Comparing Mindvalley Vs MasterClass After Using Both

At first glance, it may seem incredulous to compare Mindvalley and MasterClass. After all, these online learning platforms target different audiences. Mindvalley is for those looking to improve the quality of their lives whereas MasterClass is for acquiring and improving a wide variety of skills.

However, what most people fail to notice at first (including me) is that MasterClass, too, offers several classes to aid in personal development. This makes the MasterClass vs Mindvalley debate much more interesting. Depression, stress, a sense of discontent, and all other plagues in life can turn every day into a battle with self. 

You aren’t alone in trying to find a permanent solution to help you get through the days and finally vanquish all those demons you face. Fortunately, these platforms have the best online courses to aid you in that battle. But which website is the best choice for you? Well, that’s what we will be answering in this article.

Quick Overview: Mindvalley Vs Masterclass

Criteria	Mindvalley	Masterclass
Course Quality	4/5	4.7/5
Instructors	4/5	4.5/5
Support	3.5/5	3/5
Value for Money	3.8/5	4/5
Ease of Use	3.7/5	4.8/5
Overall Rating	3.8/5	4.2/5
Check for Discount	Visit Mindvalley ↗️	Visit MasterClass ↗️

Comparing Mindvalley Vs Masterclass

To begin the Mindvalley vs MasterClass comparison, we must answer the question ‘What is the difference between Mindvalley and MasterClass?’. The difference is quite simple. While Mindvalley solely focuses on the betterment of life through various practices, MasterClass specializes in other categories, too (especially creative skills).

Now that we have got that out of the way, let’s see how the online learning experience on both platforms is and how they fare compared to each other. We will discuss everything from the variety of courses, content quality, and instructor efficiency to the effectiveness of courses, community support, and why subscribing to either platform is worth it.

Variety of Courses

Even though Mindvalley focuses on one field, it has several sub-categories: Mind, career, entrepreneurship, body, soul, and relationships. Its numerous online transformation programs – dubbed Mindvalley transformation Quests – teach you techniques to enter the proper mindset, improve memory and focus, master fitness, and improve sleep quality.

But that’s not all; you will also learn more about spirituality, inner peace, and dealing with grief. In short, you have courses for almost every obstacle you come across in life. I am skeptical about some of its claims though. Can one learn to project thoughts or heal the body using one’s mind? That’s debatable at best. 

Now, let’s discuss the MasterClass course variety. MasterClass is a unique platform for learning creative skills and it also has classes on how to develop a mindset that ensures the successful acquisition of those skills. Honestly, I love everything about MasterClass. You have numerous courses to choose from and the lessons are concise.

Do you want to master the art of writing compelling stories, abstract art, dance, and other performing arts? Does cooking, music, science & technology, or outdoor adventures excite you? If so, MasterClass is a fantastic choice for you.

Free Resources

Mindvalley offers limited, free masterclasses if you want to check out what the various courses will be like before you subscribe. Some courses claim to help you figure out what you want in life and help you get it, while others focus on narrower/specific elements like training your brain to learn faster, avoiding being overwhelmed, etc.

The trouble with these free classes is that you have to reserve a spot in advance and attend them on the time and date specified. You don’t get to choose when to learn whatever course you choose. Fortunately, the classes are only 60-90 minutes long. So, your schedule won’t get messed up much.

On the other hand, MasterClass doesn’t offer free courses. However, you can use the MasterClass free trial to determine whether the platform is worth your time (yes, it is worth it!). You can cancel the subscription anytime within the trial period to avoid being charged. Meanwhile, you can access awesome classes and lessons designed by expert instructors.

Content Quality

Mindvalley’s personal development courses have fantastic, engaging content (I still prefer MasterClass’s realistic approach). While most people agree on the effectiveness of the methods and practices taught in the courses, some feel it’s just not for them. This is quite ordinary as what works for one doesn’t always work for another.

After all, personal development isn’t an exact science despite what many digital learning platforms claim. The Mindvalley course structure is great, too. The scientific, structured, and methodical approach (Hercule Poirot would be proud) makes it stand out from its competitors.

Let’s discuss MasterClass course quality next. So far, the platform has lived up to my expectations. The lessons in each class are only around 15 minutes long, but they are packed with relevant information. 

You can glean from the sample extracts of the lessons that the courses are well-structured but also pretty fun. The videos are enlightening, and you will have trouble finding other courses that manage to be as laid-back yet informative as those on this platform. I am beginning to like Masterclass more than Coursera!

Course Instructors

You will come across Emily Fletcher, Katherine Woodward Thomas, Barbara Marz Hubbard, etc. if you google ‘Mindvalley expert instructors’. Don’t worry if these names don’t ring a bell. I didn’t know about them at first either. Just remember they are a big deal in their respective fields. In short, Mindvalley has hand-picked industry experts as its instructors.

Moving on to MasterClass, I am unashamed to say that my mind blew when I saw some of the instructors on this platform. You don’t need to look further if you are searching for celebrity instructors online. Dear God, this site has a writing course taught by James Patterson and a filmmaking course by James Cameron! 

MasterClass has courses taught by Usher, Steve Martin (yes, the Murders in the Building Star), David Baldacci, and the Duffer Brothers. These are just a few names to drive you crazy with excitement. And now, get ready for the final name drop. Gordon Ramsay. If you haven’t heard about the guy, my only question is: were you living under a rock?

Anyway, you are sure to learn exciting things, gain useful insights, and develop the ability to explore further on your own. I love MasterClass. Did I say that before? Yep, and I am not going to stop anytime soon.

Learning Methods

Videos, live events, stories, and podcasts are pretty common in Mindvalley to aid your aim to raise the quality of life. Some courses (or programs as they are called here) use neuroscientific techniques to replace negative thoughts or beliefs with positive ones.

However, I am uncertain as to the efficiency of the Mindvalley teaching methodology as it isn’t that easy to just make all those dark thoughts that swirl around in one’s mind. (Captain Kirk was right. Pain and guilt cannot be taken away with the wave of a magic wand.) On the other hand, I concede that their meditation protocols may be effective. 

Video lectures are predominant among the MasterClass learning materials. Podcasts, Q&A sessions, downloadable resources, blogs, webinars, and workshops are other learning methods used on this platform. 

This platform is widely considered one of the best sites for creative skills learning for a reason. You don’t have to take my word for it. I do not doubt that even the most skeptical person will realize the benefits of choosing this platform when they try a course on it.

How Practical are these Programs?

Aside from an assessment at the end of a course, Mindvalley doesn’t have the tools to emphasize the practical application of what you learn. After all, you have taken the course on your own volition. So, you are expected to practice what is taught to ensure the promised results indeed come to fruition.

MasterClass learning outcomes are comparatively better because of the guided projects some courses include. The step-by-step guidance from the MasterClass celebrity teachers ensures equal proficiency in theoretical and practical aspects of any skill you wish to master.

What about Certificates? 

Unfortunately, Mindvalley certification is not available for all courses. Certifications are available only for limited courses like Mindvalley certified business coach, life coach, HoloBody coach, etc. 

And, these certifications are worth it, but are they indispensable? Nope. Plenty of alternatives whose certification holds more value are available. So, it’s merely a matter of preference whether you want to pursue these certification programs. 

Surprisingly, MasterClass doesn’t provide certificates of completion. If you are miffed with that, I have the perfect quote for you: ‘Nobody is perfect, Saavik’. Fortunately, you will receive an email informing you that you have completed a course. It is plain that MasterClass focuses only on improving your skills. That’s something, I guess.

Customer Support

I didn’t face any issues while using either Mindvalley or MasterClass. So I didn’t get a chance to test their support team effectiveness.

But anyways, I spent some time with my friends who have been using these platforms longer than I do to see what they think about the support provided.

Opinions are mixed about Mindvalley’s customer support. While most people would describe dealing with the agents as easy-peasy, others weren’t as fortunate. MasterClass is decent at providing customer support. Half the reviewers feel that it extends good support whereas the other half find it irritating, to say the least.

Pricing and Value for Money

Mindvalley may appear to have the upper hand in the MasterClass vs Mindvalley price discussion. The truth is that MasterClass’ high subscription price is a result of the comparatively vaster number of courses available on that platform. Mindvalley is a platform that merely has personal growth courses.

Once you understand that it is clear why MasterClass pricing is higher than the Mindvalley subscription cost. The standard MasterClass annual subscription costs $10/month. It is billed annually. You can also opt for the Plus ($15/month) or Premium ($20/month) plan if you wish to use multiple devices.

It doesn’t matter whether it is for convenience or to share with family members. The Plus plan allows you to access the site using two devices, whereas the Premium plan allows the use of six devices.

Mindvalley membership costs $49/month or $399/year.

The Mindvalley payment options are simple. You can use a debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.) or use PayPal. Alternative payment methods are unavailable at the moment.

Community

One of the best things about Mindvalley is its encouraging community. The active community fosters a comfortable environment for learning. Connecting and vibing with people with similar thought patterns motivates you to complete courses. It is good to know that your fellow learners deem it worthwhile to support you through the completion of a program.

MasterClass community is exceptionally great for collaborative work. Admit it, working with others on any given project is more stimulating than tinkering alone. You may find solace in solidarity; however, creativity always increases exponentially when you have someone to bounce ideas off. 

Moreover, you can discuss any topic-related doubts in the live Q&A sessions. That’s right, instructors help out their students on this platform. Fantastic, isn’t it? I hyperventilate at the very thought of addressing my instructor, but that’s me – an introvert. You will undoubtedly have fun showing off your unique thinking in those sessions.

User Interface

Mindvalley’s user interface is good. But I can’t help feeling as though something is missing. Perhaps, it is just my opinion, but it feels like the UI is (for lack of better words) stuffy. On the contrary, MasterClass has, as Spock would say, an aesthetically pleasing UI. It’s easy to navigate and exciting to explore.

Learner Reviews: What Other Users Say

Frankly, I am surprised at the seeming lack of negative reviews about Mindvalley. No matter how perfect the Mindvalley learning approach may seem, someone is bound to be dissatisfied with it. And, lo and behold, some people have pointed out the problems with the platform. They feel that the subscription costs are high and the courses lack depth.

However, the consensus is that the programs are sufficient for the intro level. Seriously, we know the platform is stretching it a bit when it claims to teach you how to project consciousness and sense human body conditions. Come on, what reality are we in?

MasterClass is generally beloved, but some think it would be better to shift the focus from the celebrity instructors to what they are teaching. However, I think the platform has achieved the right balance between hyping up its instructors and imparting useful information to help hone our skills.

Who Should Use Mindvalley?

Mindvalley is the right option if you want to, in the words of Henry David Thoreau, suck the marrow out of life (who else has watched the Dead Poets Society?). Life is much too precious to waste even a moment. That doesn’t mean you have to hit the ground running. Remember, the worth of the life you live isn’t determined by productivity alone. 

The experiences (the highs and the lows), memories, relationships, and the messy emotions those relationships entail all factor in. Mindvalley has several courses to help you manage all aspects and elements of life. So, use it so that you will never regret not exploring everything life has to offer.

Who Should Use Masterclass?

Becoming a well-rounded individual is crucial for a happy life. Therefore, simply focusing better and being aware of oneself won’t cut it. You must endeavor to improve and challenge yourself by learning new skills. MasterClass is a great option for both; you can learn to control controllable elements in your life and acquire new skills.

I tend to lean a bit towards this platform in the Mindvalley or MasterClass dilemma. The world is a canvas; don’t be afraid to paint outside it though. The universe is big enough to handle your eccentricities and idiosyncrasies. Do not let the critics and nay-sayers bring you down to your knees.

Alternatives

The following are the best platforms to consider if you are loking for alternatives:

Coursera

It never ceases to surprise me how Coursera is a great alternative to almost any online learning platform. Lifestyle is one of the subcategories that Coursera has numerous courses on. It is a viable alternative to Mindvalley and MasterClass with accredited certification. However, if your focus is on creative skills, it is better to stick with MasterClass.

Skillshare

Skillshare has an affordable alternative to both platforms. It is more similar to MasterClass but that doesn’t mean its health & wellness courses are something to look down your noses at. What’s more, it provides you with a certificate of completion.

Udemy

And now comes the favorite candidate of anyone who prefers a massive course library and the option to purchase courses for one quarter of their original cost. Udemy is a good option for those looking to have fun while learning. The certificates aren’t worth the same as those its competitors provide, nevertheless the highly-rated courses are worth enrolling in.

Final Verdict: Mindvalley Vs Masterclass

Choose Mindvalley if your only goal is personal growth and development. On the other hand, MasterClass is the right option if you want to explore a broader field and gain skills. To sum up the Mindvalley vs MasterClass debate:

The pros of choosing Mindvalley are:

• A balanced life once you finish the relevant courses.
• Achieving mindfulness.
• Ability to conquer emotions and wield positive thinking as a tool.

MasterClass is the best option if you want to:

• Improve creativity.
• Build a meaningful life.
• Have larger-than-life instructors.
• Gain useful insights about your chosen field.

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