# edX online learning vs MasterClass

edX online learning and MasterClass both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 82% of edX online learning's written reviews are positive against 29% of MasterClass's. edX online learning also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). MasterClass's advantage is ratings volume (123K vs 11K) and chart position (#32 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. edX online learning sells 42 one-off in-app purchases and MasterClass sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $119.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for edX online learning against 4.9 for MasterClass. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MasterClass has 123K ratings behind it against 11K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 82% of edX online learning's written reviews are positive against 29% of MasterClass's.

edX online learning ships an update every 5 weeks, MasterClass every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | edX online learning | MasterClass |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/edx-online-learning/id945480667/reviews) | **[4.9 (123K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/masterclass-online-classes/id1273867416/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 11K | **123K** |
| Positive reviews | **81.9% of reviews** | 28.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#32** |
| Size | 56 MB | 129 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [edX LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1700453712) | [MasterClass](https://appshunter.io/developer/1273867415) |

## What reviewers say

### edX online learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/edx-online-learning/id945480667)

Access thousands of online courses and degree programs from top universities and companies. Upskill in critical disciplines, strengthen your resume, and advance your career on your own schedule. Stream content, download materials, and test your knowledge with quizzes and exams.

**Highlights:** Thousands of courses and programs, World-class academic and industry partners, Career skill development, Professional certificate programs, Degree programs, Stream online courses, Download course materials

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (42)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade Course | $5.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $10.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $19.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $20.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $25.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $26.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $29.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $30.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $39.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $45.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $49.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $50.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $54.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $55.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $59.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $60.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $69.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $79.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $99.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $100.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $105.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $119.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $123.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $124.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $129.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $149.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $150.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $159.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $169.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $186.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $189.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $199.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $200.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $209.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $219.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $229.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $249.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $299.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $300.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $349.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $449.00 | one-time |
| Upgrade Course | $829.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Convenient learning on the go
- 💡 Wide variety of courses
- 🌟 High-quality content from renowned institutions
- 👍 Intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app performance
- 🔍 Lack of progress tracking
- 📱 Limited functionality compared to website
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate courses
- 🔍 Inconsistent user experience

**Reported bugs**

- Videos not playing or freezing
- Frequent app crashes or refreshes
- Login issues and loss of course progress
- Incompatibility with certain devices

**Requested features**

- Improved progress tracking and bookmarking
- Split-screen support for note-taking
- Offline mode for all course content
- Better search and filtering options
- Seamless sync between app and website


### MasterClass

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

**Currently charting:** #32 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is edX online learning free?

edX online learning is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is MasterClass free?

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

### Which has better reviews, edX online learning or MasterClass?

MasterClass is rated higher. edX online learning averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while MasterClass averages 4.9 from 123K ratings.

### Do edX online learning or MasterClass have ads?

Neither edX online learning nor MasterClass shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, edX online learning or MasterClass?

edX online learning ships an update every 5 weeks, and MasterClass every 3 weeks. Most recently, edX online learning was updated on September 30, 2026 and MasterClass on September 30, 2026.

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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.*