Top Presentation Software for PC and Online
Presentation tools are essential for business owners, marketers, teachers, and students alike. Slides enable you to make an impact with your message, get your audience interested in what you have to say, and compellingly convey your ideas or data.
Presentation software, as the name suggests, is software that is used to display information in multimedia formats for an audience. These multimedia, which are usually images, video, and audio files, are usually used in correspondence with a live speech or can even be a standalone project.
But how to choose the best presentation software?
There are so many options available today, all with different features and capabilities. We've examined and gathered a directory of the best presentation maker options available to assist you in determining the ideal one for you.
How we picked and tested presentation software
For this top, we selected 15 presentation makers. They include desktop programs as well as presentation-making websites.
To rank the tools, we examined;
- Key features;
- Pricing plans;
- User experience;
- Customers' reviews;
- Major pros and cons.
We hope that whether you're a novice or an experienced presenter, this guide will be a helpful resource.
Best presentation makers: summary table
| Program | OS | Free plan | Price of PRO | Interface | User experience | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icecream Slideshow Maker |
Windows
|
Yes
|
$19.95/lifetime
|
Modern
|
Great
|
5.0 |
| Lumen5 |
Web
|
Yes
|
from $19/month
|
Simple
|
Good
|
4.8 |
| Prezi |
Web
Windows
macOS
|
Limited
|
from $7/month
|
Modern
|
Fine
|
4.5 |
| Microsoft PowerPoint |
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Web
|
Educators only
|
$159.99
|
Simple
|
Fine
|
4.5 |
| Google Slides |
Web
iOS
Android
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
Simple
|
Fine
|
4.5 |
| Mentimeter |
Web
|
Limited
|
from $11.99/month
|
Simple
|
Fine
|
4.2 |
| Animaker |
Web
iOS
|
Limited
|
from $10/month
|
Modern
|
Good
|
4.2 |
| Genial.ly |
Web
|
Yes
|
from $9.90/month
|
Simple
|
Fine
|
4.0 |
| Ludus |
Web
|
No
|
from $14.99/month
|
Confusing
|
Fine
|
3.8 |
| Powtoon |
Web
|
Limited
|
from $15/month
|
Confusing
|
Fine
|
3.5 |
| Keynote |
macOS
iOS
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
Simple
|
Fine
|
3.5 |
| Canva |
Web
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
|
Limited
|
from $14.99/month
|
Simple
|
Fine
|
3.5 |
| iMovie |
macOS
iOS
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
Simple
|
Good
|
3.0 |
| Visme |
Web
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
|
Yes
|
from $12.25/month
|
Modern
|
Good
|
3.0 |
| Beautiful.ai |
Web
|
No
|
from $12/month
|
Modern
|
Fine
|
3.0 |
1. Icecream Slideshow Maker
Icecream Slideshow Maker is great for on-premise presentations. This presentation maker for PC is mostly used by businesses and educators. It is a simple way to arrange a slideshow of your photos, graphics, and other media materials you wish to share.
Music and text can easily be integrated into the slides. Transition and audio effects can be applied to each slide of the presentation. You can even loop certain parts of your presentation if you need to and set the duration of each slide and transition in seconds.
Overall, this is a capable video presentation maker. To polish your images before including them in the presentation, consider using a photo editor to help leave an even better impression.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use free presentation software.
- Ability to add background music in MP3, M4A or WAV format.
- New modern interface with light and dark modes.
- Additional customization features, such as FPS.
Cons:
- Available for Windows OS only.
This desktop-based video presentation maker offers several output video formats to save your presentation, like MP4, AVI, MOV, or WebM with HD, 2K, or 4K resolution. The project can be shared on YouTube, Google Drive, and Dropbox directly from the presentation software.
2. Lumen5
Lumen5 is an AI-powered platform. It enables users to rapidly assemble engaging video presentations from their existing content, such as blog posts and articles.
You will be able to transform text into a script that then turns into a presentation or have the presentation creator narrate the written information.
Before using the AI, you will need to choose a template that your video presentation will follow. There are also tools to adjust the slides' colors and duration, add music or voiceover, and add media files and icons. Overall, it has everything you need for a great presentation.
Pros:
- AI assistance for creating slides from existing content.
- Built-in templates, designs, and media library.
Cons:
- Adds a Lumen5 credit scene with the free plan.
- Cannot change the title or set the duration of the video with the free plan.
This slides maker is great for creating short, attention-grabbing video presentations for social media channels. You can also use it for preparing high-quality videos for webinars or producing product demo videos that show off products in an engaging way.
Certain advanced stock media elements and higher resolution options are a part of the paid subscription only. Also, it may take up significant time to create the presentation with AI.
3. Prezi
Prezi is a platform that offers a unique style of presentations. Unlike other slides makers, it does not have a linear layout. Instead, the presentation website follows an animated route that is segregated by topics.
This tool is often used for business presentations and by teachers and students. Users can start with a blank canvas or choose different templates to begin with. The interface may seem complicated but, the end products are lucrative.
The assets library of this presentation software hosts a very limited stock of icons and common shapes but the software also allows users to upload their own images and videos.
Pros:
- Built-in animated templates that can be customized.
- Integration with Zoom, Webex, and Microsoft Teams.
- When used online, does not take up any device storage.
Cons:
- Trying all features with a free 14-day trial period requires credit card information.
- When using it for free, there will be a watermark on your slides.
The free plan of the presentation software is basic with limited features while there are 3 paid programs each with varying rates per month.
The presentation maker also does not support any GIF, nor any other media content except audio files which can only be added in the premium package.
4. Microsoft PowerPoint
PowerPoint is the most common desktop-based presentation software. It is available with every Microsoft 365 purchase but can be also bought separately.
The sidebar interface is simple to navigate and almost self-explanatory. However, other advanced features may require a learning curve.
There are built-in themes that can be customized as per requirement. Videos and audios can either be embedded in the presentations from online sources or uploaded directly from the computer. Animations and transitions are available to enhance the presentations.
Pros:
- Well-known presentation software with advanced options.
- The web version has a free one-month trial.
Cons:
- If you are not affiliated with any school, the cost is high.
This program is a convenient presentation builder for students, teachers, and business people due to its simplicity. Plus, those in education can have a significant discount to use the product.
Be mindful that there is no way to record your presentation to turn it into a video. So, you will need to use a screen recorder to capture your desktop and any videos you have in your presentations.
5. Google Slides
Google Slides has a similar interface to that of Microsoft PowerPoint and is quite easy to use. A handful collection of templates is available in the free presentation maker and the users can start with blank slides if needed.
The graphic assets are also quite few and basic. However, photos, audio, and GIFs can be uploaded from anywhere. Videos can be embedded with a YouTube or Google Drive link.
Animations and transitions are available in this cloud-based presentation creator. It can be used online or as a mobile app. The Chrome extension allows presentations to be viewed offline. Slides can be shared via email or link.
Pros:
- Integration with other Google services.
- Able to share the presentation via a link or email.
- No storage is used on the device.
Cons:
- Requires a Google account.
The presentation software and all its features are free for all Google account holders. The business version of the presentation maker can be purchased at $6 to $18 per user per month. Hence, it is used widely by professionals who want teams to collaborate efficiently.
6. Mentimeter
Mentimeter is an online presentation maker. Its unique feature is the ability to add interactive slides and run quizzes and polls in real time. This is great for making your presentation engaging.
You can add slides with audio, visuals, and text. There are a few templates available to help you get started. However, the free plan has significant limitations. For instance, users cannot change text or background color.
Pros:
- Interactive elements to involve the audience.
- Themes and design templates.
Cons:
- Limited customization options with the free plan.
- Unusual functionality will require time to learn how to use it.
With the PRO plan (which is quite affordable), users will be able to import slides from PowerPoint or Google Slides. Educators and students are eligible for a discount rate. Additionally, there is also a collaboration feature to work on a presentation as a team.
This presentation maker is a great tool to use for online meetings and conferences, educational lectures and courses, sales presentations, and more.
7. Animaker
Animaker is a platform for creating various media content that can be used by professionals and beginners. One of its products is Deck, which is an avatar-powered presentation maker.
The presentations can be created from scratch or by using one of the templates. The standard presentation tools provided are animation, adding images, text, etc. Being able to add an avatar is a cool feature that distinguishes this presentation software from others.
Pros:
- Unique feature to supplement the presentation with an avatar.
- Variety of templates to choose from.
- Integration with Pexels, Giphy, Stickers, and other stock websites.
Cons:
- In the free version, users cannot export the presentation.
The platform can generate a variety of presentations - promotional materials, educational content, or even wedding videos.
Keep in mind that with the free account, you can create, share as a link, and present your slides. However, if you wish to export the presentation as a PDF file, you will have to purchase the PRO plan.
8. Genial.ly
Genial.ly is an online platform that helps produce interactive presentations. It furnishes users with diverse tools, gives them the ability to work together on projects, and presents their work in a variety of forms, such as videos, slideshows, and infographics.
This presentation software has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that is pleasant to use. Users can share their slides via a URL (with the free plan, you have to make your presentation public) or present right in the presentation builder.
Pros:
- 1400+ different presentation templates for various purposes.
- Interactive elements, such as questions, graphs, and more.
- Collaboration feature to work on projects together in real time.
Cons:
- Many templates are only available with the Premium plan.
- Downloading the presentation is also available only after upgrading.
This presentation creator offers 3 types of subscriptions - free, business, and education. Within those, there is a gradation of plans that vary by price and additional features. For example, with the education “Genius” plan you can even get audience statistics.
9. Ludus
Ludus is a capable video presentation producer that enables people to generate creative slides quickly. It offers the standard presentation-making kit with tools like inserting text and media content (images, audio, video), drawing on slides, adding shapes, lines, and more.
Pros:
- Can import PDF files into the presentation.
- Creative themes with appealing animation.
- Ability to work collaboratively as a team.
Cons:
- The interface is a bit confusing.
- No free plan, only a 30-day trial.
The presentation maker’s interface is a bit unclear. For example, there is no way to undo an action or a new item is added to the slide as you select the tool without choosing a specific element.
Additionally, you will have to subscribe to keep using the software after your free trial ends.
10. Powtoon
Powtoon is an effective tool for creating captivating video presentations quickly and easily. It offers numerous standard tools to support presentation production, including different templates, a media library, animation effects, and more.
The most interesting feature, though, is only available with the business subscription. Users can create animated characters to accompany their content.
The interface of this presentation creator is a bit confusing at first. However, after learning what tools it has to offer and where to find them, you should have no issues creating your best presentations.
Pros:
- Variety of templates, themes, and customization options.
- Automatically provides a 4-day Premium trial when you sign up.
Cons:
- The free plan has fewer features, like no additional stock media or custom character creation.
- Applies a watermark with the free account.
Once done, you can upload your presentation to YouTube or share it via a link. A few more exporting options are available with the free plan. However, to download the slides in MP4 or PPT formats, you would have to purchase the Premium subscription.
11. Keynote
Keynote is a basic presentation maker from Apple. It has a user-friendly interface that enables you to generate remarkable slides in just minutes. Despite the lack of advanced features, it helps you quickly create presentations that look professional and neat.
The app has a large selection of transitions that make it stand out from other presentation software. There are also options to add tables, charts, text, and other media components.
Keep in mind that the default presentation format is only supported by Apple devices. To share with users of other operating systems, you will need to export as a PDF, a PowerPoint file, or a video. However, you can also show the presentation live directly from the app.
Pros:
- Intuitive toolkit and an easy-to-learn user interface.
Cons:
- Limited selection of tools and elements.
This presentation software is generally pre-installed on iPhones and other macOS devices. So, you won't need to even search for it and wait for the installation process to finish. Naturally, though, this program will not work on other operating systems, such as Windows.
12. Canva
.webp "Canva graphics")
Canva is a popular online photo editor that can be used as a presentation creator. There is a specific layout for presentations that automatically sets the slide size. Templates and stock elements are easy to search for and can be customized in color.
With this presentation website, users can add images, videos, graphics, and other media content to their slides. Adding audio and text is also possible as well as setting the duration time of each slide.
To share your presentation, you can download it in PDF, PPTX format, as an MP4 video, or as an archive of images. Alternatively, embed the presentation directly to your social media page or website or present right from the website.
Pros:
- Built-in templates and a library of stock elements, graphics, and videos.
- Basic presentation maker with no learning course.
Cons:
- Many elements are available only with the PRO account.
This platform is almost a must-have tool among those who want to become bloggers or designers. The service will help create the first presentation for startups and small businesses as it offers a free plan that provides a decent user experience.
13. iMovie
iMovie is a popular video editor that can serve as a presentation software as well. You can add pictures, videos, and audio files and supply the slides with titles, backgrounds, transitions, and other effects.
For users of the iOS app, "Magic Movie" and "Storyboard" ("Trailer" for macOS) creative options are available.
The first one automatically creates a video presentation out of the media files you select. The other one offers templates for various occasions that will guide you through the process of making your presentation.
Pros:
- Simple user-friendly interface.
- Ability to import files of various types and formats.
- Semi-automatic generative modes.
Cons:
- Lack of the advanced slides-making capabilities.
- Limited library of fonts and transitions.
This application can serve a range of objectives such as producing promotional or educational materials, creating family slideshows, and more.
However, as it is primarily a video editing software, keep in mind that there are no advanced features for presentation creation, such as diagrams or presenter notes.
14. Visme
Visme is an online presentation creator that is capable of creating reports and charts and has other built-in customizable features.
The platform has a wide range of templates to choose from. Users can also select a presentation style. There are pre-made presentations based on particular industries and topics. Users can also create their own unique slides by starting from scratch.
Pictures, videos, and GIFs can easily be embedded in the presentation, as well as audio (users can record a voice-over). Simple animation can also be implemented to add motion to the static graphics. Once finished, the presentation can be shared directly on social media.
Pros:
- Industry-specific templates - for real estate, marketing, non-profit, etc.
- Large set of elements that can be included in the presentation.
Cons:
- It might be overwhelming at the beginning.
- The free plan only allows to create 3 projects.
- Adds a watermark on slides with the free account.
Users can save slides in the library for later use. The search bar is handy for finding tools. With such convenience and ease of control, this presentation creator is used by marketers, teachers, students, bloggers, and other professionals.
A trial version can be used for free. The paid plan has 3 tiers: standard plan - $5 per month, business plan - $25 per month, and enterprise plan, which has a custom price. There are other packages for students and teachers.
15. Beautiful.ai
Beautiful.ai is a generative AI presentation creator designed to assist you in producing captivating slides for business, marketing, and social media objectives. Templates and smart slides with diagrams and other elements are available.
This web platform is a decent tool to speed up your presentation-making process. You can choose between the Classic mode to build your slides by yourself or the DesignerBot to have your presentation built for you.
Pros:
- AI-powered mode for designing your slides.
- Supports importing and exporting PowerPoint and provides viewer analytics.
Cons:
- No free plan, only a 14-day trial that still requires you to provide payment details.
- Users report a lack of responses from the support team.
This is not a free presentation creator. It has plans for individuals and teams, which you can sign up to try for 2 weeks. Also, although innovative, the AI capabilities are quite limited as it may take several trials to get what you want.
FAQ
- Is it possible to include animations in my presentations?
- Yes, different programs typically offer a range of animations and transitions to add visual interest and movement to your slides.
- How can I share my presentation with others?
- You can usually share the result by exporting it to a file format like PDF or PPT, or by sharing a link or inviting collaborators directly within the software.
- Can I integrate data and charts from other programs?
- Yes, you can usually import data and charts from Excel or Google Sheets to help viewers visualize information.
- Can I import and export presentations in different file formats?
- Yes, some presentation software supports a range of extensions, such as .ppt, .pptx, .pdf, and .key. This flexibility ensures that your slideshows can be shared and accessed across different platforms and devices.
- Are there any tips for effectively delivering a presentation?
- Engage with your audience by making eye contact, using clear and confident speech, and encouraging questions or interaction. Use your slides as visual aids rather than relying on them as a script, and be prepared to adapt based on audience feedback and responses.
Best presentation software: conclusion
There are plenty of presentation-making software that you can use. Some provide tools for building slides, while others are designed for creating video presentations.
Depending on what type of content you need, choose the one that fits your needs. Also, examine the features of presentation makers in the review and think about what results you want to achieve.
We are sure that you will find the best presentation software for you out of the described above. Maybe even more than one. Explore!
Icecream Apps Staff Writer
