Best alternatives for PowerPoint presentation in 2023

For decades, Microsoft PowerPoint has held sway as the data and information presentation honcho. Currently, more than 32 million PowerPoint presentations are delivered daily. Apparently, it’s still a popular tool among professionals. However, the expanding needs of the corporate world and the need for more inventive data presentation tools have established various alternatives for PowerPoint. 

In recent years we have seen various PowerPoint presentation alternatives with new capabilities and exciting features spring up. Unfortunately, many of us are still stuck with the old PowerPoint due to a lack of information. Well, maybe it’s time to try something different; you may be surprised at what you get.

So here is a compilation of some of the best alternatives for PowerPoint. But first, let's discuss what makes an excellent PowerPoint alternative.

How to identify a viable alternative to PowerPoint presentation

No doubt, PowerPoint is the most popular presentation tool available, with over 500 million users. People prefer it for various reasons, including; ease of use, accessibility, service cost, etc., so when considering PowerPoint alternatives, it’s best to look out for features that are most useful for your needs and offer great flexibility. Here are a few things to look out for;

User-oriented: For first-time users, navigating the PowerPoint presentation and many of its alternatives may seem quite strange or complex, but that’s normal. However, you should be concerned if you still cannot have a hang of the tool after a few sessions or if the tool doesn’t provide tips and guide on how to use it.

Accessibility: Various alternatives for PowerPoint have different access points. Some are cloud-based and can only be accessed via a browser and internet access. Others are in a software format that is installed on your computer and may not require internet access to function. Yu must critically consider your needs and be sure that the tool you choose provides the best accessibility option for you. 

Interoperability: one of the biggest challenges of switching digital tools is continuity, the need to continue where you left off with the previous tools. Hence it is important that any PowerPoint alternative you’re considering must be able to support your previous presentation, so you don’t need to start creating from scratch. Also, you should be able to export the file and share it with clients seamlessly during meetings or while collaborating with tools like Workee.

Collaboration / multi-user function: In today's fast-paced business world, presentations are crucial to communicating ideas and information to a group. And with the rise in remote working, teams need to operate more collaboratively and in real time. 

Key features: In addition to the standard ability to add text, images, and graphics to slides, you want a presentation platform with added capabilities like creative design tools, support for rich and dynamic media, and a range of templates for reports and presentations.

Five best PowerPoint alternatives

While there are many PowerPoint presentation alternatives, here are 6 top alternatives identified and curated by Workee experts in no particular order.

Google slides

Google slide is arguably the most popular presentation tool after PowerPoint. This is not surprising as it’s a product from tech giant Google.  Google Slides is a free and web-based presentation software that is similar to PowerPoint in terms of functionality. It also allows for real-time collaboration and the ability to share presentations easily. Google Slides also integrates with other products, such as Google Drive and Calendar.

Google slides is famed for its flexibility, especially with regard to device compatibility. It can function on virtually every device and operating system.

Features of Google Slides

• Cross-tool compatibility: you can import presentations created with many other tools.

• Collaborative function: it allows more than one person to access or work on one presentation

• Offline functionality: works online and offline; however, there may be some limitations while working offline

• Multiple template options

Pros of Google slides

• Automatically saves files and changes as you work

• It’s free and user-friendly

• Supports features for dynamic media

Cons of Google slides

• You must have a Google account to access the program.

Keynote

Like Google and Microsoft, Apple is another tech giant that has been at the forefront of the digital revolution by providing innovative tools and solutions. Keynote is one of Apple’s creations and has proven to be one of the best alternatives to PowerPoint. Keynote is presentation software built into the iWork suite of productivity apps. Like PowerPoint, it offers a wide range of templates and tools for creating professional-looking slides. However, it also includes features like real-time collaboration and the ability to add animations and interactive elements to your presentations.

Features of Keynote

• Supports collaboration

• Flexibility: allows you to scribble notes using Apple pencil, and it converts them into typed texts

• Supports dynamic and rich media, including live videos

Pros of keynotes

• Files can be exported to a few other presentation tools like PowerPoint

Cons of Keynote

• It is only compatible with Apple OS.

Prezi

If you’re looking for something with a slightly different feel and design from the norm, then Prezi is a great choice. It is a cloud-based presentation software that allows users to create interactive, non-linear presentations. Instead of slides, Prezi uses a single canvas that can zoom in and out on different sections of the presentation. This allows for a more dynamic and engaging presentation experience.

Features of Prezi

• Compatible with a wide range of devices, including mobile devices.

• Spots an activity tracking feature.

• Supports real-time collaboration

• Has a presenter interface that shows you a timer and previews the next slides.

Pros of Prezi

• Has some unique features that promote engagement

• Allows you to integrate various multimedia formats.

Cons of Prezi

• This presentation tool can be a little challenging.

Canva

Canva is popularly known to be a graphic design tool; however, it is one of the best alternatives to PowerPoint as it can be used to create beautiful and professional-looking presentations. It includes various templates and design elements that can be easily customized to fit the user's needs. Canva also allows for easy collaboration, making it a great option for teams working on presentations together.

Features of Canva

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy design

• Pre-designed templates for various types of presentations

• A wide variety of design elements, including text, images, charts, and shapes

• Collaboration tools for working with others on a presentation

• Ability to export presentations in various file formats, including PDF and PNG

Pros of the Canva presentation tool

• User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate

• Various templates and design elements make it easy to create professional-looking presentations.

Cons of Canva presentation tool

• Limited animation and transition options

• Some of the advanced features are only available with a paid subscription

Zoho show

Zoho Show is a web-based presentation tool that allows users to create, edit, and share presentations online. Some of its features include the ability to insert multimedia elements such as videos and images, collaboration tools for working on presentations with others in real time, and a wide variety of templates and themes to choose from.

Features of Zoho show

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface

• A wide variety of pre-designed templates and themes

• Support for multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio

• Ability to collaborate with others in real-time

• Presentation analytics to track engagement and audience interaction

Pros of Zoho show

• A wide variety of templates and themes to choose from.

• Can insert multimedia elements such as videos and images.

• It can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cons of Zoho show

• It may not have as many features as some other presentation software.

• Limited offline functionality.

In summary

PowerPoint Is still a viable tool for presentation, but as the popular saying goes, “variety is the spice of life,” you may want to check out other alternatives for PowerPoint. In conclusion, while PowerPoint is a widely used tool for creating presentations, several alternative options offer unique features and capabilities. Whether you're looking for a more interactive and visually engaging experience or a simple and intuitive interface, there is an alternative that will meet your needs.