Which presentation software is best for you?

With so many presentation programs out there, how do you know which one to use? While PowerPoint might be the standard, other programs have interesting features and perks that make them hard to miss. Depending on your goals, each option can have features that can impact how you want to present your message.

Today, the most popular presentation softwares are PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Google Slides, and Prezi. In this guide, we’ll be breaking down the pros and cons of each program to help you determine which one works best for your needs.

Microsoft PowerPoint

PowerPoint is most people’s staple for creating presentations, and for good reason. It’s the oldest software on this list, which also means that Microsoft has had a lot of time to improve and update it. Plus, its software integrates well with the other Microsoft Office Suite products. 

Pros

It’s user-friendly

The software is easy to use for both professional designers and beginners; even those with little background can quickly learn and create a good-looking slide deck. 

Variety of templates

PowerPoint has a wide range of ready-to-use themes and templates, which makes it easy for those without design experience to put together an aesthetically pleasing slide deck.

Easy to edit

Making quick changes and alterations on PowerPoint is straightforward and uncomplicated, saving users time.

It’s helpful for presenters

PowerPoint is designed to work with the presenter as they speak; features like Speaker Coach help presenters prepare by helping them rehearse and providing feedback.

Cons

Too many features

Though there are many features and extra extensions in PowerPoint that are helpful, they can easily become overwhelming and distracting, especially for beginners. 

Advanced features need a subscription

Another disadvantage of PowerPoint is the cost of the Microsoft 365 Office Suite, which can be a barrier for many. Plus, having an Office Suite subscription comes with features and storage space that aren’t available if you were to purchase the software on its own. 

Apple’s Keynote

Keynote is Apple’s presentation software, only supported by Apple products, which is why many don’t use it. However, its basic features are functional and customizable, with a useful “comments” system.

Pros

It’s easy to use

Just like any other Apple product, Keynote’s layout is straightforward and easy to navigate, making it a smooth experience for all users.

Seamless multimedia integration

Keynote is designed to naturally integrate multimedia, so elements like sounds, videos, and images are easy to add in and remain high-quality.

Animation features

The program’s animation and transition effects are captivating, adding a magical and unique element to the presentation.

Cons

Limited compatibility 

Keynote can only be used on Apple products, meaning that they aren’t compatible with Microsoft or any other software. Although Keynote slides can be exported into PowerPoint, the layout will change. 

Lack of resources and support

The community of Keynote users is small, meaning there aren’t as many resources and support available for them as there are for Microsoft.

Google Slides

Other than PowerPoint, Google Slides is the most popular software on this list, mostly thanks to its accessibility. It is available to anyone with a Gmail account since it is included in Google Workspace. It’s known for its real-time collaborative features that let multiple people share and edit slides at the same time, and it is also the easiest program in this list to use. 

Pros

Accessibility and collaboration

As a cloud-based tool, Google Slides can be accessed from any device with access to the Internet. Plus, it allows several users to work simultaneously, making it the ideal option for collaboration and team projects.

Integration with other tools

Google Slides integrates with the other Google Workspace applications, including Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, and more, which makes it easy to weave in content from other resources into your slides.

Cost-free and available

Google Slides is free for anyone with a Gmail account, making it a reasonable and tempting option for smaller businesses or individuals. Especially since it is accessible on multiple devices with Internet access, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

Cons

Limited offline functionality

One drawback is that Google Slides has limited accessibility when not connected to the internet, which makes it an inconvenience in case of poor connection or when working in a different environment.

Fewer template options

Although Google Slides does have premade templates and themes, it has a limited variety. Tools like PowerPoint and Keynote have more layout and customization options.

Prezi

Prezi is presentation software known for its zoom navigation and unique approach to “slide” design. The idea is that all the sections are connected, and the presenter can smoothly navigate between them. Though it sounds complex, it offers a fresh way to share ideas and stand out, especially since there are many templates that users can utilize.

Pros

Unique presenting format

Prezi’s signature zoom and overview features offer an unconventional approach to storytelling, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a fresh alternative to traditional slide decks.

Integration support

Another advantage of Prezi is the long list of apps it can be integrated into, including Slack, Zoom, and Google Meet, which make it easier to present Prezi projects. 

Cloud-based

Since it’s cloud-based, you don’t need to rely on a USB or hard drive to bring to your presentation. You only need to have Internet access and a computer you can log in to.

Cons

Tricky to work with

Whether you’re a beginner or have experience with different presentation tools, Prezi can be a tricky platform to navigate. It can take some time to figure out how to use it and make the most of its features. 

Not ideal for heavy slides

When there’s a lot of movement going on, Prezi might not be ideal for more content-heavy slides. This format makes it hard for the audience to follow along since it can feel like it lacks structure. 

So, which one should you choose?

In summary:

Choose PowerPoint if you want a versatile tool with extensive multimedia features and custom animations for large, professional decks.

Choose Keynote if you want to create clean, minimal designs that easily integrate with Apple products. 

Choose Google Slides if you want a collaborative workflow with your team, accessibility, and easy cloud-based access.

Choose Prezi if you want to shake things up with unconventional slides and add a dynamic element to your slides.

Choosing the right presentation software will depend on our flow, needs, and goals. While PowerPoint remains the standard, Keynote is a sleek option for Apple users, Google Slides helps teams collaborate, and Prezi offers an original flow for those who want to break tradition. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s up to you to determine which program will enhance your message. Plus, at the end of the day, it’s less about the tool itself and more about how you use it. At Prezlab, we specialize in creating and uplifting presentations so they can bring out the best in your content. To learn more, you can reach out to our team right here!