MasterClass vs Open edX
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading education & e-learning solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose MasterClass if you need High-quality video and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Open edX if you prioritize Course authoring and want a free tier to start. MasterClass has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.3).
MasterClass vs Open edX: At a Glance
| Criteria | MasterClass | Open edX |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Pricing | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Pricing Model | subscription | free |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Web, IOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire | Web, IOS, Android |
| Category | Education & E-Learning | Education & E-Learning |
| Founded | 2015 | 2012 |
Feature Comparison: MasterClass vs Open edX
| Feature | MasterClass | Open edX |
|---|---|---|
| High-quality video | ||
| Workbooks | ||
| Community | ||
| Mobile apps | ||
| Offline viewing | ||
| Smart TV apps | ||
| Session stories | ||
| Smart TV platforms | ||
| Web support | ||
| IOS support | ||
| Android support | ||
| Apple TV support | ||
| Roku support | ||
| Amazon Fire support | ||
| Course authoring | ||
| Interactive videos | ||
| Assessments | ||
| Discussions | ||
| Certificates | ||
| Analytics | ||
| xBlocks | ||
| LTI tools | ||
| SSO | ||
| Third-party apps | ||
| Analytics platforms |
MasterClass vs Open edX: Pricing Breakdown
MasterClass Pricing
Model: subscription
- All classes
- One device
- Mobile access
- All classes
- Two devices
- Offline viewing
- All classes
- Six devices
- All features
Open edX Pricing
Model: free
- Full platform
- Community support
- All features
- Hosted solution
- Support
- Maintenance
Pros and Cons
MasterClass
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.4/5)
- Available on 6 platforms (Web, IOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong High-quality video functionality
- Strong Workbooks functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Open edX
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.3/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 3 platforms (Web, IOS, Android)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Course authoring functionality
- Strong Interactive videos functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use MasterClass vs Open edX?
Choose MasterClass if you:
- Need High-quality video
- Have a budget of Contact for pricing+
- Work primarily on Web and IOS
- Value Workbooks
Choose Open edX if you:
- Need Course authoring
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Web and IOS
- Value Interactive videos
Frequently Asked Questions: MasterClass vs Open edX
Is MasterClass better than Open edX?
It depends on your needs. MasterClass has a 4.4/5 user rating while Open edX has 4.3/5. MasterClass excels in High-quality video and Workbooks, while Open edX stands out with Course authoring and Interactive videos. Consider your budget (Contact for pricing vs Free), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, MasterClass or Open edX?
MasterClass starts at Contact for pricing. Open edX offers a free plan and starts at Free. Open edX has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use MasterClass and Open edX together?
While both are education & e-learning tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core education & e-learning needs.
What are the main differences between MasterClass and Open edX?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs free), platform support (Web, IOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire vs Web, IOS, Android), and feature focus. MasterClass emphasizes High-quality video, Workbooks, Community while Open edX focuses on Course authoring, Interactive videos, Assessments. User ratings differ slightly: 4.4 vs 4.3 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both MasterClass and Open edX.