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Software · head to head

Brilliant vs MasterClass

Brilliant logo

Brilliant

Software

Learn math and science through problem-solving

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MasterClass logo

MasterClass

Software

Learn from the world's best

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Brilliant has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Brilliant requires active daily engagement to maintain learning streaks, which can feel gamified; MasterClass annual membership required with no option to purchase individual courses
  • They diverge on capability: Brilliant covers Interactive lessons, MasterClass covers High-quality video.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Brilliant and MasterClass actually diverge.

Attributes where Brilliant and MasterClass differ
AttributeBrilliantMasterClass
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20122015

Identical on both: platforms (Web, iOS, Android), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Brilliant

  • Interactive lessons
  • Problem-solving
  • Daily challenges
  • Progress tracking
  • Guided paths
  • Offline access
  • Mobile learning

Only in MasterClass

  • High-quality video
  • Workbooks
  • Community
  • Offline viewing
  • Smart TV apps
  • Session stories
  • Smart TV platforms
  • Apple TV support

Both cover

  • Mobile apps
  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Brilliant

  • Math learningnot MasterClass
  • Science educationnot MasterClass
  • Programming basicsnot MasterClass
  • Problem-solving skillsnot MasterClass

MasterClass

  • Learning from expertsnot Brilliant
  • Inspirationnot Brilliant
  • Skill developmentnot Brilliant
  • Entertainmentnot Brilliant

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Brilliant

  • Requires active daily engagement to maintain learning streaks, which can feel gamified
  • Premium subscription needed for full course access; basic free tier is limited
  • Focuses only on STEM subjects; no humanities or social sciences
  • Interactive nature requires more time commitment than passive video learning

MasterClass

  • Annual membership required with no option to purchase individual courses
  • No instructor interaction or personalized feedback on student work
  • No hands-on exercises, assignments, or peer discussion with other students
  • Limited interactivity with focus on entertainment value over practical skill development
  • Difficult to cancel subscription according to customer reviews

Pricing, plan by plan

Brilliant

Free
  • Premium Monthly$24.99/month
    • Access to all 90+ courses
    • No ads
  • Premium Annual$150/year
    • Access to all 90+ courses
    • No ads

MasterClass

On request
  • Individual$10/month
    • All classes
    • One device
    • Mobile access
  • Duo$15/month
    • All classes
    • Two devices
    • Offline viewing
  • Family$20/month
    • All classes
    • Six devices
    • All features

Which should you pick?

Choose Brilliant if

  • You need interactive lessons.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want problem-solving.
Brilliant review

Choose MasterClass if

  • You need high-quality video.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want workbooks.
MasterClass review

Questions people ask

Is Brilliant or MasterClass better?
Neither clearly leads. Brilliant starts at Free and MasterClass at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Brilliant or MasterClass?
Brilliant has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Brilliant and On request for MasterClass.
Does Brilliant or MasterClass run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, iOS, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Brilliant for free?
Yes. Brilliant has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MasterClass starts at On request.
What is Brilliant best used for?
Brilliant is most often used for math learning, science education, programming basics, problem-solving skills. Of those, math learning and science education are not what MasterClass is typically brought in for.
What can Brilliant do that MasterClass cannot?
Brilliant covers Interactive lessons, Problem-solving, Daily challenges, Progress tracking. MasterClass covers High-quality video, Workbooks, Community, Offline viewing. Both handle Mobile apps, Web support, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Brilliant: Does Brilliant offer offline learning?

Yes. The Brilliant mobile app allows users to download lessons and learn without internet connection.

Source
MasterClass: What is the pricing structure for MasterClass?

MasterClass requires an annual membership with no single-course purchase option. Standard plan costs $10/month, Plus is $15/month with offline access, and Premium is $20/month for up to 6 devices.

Source
Brilliant: Is there a free tier for Brilliant?

Yes. Brilliant offers a free basic tier with access to some courses. K-12 teachers and their students can qualify for free Premium access.

Source
MasterClass: How many courses are available on MasterClass?

MasterClass has over 200 video classes taught by celebrities and experts, with each course containing approximately 20 videos of about 10 minutes each plus detailed workbooks.

Source
Brilliant: What subject areas does Brilliant cover?

Brilliant covers over 90 courses across mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, and data science, taught by experts from MIT, Harvard, Google, and Microsoft.

Source
MasterClass: Does MasterClass provide certificates or formal credentials?

No. MasterClass does not provide certificates upon completing a course, so it does not offer formal recognition for course completion.

Source
Brilliant: How does Brilliant's teaching approach differ from video lectures?

Brilliant emphasizes active learning through interactive problem-solving rather than passive video watching, similar to Duolingo's gamified approach.

Source
MasterClass: Do MasterClass courses include personalized feedback from instructors?

No. All MasterClass courses are pre-recorded videos, so there is no direct interaction with instructors or personalized feedback on student work.

Source
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