By Michael Graw
last updated
Make your slides without a fee
PRICE
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
The best free presentation software provides a simple way to create attention-grabbing presentations as an alternative to subscribing to Microsoft PowerPoint.
While PowerPoint (opens in new tab) is the market leader when it comes to presentation software, some people may be unwilling to subscribe to a Microsoft 365 subscription, especially if they don't expect to need to use it very often.
However, there are plenty of great alternatives available for free that you can use. While these won't have the same level of features as PowerPoint, they still offer a very competent platform to design the presentation you need.
Choosing the best free presentation software can be time consuming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. To help, let’s take a look at five of the best free presentation software options available today.
To make your presentation really shine, consider grabbing a free photo editor too, so your pictures look perfect before you add them to your slides.
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Google Workspace : Collaboration + productivity apps (opens in new tab)
There are many different presentation software packages but Google Workspace formerly known as G Suite remains the original cloud office software and one of the best business office suites, offering a huge range of features and functionality that rivals can't match, especially when it comes to presentation software.
Try it free for 14 days (opens in new tab).
Best free presentation software and alternative to PowerPoint of 2023 in full
Why you can trust TechRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
1. Prezi
Make stylish presentations online, for free
Reasons to buy
+ Animated presentations Easy to use Allows collaborative editing
Reasons to avoid
- Some trial and error required
Prezi turns the traditional approach to presentations on its head. Instead of creating slide after slide, this presentation software gives you a single giant canvas. You can add blocks of text or images, or even create miniature slides. During your presentation, you can seamlessly fly around the canvas and zoom in to look at individual chunks of content.
For how complex Prezi seems, it’s impressively simple to use the platform. The only major divergence from Microsoft PowerPoint is that you need to add animated paths from one part of the canvas to another. The tools for this are fairly straightforward, especially if you’ve ever used an animation or video editing software.
Of course, this type of presentation structure isn’t always ideal. Prezi makes it hard to visualize structured data like financials, which can make it difficult to use in business applications. Some viewers also might not appreciate the fly-around animation style that’s inherent to the presentation software.
Read our full Prezi review.
2. Canva
Create stylish presentations and share them easily online
Reasons to buy
+ Free layouts available Searchable image library Seamless online sharing
Reasons to avoid
- Not PowerPoint compatible
Canva is perfect for making speedy presentations right in your web browser. This software offers a handful of free layouts to help you get your slideshow started, and it’s easy to customize the templates to fit your needs. There isn’t a huge variety of content elements to add to your presentation, but Canva makes up for this with a searchable library of more than 1 million images you can use.
Your Canva presentations live online, which makes it extremely easy to collaborate. You can invite colleagues to edit your slideshow (although simultaneous editing is not supported) or seamlessly share your finished presentation. However, beware that Canva can’t import presentations from Microsoft Powerpoint or export finished work to a Powerpoint-editable format.
Read our full Canva review.
3. LibreOffice
Free presentation software that's a dead ringer for PowerPoint
Reasons to buy
+ Most of Powerpoint’s functionality Works with Keynote for Mac Hundreds of free templates
Reasons to avoid
- No built-in collaboration tools
LibreOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office, and it includes a Powerpoint equivalent called Impress with nearly all of the same functionality. The only big difference you’ll find between the two slideshow creation tools is the LibreOffice lacks some modern features like built-in collaboration and integration with Microsoft OneDrive.
However, Impress does have a few advantages of its own. The software can import files from Keynote, the default presentation software on Mac computers. Plus, there are hundreds of free templates that you can download for free. Even better, there’s no limit on what fonts you can use with Impress, so it’s easy to change the look of your presentation from what Powerpoint typically allows.
On the whole, LibreOffice Impress is about as close as it gets to simply replicating Microsoft Powerpoint for free.
Read our full LibreOffice review.
4. Google Slides
Free presentation software for all Google account holders
Reasons to buy
+ Supports importing new templates Built-in chat for collaboration Presentation mode for rehearing
Reasons to avoid
- Initial template selection limited Import issues
Google Slides is part of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), and it does a nice job of matching a number of PowerPoint’s capabilities. This free presentation software supports embedding videos, creating diagrams, and adding animations to your slides. While the selection of templates is somewhat limited, you can easily import hundreds of additional templates for free or create your own.
Even better, Google Slides supports the collaboration tools (opens in new tab) users have come to expect from Google. Multiple people can work on a slideshow simultaneously, and there’s a built-in group chat so you can keep track of what everyone is doing. It’s also nice that you can play your presentation in presenter mode, which allows you to preview how it will look to your audience and rehearse timing.
The only downside to Google Slides is that bloated slideshows can experience some loading delays. Also beware that while you can move between Slides and Powerpoint, the conversion often messes with the layout of your slides.
Read our full Google Slides review.
5. WPS Office Free
An extremely impressive Microsoft Powerpoint alternative
Reasons to buy
+ Lots of templates included Familiar user interface Plenty of animations
Reasons to avoid
- Ads can be annoying
WPS Office Free is a Microsoft Office look-alike that fully support PowerPoint files without any layout issues during import. The WPS Presentation tool has all of the same capabilities of PowerPoint, including tons of animations, slide transitions, content effects, and video embedding. The selection of included presentation templates is also very impressive for a free software.
One of the best things about this presentation software is that the user interface will feel incredibly familiar if you’re coming from Microsoft. All of the tools are displayed in a top ribbon, with your slides shown on the left side of the screen for easy navigation. It’s simple to display your presentation right from WPS Presentation, which means there’s no unexpected troubleshooting when it’s time to show off your work.
There’s not much to dislike about WPS Presentation. However, keep in mind that the software is supported by ads. Some users find the ads annoying, but they’re not overly in the way.
Read our full WPS Office Free review.
How we tested the best free presentation software
To test for the best free presentation software we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, whether as a download or as an online service. We then tested the service to see how the software could be used for different purposes and in different situations. The aim was to push each software platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.
See how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
Which alternative to PowerPoint is best for you?
When deciding which alternative to PowerPoint to download and use, first consider what your actual needs are, as sometimes free platforms may only provide basic options, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a paid platform is much more worthwhile. Additionally, free and budget software options can sometimes prove limited when it comes to the variety of tools available, while higher-end software can really cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require.
We've also featured the best free office software.
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Michael Graw
Michael Graw is a freelance journalist and photographer based in Bellingham, Washington. His interests span a wide range from business technology to finance to creative media, with a focus on new technology and emerging trends. Michael's work has been published in TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Business Insider, Fast Company, Salon, and Harvard Business Review.
FAQs
What is the best free software to make presentations? ›
Some of the best presentation software are Visme, Prezi, SlideDog, Haiku Deck, Slidebean, Powtoon and Zoho Show and others like Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Keynote.
Is there a free alternative to PowerPoint? ›Google Slides
Google Slides is the most popular PowerPoint alternative because it's completely free with a Google account.
- Visme.
- Google Slides.
- Haiku Deck.
- Flowvella.
- Slides.
- Prezi.
- Pitch.
- Canva.
Google Slides is free to use and easy to learn. You can access your presentations from any device or computer, making it convenient to work on your presentation anywhere. Google Slides has a wide range of templates and themes to choose from, so you can create a professional looking presentation quickly and easily.
Is Google Slides better than PowerPoint? ›The pros and cons of each software vary depending on the specific needs of a business. However, generally speaking, Google Slides is better for creating presentations that are interactive and easy to navigate, while PowerPoint is better for creating more traditional presentations.
Is Keynote better than PowerPoint? ›The main thing every professional presentation service points out in Keynote vs PowerPoint debate is that Keynote is better in terms of design. It's an easy tool that allows you to create a beautiful presentation quickly and without having to adjust a dozen of small details.
Is Google Docs better than PowerPoint? ›For a user who needs to create a presentation quickly and simply without loads of additional functionality such as for personal use or homework presentations, Google Slides is a good choice. However, for an advanced and more technical presentation, as is often needed in business settings, PowerPoint wins.
Is prezi better than PowerPoint? ›The main difference between Prezi and PowerPoint is that Prezi is a cloud-based tool for creating non-linear presentations while PowerPoint is an offline tool for creating standard presentations. In this comparison guide, you'll learn what tool is best for your presentations in 2022.
Does Google have a free version of PowerPoint? ›Google Slides: Online Slideshow Maker. Google Workspace.
How do I get the full version of PowerPoint for free? ›Accessing Microsoft PowerPoint and other core Office programs is free via the web, and all you'll need is a Microsoft account. Head over to Office.com and click 'Sign in' to enter your details. If you don't yet have an account, choose 'Sign up for the free version of Office' and follow the instructions.
Which tool is widely used for presentation? ›
While traditional tools such as PowerPoint, Google Slides and Keynote can all be used to create presentations, you can break the conventional method – basic points on simple slides – by including images, creating movement, and limiting each slide or section to only a couple key points.
Which is the most popular and effective presentation method? ›Speech is the most common method of presentation. When you are presenting, it's important not only WHAT you say, but also HOW do you say it.
What is the leading slide based presentation software used by many? ›Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation software designed to allow users to create slide-based presentations including video and images, as well as slide transitions and animations.
What type of presentation is best serviced by free form slides? ›Free-Formed Slides
Free-form slides are best used for motivational or persuasive presentations that benefit from creativity and small doses of information per slide.
Google Slides: Online slideshow maker | Google Workspace.
Is there a fee for Google Slides? ›Google Drive and Google Slides are completely free services. You won't ever need to pay to download and use these programs. All of the features we've discussed so far are 100% free.
Which is better Google Slides or Keynote? ›It is simple to use but we cannot say it sacrifices design. Not at all. Keynote boasts with stunning templates and out-of-this-planet UI. In our opinion, Keynote has the best user interface among all presentation tools and that won't change soon.
What is the disadvantage of Google Slides? ›The downside to Google Slides is that it relies on an internet connection. This means that if you are working on a train or from home and the internet goes down, you won't be able to continue editing. PowerPoint, however, allows for offline work, meaning that working from anywhere can continue smoothly.
What does PowerPoint have that Google Slides doesn t? ›PowerPoint provides a wide range of templates which are basic and also customizable templates, where the difference between Google slides is it provides for the creation of customizable graphs and charts, which are a bit difficult for creating in Google slides.
Should I use canva or Google Slides? ›Designed for anyone who needs to create. Canva has solutions for individuals, small businesses, enterprise, not-for-profit organizations, teachers and students. Presentation solution for all enterprises that helps manage presentations with features such as themes, fonts, embedded video, and animations.
What are disadvantages of using Keynote? ›
If you're trying to learn the program on your own, it can be a bit tricky; help files for Keynote are not as comprehensive as those from Microsoft. Since it is less ubiquitous, Google results aren't much additional help. Perhaps the most major drawback is that you can only access Keynote on a Mac.
What is the Apple equivalent of PowerPoint? ›With its powerful tools and dazzling effects, Keynote makes it easy to create stunning and memorable presentations, and comes included with most Apple devices. Use Apple Pencil on your iPad to create diagrams or illustrations that bring your slides to life.
Does Keynote cost money? ›Keynote Pricing
Keynote is completely free for Apple users. You can use it on your Mac, iPad and iPhone at zero cost.
On your Android phone or tablet, open a presentation in the Google Slides app.
Why is word better than Google Docs? ›File compatibility
While both Word and Docs are compatible with the most commonly used word processing formats like Word, PDF, and rich text, Word can import its files much more quickly and is much better at displaying complex file formats consistently across different programs of the Microsoft family.
If you choose the Prezi Basic account, you'll have all the features you need to create and present Prezi presentations at no cost to you. Plus, some cool new features like Prezi Video and Prezi Design and the best of all, there's no trial period. You can make your Prezi login and use Prezi free for as long as you like.
Is Prezi no longer free? ›Basic: Our Basic license is free to use for everyone that wants to start making presentations either from a template or from existing PowerPoint slides with our online editor, record videos in the Prezi Video online editor or create dynamic designs and data visualizations with Prezi Design.
What is similar to Prezi but free? ›- Visme.
- Camtasia.
- Powtoon.
- Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Canva.
- Keynote.
- Animaker.
- Loom.
Compared to PowerPoint, Canva allows for more sophisticated designs without being tricky to use. The ready-made templates, the wide selection of fonts, and the handy drag-and-drop tool make Canva quicker to learn so you can get your presentation up and running faster.
How to get PowerPoint 365 for free? ›Microsoft 365 Education for students and teachers. If you're a student or teacher with an active school email address, you may be eligible to get complete Office suite access for free through Office 365 Education. With Office 365 Education, you have access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and even Microsoft Teams.
How to download PowerPoint 365 for free? ›
- Go to www.office.com and if you're not already signed in, select Sign in. ...
- Sign in with the account you associated with this version of Microsoft 365. ...
- After signing in, follow the steps that match the type of account you signed in with.
However, PowerPoint isn't the only professional presentation tool out there in 2021. There are many PowerPoint alternatives available if you need to make a presentation. If you do use PowerPoint to create your presentation, our Envato Tuts+ presentation tutorials can help.
Is there a free program like Prezi? ›Focusky is a free but sophisticated Prezi online presentation alternative . It is a personalized solution for designers from different fields. The easy-to-use interface lets users to be able to build and customize multimedia and animated content without any problem.
Is Prezi presentation software free? ›Basic: Our Basic license is free to use for everyone that wants to start making presentations either from a template or from existing PowerPoint slides with our online editor, record videos in the Prezi Video online editor or create dynamic designs and data visualizations with Prezi Design.
What is the free version of Google to create a presentation? ›Google Slides is an online presentation app that lets you create and format presentations and work with other people.
Is Canva presentation free? ›Canva's free presentation software gives you access to hundreds of beautifully designed layouts to create presentations on any topic. Simply choose the perfect images, fonts and colors to make your presentation relay your message with gusto!
How long is Prezi free for? ›The free trial lasts for 14 days after you sign up for it on the Prezi website. During that time, you are free to explore its available features and download any presentations you create, without cost. After 14 days of signing up, you have the choice to opt for one of three different Prezi licenses.
What is Google equivalent to Prezi? ›Google Slides has 6166 reviews and a rating of 4.62 / 5 stars vs Prezi which has 1956 reviews and a rating of 4.57 / 5 stars.
What are the disadvantages of Prezi? ›Disadvantage #1: Confusing Layout
The frequent zooming in and out movement can be a bit overwhelming for some. Also, a Prezi presentation shared on its own can be confusing if the viewer doesn't know how to navigate the functions.
| Students & Educators - EDU Plus $3 Cloud per month | Individual - Standard $5 Cloud per month |
|---|---|
| Business - Plus $15 Cloud per month | Individual - Premium $59 Cloud per month |
| Students & Educators - Basic Free Cloud | Students & Educators - EDU Teams Contact sales team Cloud |
Is it worth it to buy Prezi? ›
Overall, Prezi is a popular and well-regarded presentation software that offers a range of tools and features to help users create visually engaging and interactive presentations. It has enough customization options to give your presentations a different feel over common presentation services such as PowerPoint.
Does Google have a program like PowerPoint? ›Google Slides: Online Slideshow Maker.
Is Google Slides as good as PowerPoint? ›For a user who needs to create a presentation quickly and simply without loads of additional functionality such as for personal use or homework presentations, Google Slides is a good choice. However, for an advanced and more technical presentation, as is often needed in business settings, PowerPoint wins.
Are Google Slides and PowerPoint the same thing? ›To create slides, PowerPoint has a comprehensive template library available, while Google Slides has the option to search for web templates. Both applications can embed and play images, videos, audio, and links. Work-in-progress is automatically saved in Google Slides and can be checked in the version history.
How can I get Canva Pro for free without paying? ›Once you have entered the Canva home page, click on the Canva for Education Free button. Once you click the button, you will gain access to the Canva pro account in no time. Now you can enjoy your design with the Canva pro account completely!
Is Canva no longer free? ›Canva is always free for every individual and team. However, if you want to unlock premium features, individuals can upgrade to Canva Pro to easily create professional designs and content.
Is Canva free enough? ›Canva is one of the best graphic design tools for non-graphic designers, with a host of tools to create perfect images for social media or promotional use. All without spending a dime. But if you are using Canva free on a daily basis, you may want to consider upgrading to the paid version called Canva Pro.