Introduction
Microsoft PowerPoint Online is a web-based version of the popular presentation software, PowerPoint, offered by Microsoft. Users can access it via a web browser and create, edit, and share presentations with others in real-time. The online version offers many of the same features as the desktop version, but with the added convenience of being able to access it from anywhere with an internet connection.
While Microsoft PowerPoint Online is a popular choice for creating presentations, there are several reasons why people might need a free alternative. For one, not everyone can afford the cost of a Microsoft Office subscription, which includes access to PowerPoint. Additionally, some users may not need all of the advanced features that PowerPoint offers and would prefer a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.There are also some problems and trends in the current PowerPoint online tools market that may make users look for alternatives. For example, some online tools may not have all of the features that the desktop version of PowerPoint has, or they may not be compatible with certain file types. There is also a trend towards cloud-based solutions and collaboration tools that allow multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously.
Given these trends and considerations, this article will recommend a free alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint Online that offers a user-friendly experience, robust feature set, and seamless collaboration capabilities.
1. WPS Office: WPS Powerpoint Online
Product description: WPS Office Online is a web-based version of WPS Office, allowing users to access and use WPS Office tools such as Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets online, without downloading or installing any software.
Main Features: WPS offer a range of features including: create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online. The main features of WPS Office Online include access to a variety of templates, the ability to collaborate with others in real-time, and compatibility with Microsoft Office formats. Users can also store and access their files in the cloud.
Price: WPS are free to use.
Rating: 8 out of 5 based on over 10,000 reviews.
Pros:
Free to use, with additional free templates
Real-time collaboration on the same document with multiple users
Advanced search function to locate files and track edit history
Cloud file storage with encryption and customizable viewing/editing permissions
Direct editing of office files without formatting conversion
Ability to convert office files to PDF format
Support for oversized Excel and PowerPoint files up to 1 GB
File sharing capabilities with integrated member management for SMB collaboration
High market share second only to Microsoft Office
Compatible with Microsoft Office formats
Cons:
Some users may prefer the interface and features of other office suite applications
2. Google Slides
Product description：Google Slides is a web-based presentation software developed by Google as part of the Google Docs suite. It allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on powerpoint presentation online in real-time with others.
Main Features：Google Slides offers a range of features including pre-designed templates, text, and image editing tools, as well as animations and transitions to enhance presentations. It also integrates with other Google apps, such as Google Drive and Google Sheets, making it easy to import data and charts directly into a presentation.
Price：Google Slides is available for free to create a pp anyone with a Google account and can be accessed through any web browser.
Trustpilot Rating：Google Slides has a Trustpilot rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, indicating high levels of customer satisfaction.
Pros:
Free to use with a Google account
Real-time collaboration with multiple users
Wide range of templates and themes available
Integrates with other Google Workspace tools for a seamless productivity experience.
Cons:
Limited offline functionality compared to desktop presentation software
Some advanced features may not be available compared to other presentation software
3. Zoho Show
Product description：Zoho Show is a cloud-based presentation software that offers a range of features to help users create, edit and deliver powerpoint online. It offers an intuitive interface and a wide range of customization options, making it a popular choice for both personal and professional use.
Main Features：
Customizable templates and themes
Collaboration tools for team presentations
Real-time chat for collaboration
Built-in animation and transition effects
Ability to import and export presentations
Integration with other Zoho apps
Price：Zoho Show offers a free plan with limited features, as well as paid plans starting at $5 per user per month.
Trustpilot Rating：Zoho has a Trustpilot rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on customer reviews.
Pros:
Offers a range of customization options
Collaboration tools make it easy to work on presentations with others
Real-time chat for collaboration
Affordable pricing for paid plans
Integration with other Zoho apps
Cons:
Free plan has limited features
Some users may find the interface to be less user-friendly compared to other options
Limited number of templates and themes compared to other presentation software
4. Prezi
Product description：Prezi is a cloud-based powerpoint presentation software that allows users to create and share dynamic presentations. Unlike traditional slide-based tools, Prezi uses a zoomable canvas and nonlinear approach to help presenters tell a story and engage their audience.
Main Features：
Zoomable canvas: allows users to zoom in and out of content for a more dynamic and engaging presentation experience.
Nonlinear approach: allows presenters to move freely between topics and ideas without being restricted to a linear slide format.
Collaboration tools: allows multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously.
Customizable templates: offers a variety of templates and themes to help users create professional-looking presentations.
Integration with other tools: can be integrated with other tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and PowerPoint.
Price：Prezi offers a free version with limited features and a paid version starting at $5 per month for individuals and $15 per month for teams.
Trustpilot Rating：Prezi has a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 2,500 reviews.
Pros:
Offers a unique and engaging presentation experience.
Collaboration tools make it easy to work with others on the same presentation.
Customizable templates and themes help users create professional-looking presentations.
Integration with other tools allows for seamless workflow and compatibility.
Cons:
The nonlinear approach may take some time to get used to for users accustomed to traditional slide-based tools.
The free version has limited features compared to the paid version.
Pricing for the paid version can be expensive for larger teams.
5. Slidebean
Product description：Slidebean is a cloud-based presentation platform that allows users to easily create visually stunning powerpoint online without needing any design skills. It uses AI to suggest design ideas based on the content provided by the user, allowing for quick and easy customization of presentation templates.
Main Features：
AI-powered design assistance
Customizable presentation templates
Real-time collaboration and feedback
Easy sharing and publishing options
Analytics to track viewer engagement
Price：Slidebean offers a free plan with limited features, as well as paid plans starting at $8.25/month (when billed annually).
Trustpilot Rating：Slidebean has a Trustpilot rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on 104 reviews.
Pros:
AI design assistance helps create visually stunning presentations quickly
Easy-to-use platform with customizable templates
Real-time collaboration features for team presentations
Good value for money compared to other presentation tools
Cons:
Limited customization options for design-savvy users
Some users have reported issues with the platform's stability and occasional bugs
6. Canva
Product description：Canva is an online graphic design tool that allows users to create various types of designs, including powerpoint presentations online. It has a user-friendly interface that offers various templates, graphics, and design elements to help users create visually appealing presentations.
Main Features：
Customizable templates for various design projects such as social media posts, presentations, flyers, posters, and more.
A library of millions of stock images, illustrations, icons, and fonts to choose from.
An intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for users to create stunning designs without any design experience.
Collaboration tools that allow multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
Canva Pro subscription with additional features such as access to premium templates, unlimited storage, and the ability to create custom fonts.
Price：Canva offers a free plan with limited features, and a paid Canva Pro plan starting at $9.95 per month.
Trustpilot Rating：Canva has a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on over 19,000 reviews.
Pros:
Canva is easy to use, offers a vast range of design resources, and allows for collaboration. The paid version, Canva Pro, is affordable and provides additional features that are useful for professionals.
Cons:
The free version has limited features and the paid version may not be cost-effective for those who only need it for occasional use
7. Haiku Deck
Product description：Haiku Deck is a web-based powerpoint presentation software that allows users to create visually stunning presentations with ease. The software comes with a variety of templates and themes, as well as the ability to add images and text to slides.
Main Features :
Easy-to-use interface
Access to a library of templates and themes
Ability to add images and text to slides
Option to share presentations online or download them as PDFs
Price：Haiku Deck offers both free and paid plans. The free plan comes with basic features, while the paid plans offer additional features and benefits. The paid plans start at $9.99 per month.
Trustpilot Rating：Haiku Deck has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot.
Pros:
Easy to use
Visually appealing presentations
Access to a library of templates and themes
Option to share presentations online or download them as PDFs
Cons:
Limited customization options
No option to add animations or transitions between slides
Limited features in the free plan
8. Visme
Product description：Visme is a powerpoint presentation online tool that allows users to create visually appealing and interactive presentations, infographics, reports, and other visual content. It offers a wide range of templates, themes, icons, and other design elements that can be customized according to user preferences.
Main Features：
Customizable templates and themes
Wide variety of design elements, including icons, images, and graphics
Interactive charts, maps, and other data visualizations
Collaboration and sharing tools
Access to millions of stock photos and images
Analytics and tracking tools
Price：Visme offers both free and paid plans. The free plan includes limited features and access to a limited number of templates and design elements. Paid plans start at $25/month for individuals and offer additional features such as premium templates, unlimited projects, and advanced analytics.
Trustpilot Rating：Visme has a 4.7/5 rating on Trustpilot based on over 500 reviews
Pros:
Easy to use interface with drag-and-drop functionality
Wide range of design options and templates to choose from
Interactive features and data visualizations make presentations more engaging
Collaboration and sharing tools make it easy to work with others on a project
Access to millions of stock photos and images
Cons:
Some users may find the pricing for paid plans to be on the higher side compared to other presentation tools
While there is a free plan available, it offers limited features and access to templates and design elements
9. Emaze
Product description：Emaze is a cloud-based presentation software that allows users to create engaging and interactive presentations, videos, and websites. With a wide range of templates, themes, and animation options, Emaze helps users create visually appealing content easily. It also offers collaboration and sharing features that enable teams to work together on presentations in real-time.
Main Features：
A wide range of templates and themes to choose from
Easy-to-use interface with drag and drop functionality
Collaboration and sharing features for team presentations
Ability to embed videos, social media feeds, and other interactive elements
Real-time analytics to track audience engagement
Price：Emaze offers a free plan with limited features and a paid plan starting at $12.49 per month.
Trustpilot Rating：Emaze has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
Pros:
Wide range of templates and themes to choose from
Interactive and engaging presentations
Real-time collaboration and sharing features
Easy-to-use interface
Affordable pricing
Cons:
Some users may find the interface too simplistic
Limited customization options compared to other presentation software
10. Powtoon
Product description：Powtoon is a cloud-based platform that allows users to create animated presentations, explainer videos, and other visual content.
Main Features：
Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality
Access to a library of pre-made templates, characters, and objects
Animation and video creation tools
Collaboration and sharing features
Price：Powtoon offers a range of pricing plans, starting with a free plan that includes limited features and a watermark. Paid plans start at $16.50 per month, with access to more features and removal of the Powtoon watermark.
Trustpilot Rating：Powtoon has a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on over 500 reviews.
Pros:
Offers a unique way to create engaging and animated presentations
Great for storytelling and explainer videos
Extensive library of pre-made templates and objects
Collaboration features allow for teamwork on projects
Cons:
Can be time-consuming to create animations and videos
Limited customization options compared to traditional presentation software
May not be suitable for all types of presentations and audiences
FAQ
Can I use all the features of Microsoft PowerPoint desktop version in the free online version?
No, the free online version of PowerPoint has some limitations and not all the features of the desktop version are available.
Can I work on PowerPoint online without an internet connection?
No, PowerPoint online is a web-based application and requires an internet connection to access and use.
Can I save my PowerPoint presentation online on my computer in the free online version?
Yes, you can save your PowerPoint presentation on your computer but you need to have a Microsoft account to save it on OneDrive or you can also download the presentation in a compatible format like PDF or PPTX.
Is it possible to collaborate with others on a PowerPoint presentation in real-time in the free online version?
Yes, you can collaborate with others on a PowerPoint presentation in real-time in the free online version, but all collaborators need to have a Microsoft account to access and edit the presentation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Microsoft PowerPoint Online is a popular and widely used presentation software, there are several reasons why users may need a free alternative. After considering various trends and problems in the powerpoint online presentation tools market, we recommend WPS Office as a viable option. WPS Office offers a user-friendly experience, a robust feature set, and seamless collaboration capabilities, all while being completely free to use. Whether you need to create a simple presentation or collaborate with others in real-time, WPS Office is a great alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint Online.
