# MasterClass vs Micro Learning

The clearest difference is monetization model: Micro Learning at free with in-app purchases against MasterClass's subscription. Micro Learning also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and review sentiment (45% vs 29%). MasterClass's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.9 vs 4.5). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MasterClass sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $119.99 per year and Micro Learning sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MasterClass holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 123K and 61K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 29% of MasterClass's written reviews are positive against 45% of Micro Learning's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

MasterClass ships an update every 3 weeks, Micro Learning weekly. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | MasterClass | Micro Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (123K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/masterclass-online-classes/id1273867416/reviews)** | [4.5 (61K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/micro-learning-smartyme/id6736654449/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **123K** | 61K |
| Positive reviews | 28.7% of reviews | **45.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#21** | #45 |
| Size | 128 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [MasterClass](https://appshunter.io/developer/1273867415) | [ApexTech Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770965641) |

## What reviewers say

### MasterClass

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

**Currently charting:** #21 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


### Micro Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/micro-learning-smartyme/id6736654449)

**Currently charting:** #45 Top Grossing · Education, #47 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

This app offers daily micro-learning lessons in bite-sized 15-minute sessions. Learn practical skills, improve productivity, and invest in self-improvement through engaging content across various knowledge areas. Access lessons anytime, anywhere, whether reading or listening.

**Highlights:** Daily 15-minute micro-learning lessons, Read or listen to content, Skill development in personal growth, finance, knowledge, and science, Improve productivity and communication, Flexible learning anytime, anywhere, Structured lessons for practical application

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $14.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Yearly subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription Promo Offer | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $65.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $79.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $99.99 | per year |
| Infographics bundle | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Bite-sized lessons
- 👍 Helpful and easy to understand
- 🚀 Excellent information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Subscription and login issues
- 🔍 Lacking interactive features
- 📚 Surface-level content
- 💰 Misleading pricing and hidden charges

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to log in or access content after purchase
- Recurring charges and difficulty cancelling subscription
- App freezes and crashes during use

**Requested features**

- More in-depth and interactive lessons
- Improved user experience and navigation
- Better customer support and refund policy


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MasterClass free?

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

### Is Micro Learning free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MasterClass or Micro Learning?

MasterClass is rated higher. MasterClass averages 4.9 out of 5 from 123K ratings, while Micro Learning averages 4.5 from 61K ratings.

### Do MasterClass or Micro Learning have ads?

Micro Learning shows ads; MasterClass does not.

### Which is updated more often, MasterClass or Micro Learning?

MasterClass ships an update every 3 weeks, and Micro Learning weekly. Most recently, MasterClass was updated on November 3, 2026 and Micro Learning on November 3, 2026.

### Which is more popular, MasterClass or Micro Learning?

MasterClass currently peaks at #21 in the App Store charts, and Micro Learning at #45. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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