BBC Maestro Vs MasterClass: Which is Better? I Tried Both

If we are going to hone our creative skills, why not learn from the best? Online learning platforms such as BBC Maestro and MasterClass make it possible for us to be mentored by celebrities. While both are fantastic for improving your creative skills, their focus on various categories differs.

You are not alone in searching for brilliant courses at reasonable prices and in-depth content. This comparison is meant for you and your fellow souls on the lookout for trustworthy expert-led tutorials for professional development. We will leave no stone unturned to help you eventually decide which platform to choose.

In this BBC Maestro vs MasterClass review, we will walk you through the subtle differences between the platforms and why you should choose them. We will also analyze whether their courses are indeed diamonds among the available creative classes online or if they are merely hyped up as such.

Quick Overview: BBC Maestro Vs MasterClass

Criteria	BBC Maestro	MasterClass
Course Quality	4.5/5	4.7/5
Instructors	4.3/5	4.5/5
Support	4/5	4/5
Value for Money	4.1/5	4.3/5
Ease of Use	4.7/5	4.8/5
Overall Rating	4.3/5	4.4/5
	Try BBC Maestro ↗️	Try MasterClass ↗️

Comparing BBC Maestro Vs MasterClass

Online education for skill development is not only popular but also convenient. Video-based learning gives you a chance to pause, take in the content, and rewatch the classes if necessary. But, the question is, which website (MasterClass or BBC Maestro) excels in this field? Can one platform truly meet all your requirements? That’s what we’ll see.

Variety of Courses

Course variety is an important criterion to consider when comparing two sites. Both MasterClass and BBC Maestro offer courses to improve creative skills. However, the term ‘creative’ denotes a broad range of skills. Precisely what do these websites teach? 

BBC Maestro has 35+ courses in 7 categories: writing, film, TV, & the stage, food and drink, music, art & design, business, and home & lifestyle.

Moreover, the courses are classified based on the learning outcomes. For example, if you want to improve your writing skills, what outcome do you expect? Do you want to write compelling stories?

Do you want to know the secret to overcoming writer’s block? Or do you want to hone your world-building or editing skills? Several courses will be recommended based on your choice. Browsing MasterClass courses is exciting, to say the least.

Free Resources

MasterClass doesn’t have any free courses. However, you will receive samples of their favorite classes if you sign up to the mailing list. The downside? You will also receive promotional e-mails along with information about new courses and celebrity teachers. Eh, that’s to be expected.

Alternatively, you can watch a 2-minute class sample while browsing the courses to gauge the instructor’s teaching style.

BBC Maestro doesn’t offer free courses either. You can get a free ‘taster’ lesson (introduction lesson) for each course by (here we go again) signing up for the site’s mailing list. The articles on BBC Maestro are free to peruse, though. So, knock yourself out.

Content Quality

It is natural to wonder if the course materials on both websites have depth, whether they have interactive lessons, and how good the production quality is. Let me start this discussion with the assurance that both websites have high-quality content.

Now, let’s see how the courses on both platforms in various categories fare when compared. First off is BBC Maestro’s culinary courses. It has seven courses in this category and another one coming in December. As for masterClass, as I said before, you can access several courses based on what you want to learn.

Do you want to elevate your cooking techniques, Make gourmet meals, or simply refine your dishes? Start a course from the various available ones based on the answer. Next, let’s compare the film direction classes. Though BBC Maestro has several courses in the film, TV, & stage category, only Edgar Wright’s course deals with filmmaking.

MasterClass has multiple classes in the sub-category: techniques for directing your movie. It shows you a learning path (sort of) from which you can choose where to start and what to watch. James Cameron, Natalie Portman, and David Lynch are some awesome instructors in this category.

However, wait for it, Martin Scorsese (I nearly had a heart attack when I saw his name) is the one who captured my attention. I will never forget watching the Taxi Driver for the first time. Imagine what it must be like to learn from him. Actually, no you don’t have to. Just enroll in his course!

So, we have established that MasterClass has more stellar courses than BBC Maestro. But, what about the other points? The production quality of classes is awesome (it is bound to be so as the courses feature celebrities) on both sites. However, opinions are mixed as to the depth of the course content. 

Some feel the MasterClass courses are inspirational and informative but limited. The thousands of bite-sized lessons this site boasts of is the cause for this stance. The same goes for BBC Maestro courses. While they are enlightening and engaging, some find their duration and depth lacking. 

However, some learners (including me) staunchly support these sites and their fascinating courses. Therefore, I can only surmise that the discrepancy in opinions is a matter of non-alignment of teaching and learning styles. 

Therefore, try using the sites, and if you feel dissatisfied, request a refund within 30 days (14 if you subscribe to a single course on BBC Maestro) of subscribing to either website’s plan. On the other hand, enjoy receiving enhanced creative arts education if the courses are satisfactory.

Course Instructors

This is where things get interesting. Both platforms have marvelous celebrity instructors. So, let the British experts (BBC Maestro) vs American celebrities (MasterClass because it only has a few British celebrities) begin.

The course instructors on both sites impart expert insights and provide behind-the-scenes content to aid your learning journey. After all, they are celebrities for a reason. That is why learners praise the high-quality instructions available in the courses irrespective of which website they use.

BBC Maestro has celebrities like Lee Child (I swear I swooned. Jack Reacher forever!), Alan Moore, Brian Cox, Sir Tim Rice, Rankin, Gary Barlow, etc. (An impressive line-up of stars indeed.) However, I feel MasterClass instructors such as James Patterson,  Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Metallica, Neil Gaiman, etc. are even more awe-inspiring.

Moreover, MasterClass has Dan Brown, R.L. Stine (if you don’t recognize the name, stay away from me), Samuel L. Jackson, and Steve Martin. I am not leaving this ship (MasterClass) even if it sinks (not that it ever would, but you get the idea).

Learning Methods

MasterClass predominantly uses pre-recorded videos and downloadable course guides/ workbooks to help you learn. However, the MasterClass Live events provide you an opportunity to interact with the instructors to gain valuable insights for career advancement. Be on the lookout for upcoming Live sessions if that’s something that interests you.

BBC Maestro, too, uses video tutorials to teach you relevant skills. Unfortunately, the site doesn’t have live sessions. Sorry to burst your bubble if you were looking forward to interacting with your idols.

Practical Focus

You must complete a final project at the end of all MasterClass courses. The instructors provide guidance and feedback to refine your skills. These projects ensure you understand the practical application of the skills learned.

Sadly, practical exercises or course assignments aren’t BBC Maestro’s forte. The website focuses only on helping you learn; skill application is not part of its course structure. If you are wondering ‘What is the difference between BBC Maestro and MasterClass?’, this is it.

This lack of pressure can be an advantage to those who love self-paced learning without the looming threat of projects and assessments on course completion. I break into hives at the mere thought of grading or feedback. What about you?

Certification Value

Neither website provides a certificate of completion. They are platforms meant purely for those with a passion for learning new things and adding their flair (perhaps, a personal twist) to the skill. 

What are you going to do with certificates anyway? Thousands graduate every year with art degrees. Are they all famous? Do they all succeed? All you need to prove your worth is a killer portfolio. Work on that, and you will be fine.

Customer Support

BBC Maestro has a contact page with a form to fill out if you want to reach them.

Both websites respond with aplomb no matter what your grievance is.

Pricing and Value for Money

MasterClass offers three subscription plans: standard, plus, and premium. They cost $10, $15, and $20/month respectively. All plans are billed annually. You get access to bonus class guides & content and Sessions (each one is accessible for 30 days) on subscribing to any plan. You can watch the courses on a computer, TV, phone, or tablet.

However, you can’t download the content for offline viewing or access the courses on multiple devices if you choose the Standard plan. The only difference between the Plus and Premium plans is the number of devices you can use at the same time – 2 in case you pick Plus and 6 if your choice is the Premium.

You can subscribe to one course (not possible on MasterClass) or all the courses on BBC Maestro. The site mentions selecting the One Course plan ($89) as purchasing the course. That doesn’t mean you get lifetime access. You can only access it for a year from the date of purchase.

The Every Course subscription plan costs $120/year and gives you full access to all BBC Maestro courses. You can access downloadable course guides regardless of which plan you choose. However, access to new courses is granted only if you choose Every Course plan.

Are the subscription plans of both websites worth it? Only you will know the answer. Some love the sites while others want improved courses. Don’t let the lack of a free trial put you off. As I mentioned before, MasterClass and BBC Maestro offer a money-back guarantee. You can always get a refund if unsatisfied with the content. 

Community

BBC Maestro offers no way to interact with other learners. On the other hand, MasterClass allows you to develop a sense of belonging with other learners through Sessions. The video content in these Sessions is pre-recorded. But, you can share your project with the community and get real-time feedback. You can view other projects and be inspired, too.

Accessibility and Device Compatibility

Both websites have a web version and an app version. You can view BBC Maestro courses on TV using AirPlay or Chromecast. The MasterClass app is fantastic and bags the win here. You can access the courses using Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV besides Androids and iPhones/iPads. 

The web versions of both platforms have incredible mobile responsiveness. So, you can learn on the go anytime you want. The web version will ensure continued learning even if your app starts going awry.

Learner Reviews: What Others Say

Learners are pleased as punch with the quality content and expert instructions on both sites. However, some wish the content had more depth. Moreover, some feel that the BBC Maestro pricing plans are pricey. People have also had trouble canceling the MasterClass subscription plans. In short, using either website has its pros and cons.

Who Should Use BBC Maestro?

BBC Maestro is an apt choice if you are looking for beginner-friendly courses or have taken up hobby exploration. That doesn’t mean you won’t have anything to learn if you are already a seasoned learner. The instructors are masters in their profession. You will find unexpected tips for deepening your expertise in their courses.

The pros of choosing this site are:

• Fantastic video streaming quality.
• Exclusive learning opportunities.
• Ability to subscribe to one course alone.
• Regularly uploaded new courses.

The cons are:

• A bit expensive.
• Doesn’t have a broad subject range.
• Comparatively, limited courses.
• No certificate.

Who Should Use MasterClass?

MasterClass is your savior if you are looking for specialized courses to develop or hone creative skills. You will love this site if you are enamored with the idea of learning from industry professionals. This website is an excellent choice if you are a busy person with a hectic schedule. The pros of choosing this platform are:

• Advanced skills training
• Community interaction for mutual growth and development.
• Ample networking opportunities.
• Offline viewing feature.

The cons:

• Some report trouble canceling subscriptions.
• No certificate.
• No monthly subscriptions.

Final Verdict: BBC Maestro Vs MasterClass

In this MasterClass vs BBC Maestro review, the winner is MasterClass. Both platforms are extremely similar, but MasterClass does everything better. That doesn’t mean BBC Maestro isn’t worth your time. It is the next best website available for creatives like us.

Alternatives to Consider

1. Skillshare

As the name claims, Skillshare is designed by creatives for creatives. Who knows what we need better than a fellow creative soul? This platform has stunning courses with real-world projects that can fit into even a chaotic schedule. You get certificates of completion, too. So, what’s there not to like?

2. Udemy

No matter what creative skill you want to learn, you will find a course on Udemy for it. Pick any niche you want; Udemy will still recommend great courses. It is like Daedalus’ labyrinth with its never-ending course library. Best of all, it’s affordable!

3. CreativeLive

CreativeLive has over 2,000 courses in 15+ categories for refining your creative skills. New courses are added every month. You can purchase them individually or subscribe. You get lifetime access to the purchased courses (something neither MasterClass nor BBC Maestro offers). Access to exclusive content is available if you subscribe.

FAQs

1. Which platform offers more variety: BBC Maestro or MasterClass?

MasterClass offers more variety as it has 200+ courses in 13 categories.

2. Which platform has better production quality: BBC Maestro or MasterClass?

Both are equally good. However, I prefer MasterClass.

3. Does BBC Maestro or MasterClass offer more interactive elements in their courses?

MasterClass offers more interactive elements. MasterClass Live and Sessions ensure ample interaction.

4. Can I get a refund if I am not satisfied with BBC Maestro or MasterClass?

Yes, you can provided you request a refund within 30 days of subscribing. 14 if you opted for a one-course subscription on BBC Maestro.

5. Can I download BBC Maestro or MasterClass videos for offline viewing?

Yes, you can download videos for offline use on both sites. However, MasterClass Standard plan this feature isn’t available.