The Great Courses Review (2025 Upd.) Is it Really Worth it?

Last Updated on January, 2025

The Great Courses is an engaging online learning platform with 800+ courses under 13 main subject categories. 

Also, it provides streaming service, offline viewing, and a course guidebook, is compatible across many devices, and has many exciting features. They also use impactful strategies to keep the audience engaged during the session!

In this guide, you will find a comprehensive analysis of The Great Courses Review compared to other platforms, including its best courses, pricing plans, free trials, refund policy, and more details!

 Overall: 4.7/5
the great courses online learning platform logo
4.6
Easiness
4.7
Effectiveness
4.7
Price
Features
  • Wide subject variety.
  • Expert-led courses.
  • High-quality production.
  • Flexible formats and access.
  • Multi-device streaming.
  • Complementary guidebooks.
  • Lifetime course access.
  • Free trials/samples.
  • SEE WHAT’S MORE
Brand Information
  • The Great Courses was founded in 1990, focusing on lifelong learning.
  • It is produced by The Teaching Company, based in Chantilly, Virginia, USA.
  • The company frequently offers discounts and sales on courses.
  • Courses taught by university professors and experts.
Product Benefits
  • Learn from expert teachers.
  • Get personalized course recommendations.
  • Enjoy flexible online and offline viewing.
  • Access a wide range of over 800 courses.
  • Benefit from cost-effective education.
  • Courses available for all skill levels.

Contents

Quick Summary

Here’s a quick evaluation of The Great Courses Review:

  • The Great Courses Classes: Consists 800+ classes under 13 categories, each providing a course guidebook, transcripts, and automatic magazine subscription (for The Great Courses Plus).
  • Content quality: Quality and professional shot videos, PDF resources, and Q&A sessions.
  • Course Instructors: Highly qualified and experienced professionals and experts.
  • Additional support materials: Include Q&A sessions, offline viewing, Roku, FireTV, Audible, Apple, and Android compatibility. 
  • Payment plans: The Individual Course costs about $17 (depending on the course), and The Great Courses Plus monthly subscription plan is $23.74 per month, a quarterly plan for $17.78 per month, and an annual plan for $14.84 per month. Please check The Great Courses or The Great Courses Plus website for up-to-date pricing information.
  • Best for: Highly suited for individuals looking to do deep dives and willing to grow one’s skills through learning the right course based on the unique requirements. 

What is The Great Courses?

the great courses logo

The Great Courses is an efficient online learning platform with 800+ courses under 13 categories. Also, this platform falls under the expanded platform of Wondrium. 

Tom Rollins founded the Great Courses, and the platform continues to expand nationally and geographically. 

The Great Courses includes many prices, such as per-course subscriptions, monthly subscriptions, and quarterly and annual subscriptions (discussed below) to suit your requirements. 

Apart from that, they offer a couple of free resources for students to check out the quality of the platform in advance, including a free trial (discussed below). 

How to Open a Great Courses Account?

You can open The Great Courses for free. 

sign in option in the great courses
entering user details to create an account

Follow the below steps to open The Great Courses account quickly:

  • Go to the website of www.thegreatcourses.com.
  • On the right-hand side of the screen, choose the “Sign In” option. 
  • Next, fill in all your details, such as name, email address, and new password. 
  • Finally, click “Create My Account” to confirm your choices. 

In The Great Courses platform, you don’t need to enter your payment details during the Sign-up process. 

Follow the below steps to open The Great Courses Plus account:

  • Go to the website www.wondrium.com
  • Click the “Start Free Trial” option on the right-hand side. 
  • Now, select the preferred subscription plan (either monthly, quarterly, or annual membership subscription model).
  • Enter your email address and password. 
  • Next, add the billing address, including your card information. 
  • Finally, select “Join Now” to finalize your selections. 

That’s it! You can start browsing The Great Courses Plus/Wondrium platform to start your online learning journey.

Who the Great Courses is for?

a screenshot of the course categories on the great courses

We have a quick checklist to segment users into the The Great Courses category. 

The segmentation can be listed as follows:

  • You are a professional interested in specializing in your expertise. 
  • You love to learn, grow your knowledge, and gain new insights into your expertise. 
  • You are a student looking to master some skills in your field. 
  • You are stepping towards starting a new business, career, or even a hobby. 
  • You want to learn in peace and be organized by professionals amidst your busy schedule. 

If you fall into any of the above segmentations, The Great Courses is your go-to choice! Get started learning with the best professionals. 

Who are the Instructors?

a screenshot of the great courses partners

The instructors at Great Courses are qualified, educated, and experienced professionals. 

The following are the top qualities of Great Courses instructors:

  • Industry experts
  • Published authors
  • International speakers
  • CEOs (from famous and successful companies)
  • Professors of top colleges (including Yale, Harvard, and Princeton)

Thus, the instructors or the professors are top-quality individuals who can aid you in advancing your career to the next level. 

How Does the Great Courses Work?

a screenshot of the great courses course catalog

Initially, if you need an account in Great Courses, create one. The sign-up process is free on Great Courses (does not require billing details). 

After you have signed up, you can start to explore the Great Courses platform. You have a collection of 800+ courses, including some add-on features such as 5+ free sample classes. 

Once you have picked the suitable course, you can choose either of the following options:

  • Pay as you go: Here, you pay for the course you choose, which doesn’t include any commitment. This model is called the ‘The Great Courses’.
  • Enroll in a Great Courses subscription: This model is called ‘The Great Courses Plus.’ 

However, there is a difference between the above options. I’ll discuss them below. 

The Great Courses

The following are the features of The Great Courses model:

  • Length: Depends on the type of course (On average, it takes 6 hours per course)
  • Billing method: Pay as you go
  • Features include: Access to the digital guidebook, video, audio, DVD, offline viewing, and accessible across many apps. 

The Great Courses Plus

a screenshot of the wondrium by the great courses

The following are the features of The Great Courses Plus model:

  • Length: 14 days free trial and moving forward with a monthly or annual subscription fee. 
  • Billing method: Make payments monthly, quarterly, or annually. 
  • Features include: Access to the digital course guidebook, all The Great Courses, Wondrium magazine, and free shipping. 

How to Find Good Courses on the Great Courses?

If you are wondering how to find suitable courses on The Great Courses, follow the below steps:

  • Go to the “Browse courses” menu and pick the right course category fitting your requirements. 
  • Also, you can use the search bar and look for courses serving the entered topic in the search bar. 
  • Use the “Subcategory” option to narrow down your choices further. 
  • Don’t miss to check out the top courses based on your requirements. 

Above all, consider reading blog articles that provide course reviews on the type of course you have selected. The specific course reviews on the internet will give you a deep analysis, including the pros and cons of taking the particular course.

How Much Does the Great Courses Cost?

You can determine the cost of The Great Courses under three packages as follows:

  • Individual Course Purchase
  • The Great Courses Plus Subscription
  • The Great Courses Free Trial

Let’s check out the three options mentioned above in detail. 

Individual Course Purchase

If you are not interested in enrolling on a subscription-based plan (even for just one course), you can pay as you go!

However, The Great Courses offers 5 to 10 free sample courses. It would be handy to check out the expanded list of courses and get to know the online learning platform.

Thus, it helps you understand how the course experience would look if you purchased or continued. 

You may get it under an offer if you like a specific course. In that case, the course may cost you about $17 (may vary depending on the course you pick). 

Also, it includes digital or physical transcripts after the course completion. Individual courses would be around 30 minutes and may include 20 to 30 lectures. It may sound reasonable, depending on the type of class you pick. 

The Great Courses Plus Subscription

a screenshot of the wondrium by the great courses pricing

The Great Courses Plus involves a monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription service. As you know, The Great Courses and The Great Courses Plus are different; you can enjoy. 

The Great Courses Plus Subscription on Wondrium (added an expanded version of The Great Courses Plus).

However, The Great Courses Plus provides three primary subscriptions:

  • Monthly Basis: Includes $20 per month.
  • Quarterly Basis: Includes $15 per month.
  • Annual Basis: Includes $12.50 per month.

Whatever option you pick from the above, you can get the 14-day free trial.

This option includes the following specifications:

  • Access to digital guidebooks.
  • Wondrium magazine.
  • Includes discounts during payment checkouts.

The Great Courses Free Trial

You can enjoy the free trial using the Original Great Courses platform or Great Courses Plus. 

The subscription works differently in the ways listed below:

  • Original Great Courses: You must pay for each course you enroll in on this website. Thus, there is no specific membership fee. Here, you can also explore the free content the Great Courses provides!
  • Great Courses Plus: On this website, all subscription options consist of a 14-day free trial. If you enroll in the trial, you get a 14-day free trial and use the entire membership. However, cancel the membership as soon as possible to prevent being billed after the trial. 
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The Great Courses
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How Does Great Courses Refund Work?

The Great Courses refund policy depends on the type of The Great Courses you picked. 

The following would give you an idea of how The Great Courses refund works based on the payment plan or model you picked:

  • Individual Course Purchase: You can get a full refund within the year of purchase of the course. Alternatively, you can exchange the cost you paid against a lower or higher-value Great Courses class. 
  • The Great Courses Plus: It is a non-refundable plan, but you can cancel the subscription anytime. 
  • However, the following are the key takeaways considering The Great Courses refund policy:
  • The website may mention a term, namely “Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee.” This means you can exchange the currently enrolled or purchased course for another course with a lower or higher value. 
  • If you have enrolled in the Individual Course Purchase and bought a physical copy of the course, and if it is damaged, The Great Courses will replace it (for free). 
  • Before committing to The Great Courses Plus, you can use the 14-day free trial. It would be helpful to navigate through the courses. If you are unhappy at the initial stage, you can immediately cancel it (as it is a non-refundable plan).

The Best Courses From “The Great Courses” 

Top Economics and Finance Courses

The following are the top Economic and Finance Courses in The Great Courses:

1. How the Stock Market Works

a screenshot of how the stock market works course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Ramon P. DeGennaro

Course content: Includes 18 lectures (Average 31 minutes for each lecture)

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

If you want to learn about the stock market and the best strategies to invest and overcome risks, this is your go-to class! 

The following are the key learnings of this class: 

  • Learn about the aspects of the Stock market, trading, and investing strategies. 
  • Lessons about risks, expected returns, historical returns, diversification, and volatility are included. 
  • Identifying Efficient Market Hypothesis.
  • Finding a good brokerage firm.
  • Understanding the trading strategies and common mistakes you make. 

2. Thinking Like an Economist: A Guide to Rational Decision Making

a screenshot of the Thinking like an Economist: A Guide to Rational Decision Making course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Randall Bartlett

Course content: Includes 12 lectures (Average 31 minutes per lecture)

Rating: 4/7 out of 5 stars

If you want to make better decisions by saving time and money, just like an efficient economist, this course will set your path. 

The following are the key learnings of this class: 

  • Learn the six principles of Economist’s Tool Kit and three core Concepts. 
  • Know the Myth of “True Value” in Economic Worlds.
  • Understand Incentives, False Incentives, Real Harm, and more economic information.
  • Know the background of behavioral economics.
  • Learn to predict the future. 

Top Professional and Personal Growth Courses

The following are the top Professional And Personal Growth Courses in The Great Courses:

1. The Art of Video Storytelling

a screenshot of the The Art of Video Storytelling course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Bob Kirst

Course content: Includes 12 lectures (Average 25 minutes per lecture) 

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

If you are interested in learning the right strategies to tell stories through videos, how to set up everything professionally, and polish your practical skills, check out this course. 

The following are the key learnings of this class:

  • Discover the Storytelling strategy with video.
  • Identify the tools for visual storytelling and the way to speak.
  • Learn how to shoot a visual story, including framing and shots, and edit the video.
  • Understand the ways to make the best impression in interviews.
  • Learn the video’s five framings and ten-shot strategy.

2. How to Build a Thriving Workplace: A Leader’s Guide

a screenshot of the How to Build a Thriving Workplace: A Leader's Guide course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Beth Cabrera

Course content: Includes 12 lectures (Average 30 minutes per lecture)

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Learning to create a positive work environment plays a pivotal role in employee’s and customer’s efficiency. In this course, Cabrera will walk through this strategy systematically to make the best workplace. 

The following are the key learnings of this class:

  • Learn about Workplace well-being and Mindfulness at work.
  • Cover up the positive outlook and positive performance. 
  • Identify the employee’s optimism, hope, and related strategies.
  • Learn to create an inspiring and efficient learning environment.
  • Includes the principles of autonomy to empower employees’ success.

Top Philosophy and Religion Courses

The following are the top Philosophy And Religion Courses in The Great Courses:

1. Real Zen for Real Life

a screenshot of the Real Zen for Real Life course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Bret W. Davis

Course content: Includes 24 lectures (Average 37 minutes per lecture) 

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Real Zen for Real Life is your best course choice to learn about Zen practices, its related teachings, philosophy, and meditation activities. 

The following are the key learnings of this class:

  • Understand the basics of Zen and Zen meditation. 
  • Learn to practice Zen-related practices.
  • Practice to embrace the impermanence of life.
  • Practice by taking turns in the center of the universe through meditation checkups.
  • Understand the religious aspects behind Buddha, his mind, and Buddhism. 

2. Sacred Texts of the World

a screenshot of the Sacred Texts of the World course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Grant Hardy

Course content: Includes 36 lectures (Average 31 minutes per lecture)

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

The Sacred Texts of the World course covers the aspects of canonical and non-canonical texts. This concept includes the Hindu Vedas, Daoism’s Daodejing, and Buddhist Sutra, and interpretations have happened over the years. 

If you want to gain an understanding of these religious cultures and beliefs, get set with the module!

The following are the key learnings of this class:

  • Cover up about reading other people’s scriptures.
  • Includes learning about Hinduism, Vedas, Heard- Upanishads, and more!
  • Has the laws of Manu and Bhagavad Gita.
  • Teaches about the five books of the Torah. 
  • Understand the Prophets and Writings.
  • And more!

Top Music and Fine Arts Courses

The following are the top Music And Fine Arts Courses in The Great Courses:

1. In the Footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh

a screenshot of the In the Footsteps of Vincent van Gogh course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Jean-Pierre Isbouts

Course content: Includes 15 lectures (Average 23 minutes per lecture)

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

If you want to learn about the history of Vincent Gogh, his episodic documentary, letters, creativity, and more, this course covers everything!

The following are the key learnings of this class:

  • Includes the key learnings about the World of Vincent van Gogh.
  • It consists of the early years of Brabant, the journey toward art, and the Nuenen period. 
  • Covers Vincent in Antwerp, Theo in Paris, and more!
  • Has the Vincent and the Post Impressionists phase.
  • Includes the Vincent’s Classical Period. 

2. Understanding the World’s Greatest Structures: Science and Innovation From Antiquity to Modernity

a screenshot of the Understanding the World's Greatest Structures: Science and Innovation from Antiquity to Modernity course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Stephen Ressler

Course content: Includes 24 lectures (Average 32 minutes per lecture)

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

The course covers the world’s greatest buildings, from antiques to the modern era, the technologies behind engineering, and the scientific principles. 

The following are the key learnings of this class:

  • Learn the Science of Structure.
  • Includes the science behind eternal forces, stress, and strength.
  • Covers the wood-to-steel principles. 
  • Learn the loads and structural systems.
  • Has the history of Egypt and Greece based on the Pyramids to the Parthenon.

Top Hobby and Leisure Courses

The following are the top Hobby And Leisure Courses in The Great Courses:

1. How to Dance

a screenshot of the how to dance course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Rob Glover and Alyssa Lundgren

Course content: Includes 25 lectures (average 19 minutes per lecture)

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

This course is your best pick if you want to learn about the fundamentals of dance, the four main dance genres, rhythm, and more. 

The following are the key learnings of this class:

  • Learn Latin and Rhythm dance.
  • Cover up Rumba, Mambo, Cha-Cha, Salsa, and more!
  • Get started with Swing Dance.
  • Includes single-time swing, east coast swing, Lindy hop, west coast swing, and hustle. 
  • It has Smooth and Ballroom dance, Waltz, Foxtrot, American tango, and more.

2. How to Play Chess: Lessons From an International Master

a screenshot of the How to Play Chess: Lessons from an International Master course by the great courses platform

Quick Summary

Instructor: Jeremy Silman

Course content: Includes 24 lectures (Average 31 minutes per lecture)

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

If you want to learn to tackle Chess as a beginner, get along with the advanced strategy, and understand every aspect of the game, Silman is your best instructor. 

The following are the key learnings of this class:

  • Learn to know the fundamentals of Chess, including the secrets of pawns and knights.
  • Get to know the tactical strategies in Chess.
  • Understand the chess combinations and kings in check.
  • Learn to Checkmat, including against the Castled King!
  • Identify the positional weaknesses and targets in chess. 

What Do Great Courses Classes Include?

The Great Courses specification or inclusions differ based on the type of course, the professor’s teaching style, and the subject. 

However, when you consider the structure, pay attention to the following factors:

  • Course Overview
  • Learning goals (included in the course overview)
  • Question and Answer sections (Q&A)
  • Downloadable resources
  • Audio/view options (based on the available transcripts)
  • Preview, speed, or slow-down options for video or audio

The Great Courses is known to have a college-style lecture, which is a formal style rather than an informal standard. The lecturers use a webcam, style videos, and an exceptionally organized learning structure. 

What is Great Courses for Business?

The Great Courses has yet to have a particular business package for enterprises. 

Since they are expanding their division and courses among Wondrium, it is more likely to get a business packager sooner (even though it has yet to be announced). However, they offer users reasonable packages, offers, and even gift options.

Is the Great Courses Legit?

Yes, The Great Courses is a legitimate online learning platform. 

In 1990, Thomas Rollins founded the company The Great Courses. It started as a motivation inspired by a Harvard Law Lecture series. 

Moving on, The Great Courses began partnering with world-class teaching institutes such as National Geographic, Mayo Clinic, and Smithsonian. 

These collaborations gave it a wider recognition and audience to reach the right people. 

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The Great Courses
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Customer Testimonials for the Great Courses

Check out customer testimonials to understand The Great Courses’ content and platform. 

Here’s a 5-star review by DMac3 for a course under the investment subject:

Loved each of the 24 videos. My investment knowledge is pretty limited so this course served as an overview of investing for me. If you’re already well versed as an investor, you probably won’t learn much but you will see what other successful stars have done. The content absolutely improved my understanding of the various mechanisms of investing. The presentation kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the stories.
Dmac3
The Great Courses User

As per the above review, the user loved the video content and found the subject interesting to enhance their knowledge. Also, he appreciates the instructor’s presentation skills for keeping the session eye-catching.

Here’s a 4-star review by LBalsomboo for a course under the American Literature subject:

Professor Albala is an excellent and engaging speaker. I think of it as both a little bit of general history and a lot of food history. The topic is very interesting and the little bit of history puts the food history in context.

As per the above review, the course covers the American Revolution, including general history and some food history. The user claims it is an excellent course regarding the context and lessons. 

Here’s a 2-star review by Rote for a course under the Photography subject:

When I bought this course I was hoping to advance my level of knowledge and ability to become more creative; sadly the course is so basic that after having spent several hours in front of my monitor I do not feel that I have learned much, if anything, I did not already know. Very disappointing.
Rote
The Great Courses User

As per the above review, the user wanted more from the given knowledge and how the lecturer had planned the course content. However, the user is a big fan of the instructor as he had tried a couple of courses with the same instructor.

So, he claims that the course didn’t teach the essential knowledge that he had expected to cover up. 

Here’s a 1-star review by Nicky too for a course under Particle Physics:

I haven’t even finished this course (currently 7 lectures into it) and I thoroughly dislike it. I purchased it based on recommendations in the reviews of the course about the Higgs boson. That course I did enjoy, but certainly didn’t fully understand. I have zero knowledge of physics, so hoped this course would help. Well, it doesn’t.
The lecturer’s enthusiasm is great to see, but his explanations don’t explain anything. He often refers to things he doesn’t return to after another digression. I am more confused now than I was before this course.

As per the above review, the user seems dissatisfied and needs clarification. Also, he claims that the lectures could have had a more thorough explanation, and the tutor could have taken steps to teach the subject in more detail.

Hence, the customer reviews and the quality of The Great Course depend on your course type. 

Overall, The Great Courses professors or instructors do a great job getting down the content and focusing on the subject (even though there are slight exceptions).

Thus, before enrolling in any classes, whether it is about medieval literature, creating a history channel, learning to play Chess, self-improvement, or any subject, ensure thorough background research by assessing the class structure, outlines, reviews, Q&A, and the professor. 

Is the Great Courses Worth it?

Yes, The Great Courses are absolutely worth it! They have the world’s most significant structures and a panel of excellent college lecturers and experts. 

Many customer reviews depict that The Great Courses is worth the money they pay for. However, most users prefer the Subscription model over the Individual Course model. Whatever your payment plan, they have qualified professors to teach and accompany your needs and attain client satisfaction. 

Also, it is considered one of the most effective remote learning platforms, including cost-effective packages for users. 

Pros and Cons of the Great Courses

The Pros

Opportunity to Learn From Qualified Teachers

Although many teachers use different teaching styles, most are highly qualified and have adequate experience in their streaming access. 

Specific lectures are reputed for college lectures. Thus, The Great Courses has a skilled panel of published authors who are fast-paced in their field.

Provide Personalized Course Suggestions

Like the LinkedIn Learning platform, when you begin browsing The Great Courses, it understands your interest and the type of class you seek. Then, it would tailor your home page based on your search pattern. 

Therefore, you may get the best course suggestions for your interest. 

Online and Offline Learning Options

The Great Courses offers a streaming service with excellent video quality, and you can watch or view content online. 

However, if you prefer offline viewing, you can download the content and study at your comfort. It helps to increase your flexibility and ability to learn from lectures. 

Consists of a Wide Collection of Topics

There are about 13 different courses covering 800+ courses. The subjects include national geography, health, fitness, Science, History, Fine Arts, Programs for Young Learners, Travel, and more. 

Thus, it has an impressive collection of courses in many streams. Therefore, you may find the perfect fitting lecture if you thoroughly analyze your requirements. 

Budget-Friendly Classes Comparatively to College

If you compare the cost incurred for college lectures and The Great Courses, it is more reasonable. 

The average tuition fee in the US is about $34,740 per year. Thus, online courses with streaming platforms are more valuable and budget-friendly for students. (1)

Apart from that, even if you want to grow your knowledge in a specific field or gain some skills, The Great Courses is still one of the budget-friendly options. 

Classes Are Suitable for All Skill Levels

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert, you have a wide range of courses for your skill set.

All you need to do is do some good background research on the course you picked so that it matches your expertise level. However, The Great Courses has many classes for all skill levels. 

The Cons

The Great Courses Platform is Less Up-To-Date

Since The Great Courses is paying attention to the Wondrium platform, it needs more up-to-date information. The users claim the navigation could be more stream-friendly and have VHS-style videos.

Also, it has integrated less modern technologies than other platforms, such as interactive whiteboards and quality video content. 

Downloading Takes Up Lots of Storage

Even though you can download content and consider offline viewing, downloading the content takes a lot of time and storage. Thus, it is an extra cost on the user’s end. 

However, if you choose the DVD option, you still need to invest in some physical storage. So, either way, it consumes more storage and is less efficient considering the storage capacity. 

Can I Buy the Great Courses as a Gift?

Yes, you can buy The Great Courses as a gift. But you can only send individual courses as an E-Gift, not full memberships, to your mate. 

a screenshot of the gifting a course month plans

Follow the below steps to gift one course from The Great Courses:

  • Do your background research and find the best course you are looking to gift your friend. 
  • Next, click on the specific course you have chosen to gift. 
  • Choose the option “Instant Video”. 
  • Click the option “Send as e-gift.”
  • Add the recipient’s details, such as name, email, and message. 
  • Finally, click “Checkout Now” to reach the billing page. 
  • Once on the billing page, fill in your payment details and confirm your payment. 

That’s it! Now you know how to send courses from The Great Courses as a gift. 

But one exception in e-gifts is that you can only send a digital version of the course. However, change the delivery address if you want to send a DVD.

Are Great Courses and Great Courses Plus Different?

Yes, The Great Courses and The Great Courses Plus are different. The Great Courses is a limited platform allowing users to purchase individual courses on a pay-as-you-go basis. 

But The Great Courses Plus works on the Wondrium platform, having an expanded view of The Great Courses. Also, it is based on monthly, quarterly, or annual payment plans. Moreover, it is a subscription-based platform. 

The Great Courses Alternatives

Considering The Great Courses alternatives, there are many alternatives, as discussed below:

LinkedIn Learning

Even though LinkedIn was launched in 1995, it currently has 27 million active users. 

There are dedicated professionals and experts to guide you through the courses and head start your career. 

They have a library of more than 13,000+ courses covering many different streams.

LinkedIn Learning varies between $20 to $50 as a one-off payment, but you can purchase it for $39.99 monthly.

Do you want to learn more about this platform? Read this LinkedIn Learning review.

linkedin learning platform logo

MasterClass

MasterClass is a celebrity teaching platform that works on giving the topper quality content.

They have dedicated professionals behind the scenes and are a great competitor for The Great Courses. 

It has good production quality and educational content and is worth polishing the practical skills. 

The MasterClass Individual package costs $120 per year (average $10 per month), the Duo package costs $180 per year (average $15 per month), and the family package costs $240 per year (average $20 per month).

Do you want to learn more about this platform? Read this MasterClass review.

MASTERCLASS LOGO

Coursera

Coursera is a high-caliber platform with classes to polish your hard skills and help you enhance your professional skills!

These courses deep dive into enhancing a specific skill you prefer to improve. 

The price of Coursera courses depends on the package you choose.

For example, Individual Courses cost $49 – $79, Guided Projects costs start at $9.99, Specializations start at $49 per month, and more!

Do you want to learn more about this platform? Read this Coursera review.

coursera learning platform logo

Other Online Learning Platform reviews:

Final Thoughts

The Great Courses is an exciting and valuable platform for online learners whether you want to expand your skills, gain expertise, or even start your career. 

However, it’s worth the content quality and the price you pay for it, whether it’s an individual, monthly, or yearly plan (discussed above).

When you pick a Great Courses, be sure to thoroughly analyze the course content, quality, instructors, and more before making your commitment. 

FAQs

The cost of The Great Courses varies depending on the type of course. Individual courses can cost around $17, while The Great Courses Plus Subscription offers a monthly plan for $23.74, a quarterly plan for $17.78 per month, and an annual plan for $14.84 per month.

Yes, when you sign up initially, The Great Courses provides 5 to 10 free sample courses. Wondrium also offers over 100 free lectures on their official YouTube channel, and you can access a trial during The Great Courses Plus Subscription.

The Great Courses is run by Tom Rollins, the founder, and has its Headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia, in the United States.

No, The Great Courses do not expire if you pay the subscriptions on time. You will always have access to their streaming platform of courses.

The Great Courses guarantees 100% customer satisfaction and provides the option for a full refund within one year of purchasing a course.

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
The Great Courses
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Easiness
Effectiveness
Price

4.6

4.7

4.7

Overall Score

4.7

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Pros
Opportunity to Learn From Qualified Teachers
Provide Personalized Course Suggestions
Online and Offline Learning Options
Budget-Friendly Classes Comparatively to College
Classes Are Suitable for All Skill Levels
Get the BEST PRICE valid until the end of January
Cons
The Great Courses Platform is Less Up-To-Date

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Carlos Eduardo
Hey there, I’m Carlos Eduardo, the Founder and Author of Scorebeyond. Delving deep into 20+ years of education transformation through innovative e-learning, I’ve poured my expertise into this platform. My enduring legacy continues to drive the path towards a future empowered by knowledge!

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