Education & E-Learning · head to head
Labster vs MasterClass
Labster
Education & E-Learning
Virtual science labs for immersive learning
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Labster customization is limited and labs cannot be easily adapted to specific course learning outcomes; MasterClass annual membership required with no option to purchase individual courses
- They diverge on capability: Labster covers Virtual simulations, MasterClass covers High-quality video.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Labster and MasterClass actually diverge.
| Attribute | Labster | MasterClass |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2011 | 2015 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Education & E-Learning).
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 Labster
- Virtual simulations
- 3D environments
- Theory pages
- Quizzes
- Lab reports
- Progress tracking
- Mobile access
- Multiplayer
Only in MasterClass
- High-quality video
- Workbooks
- Community
- Mobile apps
- Offline viewing
- Smart TV apps
- Session stories
- Smart TV platforms
Both cover
- Web support
- IOS support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Labster
- Virtual labsnot MasterClass
- Pre-lab preparationnot MasterClass
- Supplemental learningnot MasterClass
- Remote educationnot MasterClass
MasterClass
- Learning from expertsnot Labster
- Inspirationnot Labster
- Skill developmentnot Labster
- Entertainmentnot Labster
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Labster
- Customization is limited and labs cannot be easily adapted to specific course learning outcomes
- Simulations can lag or freeze depending on operating system and connection speed
- Cannot fully replace hands-on physical lab experience and data collection
- Students report preference for tactile physical lab experience over virtual simulations
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
Labster
On request- Student Access$49/month
- Course simulations
- Mobile access
- Progress tracking
- Institution$undefined/month
- All simulations
- LMS integration
- Analytics
- Enterprise$undefined/month
- Custom content
- API access
- Priority support
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 MasterClass if
- You need high-quality video.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want workbooks.
Questions people ask
- Is Labster or MasterClass better?
- Neither clearly leads. Labster starts at On request and MasterClass at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Labster or MasterClass?
- Labster starts at On request and MasterClass at On request.
- Does Labster or MasterClass run on more platforms?
- Labster runs on Web. MasterClass runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- What is Labster best used for?
- Labster is most often used for virtual labs, pre-lab preparation, supplemental learning, remote education. Of those, virtual labs and pre-lab preparation are not what MasterClass is typically brought in for.
- What can Labster do that MasterClass cannot?
- Labster covers Virtual simulations, 3D environments, Theory pages, Quizzes. MasterClass covers High-quality video, Workbooks, Community, Mobile apps. Both handle Web support, IOS support, Android support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Labster: What STEM subjects does Labster cover?
Labster provides interactive 3D simulations across biology, chemistry, physics, and other STEM subjects, designed for university, college, and high school students.
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.
SourceLabster: How many students has Labster served?
Labster has served over 6 million students and thousands of institutions globally with its virtual lab simulations.
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.
SourceMasterClass: 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.
SourceMasterClass: 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