Business presentations serve as essential communication tools to convey ideas and create a favorable image for a brand. While Microsoft Powerpoint is popular and the default software for presentations, several advanced Presentation software choices are available to help you create visually appealing presentations that stand out and keep your audience engaged.

What is a Presentation Software?

Presentation software is a computer program that allows users to create visual and interactive presentations. It enables users to combine text, images, videos, charts, and other multimedia elements to convey information effectively. These software tools provide a user-friendly interface for arranging and organizing content in slides, making it easy for marketing and sales teams to structure and design presentations. Presenters can enhance their delivery by adding animations, transitions, and speaker notes.

Commonly used presentation software includes Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Google Slides, and various other alternatives that offer a range of features to engage and captivate the audience during business meetings, educational sessions, or public speaking events.

Key Features of a Presentation Software

Key Features of Presentation Software include the following:

1. Slide Creation: The primary function of any presentation software is to create slides. This feature enables users to add text, images, videos, charts, and shapes to build visually engaging content.

2. Templates: Presentation software offers pre-designed templates for various purposes and industries. These templates provide a quick and professional starting point for users to customize their presentations.

3. Animations and Transitions: Presentations come to life with animations and slide transitions. These features add visual appeal and help maintain audience interest during the presentation.

4. Multimedia Support: Presentation software allows users to embed videos, audio clips, and other multimedia elements, making presentations more dynamic and interactive.

5. Collaboration: Many modern presentation tools offer real-time collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously.

6. Speaker Notes: Presenters can add speaker notes to each slide to guide them through the presentation and ensure a smooth delivery.

7. Compatibility: Presentation software should be compatible with different devices and operating systems to ensure seamless sharing and viewing across various platforms.

8. Export Options: Users should be able to export presentations in various formats, such as PDF, PowerPoint, or video files, for easy sharing and distribution.

9. Audience Interaction: Some advanced presentation software allows audience interaction through polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions, enhancing engagement and participation.

10. Analytics and Tracking: For business and educational purposes, some presentation tools offer analytics to track audience engagement, slide views, and other performance metrics.

11. Customization: This feature allows users to customize fonts, colors, and layouts to align with their branding or personal preferences.

12. Cloud Storage: Integration with cloud storage services allows users to save and access presentations from anywhere, making collaboration and mobility more convenient.

13. Offline Access: Some presentation software provides offline access, allowing users to work on their presentations even without an internet connection.

Overall, the critical features of presentation software empower users to create compelling, interactive, and well-structured presentations that effectively communicate their ideas and messages to the audience.

Crucial Factors To Consider Before Choosing a Presentation Tool

Choosing the right presentation tool is essential to create impactful and engaging presentations that effectively convey your message to the audience. There are several crucial factors to consider before making your decision:

1. Ease of Use

Look for a presentation tool with a user-friendly interface and intuitive features. It should be easy to navigate and allow you to create slides quickly without much technical knowledge.

2. Features and Functionality

Assess the tool’s features and functionalities, including slide templates, animations, multimedia support, collaboration options, and audience interaction capabilities. Ensure it offers the tools you need to create the type of presentation you envision.

3. Compatibility

Check if the presentation tool is compatible with different devices and operating systems. This ensures seamless sharing and viewing across various platforms.

4. Templates and Customization

Look for a tool that offers a wide range of pre-designed templates to kickstart your presentation. Additionally, ensure you can customize the templates to match your brand identity and presentation style.

5. Collaboration Capabilities

If you are working on a presentation with a team, opt for a tool that allows real-time collaboration. This enables multiple users to work on the presentation simultaneously and provides a smoother workflow.

6. Cost and Pricing Model

Consider the pricing of the presentation tool, including any subscription plans or one-time purchase options. Evaluate whether the features offered align with the cost and fit within your budget.

7. Offline Access

If you often work in environments without internet access, choose a presentation tool that offers offline functionality, allowing you to continue working without interruption.

8. Data Security

If your presentations contain sensitive information, ensure the tool offers robust data security measures, such as encryption and secure login protocols.

9. Customer Support

Look for a presentation tool with reliable customer support to assist you in case of technical issues or inquiries.

10. Reviews and Rating

Read reviews and ratings from other users to gain insights into their experiences with the presentation tool. Positive feedback from users indicates a trustworthy and effective tool.

11. Learning Resources

Check if the presentation tool provides tutorials, guides, or a knowledge base to help you master its features and maximize its capabilities.

12. Export Options

Ensure the presentation tool allows you to export your presentations in various formats, such as PDF, PowerPoint, or video files, for easy sharing and distribution.

13. Trial Period

Many presentation tools offer a free trial or limited version for testing. Take advantage of these trial periods to assess the tool’s suitability for your needs before committing to a subscription.

Considering these crucial factors, you can select the best presentation tool that aligns with your requirements and empowers you to create impactful and memorable presentations.

15 Best Presentation Software for Business Professionals In 2023

Here are the 15 best presentation software that caters to various needs and preferences, allowing business professionals to create presentations for different purposes, such as sales pitches, training sessions, or marketing campaigns.

1. Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a widely-used presentation software developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is available for both Windows and Mac platforms. PowerPoint allows users to create visually engaging and professional PowerPoint presentations using slides. The software offers many tools, templates, and design options, making it versatile for business presentations, educational lectures, and marketing pitches.

Users can add text, images, charts, graphs, videos, and animations to each slide, creating dynamic and interactive presentations. PowerPoint also supports collaboration, allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on the same presentation locally or through cloud-based services like Microsoft OneDrive.

With its user-friendly interface and extensive features, Microsoft PowerPoint remains the go-to choice for creating compelling presentations that captivate audiences and convey information effectively. Its seamless integration with other Microsoft Office tools and widespread use in professional settings make it a powerful tool for business professionals worldwide.

Key Features of Microsoft PowerPoint:

1. Slide Creation: Create slides with text, images, shapes, charts, and multimedia elements.
2. Templates: Access a wide range of professionally designed templates for quick, attractive presentations.
3. Animations and Transitions: Add dynamic animations and slide transitions to enhance visual appeal.
4. Collaboration: Collaborate with team members in real-time using cloud services like OneDrive or SharePoint.
5. Presenter View: Utilize Presenter View to see your notes, slide previews, and upcoming slides during a presentation.
6. Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office apps, like Excel and Word.
7. Charts and Graphs: Generate and customize various charts and graphs to present data visually.
8. SmartArt Graphics: Convert complex information into easily understandable diagrams using SmartArt graphics.
9. Recording: Record and narrate presentations for later playback.
10. Export Options: Save presentations in different formats, including PDF and video.

Pros:

• Widely-used and well-established presentation software.
• User-friendly interface with a shallow learning curve.
• Extensive features for creating versatile and visually appealing presentations.
• Excellent compatibility with other Microsoft Office products.
• Real-time collaboration with cloud-based storage options.

Cons:

• Limited access to advanced design features compared to specialized graphic design software.
• Larger file sizes can be an issue when sharing presentations.
• Some advanced features may be overwhelming for casual users.

Who is it for:

Microsoft PowerPoint suits individuals and professionals in various fields, including business executives, educators, students, salespeople, marketers, and trainers. It caters to anyone who needs to create engaging presentations for communication, persuasion, or educational purposes.

Price:

Microsoft PowerPoint is available as part of the Microsoft Office suite, which offers subscription plans like Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and one-time purchase options like Office Home & Student or Office Home & Business. Prices vary depending on the plan and the number of devices you want to use it on. The home plan starts at $69.99, while the basic business plan costs $6 monthly.

2. Google Slides

Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation software developed by Google. It is a part of the Google Workspace suite (formerly known as G Suite) and allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online. Google Slides provides various tools and features to design and customize slides, insert multimedia elements, and share presentations with others for real-time collaboration.

Users can access Google Slides through a web browser or the mobile app, and all changes are automatically saved to Google Drive, enabling easy access and sharing across multiple devices. With its intuitive interface and collaborative capabilities, Google Slides is a popular choice for creating and delivering engaging presentations for educational, business, and personal purposes.

Key Features of Google Slides:

1. Cloud-based: Access and edit presentations from anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Real-time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same presentation simultaneously.
3. Auto-Save: Changes are automatically saved to Google Drive in real time.
4. Templates: Choose from a variety of pre-designed templates to create professional-looking slides.
5. Integration: Seamless integration with other Google Workspace apps like Google Docs and Google Sheets. It also allows for a simple transition between presentation apps.
6. Import and Export: Import presentations from other formats and export them as PowerPoint or PDF files.
7. Animation and Transitions: Add animations and transitions to make presentations more engaging.
8. Embedded Videos: Insert videos from YouTube or Google Drive directly into slides.
9. Commenting: Users can leave comments on specific slides for collaboration and feedback.
10. Offline Editing: Work on presentations offline with Google Slides Chrome extension.

Pros:

• Free to use with a Google account.
• Cross-platform accessibility.
• Real-time collaboration fosters teamwork.
• Automatic updates and backups.
• Integration with other Google apps enhances productivity.

Cons:

• Limited offline access without the Chrome extension.
• Fewer advanced features compared to some desktop-based alternatives.
• Internet dependency for real-time collaboration.

Who is it for:

• Students, educators, and academic institutions for educational presentations.
• Small to large businesses for professional presentations and team collaboration.
• Non-profit organizations and individuals for personal projects and creative presentations.

Price:

Google Slides is available for free as part of the Google Workspace suite, which offers additional features and storage options with different pricing plans. The basic version is accessible with a free Google account, while the business plan starts at $12 monthly per year.

3. Prezi

Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that offers a unique and dynamic approach to creating and delivering presentations. Unlike traditional slide-based presentations, Prezi uses a zooming user interface (ZUI) to present content on a single large canvas. Users can create visually captivating presentations by zooming in and out, panning across the canvas, and transitioning between content in a non-linear manner. This innovative approach allows for more engaging and interactive presentations, making it ideal for storytelling, pitches, and educational purposes.

Prezi provides various templates and customization options to create visually appealing presentations. It also offers collaboration features, allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on the same presentation. With Prezi, presenters can emphasize connections between ideas, present information in a memorable way, and capture the audience’s attention with its dynamic visuals.

Key Features of Prezi

1. Zooming User Interface (ZUI)
2. Non-linear Presentation
3. Templates and Customization
4. Collaboration
5. Offline Access
6. Prezi Viewer App
7. Animated Effects and Transitions
8. Embedding Multimedia (Videos, Images, etc.)
9. Analytics and Tracking
10. Presenter Notes
11. Remote Presenting
12. PowerPoint Import and Export
13. Cloud Storage
14. Private and Public Sharing Options
15. Cross-platform Compatibility (Windows, Mac, Web)
16. Real-time Editing and Commenting
17. Integrations with other Platforms (Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
18. Data Visualization Tools
19. Interactive Polls and Surveys
20. Prezi Video Integration for Virtual Presentations.

Pros:

• Dynamic and engaging presentation style.
• Non-linear storytelling capability.
• Cloud-based, accessible from any device with an internet connection.
• Collaboration features for team projects.
• Prezi Viewer app for mobile presentations.

Cons:

• The steeper learning curve for first-time users.
• Limited offline access in the free version.
• Some users might prefer traditional slide-based presentations.

Who is it for:

• Professionals and business users for sales pitches, marketing presentations, and client meetings.
• Educators and students for interactive classroom presentations.
• Creatives and individuals who want to present their ideas innovative and visually captivatingly.

Price:

Prezi offers a free version with essential features and limited storage. It also provides premium plans, including Prezi Standard, Plus, and Premium, with varying subscription costs, additional features, and larger storage options. Custom pricing is available for enterprise-level needs with Prezi Business plans.

4. Canva

Canva is a graphic design platform that can help you create visually engaging and compelling presentations. It offers pre-designed presentation templates suitable for various purposes, such as business pitches, educational lectures, marketing presentations, and more.

With Canvas’s user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality, users can easily customize the templates by adding text, images, icons, charts, and other elements to create professional and eye-catching presentations.

Canva provides an efficient and convenient way for users to design and deliver impactful slideshows without requiring extensive design skills. It is a valuable tool for anyone looking to create visually impressive presentations.

Key Features of Canva for Presentation:

1. Templates: A vast library of pre-designed presentation templates for various purposes and industries.
2. Customization: Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface to personalize templates with text, images, icons, and more.
3. Collaboration: Team members can collaborate in real-time on presentation designs.
4. Multimedia Support: Ability to add videos, audio, and interactive elements to presentations.
5. Animations: Access to animations and transitions for dynamic and engaging slideshows.
6. Charts and Graphs: Integrated tools to create visually appealing charts and graphs.
7. Export and Share: Options to export presentations in various formats and share them with others.

Pros:

• The User-friendly interface is suitable for both beginners and experienced designers.
• Extensive template library for quick and professional-looking presentations.
• Collaborative features enhance team productivity.
• Accessible on web browsers and mobile devices for on-the-go editing.
• Integrations with various platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox.

Cons:

• Some advanced design features are limited in the free version.
• Offline editing requires a premium subscription.
• Customization options might be limited compared to dedicated presentation software.

Who is it for:

• Business professionals, marketers, educators, students, and anyone looking to create visually appealing presentations without extensive design skills.

Price:

• Canva offers a free version with limited features.
• Canva Pro, which includes additional features like access to premium elements, animations, and collaboration tools, is available on a monthly or annual subscription basis.

5. Visme

Visme is a cloud-based presentation software that empowers users to create visually stunning and interactive presentations, infographics, charts, and other visual content. With its user-friendly interface and extensive library of templates and design elements, Visme allows users to quickly and easily design professional presentations without needing advanced design skills.

Key Features of Visme for Presentation:

1. Templates: A wide range of customizable presentation templates for different industries and purposes.
2. Drag-and-Drop Editor: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for easy content creation and customization.
3. Interactivity: Ability to add interactive elements like animations, pop-ups, and hover effects to engage the audience.
4. Charts and Data Visualization: Built-in tools to create dynamic charts, graphs, and data visualizations.
5. Collaboration: Real-time collaboration and feedback features to facilitate teamwork.
6. Embeddable Content: Option to embed presentations on websites, blogs, or social media.
7. Analytics: Access to analytics to track the performance of presentations.

Pros:

• The easy-to-use interface is suitable for both beginners and experienced designers.
• Rich library of templates and design assets for creating eye-catching presentations.
• Interactive features enhance audience engagement.
• Cloud-based storage for easy access and sharing of presentations.
• Integrations with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace.

Cons:

• Some advanced features are only available in higher-priced plans.
• The free version comes with limited templates and features.
• Limited offline editing capabilities.

Who is it for:

• Visme is suitable for business professionals, educators, marketers, and individuals looking to create compelling and interactive presentations to convey information effectively.

Price:

• Visme offers a free version with limited features.
• Paid plans, including Standard, Business, and Enterprise, are available on a monthly or annual subscription basis, each with varying features and pricing. The price starts at $12.25 per month annually.

6. Keynote

Keynote is a presentation app developed by Apple Inc., designed specifically for macOS and iOS devices. It is a part of Apple’s iWork suite of productivity tools. Keynote allows users to create visually stunning and engaging presentations featuring multimedia elements like images, videos, charts, and animations.

Key Features of Keynote:

1. Intuitive Interface: Keynote offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and design presentations.
2. Media Integration: Users can seamlessly integrate multimedia elements, such as photos, videos, and audio files, to enhance the visual appeal of presentations.
3. Animations and Transitions: Keynote provides a variety of dynamic animations and smooth transitions to add visual effects to slides.
4. Real-time Collaboration: Users can collaborate with others in real time, allowing multiple contributors to work on the same presentation simultaneously.
5. Compatibility: Keynote supports various file formats and can import and export presentations to and from PowerPoint and PDF.
6. Apple Pencil Support: For iOS devices, Keynote offers Apple Pencil support, enabling users to draw and annotate directly on slides.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
• Free presentation software with a wide selection of pre-designed templates and themes.
• Advanced animations and transitions for captivating presentations.
• Cloud-based storage for easy access to presentations across devices.

Cons:

• Keynote is exclusive to macOS and iOS devices, limiting cross-platform compatibility.
• Users on non-Apple devices may encounter formatting issues when importing Keynote files.
• Some features may have a steeper learning curve for new users.

Who is it for:

• Keynote is ideal for Mac and iOS users who want to create professional presentations on visual aesthetics and multimedia elements.

Price:

• Keynote is free on macOS and iOS devices, included with the purchase of the corresponding hardware. No separate subscription or purchase is required to use Keynote on Apple devices.

7. Powtoon

Powtoon is a cloud-based presentation software and animation tool allowing users to create animated videos, presentations, and explainer videos easily. It provides a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced creators. Powtoon offers a library of pre-designed templates, characters, objects, and backgrounds, enabling users to create visually engaging and interactive content.

Key Features of Powtoon:

1. Animated Presentations: Powtoon allows users to create dynamic and animated video presentations with various animations, transitions, and effects.
2. Customizable Characters and Objects: Users can personalize characters, objects, and backgrounds to fit their specific content and brand identity.
3. Voiceover Recording: Powtoon enables users to add voiceover narration to their presentations, providing a more interactive and engaging experience.
4. Import and Export: Users can import images, videos, and audio files and export their presentations as video files or directly to YouTube.
5. Real-time Collaboration: Powtoon offers collaboration features, allowing teams to work together on the same project in real time.
6. Integration with PowerPoint: Powtoon provides a PowerPoint plugin for seamless integration with Microsoft PowerPoint.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
• Extensive library of pre-designed templates and characters.
• Supports both animated and live-action presentations.
• Allows users to create professional-looking videos and presentations without extensive design skills.

Cons:

• Limited free version with watermarked videos and reduced features.
• Some advanced features and elements may require a premium subscription.
• The steeper learning curve for complex animations and interactions.

Who is it for:

• Powtoon is suitable for educators, marketers, business professionals, and content creators who want to create visually engaging and animated presentations and videos.

Price:

• Powtoon offers a free plan with limited features and a watermark on videos. Paid plans start at different pricing tiers, with more advanced features and options available at higher subscription levels.

8. Haiku Deck

Haiku Deck is a presentation software focusing on simplicity, visual appeal, and ease of use. It is designed to help users create stunning and visually engaging presentations with minimal effort. Haiku Deck provides a wide range of professionally designed templates, high-quality images, and an intuitive interface, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.

Key Features of Haiku Deck:

1. Visual Templates: Haiku Deck offers a variety of visually appealing templates that can be customized to match the user’s content and style.
2. Image Library: The software provides access to a vast library of high-quality images to enhance the visual impact of the presentations.
3. Effortless Charts and Graphs: Haiku Deck allows users to create charts and graphs with just a few clicks, making data visualization simple and effective.
4. Integration with Popular Platforms: Users can import content from various platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Keynote to streamline the presentation creation process.
5. Real-time Collaboration: Haiku Deck enables real-time collaboration, making it easy for teams to collaborate on presentations remotely.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
• Professionally designed templates for a polished and professional look.
• The abundance of high-quality images and icons enhances presentations.
• Seamless integration with popular platforms for easy content importing.

Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to some other presentation software.
• Advanced features and options may be lacking for users who require highly complex presentations.
• The free version has certain limitations on the number of presentations and features.

Who is it for:

• Haiku Deck is ideal for educators, entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, and individuals who value simplicity and want to create visually striking presentations quickly and easily.

Price:

• Haiku Deck offers both a free plan and paid subscriptions with additional features. The paid plans provide more customization options, advanced analytics, and access to premium content libraries.

9. Slidebean

Slidebean is an online presentation software that simplifies the process of creating professional and visually appealing presentations. It is designed to assist users, especially those with limited design skills, craft engaging slides with minimal effort. Slidebean’s AI-powered platform automates various design elements, making it easier for users to focus on their content and message delivery.

Key Features of Slidebean:

1. AI Design Assistance: Slidebean’s AI algorithms analyze content and suggest appropriate design elements, layouts, and color schemes for each slide.
2. Customizable Templates: The platform offers various templates catering to different industries and presentation styles.
3. Content Importing: Users can import content from various sources, such as Google Slides, Powerpoint, and Dropbox, to seamlessly integrate existing materials into their presentations.
4. Collaboration Tools: Slidebean facilitates real-time collaboration among team members, making working remotely on presentations accessible.
5. Slide Analytics: The software provides analytics on slide engagement, enabling users to understand how their audience interacts with their presentation.

Pros:

• AI-powered design assistance streamlines the creation process.
• A diverse selection of customizable templates for various presentation needs.
• Easy content importing from other platforms.
• Real-time collaboration for effective teamwork.

Cons:

• Some advanced features may be limited compared to more robust presentation software.
• The free version has certain limitations on the number of slides and exports.

Who is it for:

• Slidebean is suitable for startups, entrepreneurs, educators, and individuals who want to create professional presentations quickly, especially those without advanced design skills.

Price:

• Slidebean offers a free plan with essential features and paid subscriptions with additional benefits such as unlimited exports, premium templates, and priority customer support.

10. Genially

Genially is an online platform that empowers users to create interactive and visually stunning presentations, infographics, and other visual content. It offers a wide range of pre-designed templates and interactive elements that can be customized to suit various needs, making it easy to engage and captivate audiences.

Key Features of Genially:

1. Interactive Content: Genially allows users to add interactive elements such as animations, pop-ups, hotspots, and quizzes to create engaging and immersive presentations.
2. Wide Variety of Templates: The platform provides a diverse collection of pre-designed templates for different purposes, saving time and effort in creating visually appealing content.
3. Collaboration and Sharing: This presentation program facilitates real-time collaboration, making it ideal for presentations and visual project teamwork. It also enables easy sharing via links or embedding in websites and social media.
4. Data Integration: Users can integrate data from spreadsheets, surveys, and other sources to create dynamic and data-driven content.
5. Analytics and Tracking: Genially offers insights on how viewers interact with the content, providing valuable feedback on audience engagement.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
• A vast library of interactive elements and templates.
• Suitable for creating interactive presentations, infographics, social media posts, and more.
• Supports collaboration and sharing among team members.

Cons:

• Some advanced features may require a learning curve for first-time users.
• The free version has limitations on the number of projects and interactive elements.

Who is it for:

• Genially is suitable for educators, marketers, designers, and anyone seeking to create interactive and visually rich content to engage and impress their audience.

Price:

• Genially offers free and paid plan