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The Best Presentation Software Companies of 2021
How We Chose the Best Presentation Software
Customers and potential clients are visual. They need to be able to see the benefits of a product or service before they’re convinced to buy it. Presentation software makes it easier for managers, marketers, and sales staff to close the big deal and get the contract or make the sale. We examined some of the top presentation software and created a list of the 10 best based on the specific criteria that most companies look for.
Presentation Features
The more presentation features a software program has, the better. We recommend one that includes animations, 3D images, transitions, and a library of colorful images. Look for software that lets you customize each slide to your liking.
Off-Line Capability
Another positive feature of presentation software is the ability to work off-line. While some presentation software programs are available solely online through a web-enabled browser, the best allow you to work from your computer and upload the completed project for sharing.
Integrations
Pre-built integrations make it easy to share your projects on an existing website, on social media, and through email. You should also be able to add your completed project to your existing website or add statistics from marketing and financial software.
The 10 Best Presentation Software of 2021
Canva
Canva is a graphic design software program that lets you create presentations in minutes. The product has hundreds of layouts and templates that let you add your own information and create presentations on any topic. The software integrates with other pages, such as YouTube and Google Maps, so you can embed videos and images from other sources. You can also connect to your social media platforms and share your presentation with potential clients and customers.
The software is accessible via the web, so you can create and show presentations from anywhere you have a secure internet connection. There are also apps for both iOS and Android devices, so you can take your presentations with you. If you have any questions when you start creating your presentation or editing images, you can access the online support.
Pricing for Canva starts at just $9.95 per user per month for the Pro series, which includes hundreds of thousands of free photos and templates. You can upload your own fonts and logos and integrate with up to seven social media platforms. The Pro Series comes with 100 GB of cloud storage. There’s also a 30-day free trial and demo so you can see if the software is right for you before you buy.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pro: $9.95/user/month Enterprise: $30/user/month | 30-Day Free Trial, Free Demo | >Web-based, cloud, iOS, and Android deployment >Online support >Integrations >More features at Canva |
Pros & Cons of Canva Presentation Software
Canva is a very affordable design option for small to medium-sized businesses. You can pay by the number of users, so the software can grow with your company. The program isn’t downloadable to a computer, so you can’t work off-line. You must have a reliable internet connection to access and share your projects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Affordable >Features a media library | >Unavailable as a computer download |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciate the number of included designs that make it easier to create presentations in minutes. One user commented, “More features, more fonts, more everything means that our creative has leveled up! Switching to Canva Pro is a next-level game changer. I produce more professional material than ever before and spend far less time doing it.”
ClearSlide
ClearSlide is a web-based platform that makes it easy to create presentations and engage potential clients and customers. This software is used by sales teams to convey company information and assist them in closing deals. You can create presentations for email, online, and in-person meetings. The product also includes an app for Android and iOS mobile devices, which makes it easier to access and share information while traveling. It lets you download anything you’re working on, so if no internet is available, you can still edit an existing presentation and upload the changes once you have a connection. Reporting is included with ClearSlide, so managers can track sales engagement for rewards.
A free trial and demo are available for those who want to test the product before requesting a custom quote. Plans are available for both individuals and businesses, and the cost depends on the number of users and types of options. Some of these options include online meetings, viewer analytics, and automated meeting recaps.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Quote | Free Trial, Free Demo | >Web-based, cloud, iOS, and Android deployment >Off-line editing >Reporting >More features at ClearSlide |
Pros & Cons of ClearSlide Presentation Software
ClearSlide provides excellent customer service both online and by phone. The company’s website also features a blog and guides that address concerns and answer some of the most common questions. Unlike some presentation software, ClearSlide isn’t available as a computer download, so you must have an internet connection to get started and you never fully own the product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Excellent customer support >Integrates with other software | >Unavailable as a computer download |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love how the software helps with sales and assists in closing deals. One user commented, “Sales communications is the new killer app for sales teams that need better insights into prospect and customer engagement.” Another stated, “Sales coaches will be able to lead more reps and provide more focused and valuable coaching through the use of automated sales analytics from companies like ClearSlide.”
CustomShow
CustomShow is a cloud-based program that lets you manage your marketing materials across the board. You can stream presentations across all types of devices, including computers and mobile devices. You can create a slide library to personalize each presentation quickly and add your own photos and logo or select from a library of templates and preloaded pictures.
The software comes with an app for iOS devices, and it integrates with a variety of other programs including PowerPoint, sales software, and email. The presentations generate full reports so you can check to see which ones brought in the most revenue and which of your sales staff is taking advantage of the program.
Pricing starts at $29 for the Essential plan and goes up to $69 for the Enterprise plan on a per user per month basis. The Essential plan includes slide library access, content sharing, and content analytics. The Enterprise plan includes a journey designer, call-to-action bots, and API-level access. The software also offers a demo so you can see how it works before you buy.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essential: $29/user/month Professional: $49/user/month Enterprise: $69/user/month | Free Demo Only | >Windows install, Mac install, web-based, cloud, and iOS deployment >Integrations >Reports >More features at CustomShow |
Pros & Cons of CustomShow Presentation Software
If you have questions when creating a presentation or run into issues during a presentation, you can access online support or phone support during business hours. However, the product doesn’t come with a downloadable app for Android devices, which can limit its usage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Phone support only during business hours >Downloads for off-line use on Mac and PC | >App not available for Android devices >Doesn't support 3D images |
What Customers Are Saying
Clients love how well the completed presentations look and add to their performance. One company stated, “We had a fantastic Upfront presentation to the sales organization and certainly couldn’t have done it without all of your help and creative minds. Everyone was blown away by the look and amazing animation.”
Haiku Deck
Haiku Deck provides the tools needed to create professional slides in a simple way. The software has a built-in keyword-based photo search, or you can upload your own images, and there are hundreds of design templates and fonts to choose from. There’s a 3D library to help you bring your pages to life. Haiku Deck is web-based, so you can access the software from any device with a stable internet connection. This can work for commuters or home-based employees, and because the software is saved in the cloud, it looks great on any screen.
Haiku offers a seven-day trial, so you can upload your information and create a sample presentation to see how easily it works. After that, pricing is set at a monthly fee of $9.99 for the Pro package (if billed annually) and $29.99 a month for the Premium package. The Premium packaged is billed yearly, which makes it an excellent option for larger organizations.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pro: $19.99/month, $9.99/month billed annually Premium: $29.99/month billed annually | 7-Day Free Trial, Free Demo | >Web-based, cloud, and iOS deployment >Media library >Integrations >More features at Haiku Deck |
Pros & Cons of Haiku Deck Presentation Software
Haiku supports off-line presentations, so you can address crowds and clients from anywhere. Simply download and save your project to a storage device or computer hard drive. There isn’t an app available for Android devices, however, which may limit your employee usage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Supports off-line presentations >Affordable payment options | >App not available for Android devices |
What Customers Are Saying
Employees appreciate the ease of use, even for those with little to no design experience. One person stated, “As a person with an eye for aesthetics, but no knowledge of graphic design, this is the perfect solution for me.”
Prezi Business
Prezi Business lets you turn regular slideshow presentations into stunning videos that wow potential clients and customers. The software integrates with your favorite social media platforms and team communication programs, including Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Facebook. Prezi also offers a full range of reports, so you can use them to make interactive charts. You can also create interactive memos, emails, and updates to share across messaging apps.
The software comes with a 14-day trial so you can see if it’s going to work for your organization. The cost of Prezi Business starts at $5 a month for the Standard plan, which is designed for individual use. The Plus plan is geared towards small businesses and expert communicators and lets you import information from PowerPoint and gives you off-line access. The Premium plan starts $59 per month and includes advanced online and in-person training.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard: Starts at $5/month Plus: Starts at $15/month Premium: Starts at $59/month | 14-Day Free Trial, Free Demo | >Windows install, Mac install, cloud, web-based, iOS, and Android deployment >Integrations >Reporting >More features at Prezi Business |
Pros & Cons of Prezi Business Presentation Software
Prezi is downloadable to both Apple and PC computers, so you can access your projects even when you aren’t connected to the internet. The software doesn’t support 3D images, which some graphic designers look for in presentation software.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Downloadable on Apple and PC computers >Phone support during business hours | >3D images aren't supported |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love the overall finished product that the software creates. One client commented, “Excellent if you are looking to keep the viewer engaged.” Another stated, “The images are powerful conveyers of the message.”
Slidebean
Slidebean is a slide editor that helps you add colorful images and animations to your business and personal presentations. The point-and-click design makes it easy to create projects even if you aren’t a graphic designer. The software is web-based, so you can access it from anywhere, even when traveling, and it includes a full media library so you can choose images that are pertinent to the culture of your company.
Slidebean’s pricing starts at $8 per month for the Starter plan. This includes more than a dozen templates, the ability to collaborate with others, and an option to import a project to PDF or HTML. The Premium plan includes more than 120 templates, presentational analytics, and the ability to customize your slides with your own logo for just $19 per month. There’s also a founder’s edition for $149 per month that includes professional proofreading.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter: $8/month Premium: $19/month Founder's Edition: $149/month | Free Demo Only | >Web-based, cloud, and SaaS deployment >Media library >Supports animation >More features at Slidebean |
Pros & Cons of Slidebean Presentation Software
The biggest advantage of Slidebean is its excellent customer service. While all monthly plans include phone support during business hours, the Founder’s Edition offers free chats with the founder of the company, and you can book chats with other managers to get answers to all your design questions. You can also get project advice and tips. One drawback is that the software doesn’t include an Android or Apple app, which makes it harder to view your projects while you’re on the go.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Excellent phone support during business hours >Affordable payment options | >Apps aren't available for Apple or Android devices >Doesn't support 3D animations |
What Customers Are Saying
Clients enjoy how professional the edited images look regardless of your experience level. One person stated, “You can make beautiful slides that are nicely formatted and have carefully chosen color schemes.” Another user commented, “I love the templates they have set up for different types of presentations. They all look very slick and professional.”
SlideDog
SlideDog is a presentation tool that helps you build a library of slides for your next business project. The platform is easy to use and includes a variety of features, such as a selection of preformatted templates and content, and the ability to switch back and forth between media types or add multiple users in a single project. When giving a presentation, you can use any device with a web-enabled browser. The application gives you a link to a PIN-restricted site to prevent unauthorized use.
SlideDog offers a free demo, and there are two pricing tiers. The Pro Event plan costs $49 and is good for 14 days, and you can use the software unlimited times during that period. The Pro plan costs $99 for a full year of unlimited use. Plans include premium support, a custom background, auto advance and looping, and live sharing.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pro: $99/year Pro Event: $49 one-time fee for 14 days' use | Free Demo Only | >Windows install deployment >Phone support during business hours and online support >Integrations >More features at SlideDog |
Pros & Cons of SlideDog Presentation Software
SlideDog supports off-line presentations, which means you can create a slideshow using the online templates and web browser and download the project to your computer or mobile device. Once downloaded, the project can be shared via email or presented in an area where there’s limited internet connectivity. There isn’t a downloadable app for Android or Apple mobile devices, so users must log in to the site via a browser to access any stored information.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Supports off-line presentations >Includes animations | >Apps aren't available for Apple or Android devices |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers of SlideDog love the ability to integrate the software with social media and other existing websites and programs. One user stated, “Folks giving job talks, give SlideDog a try. I created a new presentation last week and I really liked it. Integrated PPT, web, YouTube and Prezi.”
Slides
Slides is a modern presentation tool that lets you create, collaborate on, and present slide decks. Unlike some other presentation software, Slides is specifically made for developers who have experience customizing and editing images and animations. One unique option is the Live Present Mode, which lets you control what your viewers see when you’re in a meeting, on a conference call, or even on stage and in-person. You can log on to the software from any web browser and use it as a remote control that gives you direct access to your speaker notes.
Slides includes a free 14-day trial so you can test the software on an upcoming presentation or just check out the features and options before you commit to an annual plan. Pricing starts at $5 a month if paid annually for the Lite plan, which gives you 1 GB of storage and one collaborator per deck. The Pro plan costs $10 a month if paid annually. This plan offers unlimited storage and up to three collaborators per deck. Slides also offers an Enterprise plan via custom quote.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lite: $7/month, $5/month billed annually Pro: $14/month, $10/month billed annually Team: $28/month, $20/month billed annually Enterprise: Custom Quote | 14-Day Free Trial, Free Demo | >Web-based, cloud, and SaaS deployment >Online support >Supports 3D objects >More features at Slides |
Pros & Cons of Slides Presentation Software
Slides is an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. You can choose a single-user plan or a team plan to accommodate everyone in your company who meets with clients or presents information to others. Slides doesn’t integrate with other software programs, so you have to add it manually to your social media platforms and enter information each time by hand.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Affordable >Includes a media library | >Doesn't integrate with other software programs >No apps for mobile devices |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers enjoy how easy the product is to use. One person reviewed Slides and said, “Its layout is super easy and makes it easy to find things. There are many options to add to your slides.” Another user stated, “Create and modify presentation online for free with Slides without the need of having to install PP. The availability of templates makes it simple to create presentations.”
Visme
Visme is an online design software program that’s made for those without design experience. The software lets you create colorful, interactive presentations that match your brand and the culture of your company. You can create online presentations to share on social media and through email or create infographics, printables, documents, videos, flyers, and animated GIFs.
The base plan starts at just $15 per month if paid annually. You can create up to 15 projects during this time and take advantage of up to 250 MB of storage. The Business plan costs $29 a month billed yearly. It includes unlimited projects and up to 10 GB of storage. There’s also an Enterprise plan with advanced features, upgraded security, and integrations that requires a custom quote.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard: $25/month, $15/month billed annually Business: $49/user/month, $29/user/month billed annually Enterprise: Custom Quote | Free Version Available, Free Demo | >Web-based, cloud, and SaaS deployment >Off-line presentations >Supports animations >More features at Visme |
Pros & Cons of Visme Presentation Software
Support is available 24/7 with Visme. This makes it possible to get answers to questions when you’re working late or during the weekend. Support is available live, through email, and by phone. The software doesn’t include a downloadable app, so you have to access it from a web-enabled browser.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Excellent support >Integrates with other software | >Not available for mobile devices >Doesn't support 3D objects |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciate the ability to get started immediately after signing up. One customer stated, “I can use this software online and get started right away. The editing features are simple to use and don’t require complication instructions or training.”
Zoho Show
Zoho Show allows you to create and share presentations that are digitally engaging and professional. The software includes a toolkit that lets you edit and format shapes to reflect your ideas and add color to coordinate with your company brand. You can also edit images and remove unnecessary elements, insert charts, and add animations to bring information to life. With Zoho Show, you can share and collaborate with others on your team in real time.
You can broadcast presentations online and allow users to follow along by sharing the link on social media or through email. The software is supported on Android and iOS devices, so you can take it with you and make presentations to customers and clients while you’re on the go. The apps also make it easy to edit slides and add finishing touches to your presentation via a tablet or mobile device.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Quote | Free Demo Only | >Web-based, cloud, iOS, and Android deployment >Media library >Supports animations >More features at Zoho |
Pros & Cons of Zoho Show Presentation Software
Zoho Show offers online support, which makes it easy to get help and answers to any questions, and it integrates with communication platforms such as Slack, which makes it easy to collaborate with team members. The software isn’t available as a computer download, so you must have an internet connection to create a presentation or access information.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Online support is available >Integrates with communication platforms like Slack | >Not available as a computer download |
What Customers Are Saying
Zoho Show users love how easy the program is to use. One user stated, “I am using Zoho Show for more than 10 years and I can firmly say that it’s a true presentation powerhouse that helps my business ideas reach larger audience.”
What Is Presentation Software?
Presentation software is an application that lets you present information to others in multiple formats, such as videos, slides, audio, texts, and print media. The software is available as a desktop application or accessible online, which can both limit how the application is used. Typically, projects created with presentation software are used to accompany a speech or live chat, or it can be used as a stand-alone slideshow for social media or email.
The software should perform three main functions:
- You should be able to edit text into a picture or video, especially for stand-alone projects.
- You should also be able to edit images, including adding color or layering images together, including adding a logo to an existing photograph.
- The software should also make it easy to generate animated pictures.
Benefits of Presentation Software
Visualizing your information can help viewers get a clearer picture of what you’re talking about, whether it’s presenting information to potential clients or delivering data to your board of directors. Presentation software incorporates different media to make the information stand out. It’s also an excellent publishing tool because it helps you integrate words, pictures, animations, hyperlinks, and videos into traditional slides.
Presentation software can also serve as a prompt instead of using cue cards or printed materials when you are delivering information to a crowd.
Must-Have Features of Presentation Software
All presentation software should include standard features. Essential ones include:
- Graphics asset library: A library of images should be included with presentation software. There should be generic shapes as well as professionally generated images and photographs. You should also have the ability to upload images to the library from your desktop, from a URL, or through a photo storage system like Google Drive.
- Videos and GIFs: The software should give you the ability to add videos and GIFs. You should be able to upload them from YouTube, from your desktop, or through a photo storage site.
- Templates: Templates are a necessity for users without design experience and those who need to put together a quick presentation within minutes. They should be searchable based on content, design, color, and feature.
- Integrations: Look for a product that lets you add audio and embedded third-party content. This makes it easy to include maps, music, external videos, and statistics that can make your presentation more interesting.
The Cost of Presentation Software
The cost of presentation software ranges from free options up to $69 a month when billed annually. The free versions are good for start-ups with a single user, but they have limited access and a small library of images. Standard plans typically cost $10 per month or less. They include access for one to two users and can be used for a limited number of projects. This can be ideal for companies that present new ideas in board meetings or create presentations for new clients only a few times per year. Pro plans can cost up to $70 per user per month and are ideal for larger companies. These plans usually offer unlimited online storage and use.
The available options can affect the exact cost of presentation software, such as reporting, the ability to download the program to your computer and work off-line, mobile applications, and the size of the usable media library. The types of support a vendor offers can also affect the cost. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay more for programs that provide 24/7 assistance from a live rep vs support via email.