasterClass Review: Is It Worth Gifting?

What We Like

1. Learn from Actual Legends

This isn't some random instructor claiming expertise—it's Gordon Ramsay teaching cooking, Serena Williams teaching tennis, Malcolm Gladwell teaching writing, and Questlove teaching music curation. The roster includes Nobel Prize winners, Oscar winners, bestselling authors, and Olympic champions. You're learning from people at the absolute top of their field.

2. Netflix-Quality Production

MasterClass doesn't feel like an online course—it feels like a premium documentary series. The cinematic quality, thoughtful editing, and beautiful visuals make learning genuinely entertaining. Classes shot in instructors' actual environments (Ramsay's kitchen, Williams' tennis court) add authenticity you can't get elsewhere.

3. Incredible Variety

Over 200 classes spanning cooking, writing, music, business, science, sports, acting, design, and more. Your gift recipient can explore Gordon Ramsay's cooking techniques one week, then dive into Neil deGrasse Tyson's astrophysics the next. It's the ultimate gift for intellectually curious people who love learning across disciplines.

4. Perfect Gift Format

MasterClass offers official gift memberships with beautiful presentation options. The recipient gets an email they can redeem instantly and choose their own classes. Unlike many digital gifts, MasterClass feels premium—the branding and presentation elevate it beyond "just another subscription."

5. Works Everywhere

Apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, and web. The recipient can learn on their phone during commutes, on TV in the living room, or on a laptop at a coffee shop. Classes include downloadable workbooks, and most plans allow offline viewing.

What to Consider

1. It's Inspirational, Not Certification-Based

MasterClass is about inspiration and insight, not professional credentials. You won't get a certificate at the end, and classes aren't structured for deep technical mastery. If the recipient needs accredited training or professional certifications, platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning are better fits.

2. No Instructor Interaction

Classes are pre-recorded—you can't ask Gordon Ramsay questions about your soufflé. There's a community feature for peer discussion, but no direct access to instructors. For some learners, this passive format feels limiting compared to interactive courses.

3. Broad, Not Deep

Classes offer high-level perspectives and techniques, not comprehensive skill-building. A 12-lesson MasterClass won't turn someone into a professional chef or published author—it provides inspiration, principles, and frameworks they can explore further on their own.

Who It's Best For

How to Gift MasterClass

1. Visit the gift page at masterclass.com/gift (link below).
2. Choose a plan — Annual ($120/year) is best value, or 3-month/6-month options for shorter commitments.
3. Select delivery — Email the gift immediately or schedule for a specific date. You can add a personal message.
4. Complete purchase. The recipient gets a beautifully designed email with redemption instructions.
5. They choose their classes. Your gift unlocks the entire library—they pick what interests them most.

Pricing Breakdown

MasterClass offers several membership tiers for gifting:

Alternatives

If MasterClass doesn't feel quite right, consider:

• Skillshare — More project-based, creative focus, taught by working professionals. $13.99/mo. Better for hands-on learners. See our MasterClass vs Skillshare comparison →
• Audible — For book lovers who prefer audiobooks over video classes. Similar gift format.
• The Great Courses — More academic, university-style lectures. Better for traditional learners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does gifting MasterClass work?

Purchase a gift membership on masterclass.com/gift, and the recipient gets an email with a redemption link. They create their account and instantly access all 200+ classes. You can email it immediately or schedule delivery for a specific date.

Can they choose their own classes?

Yes! Your gift unlocks the entire MasterClass library. The recipient browses and chooses whichever classes interest them—cooking, writing, business, science, sports, music, and more. They're not limited to a single topic.

Is MasterClass actually worth the price?

For the right person, absolutely. If the recipient loves learning, watches documentaries, or admires any of the 200+ celebrity instructors, they'll get tremendous value. At $10/month for unlimited access, it costs less than two coffees. However, if they want professional certifications or interactive learning, other platforms are better.

How many classes can they take?

Unlimited! All membership tiers include access to every class in the library (200+ and growing). They can take one class or fifty—there are no limits. Classes remain available as long as the membership is active.

Does MasterClass work offline?

Yes, with Plus ($16.67/mo) or Premium ($23.33/mo) plans. Standard plan ($10/mo) requires an internet connection. Offline downloads work on mobile apps (iOS/Android), letting learners watch classes on planes, trains, or anywhere without WiFi.

Can you share a MasterClass account?

Standard allows 1 device, Plus allows 2 devices, Premium allows 6 devices. Premium is designed for families—up to 6 people can share one membership across different devices. However, everyone shares the same watch history and preferences.

Final Verdict

MasterClass earns our "Best for Learning" badge for good reason. It's the rare gift that's both inspiring and practical—entertaining enough to hold attention, yet substantive enough to teach real skills and perspectives from world-class experts.

If you're gifting to someone who's intellectually curious, loves exploring new topics, or has mentioned wanting to learn from their heroes (Gordon Ramsay, Anna Wintour, Neil deGrasse Tyson), MasterClass is an exceptional choice. The cinematic quality makes it feel premium, and the year-long access means your gift keeps giving value long after the occasion.

The Standard plan ($120/year) is perfect for most gift recipients. Upgrade to Plus ($200/year) if they travel frequently and want offline viewing, or Premium ($280/year) if you're gifting to a couple or family.