Creating a presentation can swing from exhilarating to downright stressful, right? From my school days to now, my professional days as a marketer, I've tackled it all—college seminars, high-stakes pitches to leadership, impactful demos for clients, and brainstorming with my team.
If there's one thing I aim for every time I gear up my slide deck, it's to convey information and truly engage and wow my audience. Think Steve Jobs-level presentations. And I know it's never easy.
But while I do not sport his iconic turtleneck or command the stage similarly like him, I've discovered that using the best presentation software can elevate anyone's slides to captivate and stick with people.
Over the years, I've progressed from the trusty basics like PowerPoint and Google Slides to more vibrant tools like Prezi and Mentimeter. Now, I'm using AI presentation makers like Beautiful.ai, powered by generative AI technology. Each tool has reshaped how I connect with my audience.
Why am I sharing this? Because whether you're a fellow marketer, a student, or a business leader, we all strive for presentations that inform, impress, and resonate. And with the right software, achieving that is more attainable than you might think.
In this article, I've narrowed down the eight best presentation software picks for 2025. This isn't just a random list—it's a thoughtful selection of tools that I've tried and genuinely recommend.
*These presentation software are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. I've also added their monthly pricing to make comparisons easier for you.
For each, I'll share key features, use cases, and why they might be the perfect fit for your next big presentation.
Ready to elevate your presentation skills?
When someone says "presentation software," I'm sure PowerPoint is the first thing that pops into your head. It was for me, too. Back in school, it was mostly about stringing together slides and hoping for the best. But now, as someone who relies on presentations daily, I see it as so much more than just creating slides.
A presentation maker is like the canvas for my ideas—it's how I turn concepts into visuals, data into stories, and pitches into action. It's not just about making something look good (although that helps!); it's about using the right tools to make my ideas resonate with your audience.
Given that I wanted to find tools that were more than just something to "make slides, I didn't want to rely on just a simple Google search for the best presentation software and call it a day. I had to follow a systematic approach.
To create this list, I reviewed G2 Grid reports and user reviews to pinpoint the top presentation tools. Then, I spent weeks testing each one, focusing on ease of use, customization, features, and overall performance.
I designed everything from pitch decks and team updates to client proposals and data-heavy reports to see how well these tools could handle the demands of everyday use.
To add more perspective, I used AI to analyze hundreds of product reviews and gauge how other users rated their experiences with these tools. By combining personal testing with community feedback, I've put together a practical, reliable list of tools tailored to your needs.
Over the years, I've learned that finding the perfect presentation software is a lot like crafting a great presentation itself—it's about balance. Some tools are crammed with features but feel like a chore to use, while others look sleek but lack the substance to back them up. So, when I'm choosing the right software, I focus on what really matters to me: features that save time, simplify the process, and help me connect with my audience. Here's the checklist I use to do this:
When presentation software hits most of these marks, I know it's a keeper. Over the last few weeks, I tested more than 20 presentation software based on these criteria. Below are the eight tools that I liked the most.
The list below contains genuine user reviews from G2's presentation software category page. To be included in this list, a product must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
I started using Google Slides as part of Google Workspace, when I first set up my Gmail account, and it's quickly become one of my go-to Microsoft PowerPoint alternatives. Best of all, it's completely free with my Google account.
One of the things I absolutely love about it is how seamlessly it integrates with other Google services. This means I can pull data directly from Google Sheets or Docs and slap it right onto my slides without breaking a sweat. And since everything is stored in the cloud, I can jump back into my work from any device, anywhere—whether I'm on my laptop at a coffee shop or tweaking slides on my phone right before a big presentation.
The real magic of Google Slides, though, lies in its simplicity and user-friendliness. Whether I'm putting together a quick deck or working on something more detailed, it's so straightforward that I never feel stuck. It doesn't take much of a learning curve, which is a huge plus—especially when I need to get things done quickly. And honestly, for anyone familiar with PowerPoint, Slides is a no-brainer, in my opinion, as the layout and features feel so familiar.
Plus, it's perfect for team collaborations. I can't tell you how many times my team and I have been editing the same presentation simultaneously, leaving comments, and making real-time updates without any hiccups. It keeps everyone on the same page, literally!
While I didn't find its template variety to be huge (26, to be exact), it gets the job done, in my opinion. The designs are straightforward and functional, which means I can focus on the content rather than spend hours perfecting the look. I also love that I can add brand-specific templates for my team—it makes it so much easier to keep everything on-brand without any extra hassle.
That said, Google Slides does have its limitations. While the templates are professional and clean, they're not as visually dynamic as what you'd get with tools like Canva or Prezi. I often find the design and customization options a bit too basic, and if I'm aiming for something truly eye-catching or out-of-the-box, I sometimes feel a little restricted.
Another hiccup for me is offline usage—it's just not as seamless as I'd like, which can be frustrating when I'm working somewhere with unreliable internet.
However, it's hard to complain about a free tool that offers so much, in my opinion. It's reliable and incredibly easy to use, and the collaboration features are an absolute lifesaver when I'm working on team projects.
"Having all of the tools in one place is really handy as I can easily integrate my documents within each other, whether it's a slide presentation, a Word document, or a spreadsheet. It's easy to notify my colleagues within documents, and they get alerts in their emails. Attaching documents to my calendar invites makes it really easy to keep everyone in the loop and consistently keep information in the same place for myself and colleagues to easily find."
- Google Workspace review, Alice S.
"A few downsides to using Google Workspace, which can be a deciding factor for a lot of people, is that it only works online. No internet access directly means no workspace. However, I am bothered by the current support for mobile devices. I can view sheets, docs, and slides easily with just a click. However, I need to download the app to edit even a bit of data."
- Google Workspace review, Megha R.
Microsoft PowerPoint is, without a doubt, the OG of presentation software. It was my first introduction to creating presentations, and it's still a go-to tool. And honestly, even with all the newer tools on the market, I feel it still holds its ground as one of the most powerful and versatile options out there.
There's just something about PowerPoint that feels so familiar to me; maybe it's because it's been around for decades, or perhaps it's because I've been using it since my early school days.
What I love most about PowerPoint is its sheer flexibility. Whether I'm designing a simple team update, a sleek client pitch, or an intricate workshop deck, PowerPoint gives me the tools to make it happen. The design features are incredible—you can create just about anything if you're willing to spend a little time exploring.
What really sets PowerPoint apart for me is its robust functionality. Whether I'm embedding videos, adding data visuals like charts from Excel, or using advanced graphical elements, PowerPoint handles it all with a finesse that I haven't found in other software. I can use clip art, word art, animations, smart art for charts, and even emojis.
And with the addition of Microsoft Designer, I find it super-easy to create visually stunning slides. It's like having my own built-in design assistant that takes my ideas and turns them into something presentation-ready in seconds—perfect for when I'm short on time or need a creative boost.
For those of us who grew up using it, familiarity with PowerPoint is a huge plus. It's like muscle memory at this point. You know exactly where to find what you need, and even the newer features feel intuitive. And let's be real: compatibility is unbeatable. No matter who you're presenting to or what device they're on, you can be pretty confident that a PowerPoint file will open and work perfectly.
And I absolutely love the fact that I can work on the app offline and sync it to my Microsoft Cloud account even if I don't have internet.
But PowerPoint isn't perfect. Because it's packed with so many features, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, especially when I'm short on time. I've definitely found myself getting lost in the endless design options or going a little overboard with animations without realizing it.
While collaboration has improved over the years, it's still not as smooth as tools like Google Slides. Sharing files and working with my team is difficult if the people I collaborate with are not all synced up on OneDrive. So, as much as I personally love using it, it is not my go-to presentation app if I have to work with others.
And then there's the cost. PowerPoint is part of the Microsoft Office suite, so it's not free. I got it as I bought the Microsoft suite for my new laptop.
Of course, there's a free web version of PowerPoint that you can use with a free Microsoft account, but I didn't find it as robust as the desktop version.
But despite its quirks, it remains my go-to for most of my individual projects. As much as I use Google Slides and other modern presentation apps these days, PowerPoint was my first, and it's still the one I trust the most. I was, am, and probably always will be, a loyal Microsoft PowerPoint user.
"(Microsoft PowerPoint) is a very good software to make presentations, probably the best ones I have used so far. There are a plethora of designs to choose from including text fonts, text colors, smart arts etc. Slides can be designed very easily.
There is a great feature called Designer, which automatically suggests designs for your slides, so we do not need to spend time designing them. And the designs it suggests are really good. From business presentations to academic presentations in conferences and workshops, it's one of the best tools to use. Highly recommended software for presentation purposes."
- Microsoft PowerPoint review, Aniket M.
"MS PowerPoint is laced with extensive features that can be overwhelming for new users. MS PowerPoint is a part of Microsoft Office Suite, which is a paid software, making it an expensive option as compared to its alternatives. The pre-designed templates seem to lack creativity."
- Microsoft PowerPoint review, Namarata G.
Now, I know Synthesia isn't presentation software in the traditional sense. It's mainly an AI video generator. But if you're wondering why it's on this list, let me explain.
I've turned to Synthesia a few times when I needed to create engaging video presentations without the hassle of an actual video shoot. For instance, last year, we had to collaborate with our HR team and quickly produce training videos for new team members across multiple locations.
Instead of coordinating schedules and filming, we simply wrote out the scripts, chose an AI avatar, and had Synthesia produce a clear, concise instructional video. This saved so much time and energy for both of us. Let me share my experience with the tool.
Synthesia's interface feels like a slide deck, but instead of slides, I'm creating videos. With just a few clicks and a script prompt, I can generate high-quality videos featuring AI avatars and voiceovers, which are not only professional-looking but also incredibly efficient to produce.
Another big win is the wide range of customization options. I can control everything—from background colors and media to animations and transitions. I could add screen recording and adjust the layout, just like I do it in any presentation tool.
The highlight for me was using the AI avatar builder and voice cloning feature to create my own AI avatar. It was surreal seeing "myself" present, and the customization made the videos feel personal and polished. Whether it's creating a training module or adding a human touch to my presentations, this feature alone sets Synthesia apart.
Another standout feature of Synthesia that really impresses me is the variety of languages and voices it supports. With a click, I could switch from English to Spanish.
Based on my experience, these videos are perfect for scenarios like training sessions, educational videos, product demos, sales or product presentations, or even global team updates where a simple slide deck just wouldn't cut it.
But not everything was perfect when I was using Synthesia. While the avatars are impressive, they sometimes feel a little too "AI" for my liking. I could see some stiffness in their movements and expressions that made them seem less natural and engaging, especially when compared to a real person.
My biggest gripe, however, is that their preview doesn't always match the final export. As a result, I've often had to regenerate videos just to get things right, which unnecessarily eats into my video generation minutes. This is especially annoying because the lower-tier plans come with a fixed video generation limit, and it's frustrating to waste those precious minutes due to these errors.
Now, if you ask me, would I still recommend Synthesia for creating presentations with the limitations? My answer is a resounding yes. The way it lets me easily turn text into engaging video presentations is mind-blowing. So, if you are looking for an AI video presentation maker, Synthesia is your answer.
"I've always joked, "If only there were two of me!" Thanks to Synthesia and my AI Twin, that dream is now a reality. This innovative tool saves me so much time, transforming tasks that used to take days or weeks into something I can accomplish in just minutes. It's like having a clone that's always ready to create, adapt, and deliver high-quality videos with ease.
Synthesia allows me to focus on the bigger picture—exploring new ideas, connecting with members, and achieving my goals. It's a game-changer, and I couldn't be more grateful for this time-saver!"
- Synthesia Review, Alissa B,
"There are areas that need improvement. When incorporating screen recordings, I sometimes encountered synchronization delays or issues when adding videos to a "slide," which required multiple retakes to align everything correctly. Another drawback is that the video preview often doesn't match the final export. This inconsistency forced me to generate mid-version exports just to verify the output, leading to an early depletion of my generation minutes.
Speaking of generation minutes, their limitation is arguably Synthesia's biggest drawback. Either the previews need to work seamlessly as accurate representations of the final export, or the allocation of generation minutes should be more generous to account for these discrepancies."
- Synthesia Review, Riccardo Z.
I started using Mentimeter not too long ago, and honestly, it's been pretty eye-opening. Mentimeter isn't your average presentation tool—it's an interactive platform that lets my audience participate in real-time as I present, which totally changes the game.
When I first tried it out, I was looking for something to spice up my talk, especially during one of those longer presentations that can really test an audience's attention span. Mentimeter came to the rescue, and from then on, it's been my go-to for all my interactive presentations, be it virtual presentations, webinars, team meetings, or brainstorming sessions.
Unlike traditional tools that focus on static slide decks, Mentimeter lets me add live polls, quizzes, and even ranking questions right into my presentation.
All I have to do is share the unique link or QR code to my Mentimeter presentation with my audience, and they can respond in real-time by using just their smartphone. What's more? Their responses are instantly displayed on the screen, creating a live, interactive experience. I get to create a two-way conversation that keeps everyone engaged and involved.
Using Mentimere was incredibly intuitive and easy for me, and setting up the interactive elements is straightforward and simple in my view.
For instance, during a recent brainstorming session, I used a word cloud slide to gather ideas and a ranking slide to prioritize tasks. The live responses made the session far more productive and enjoyable for everyone involved.
I absolutely love the fact that doesn't require any heavy lifting from the tech side. This alone is a huge plus in my book.
That said, Mentimeter does have its limitations. While it's fantastic for audience interaction, I feel it's not designed to replace comprehensive presentation tools. I can add text, visuals, and interactive elements, but it lacks the design depth and customization options that I find in PowerPoint.
Sure, I can import from PowerPoint or Google Slides and get things going on Mentimeter. But it still adds an extra step when I am creating the presentation as its ability to edit the imported slides from PowerPoint or Google Slides is little limited.
Also, while I absolutely love the charts Mentimeter displays, I can only download it as screenshots, images or PDFs. I can't edit it or customize it to include it in any of my reports in the way I want.
Another drawback is that some of its best features—like importing slides, exporting results, or customizing themes—are only available in the premium plan. For occasional users or those on a tight budget, this can be a bit limiting.
Still, I'd absolutely recommend giving Mentimeter a try. Obviously, it's not the tool I'd use for every presentation, but for sessions where audience input and interaction are key, Mentimeter is unmatched.
And I think anyone who wants to make their presentations more engaging and interactive, like me—whether you are an educator, team lead, webinar host, or event organizer—can benefit from using Mentimeter.
"I teach online remote classes, and some students don't speak up in the discussions. The reasons vary from a fear of being incorrect in front of classmates to a lack of confidence in English. Mentimeter is a bridge that students are willing to cross without fear. The anonymity makes it easier for them to contribute.
The variety of options, ranging from Wordcloud to open-ended questions, increases my options to engage students. The ready-to-use templates are a valuable addition. Interactive and editing options also come in handy to add more flavors to the mix. "
- Mentimeter review, Aditya S.
"I miss more variety on some templates. Sample: Create a slide with two images, side by side. This kind of simple thing isn't possible and sometimes requires an external image editor to do. Perhaps having more options would be great for each type of template/mode of content.
Otherwise, I have problems with sharing with some other people who are working with me on the presentation building. On Google Presentations and MS PowerPoint, it is easy to share with someone else and get some help with some slides. Nowadays, this is taking some time for me. I ask the other person to generate these slides on other programs, export them as PNG, and import them as images, and this is a little bit clunky. In addition to that, it would be very helpful if we could import a PowerPoint presentation and select some slides to import to the presentation."
- Mentimeter review, Lucas L.
I had known about Simplified for quite some time as an AI image generator, but I discovered its free AI presentation maker while researching for this article and decided to give it a shot.
And honestly, Simplified lived up to its name. All I had to do was enter my topic, adjust a few settings, and let the AI generate a solid draft for me. It took me just a few minutes to generate a professional-looking presentation draft, complete with templates and design elements that I could easily customize to fit my needs. The process was smooth, intuitive, and, well… simple.
What really stood out to me was how the AI not only designed the slides but also added AI-generated text and content by itself. It's such a time-saver, especially when I need a starting point or am feeling stuck on how to structure my presentation.
I was also impressed by the variety of visually appealing templates available—they cover everything from business decks to more creative projects. What I really liked was how easy it was to customize the slides and even add animations directly within the tool, making it versatile enough for any type of presentation I needed.
Another standout feature for me is that Simplified isn't just an AI presentation maker—it's part of a complete suite of AI tools for content creation.
Whether I need to generate text, design images, create videos, or manage social media content, it's all there in one platform. This includes an AI writer, an AI image and video generator, and, of course, the AI presentation maker. As a marketer, having everything in one place makes it incredibly convenient and versatile for a wide range of projects.
That said, Simplified has its set of drawbacks, too. One thing I noticed was that some of the AI suggestions need a lot of tweaking to align with specific brand voices and sometimes feel too generic. I had to rework some of the AI-generated slides extensively.
Another drawback of Simplified is the export options. While I can save your work in formats like PNG, JPG, PDF, SVG, and GIF, there's no direct way to export editable slides as a PPT. This was frustrating for me as I couldn't work on it on a presentation app of my choice to customize it.
Also, I used the free plan to try the tool out, which came with 3 free credits. However, I quickly realized that I had to subscribe if I wanted to be a regular user, and it does cost a bit.
That being said, if you're looking for a tool that goes beyond presentations and offers a complete content creation solution, I'd definitely recommend giving Simplified a try. You don't need to Google or go to ChatGPT to get your content. Simplified does it for you.
"I love the ease with which I am able to use the AI technology to create my PowerPoint."
- Simplified review, Claudette G.
"While Simplified offers many great features, some users might find limitations in customization compared to more advanced tools. Additionally, depending on the plan, certain functionalities may be restricted, which could be frustrating for teams needing more comprehensive capabilities.
Performance can also vary based on the complexity of projects. Overall, while it's user-friendly, there might be a learning curve for those seeking very specific design elements or advanced editing options."
- Simplified review, Ashish C.
Now, I know Veed as a video editor, but over time, I’ve found myself using it quite a bit for creating video presentations as well.
What really makes Veed stand out for me is how user-friendly it is. From the moment I started using it, I found the layout to be intuitive and easy to navigate. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by options or settings—it was smooth sailing from the get-go. Whether I’m dragging and dropping elements, trimming clips, or adding text and subtitles, the process feels seamless and efficient.
One thing I love about Veed is its versatility. I can do everything from recording a simple voiceover for a presentation to creating advanced videos with features like audio cleanup, background adjustments, and support for multiple languages. It’s particularly handy when I want to produce something polished without diving into overly complex editing software.
I absolutely love the variety of video presentation templates Veed offers. It's easy to find something that fits my needs, whether it's an onboarding session, a pitch, or a broader team update.
The captioning tool is another highlight for me. I’ve used Veed to create subtitles for my presentations and videos, and it’s an absolute lifesaver. The customization options—like transitions, borders, and animations—are extensive, making it easy to add a professional touch to my videos.
Like Synthesia, Veed also has options to add AI avatars to my video presentation, and I loved how professional it looked.
But Veed is not without its limitations. My tiniest gripe is that adding text requires editing in a separate text box that pops up instead of being able to adjust it directly on the slide. It’s a small inconvenience, but it does slow things down a bit. Speaking of slowing down, I found Veed a bit lagging when working with larger files.
While the platform is feature-packed, some of its best functionalities, like advanced tools, translations to other languages, custom AI avatars, and comprehensive brand kits, are locked behind an expensive plan. This, in my opinion, can be a dealbreaker for casual users or those on a budget.
Also, since it's primarily a video editing tool, I don't think people looking for PowerPoint alternatives or Google Slides alternatives will find this tool useful.
Still, I’d wholeheartedly recommend Veed to anyone looking to create video presentations. It’s perfect for marketers, educators, and even team leads who want to think outside the traditional slide format and embrace a more visual storytelling approach.
"(I like Veed's) ability to truly do everything from just recording my voice over a presentation to doing advanced presentations where it cleans up audio, adjusts backgrounds, works with multiple languages, etc."
- Veed Review, Nathan C.
"I noticed that there is some lag during video editing. Moreover, the video doesn't render any audio upon preview. However, the audio works if you attempt again. I hope the VEED team will look into these aspects."
- Veed Review, Anand N.
Want to explore more video editors for video presentations? Read my colleague Sudipto Paul's review of the best video editing tools.
I’ll be honest and admit that RELAYTO was a new find for me. I decided to give it a try after seeing it rank high on the G2 grid reports, and boy, was I surprised. From the moment I started exploring it, I realized it wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill presentation tool.
To me, RELAYTO is like a breath of fresh air for presentations. I could upload a PDF, a PowerPoint, or any content, and RELAYTO helps me enhance it with interactive elements and share it as a microsite.
I could add clickable links, embed videos, add graphics and animations, create a navigation structure, and even add a custom AI chatbot related to the presentation for the microsite, allowing my audience to explore the content at their own pace.
Now, this transformed my approach to how I share presentations, reports, and slides as PDFs on our website. Honestly, I never thought I could turn my static reports and presentations into such engaging, interactive content on a website so easily. It used to always involve chasing down my designers and developers for help, but with RELAYTO, I can handle it myself in just a few steps.
For example, when we got our latest research survey report, we used RELAYTO to convert it into an interactive content experience on our site. The readers could click through sections, watch embedded videos, and dive deeper into the areas that interested them most.
The tool is incredibly simple and easy to use. As soon as I uploaded my document, RELAYTO’s AI generated a first draft of how the content could be structured and presented. From there, I could customize it however I wanted, tweaking everything to fit my vision. This feature was a huge time-saver for me, eliminating the need to spend hours figuring out how to organize and present my content effectively.
I absolutely loved how their easy-to-use multi-view generator allowed me to change presentation slides to appear as a flipbook, a scrollable webpage, carousels, and more.
The highlight is using AI to create easy but stylish animations and backgrounds for the content using the AI animator.
That said, using the tool wasn’t all smooth sailing for me. Like with any new platform, there was a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, which took me some time. Navigating through its advanced features and figuring out how to use them to best structure my content took some trial and error.
And my biggest pain point would undoubtedly be the cost. While I understand the value it delivers, I can’t help but feel it could be more accessible for individuals or smaller teams who might not have the budget but still want to leverage its unique capabilities. The free plan is quite limited, with just five experiences and one user, and the Pro plan at $65 per month can be a stretch for freelancers. And the next plan is over $500 which is clearly not for small businesses or individuals.
That said, if you’re part of a larger organization or have the budget to invest in a premium tool, I’d say RELAYTO is absolutely worth exploring. It’s been amazing for creating interactive, engaging content that truly stands out—whether I’m showcasing a report or building immersive demos for our clients.
For anyone on a smaller budget, the free plan is a great way to dip your toes in and see what it can do.
"It is a tool that enables the conversion of PDF and documents to various editable formats that make the content worth sharing and visible. The different customized templates really help to make eye-catching content in less time.
It enables the use of different GIFs and animations that make the document look attractive. It has a sharing option that can be used to share your presentation with your audience and hence proves to be a game changer."
- RELAYTO review, Jeff C.
"The learning curve for RELAYTO may seem daunting at first... needs a bit of practice and support from the customer service team."
- RELAYTO review Kulwinder S.
I’ve been using Canva as my primary graphic design tool for years now, and I often turn to it for presentations, too. Honestly, if you ask me for a Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides alternative, Canva is at the top of my list. I must admit that I love it a bit more because it makes creating and presenting a bit more fun.
Canva’s ease of use is unmatched—it’s the kind of tool where I can just start working without needing a tutorial. I love that about it. I can simply click on presentations, select a template that suits my needs, and go about it. See, for instance, how I have used a template and tweaked it to fit my brand needs. It took me less than 5 minutes.
Another highlight for me is having all my company’s branding, assets, and templates in one place with brand kit and templates. I do not need to search anywhere else for my company logos and fonts, which really helps me keep everything consistent and professional.
One of the unique features I found is its Canva Live feature. It’s a fantastic way to interact with my audience after the presentation is over. I can ask questions, get reactions, and even receive real-time feedback—all of which help me gauge how well my content resonated. While it’s not as interactive during the presentation as tools like Mentimeter, it’s still an excellent way to engage the audience and keep the conversation going.
One feature in Canva that I absolutely adore is the ability to add virtual drumrolls, mic drops, and confetti during a presentation with just a click. Imagine building up suspense with a drumroll before revealing a key point or adding a playful mic drop at the end of a powerful slide. It’s those little touches that make my presentations not just informative but truly memorable.
But Canva does have some limitations. While Canva does offer motion paths and basic animation features, I found them not as robust or customizable as those in dedicated presentation software like PowerPoint. Also, I feel the customization options for finer details, like object positioning, could be more advanced. As someone who dabbles in design a lot, I sometimes feel limited when I need precise control.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, Canva Live is limited in terms of live interaction capabilities. Sure, it has Canva Live, polls, and questions elements that I can add to my presentation. However, this polls and quizzes feature is not available to everyone. I could see and use it on my paid Canva Enterprise account but not in my free account, which I use for my personal projects.
Despite this limitation, Canva gets a solid 9/10 from me as a presentation software. Its generous free plan, ease of use, and exceptional functionalities with the paid plan make it a solid contender to PowerPoint and Google Slides.
So, whether you’re a marketer, educator, or business professional, Canva is a must-have in your toolkit for beautiful and impactful presentations, in my opinion.
"Really easy to use, didn't require any tutorials to get started or elaborate setup.I am a designer, but it's a product that anyone can use, and I still use Canva for my presentations over other design tools.and I still use Canva for my presentations over other design tools. It makes it especially easy to have all the company branding, assets, and templates accessible.
Customer support is also great, when we had issues the team were quick to respond and jump on a call to help resolve the issue."
- Canva Enterprise review, Charley A.
"There are some limitations in advanced design customization, such as the detailed manipulation of elements or the lack of certain design functions that other tools have."
- Canva Enterprise review, Daniel G.
Wondering if it's worth upgrading and paying for Canva? Read my colleague's review, which answers the question, "Is Canva Pro worth it?"
While the tools I’ve reviewed are my top picks, there are a few others I’d still recommend exploring, depending on your needs. So, here are those honorable mentions:
Some of the most widely used tools are Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, Prezi, Keynote, and Beautiful.ai. Each of these tools has unique features catering to different needs, like animation, collaboration, or interactivity.
It depends on your needs. PowerPoint is a great choice for advanced animations. Google Slides works well for collaboration and simplicity. Canva is perfect for design-heavy presentations, and tools like Prezi or Powtoon are ideal for storytelling or animated content.
Yes, many tools offer interactivity features. For instance, Canva has basic live polling, and Mentimeter specializes in interactive audience engagement. Prezi and Visme also allow you to create non-linear and interactive presentations.
Most tools allow extensive customization of templates, from changing colors and fonts to adding images, animations, and logos. Tools like Canva and Visme excel in template customization.
Absolutely! Some of the best free presentation software are Google Slides, Canva (free version), and Prezi. However, premium features like advanced animations, custom branding, and export options may require a paid subscription.
Google Slides and Canva Enterprise are excellent for collaboration. Both allow real-time editing, comments, and seamless sharing among team members.
Some PPT makers, like Microsoft PowerPoint and Keynote, can be used offline. Others, like Google Slides or Canva, require an internet connection for most of their features.
Best video presentation software includes Synthesia, Powtoon, and Veed. These tools specialize in creating video-based presentations with AI avatars, animations, and voiceovers.
Slidebean is specifically designed for pitch decks, offering a user-friendly interface and investor-ready templates. Canva and Beautiful.ai are also great options for visually compelling startup presentations.
If you’re looking for a Microsoft PowerPoint alternative, Google Slides is great for collaboration. Canva is ideal for visually stunning designs, and Prezi offers dynamic storytelling with its zoomable layouts. For sleek, automated slides, Beautiful.ai is a strong contender, while Apple users will love Keynote for its polished simplicity.
Beautiful.ai, Simplified, and SlidesGo are some of the best AI presentation makers available. You can also use general-purpose AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini to help structure and design your presentations.
As you can tell, I’ve explored my fair share of presentation tools, and for me, it’s never about relying on just one. Each tool serves a different purpose—some help me design visually stunning slides, others make collaboration effortless, and a few are perfect for adding interactivity to keep my audience hooked.
By combining the strengths of these tools, I can tailor my presentations to fit the audience and occasion, ensuring they’re not just informative but also memorable. In the end, it’s all about finding the right combination that helps me bring my ideas to life seamlessly.
I hope this roundup of tools I use inspires you to explore and experiment with different tools and maybe even find a new favorite. No matter which tool you choose, remember that a great presentation is all about how you bring your ideas to life. So, deck it out and let your creativity shine!
Learn how to make your presentations interactive and pitch business ideas to your team in an engaging and personalized way.
We need to move past age-old pie charts and scatter plots to present data.
by Alexandra Vazquez
The world is a never-ending slideshow reel.
by Jasmine Lee
We’ve all sat through boring presentations with unprepared or uncharismatic speakers, wishing...
by Holly Landis