For over three decades, PowerPoint has been the go-to presentation software for businesses, teaching faculty, students, IT companies, and anyone else presenting to an audience with hopes of making a lasting impression. However, another competitor, Google Slides, has entered the race and offers some rather appealing features for its users. In this article, we’ll delve into what makes each of these programs unique from one another and let you decide which one is best for you.
Price Points
As a part of Google Docs, Google Slides is completely cost-free and gets an automatic tip of the hat from most users. On the other hand, PowerPoint comes bundled up in the Microsoft Office package, which requires a registered license to use. Pricing for this product starts from $70 per year, and users can opt to include OneDrive storage or pay a one-time fee of $150 without the OneDrive feature.
Accessibility
As part of Google’s cloud-based software, Google Slides can be accessed through drive and requires no software installation. IT companies need only a Google account and an internet connection. In contrast, PowerPoint requires installing the Microsoft Office package on your PC. Accessing your presentations on PowerPoint from another computer can only be done if you opt for the OneDrive storage support. Google Slides can be accessed from any PC if you sign in to your Gmail account and access Google Drive. PowerPoint’s free online version, called PowerPoint Online, might be a more convenient and cost-friendly alternative for some. However, it does lack several of the key features found in the paid product.
Working Offline
Both Google Slides and PowerPoint enable users to create their presentations while working offline. Although, for Google Slides, users must activate the option when online while on PowerPoint, it is automatically functional since PowerPoint is installed directly onto your computer, and thus, no internet connection is needed to use it.
Effects and Graphics
PowerPoint will likely be your best option if you’re looking to make a strong impression visually. This is because its desktop-based software offers unique effects such as 3D graphics and eye-catching transitions, whereas Google Slides provides users with fewer basic graphics and animations.
Stay Tuned for More!
Both Google Slides and PowerPoint provide users with the essential tools to create detailed slide presentations. However, the devil is in the details! So, be sure to investigate both products thoroughly before making your decision and select the presentation software that suits your needs.