# MasterClass vs Optimal State

MasterClass and Optimal State both sit at 4.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Optimal State's written reviews are positive against 29% of MasterClass's. Optimal State also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). MasterClass's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (123K vs 4). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MasterClass sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $119.99 per year and Optimal State sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for MasterClass against 5.0 for Optimal State. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MasterClass has 123K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 29% of MasterClass's written reviews are positive against 100% of Optimal State's.

MasterClass ships an update every 3 weeks, Optimal State every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MasterClass | Optimal State |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (123K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/masterclass-online-classes/id1273867416/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimal-state/id1604424804/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **123K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 28.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#40** | — |
| Size | 128 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [MasterClass](https://appshunter.io/developer/1273867415) | [Optimal State LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1553406048) |

## What reviewers say

### MasterClass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/masterclass-online-classes/id1273867416)

**Currently charting:** #40 Top Grossing · Education (US App Store)

Learn new skills from world-renowned experts across a vast range of subjects. Access thousands of bite-sized lessons on professional development, creative arts, wellness, and more. Watch on any device, with offline options available.

**Highlights:** Learn from world-renowned experts, Vast range of premium courses, Thousands of bite-sized lessons, Accessible on multiple devices, Offline learning options, New content added regularly

**Features:** SharePlay

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MasterClass Individual | $119.99 | per year |
| Duo (Free Upgrade) | $179.99 | per year |
| All-Access Pass upgrade | $179.99 | per year |
| MasterClass Duo | $179.99 | per year |
| Family (Free Upgrade) | $239.99 | per year |
| MasterClass Family | $239.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great content from experts
- 🤩 Inspiring and educational
- 👍 High-quality production
- 💡 Diverse range of topics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and glitchy app
- 🤔 Confusing navigation and UI
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔌 Unreliable offline support

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes
- Downloaded content disappears
- Playback issues and random pauses
- Inconsistent behavior across devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to download more content offline
- Progress tracking and resume functionality
- Filtering and sorting options
- Transcript search and note-taking


### Optimal State

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimal-state/id1604424804)

Track your mental and emotional state alongside physical sensations. Gain insights into your patterns with visual charts and receive personalized tools and suggestions for improvement. Daily reminders help you stay balanced and make positive life changes.

**Highlights:** Mental/Emotional State Tracking, Body Feeling Assessment, Visual Pattern Charts, Daily Check-in Reminders, Personalized Tools & Suggestions, Intuitive Navigation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Optimal State | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MasterClass free?

MasterClass is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Optimal State free?

Optimal State is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MasterClass or Optimal State?

Optimal State is rated higher. MasterClass averages 4.9 out of 5 from 123K ratings, while Optimal State averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do MasterClass or Optimal State have ads?

Neither MasterClass nor Optimal State shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MasterClass or Optimal State?

MasterClass ships an update every 3 weeks, and Optimal State every 5 months. Most recently, MasterClass was updated on November 6, 2026 and Optimal State on November 3, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*