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Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Full Comparison Guide for 2024

Written by: Brian Nuckols

Last Updated: 07/04/2024

The biggest difference between PowerPoint and Google Slides is that PowerPoint is an offline, downloadable tool created by Microsoft Windows while Google Slides is an online-only tool offered as part of the Google Workspace.

But the big question here is which of the two presentation software is better for your presentations?

In this guide, we’re going to compare the two popular presentation tools to help you choose the best for creating and editing presentations—as well as introduce a new option into the mix.

Choose the feature that you’re most interested in from the navigation below and find out which option is best for your presentation needs.

Let’s get into it.

Jump to the Section You Want

What is google slides, what is microsoft powerpoint.

• Comparison Point #1: Features
• Comparison Point #2: Templates
• Comparison Point #3: Cost
• Comparison Point #5: Online vs. Offline Performance
• Comparison Point #6: Teamwork & Collaboration
• Comparison Point #7: Storage & Backup
• Comparison Point #8: Embedding

Google Slides vs. PowerPoint FAQs

Google Slides is a free presentation software included in the Google Drive service suite. Perhaps you’ve heard about some of the strengths of Google Slides as a presentation tool, but if you’re not quite sure how to use it, read on.

There are a few aspects of Google Slides that make it a unique presentation software.

First, Google built Google Slides to work in your browser as opposed to directly on your device. This browser-based functionality means you don't necessarily need to download anything to create presentation slides .

This cloud-based approach makes sharing and connecting easy. Because it's a browser-based service, you can easily share and collaborate with any collaborator with an internet connection and a Google account.

Another critical differentiating principle with Google Slides is simplicity. Google is famous for its iconic and straightforward homepage.

They bring simplicity into the Google Slides experience and attempt to make it as simple as possible to utilize their product.

If you're curious about how Visme stacks up against Google Slides,? we've addressed that in this post: Visme vs. Google Slides: What’s the Difference?

Microsoft PowerPoint is a tool for creating professional presentations that was first released in 1990 .

The downloadable desktop app for Microsoft PowerPoint works seamlessly on both Mac OS and PC with Windows and comes with the popular Microsoft toolbar.

PowerPoint is used everywhere from corporate boardrooms to startups, to non-profit board meetings and college classrooms.

PowerPoint is only one component of Microsoft Office, which also includes popular apps like Word and Excel.

Now that we’ve explored some of the basics of Google Slides and PowerPoint, let’s compare the distinct features of each tool.

First, it’s worth noting what both pieces of software allow you to accomplish. Both Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint will enable you to do the following:

• Add text, images, videos and links to any slide
• Pick a custom font
• Use a premade theme
• Include charts and or graphs
• Use basic transitions
• Print to PDF

Additionally, both Slides and PowerPoint allow you to collaborate with team members to greater or lesser degrees.

Google Slides Feature #1: Automatic Saving

Google Slides comes with an excellent automatic saving feature for any changes you make. You don't have to worry about losing your progress because of some kind of malfunction.

Google Slides Feature #2: Version History

Another exciting feature Slides offers building off their automatic saving function is detailed version history. You can quickly restore your presentation back and forth between a previous version if you make changes you no longer want.

Google Slides Feature #3: PowerPoint Compatibility

The third unique feature of Google Slides is easy PowerPoint compatibility.

Slides make it easy to create a presentation using their software and then export it as a PowerPoint file. It’s essentially the Google equivalent of PowerPoint. You can also import a PowerPoint file and make changes to it using Slides.

PowerPoint Feature #1: PowerPoint Designer

PowerPoint Designer is a unique feature that uses a suggestion engine to provide you automatic design suggestions for your slides.

When you add a visual like an image to your slide, PowerPoint will show you several slide options to select. These layouts are based on principles from professionally designed slides.

PowerPoint Feature #2: Broadcast Live

Broadcast Live is another unique feature of Microsoft PowerPoint that allows you to share your slideshow in real time to anyone with an internet connection.

Broadcast live enables you to share a browser-based link where anyone can view your live presentation.

PowerPoint Feature #3:  Presenter View

Presenter View is another useful feature of PowerPoint. Using it, you can project your presentation to a second screen.

Sending your presentation to a second screen is a useful feature because it allows you to keep your speaker notes in front of you while your audience can pay attention to the slides.

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Google Slides and PowerPoint both have numerous templates you can customize and use in their presentation software.

In the next section, we’ll take a look at these templates. A template is a pre-designed slideshow built to help you with a specific type of presentation.

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint have templates for things like classroom lessons, business plans and sales presentations. There are a number of free templates, but they also have unique approaches to templates that we’ll discuss.

Let’s look at how the templates compare between the two presentation software.

Google Slides Templates

When you’re getting started with Google Slides, you’ll see a gallery of basic templates that you can customize according to your needs.

Additionally, Google Slide templates are open source and anyone can make an editable presentation using them.

The use of Google Slides templates makes it easy to design beautiful presentations. These templates also make Google Slides a formidable presentation app that competes with Apple products like Keynote and Microsoft products like PowerPoint.

If you need help translating templates into presentation designs, Google offers tutorials and even shares how you can use Slides to stream on Chromecast .

PowerPoint Templates

When it comes to templates, PowerPoint has the edge with volume. You can find thousands of visual elements and custom templates for PowerPoint in their gallery and across the web.

PowerPoint templates have a wide range of design options. This diversity makes PowerPoint the right choice for someone looking for variety with their presentations.

Additionally, PowerPoint has interesting custom graphs and stylized charts that can be challenging to recreate on Google Slides.

You could create a unique and robust presentation by just filling in the template with your visuals and copy. However, PowerPoint also gives you the option to more fully customize your presentation if you want to take a more hands on approach.

However, many of the templates inside the PowerPoint software have been the same for years. There are quite a few legacy templates that, while commonly used, are an excellent way to create presentations.

Aside from their presentation templates, PowerPoint utilizes a variety of theme layout options that you can use if you want to customize a presentation without using a template.

Additionally, PowerPoint templates are available in many places online.

Envato is an excellent repository for PowerPoint themes. There are thousands of ready-to-use templates with unique styles for different use cases.

Because so many designers go out of their way to create PowerPoint templates, Microsoft does not emphasize creating templates inside of PowerPoint.

Next, we'll move on to the cost of each presentation software. Let’s take a look at a Google Slides vs. PowerPoint comparison when it comes to cost.

Google Slides Cost

Google Drive and Google Slides are completely free services. You won't ever need to pay to download and use these programs. All of the features we've discussed so far are 100% free.

The free cost is one of the most important value propositions for Google Slides. You can use all of the features on any device that’s compatible with the Google Slides app. All you need is a Google Account to use Google Slides.

The only cost ever associated with Google services is if your business is setting up a Google Workplace (i.e., using Google for your email services).

PowerPoint Cost

PowerPoint is most typically purchased as part of the Microsoft Office suite, now called Microsoft 365. The monthly fee starts at $6.99/per month and increases depending on users and team needs.

Buying the software by itself costs $159.99 and comes with no storage.

Keep in mind that both PowerPoint Designer and Broadcast live are features that come included in the Microsoft Office suite.

Create a stunning presentation in less time

• Hundreds of premade slides available
• Add animation and interactivity to your slides
• Choose from various presentation options

Online vs. Offline Performance

An important consideration when comparing your presentation software choices is how they compare with online and offline performance.

There are some distinctions when it comes to presenting online and offline with Google Slides and PowerPoint.

This section will look at their distinctions and how each presentation software approaches online and offline options for their users.

In both cases, if the presentation is rich in interactive media and large photos, a slow connection will slow down the performance of your PC if viewed online. In general, offline access is available on a limited basis.

Google Slides Performance

Google Slides is a predominantly cloud-based app built for seamless online performance. Slides offer a user experience in the browser that makes online use and collaboration simple, especially on desktop.

Google Slides has invested in its offline functionality via the Google Slides Offline program when it comes to offline performance.

Google Slides Offline is available via a Chrome browser extension or by using the Chrome operating system. It's possible to use Google Offline for iPad, iPhone, Android and any desktop operating system.

There’s even a Google Drive plug-in for Microsoft Office that allows you to work on PowerPoint offline and upload the finished result to Google Drive for collaboration or online sharing.

PowerPoint Performance

Microsoft has its own set of online accessibility options such via the Office 365 subscription. Additionally, you can use the PowerPoint Online web app.

When it comes to offline performance, PowerPoint provides robust offline apps for experience for desktop users. However, the offline experience is not as healthy for smartphones and tablets.

The PowerPoint mobile apps for Android, iOS and even the Microsoft Surface tablet fall short compared to Google Drive. The PowerPoint mobile apps are not as powerful as the desktop version.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Collaboration is a critical consideration when selecting the best presentation software for you and your company. The ability to work on presentations as a team is vital across business and education sectors.

This section will explore how Microsoft PowerPoint vs. Google Slides performs in terms of teamwork and collaboration.

Google Slides

Google Slides makes seamless collaboration possible between you and anyone on your team.

Multiple users can make comments and edit the presentation simultaneously using Google Slides. Any user can instantly see any changes that are made to the presentation.

It's also easy to restore previous versions of your presentation if you need to return to a preferred version.

Team members need a Google Account to collaborate on a Google Slides presentation.

The original author of the presentation can share the project with an unlimited number of users. Any collaborator just needs to be granted editing rights via their Gmail account.

Any edits on Google Slides occur in real time. Additionally, collaborators can also leave comments so everyone can stay on track with each other.

Collaboration on PowerPoint is possible but needs a bit of preparation.

For a PowerPoint presentation to be editable as a team, it first needs to be uploaded to OneDrive or SharePoint Online for Microsoft 365.

From there, someone needs to add collaborators via email. Users can see when team members log into the presentation to make changes and see their projects.

If someone makes changes while a user isn’t logged on, they get a notification that changes have been made while they were away.

PowerPoint comes integrated with OneDrive, with sharing options ranging from email, direct link and social media to SharePoint and Live broadcast of PowerPoint slides via Office Presentation Service. You can also collaborate with others using the various online editions of PowerPoint.

Needless to say, PowerPoint has a robust Slideshow mode for presenting presentations which can be further aided using third-party add-ons like live annotations.

Storage & Backup

Creating a presentation is a lot of work. One of the worst feelings is when you lose a presentation after hours or days of work due to an error.

To solve this issue, both Google Slides and PowerPoint have backup features that you can take advantage of on your desktop or mobile devices.

Every Google Drive account offers up to 15 GB of storage for free. Paid Google Workspace accounts will get up to 30 GB of storage before having to pay for more.

When it comes to backup options, Google Slides saves all data on their cloud. This means you don't need to hit save every few minutes to ensure you don’t lose your work.

Google Slides also provides a helpful history review where you can explore previous versions of your presentation. This means you can restore earlier versions of your work if you don't like some of the recent edits you made.

Because PowerPoint is a primarily desktop-based presentation tool, all your presentations are stored directly on your computer.

However, you can also take advantage of the Microsoft OneDrive to store your PowerPoint files. Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage solution similar to Google Drive.

However, it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription that comes with a 5GB cloud storage plan for users. Additionally, you can use Office 365 backup from NAKIVO  to automatically backup all your data.

Something to be aware of is that PowerPoint doesn’t offer automatic saving features unless you have an updated version of PowerPoint and you are an Office 365 subscriber.

Embedding media features like video and audio are critical to keep in mind when selecting a presentation software. Additionally, understanding how to embed the presentation itself on a web page is important if you need to share your presentation later.

Let’s take a look at how Google Slides and PowerPoint compare on this vital feature.

Google Slides enables you to embed your videos from a YouTube or Google Drive account. However, it is not possible to store standalone audio files in your presentation.

One major plus of working with Slides is how easy it is to work with videos. You don't have to worry about installing any additional software to use video in Slides.

When it comes to uploading static pictures in Google Slides, you can upload your photos from a URL, a camera, your Google Drive or any desktop computer.

In PowerPoint, media content is easy to embed into your presentation. You can freely embed both video and audio files in PowerPoint.

When you add your video or audio content to a One Drive account, embedding content on PowerPoint is particularly easy.

When it comes to adding static pictures into your PowerPoint presentation, you can include many types of graphics and animations.

In fact, for advanced users, you can even draw your own animations. You can also insert a YouTube video by using the online video embed option.

These are some of the possibilities for visual content in PowerPoint presentations.

Should You Use Google Slides or PowerPoint?

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint have their own strengths and weaknesses. The software you choose depends entirely on your unique needs.

For example, Google Slides offers real time collaboration abilities that make it an ideal solution for teams working on a presentation together.

Likewise, using Microsoft PowerPoint may be a better fit for someone who wants to work offline and who wants customization options without the need for internet accessibility.

When it comes to choosing between Google Slides and PowerPoint, it mostly comes down to how you want to design your presentation. Each tool has capabilities and strengths that the other lacks.

For example, Google Slides makes it much easier to work across IOS, Android and desktop devices. However, Microsoft PowerPoint has a robust desktop solution that gives you the ability to do things like embed audio files and draw your animations.

What is Google’s version of PowerPoint?

The Google equivalent of PowerPoint is called Google Slides. The functionality between the two is extremely similar, with the main different being that PowerPoint is a downloadable software while Google Slides is built completely online.

What is the difference between Google Slides and PowerPoint?

Google Slides is run by Google and is only accessible with an Internet connection. PowerPoint was created by Microsoft and is a downloadable software that can be used completely offline.

Is Google Slides a PowerPoint?

In simplest terms, no, Google Slides is not a PowerPoint. However, although “PowerPoint” is a tool, it has often become a placeholder word for “presentation” or “slideshow,” even if the presentation has not been created in PowerPoint.

Is Google Slides like PowerPoint?

Google Slides has a similar functionality to PowerPoint. However, it offers less features and cannot be used without an internet connection.

How do you convert PowerPoint to Google Slides?

If you’ve created a PowerPoint and need to convert it into a Google Slides presentation, simply upload your PowerPoint file to your Google Drive and open it. It will immediately open in Google Slides. You can also simply create a new Google Slides presentation by typing slides.new in your browser bar, heading to File in the top navigation bar and clicking Open to import your PowerPoint.

Conversely, if you’ve created a presentation in Google Slides and need to download it in PowerPoint format, you can easily do so in just a couple of steps. Click File in the top navigation bar, then go down to the Download menu. Click the option to download as Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) .

How do you save Google Slides as PDF?

You can download your presentation as a PDF in the same menu you use to convert your Google Slides presentation to PowerPoint. However, instead of clicking Microsoft PowerPoint, you’re going to click the option to download as PDF Document (.pdf) .

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Watch the video below for a quick intro to making presentations in Visme.

Additionally, you can create interactive slide decks with GIFs, maps, charts, popups, external links, voice-overs, YouTube videos and audio.

If you need to store your presentation in the cloud using Google Drive, Dropbox or other cloud-based systems, Visme gives you the ability to upload presentations easily.

When it comes to collaboration , Visme helps you work with your whole team to create beautifully designed presentations, infographics, reports, ebooks and social media graphics in file formats like JPG, PNG, GIF and MP4.

Sign up for a free Visme account today and try out the tools your presentation needs to be outstanding and unforgettable.

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About the Author

Brian Nuckols is a writer working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enjoys communicating visionary ideas in clear, action oriented language. When he’s not working on content for a transformative company you can find him analyzing dreams, creating music, and writing poetry.

Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Which Program Is Better?

• Last updated June 21, 2023

Google Slides and PowerPoint are easily the most popular presentation software programs on the market and the go-to solution when creating presentations for school or work. But which program suits your needs better?

In reality, choosing between the two can be difficult. They’re both exceptional at what they do, but their different features and functionalities can play a big part in what you end up choosing.

Some users prefer the simpler, more collaborative approach that Google Slides brings to the table, while others look to PowerPoint for a wider range of options and templates.

In this Google Slides vs PowerPoint article, we’ve gathered all the essential details for both platforms so you can make an informed decision about your presentation program.

Table of Contents

Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Quick Comparison

What Is Google Slides?

• Offers real-time collaboration
• Automatically saves changes in the cloud
• No need to install software
• Free to use
• Limited pre-built templates
• Fewer features and functionality
• Restricted file types for exporting

Google Slides is a free presentation software that allows students and professionals to create and edit engaging presentations online. It’s part of the Google Productivity Suite  along with other web-based programs like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Forms.

Since Google Slides is web-based, you can access its full features and functionality through your browser. It won’t require installing an app unless you want to view or edit your slides on a smartphone.

Despite its online inclinations, you can still edit your presentations offline. It will automatically save your changes once you connect to the internet again. You can also collaborate with other Google users in real-time, making it a great choice for team-based projects.

However, the program is not without its drawbacks. Simply put, there are fewer features on Google Slides when compared to Microsoft PowerPoint. A good example of this is the limited number of templates available for use and the fewer file types for exporting.

Related : How to Convert Google Slides to PowerPoint: 3 Easy Methods

What Is Microsoft PowerPoint?

• More pre-built templates
• Option to insert more multimedia files
• More file types for exporting
• Features may get overwhelming
• Changes aren’t saved automatically
• Licensing options could be costly

Microsoft PowerPoint lets you create and edit professional presentations offline. Unlike Google Slides, this presentation software has a downloadable app under the Microsoft Office Suite : Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive.

Besides this, PowerPoint allows you to be more creative with your slides because of its wide range of tools and features. It has more pre-built templates, animations, and options to insert multimedia files.

However, there’s a higher risk of losing your data on PowerPoint since it doesn’t automatically save your edits. Furthermore, unlike the free service offered by Google Slides, you’ll have to purchase PowerPoint to use it, and you’ll need a subscription to access its full features.

Related : How to Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides [Step-by-Step]

Key Similarities and Differences Between Google Slides and PowerPoint

While both programs may seem similar at first glance, there are some stark differences between Google Slides and PowerPoint. Being aware of the more significant ones can help you decide which presentation software to use.

We’ve listed the key differences between Google Slides and PowerPoint below:

Accessibility

Knowing the accessibility of your presentation software is vital when you’re working on multiple devices. Between the two apps, we found Google Slides more accessible and convenient than PowerPoint.

Since Google Slides is cloud-based, it won’t prompt you to install any app on your desktop. Instead, you can create and edit presentations as long as you have access to the internet. It also lets you open and edit your slides from any device with your Google account.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint requires a downloadable app before you can use it, which takes storage space and setup time.

Online and Offline Performance

Comparing the online and offline performance of Google Slides and PowerPoint can help you narrow down which presentation software is best for you.

Google Slides generally works smoothly as long as you have a solid internet connection, though you may encounter some slowdown if your presentation contains large multimedia files like photos, GIFs , audio, or videos. It also has an offline mode that lets you edit your slides without the internet. However, you have to enable this option while online before you can access your presentations offline.

On the other hand, PowerPoint doesn’t require an internet connection to edit slides. This means you’re less likely to encounter glitches when presenting with large photos, audio, or videos. There’s also a web app for PowerPoint if you want to collaborate with others, but this online version only has limited features compared to its desktop counterpart.

Collaboration Features

Teamwork and collaboration are crucial to finishing your presentation more quickly. And between Google Slides and PowerPoint, the former offers more flexibility in this aspect.

Google Slides allows seamless collaboration with multiple users and it doesn’t have any restriction on the number of individuals working on a presentation simultaneously. Since collaboration is in real-time on Google Slides, changes done by any user are instantly reflected on your presentation. Additionally, if you’re not happy with the recent changes, you can look at the previous version history and restore earlier versions.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint’s collaboration feature tends to be more complicated. You can only collaborate with other users by uploading your slides to Microsoft OneDrive. The other option is to use PowerPoint Online instead. But like Google Slides, you can add multiple collaborators to your presentation via email or by sending them a direct link to the editable file. You can also share it through social media.

Furthermore, PowerPoint will notify you every time there are changes to your slides, making it easy to keep track of your presentation.

Animation and Special Effects

Adding the right animation and transition can make your presentation more engaging. And between Google Slides and PowerPoint, the latter offers more effects for your slides, graphics, and text.

Google Slides has a smaller repository for animations and special effects. You can only use the most basic transitions like fade in and fade out, dissolve, etc.

On the other hand, PowerPoint gives you more options to choose from. You can also personalize these animations by drawing their path or setting their duration.

Browsing images without leaving your presentation can be helpful, especially if you want to see how well a photo matches the theme of your slides.

Luckily, both Google Slides and PowerPoint have this browsing functionality. You can browse images on the right side of your screen without moving to a new tab and leaving your slides.

Font Selection

Besides animations and special effects, using different fonts can help you emphasize important text. It’s also a great way to get your messages across and can have a major impact on the overall aesthetic of your presentation.

Google Slides offers the most common font selection, while PowerPoint uses the fonts installed on your laptop or desktop. However, PowerPoint gives you more freedom to design your presentation over Google Slides.

After all, you can always download new fonts from the web and install them on your laptop or desktop from the web. But be careful because some fonts may not display properly when viewed on another device.

Linking is a great way to navigate your slides or the web more easily. Fortunately, both Google Slides and PowerPoint have this functionality.

You can link images and text to the web or any part of your presentation. You can also add graphs or charts that automatically sync when edited.

Template Options

Knowing which presentation software has a more diverse roster of pre-designed slides can make it easier to create more engaging presentations. Whether for a business meeting or class activity, you can effortlessly tailor your slides to your audience.

Google Slides has limited templates, most of which are fairly basic. They’re not as stylish as you want them to be, but they can still help you convey your message during your presentation. Each template is also easily customizable. You can drag and drop more shapes, photos, or text on your slides.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint has more templates you can choose from. You can browse through its gallery or download pre-designed slides from online repositories. You can also add custom graphs or charts.

Embedding Capabilities

Embedding videos and audio can greatly enhance your presentations and might be a major selling point for some users. So learning which presentation software supports this feature can be a big game-changer.

Google Slides has limited embedding capabilities, given how you can only add audio and videos from YouTube or your Google Drive. But you can upload photos by copying their URL, using your camera, or uploading them on your Google Drive or from your desktop.

On the other hand, PowerPoint lets you embed audio and videos freely. You can also record audio and store them on specific slides. You can even add as many graphics or animations as you want.

The available file types for exporting can influence whether you can edit and view your presentation on a different device or program. And between the two presentation software, PowerPoint has significantly more conversion options than Google Slides.

Google Slides supports limited file types  for exporting. It’s only compatible with .pptx, .pdf, .odp, and .txt. It can also export your slides to .jpg, .png, and .svg.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint supports a lot more file types  like .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .pot, .potm, .potx, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .pdf, and .odp. It can also export your slides to .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .png, .tiff, .bmp, .wmf, and .mp4.

Storage and Backup

Working on presentations can be stressful and time-consuming. So the last thing you want is for you to lose the changes made to the project due to unforeseen circumstances.

You can easily store your Google Slides on your Google Drive since it has 15GB of storage for free. Your edits also get saved automatically on the cloud, meaning you won’t need to hit save every now and then. Furthermore, there’s also a version history that lets you restore earlier versions of your presentation whenever you like.

In contrast, you can find your PowerPoint files on the local hard drive of your laptop or desktop. You might also need to hit save to keep your edits. But if you want to store your PowerPoint files in the cloud, you can upload them to your Microsoft OneDrive, which has 5GB of storage for free.

Affordability

Apart from their features and functionality, it’s also important to check the cost of your next presentation software. After all, it shouldn’t just meet your needs, but fit your budget as well.

The best thing about Google Slides is it’s free. You can use its full features on any device without paying a single cent. The only exception is when you’re using a Google Business account.

Meanwhile, PowerPoint is under the Microsoft Office Suite. So you’d need to purchase the software or pay for it monthly. On average, its monthly cost  starts at $6.99 and goes higher depending on your needs and the number of users.

Extra Features

Both Google Slides and PowerPoint allow you to add text, photos, videos, audio, etc. to your presentation. But PowerPoint has additional features  that make it superior:

• PowerPoint Designer
• Broadcast Live
• Presenter View

With PowerPoint Designer, you’ll automatically get design suggestions for your presentations. You can choose from different layouts that best fit your preferences. On top of this feature, PowerPoint has Broadcast Live, which shares your slides in real-time with your audience. Anyone can view your presentation through the link you provide.

Finally, you get to present more easily with the Presenter View. You can view your speaker notes without the audience seeing them.

When to Use Google Slides vs PowerPoint?

You can use Google Slides or PowerPoint when creating presentations for school or work. But choosing between the two presentation software depends on your experience, internet connection, and presentation needs.

Here’s a more detailed look at when to use Google Slides and PowerPoint:

Level of Experience

Some users prefer using Google Slides because they’re more accustomed to its simplicity and basic features. Meanwhile, long-time users of Microsoft Office apps may be drawn to PowerPoint on account of the similarities with other Office tools and the overall more advanced nature of the program.

Internet Connection

Using Google Slides may be a breeze if you have a stable internet connection nearby. But PowerPoint might be the better option when editing your slides offline.

Presentation Needs

Google Slides is more lightweight than PowerPoint, so it’s a better choice for making quick and simple slides. But if you’re aiming for more technical presentations, then PowerPoint is your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is google’s version of powerpoint.

Google Slides is Google’s version of Microsoft PowerPoint. This free presentation software offers similar features and functionality as PowerPoint. However, you have to connect to the internet to create and edit your slides. There are also fewer templates and design options for your presentation.

Is Google Slides Like PowerPoint?

No. But the two do share some similar features. They both let you create and edit engaging presentations for schoolwork and meetings. However, you must be online to save your changes when using Google Slides.

Is Google Slides Easier to Use than PowerPoint?

Whether Google Slides is easier to use than PowerPoint depends on your experience. If you prefer using Microsoft Office apps, then PowerPoint will be more straightforward. But if you’re more comfortable with Google Suite apps, then Google Slides will come more naturally to you.

Wrapping Up

When deciding between Google Slides vs PowerPoint, you’ll need to consider each program’s features and target audience. It really all boils down to your experience, resources, and needs.

Looking for a simple online presentation solution that’s lightweight and geared more toward collaboration? Then maybe Google Slides is the way to go. But if you’re in the market for something with more bells and whistles and a higher degree of personalization, then PowerPoint might be the better option.

So are you ready to embed intricate spreadsheet data in your next presentation? Visit SpreadsheetPoint  and access some of the most famous spreadsheet templates. Use the promo code SSP and get up to 50% off.

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PowerPoint vs Google Slides: Which is Better? [ULTIMATE Test!]

By: Author Shrot Katewa

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides are powerful presentation design applications, but which is better? This blog post will compare the two to help you decide which one to use. We’ll cover the advantages of each application and share some disadvantages. Finally, we’ll make a suggestion for what type of user might prefer either PowerPoint or Google Slides.

So, without any further delay, let’s get started!

Is Google Slides Better than PowerPoint?

There are a lot of people who have been wondering this very question a lot lately! In fact, a quick comparison of the popularity of PowerPoint and Google Slides using Google Trends showcases that the question is quite valid!

As you may notice, Google Slides has been on an upward trend ever since it was launched. In the last few years, it has only gathered further momentum.

Furthermore, with the pandemic in 2020, Google Slides has been seen as a great free alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint. It has gathered a lot of attention and accolades, especially from teachers and students apart from the business owners.

That said, if more people are using a particular service doesn’t really mean that it is better than its competitors!

Let’s do a side-by-side comparison of the two applications and see how they compare with each other. After all, your purpose of using a presentation design application might be different from what majority of the people might be using it for!

PowerPoint vs Google Slides (Side-by-Side Comparison)

In this section, I shall be doing a side-by-side comparison between PowerPoint and Google Slides. This comparison will be based on some of the key parameters that any user should consider before choosing the correct presentation design applications for themselves.

Hopefully, the comparison will highlight the strengths of each of the two applications and help you make your own decision about which application is best for you.

What is Common to Both PowerPoint and Google Slides?

While there are differences between the two applications (which we will learn more about below in the article), here is what is common to both PowerPoint and Google Slides –

• Developed by Tech Giants – Both, PowerPoint and Google Slide, have been developed by technology giants namely Microsoft and Google. This means that both these presentation programs share a common goal to enable the user to create a well-defined and impressive presentation. Furthermore, both the applications will continue to invest in further development and adding features!
• Mass Appeal – Both PowerPoint and Google Slides have a strong mass appeal and are often the go-to choice for a presentation design application.
• Presentation Templates – Since both PowerPoint and Google Slides have a mass appeal, there are several pre-made themes are templates available for both PowerPoint and Google Slides! In fact, third-party players like Envato Elements allow you to download unlimited beautifully curated presentation templates!
• Presenter View – The presenter view enables the user to present a PPT or Google Slides effectively. Both the presentation applications work in a similar manner. The user can project the presentation to the audience on a second screen while keeping the speaker notes visible only on the user’s screen.
• Design Assistance – Both Google Slides and PowerPoint provide a feature that assists you with the design of your slides. PowerPoint provides the “ Design Ideas feature ” (for Office 365 users only) that automatically and instantly generates the design ideas for the slides. Google Slides provides the “Explore” feature that pretty much does the same thing.

There are perhaps many other similarities between the two applications if we start digging into each feature that the two applications provide. That will require a separate article altogether. However, I’m confident that the above high-level information should suffice.

How is Google Slides Different from PowerPoint?

If you are seriously considering either switching over from PowerPoint to Google Slides or perhaps just deciding which presentation application to choose for your next project, this section will be super helpful for you!

Here’s a list of key differences between PowerPoint and Google Slides –

• Google Slides is More Affordable – One of the key differences between the two applications is the cost itself! As mentioned before, Google Slides is completely free to use, whereas PowerPoint needs to be purchased and can be bought for as low as $6.99 per user per month!
• Google Slides is Easily Accessible – Google Slides is an online presentation program that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and on any device. The two prerequisites are an internet connection and a Google account. Unless shared, PowerPoint can be accessed only on the computer on which it has been saved. Thus the user is required to carry the device along.
• Google Slides is the Best Tool for Collaboration – Teamwork is one of the key highlight features of Google Slides. Multiple users can easily collaborate on a presentation and make comments or edit it simultaneously while working on the presentation. The editing or chatting is instantly visible to all the users. In PowerPoint, collaboration is not seamless and is a bit more lengthy process.
• Google Slides is Very Compatibility – Google Slides is compatible with not only Google applications but also with PowerPoint. Charts from Google Sheets or videos from YouTube can be embedded in a Google Slides presentation with ease. A Google Slides presentation can easily be converted and opened with PowerPoint. Likewise, it can easily import a PowerPoint file.
• Google Slides Provides Instant Autosaving – Google Slides works with cloud-based technology. The presentation made with Slides is stored in Cloud and is automatically saved. There is no fear of losing data due to not saving frequently as is the case with PowerPoint.
• Revision History in Google Slides – A prominent feature of Google Slides is revision history. Every edit made in the presentation is saved with details such as the time of the editor the name of the user who made the edit. The user can refer to the previous versions of the presentation anytime and can restore them. In PowerPoint, revision history is not available. 
• Google Slides can’t be Lost – Google Slides is stored in the cloud. Cloud storage is more secure and more effectively backed up than a local drive. Data stored in the cloud can only be lost when the user removes it from cloud storage. PowerPoint is stored on a hard drive and data may be lost forever due to various reasons such as corrupt drive, virus, or power failure.

Is Google Slides Compatible with PowerPoint?

A Google Slides presentation can be converted to PowerPoint file format and vice versa. A Google Slides file can be downloaded in PowerPoint format. Similarly, a PowerPoint presentation can be opened in Google Slides.

However, a factor that may limit the compatibility level of Google Slides with PowerPoint is the difference in the list of features offered by both the presentation programs.

As compared to Google Slides, PowerPoint is more advanced and is loaded with a wide variety of features and transitions. For example, fancy transitions are not available in Google Slides. Thus, on converting a PowerPoint to Google Slides, the user may have to make certain adjustments.

Furthermore, if some animations that are not available on Google Slides have been used while creating the PowerPoint file, these animations can be lost as they are not available and supported .

Nonetheless, the entire process is not much time-consuming and provides the user with the flexibility to switch between Google Slides and PowerPoint easily.

To add, as per the recent updates, now a user can open, view, and edit PowerPoint in Google Slides without converting it to Google Slides supported formats. Earlier, a PowerPoint presentation opened in Google Slides in preview mode. To edit the files, PowerPoint was either converted to Office edit mode or downloaded.

With the recent advancements, PowerPoint files can open in edit mode by default. Another advantage extended by this update is that through collaboration a team can work on PowerPoint even if all the members do not have MS office installed. The exception to this development is password-protected files.

Which is Easier: Google Slides or PowerPoint?

Google Slides is easier to use than PowerPoint. Google Slides comes with a clean and simple user interface. It takes less time for a user to get conversed with Google Slides. Furthermore, since Google Slides only provides basic features, it is easy to remember and master as compared to PowerPoint!

The majority of us must have learned to make a presentation on PowerPoint in our school and college days. Microsoft Office forms an integral part of our education. As a result, almost everyone well converses with PowerPoint which makes working with PowerPoint familiar.

On the other side, though Google Slides is much younger than PowerPoint, it is relatively simple. The screen view and structure of Google Slides is similar to those of PowerPoint. Thus, a user who has worked with PowerPoint can seamlessly work with Google Slides.

The popular version of PowerPoint is desktop-based whereas Google Slides is web-based. This makes Google Slides easily accessible.

Instant auto-saving makes it easy to work with Google Slides. It eliminates the need to remember and save frequently as is the case with PowerPoint.

A team cannot collaborate as conveniently on PowerPoint as it can on Google Slides. Google Slides provide for real-time collaboration and instantly update all the team members.

To summarize, at the forefront both the presentation programs are easy to use. However, PowerPoint consists of relatively complex interfaces and requires pre-defined software and hardware set up. Compared to this, Google Slides is easy to use and access. 

Which is Better for Teachers and Students – Google Slides or PowerPoint?

PowerPoint is three decades old and is an integral part of the education system worldwide. At the school level, the subject of computer science includes a dedicated chapter on Microsoft Office. Thus, both teachers and students are familiar with PowerPoint.

Google Slides is better suited for teachers and students as a presentation design application. It is free and easy to use. It also allows to include YouTube videos making learning more convenient. Google Slides is also compatible with other e-learning platforms like Schoology, Nearpod, etc.

The advancements in technology have reformed the education sector to a great extent. Classes are equipped with Wi-Fi or projectors and tablets have become an element of school bag. Covid-19 has fuelled the process. This has increased the user base of Google Slides. A user who has worked with PowerPoint can quickly learn to work with Google Slides. 

However, when a presentation is to be shared either by teachers or students, Google Slides is convenient. It makes it easy for students to view a presentation on their Chrome Books and for teachers to grade a presentation.

Who is PowerPoint Most Suited for?

A PowerPoint presentation is a great option for those looking to create simple, visually appealing slides but also understand the nuances of graphic design. If you are an advanced user, then you will really understand and appreciate the advanced features that PowerPoint has to offer.

The power user will enjoy using PowerPoint because it offers more advanced editing tools. It also has a large library of templates and design features which is helpful for those who want to create presentations with complex animations or graphics.

If you are someone who perhaps enjoys creating a lot of presentations, or perhaps you are someone who provides presentation design as a service, then Microsoft PowerPoint is definitely one of the best options for you!

That said, if you have been using PowerPoint and you are well-versed with the interface, there is no need necessary to switch to Google Slides as you will most likely be able to all that Google Slides has to offer.

Moreover, if your team prefers to work on Google Slides and you are more comfortable with PowerPoint, then you can continue creating presentations using PowerPoint. Once you are done with the design, you can simply upload it to Google Slides!

But if you have little expertise in graphic design then PowerPoint may be too much work for you as there is less of a learning curve with Google Slides.

In my opinion, the best choice for beginners is Google Slides as it is completely free to use and learn. Once you’ve picked up the flair for design, you can then switch over to Microsoft PowerPoint!

Which is Better: PowerPoint or Google Slides? [Final Verdict]

If you look at a software from purely the purpose it is used for (in this case designing a presentation), then Microsoft PowerPoint is certainly a better presentation design software than Google Slides . PowerPoint provides loads of small features that provide the flexibility and streamline the process of designing.

That said, if you are low on budget or perhaps are beginning your presentation design journey, then Google Slides is definitely the better option for you.

Each program has its list of advantages and disadvantages. Depending upon the purpose of your presentation and the amount of time and budget you are willing to dedicate, you will be able to decide the presentation software that is most suited for you!

Credit to Wayhomestudio for the featured image of this article

Home Blog Google Slides Tutorials Google Slides vs. PowerPoint: A Detailed Comparison

Google Slides vs. PowerPoint: A Detailed Comparison

There was a time when anyone making a slide deck using presentation software was likely to use PowerPoint, with Apple’s Keynote being a close competitor. As time progressed, presentation platforms became available online and through mobile devices. In the initial years of this transition, PowerPoint lagged behind in the wake of online presentation suites and mobile device presentation apps. One of the most obvious competitors then was Google Slides, leading to the debate about Google Slides vs. PowerPoint.

Table of Contents

Importance of Presentation Tools

Google slides and microsoft powerpoint: historical context, accessibility and device compatibility, price comparison, presentation templates, basic editing features, media embedding capabilities, annotation and presentation options, animations and transitions, file conversion capability, collaboration and teamwork capabilities, pros and cons of powerpoint and google slides, case studies: powerpoint and google slides.

Presentations have become a staple for business professionals, teachers, students, and even people in the military. As using computers and mobile devices became easier with the improvement in easy-to-use graphical interfaces, people quickly switched to slide decks, video presentations, remote meetings, and other presentation delivery methods. People no longer needed whiteboards or oral presentations, as the visual aids offered by presentation software were just too good to let go of. This meant that presentation software was continuously improved and adapted for different devices.

Over the years, different presentation software has been accompanied by several accessories, such as presentation remotes and laser pointers. All of these have been virtually replaced in recent years with virtual apps or integrated features within presentation software that allow easy remote switching of slides through mobile devices and the ability to turn a cursor into a laser pointer. Furthermore, add-ins for different presentation platforms have emerged with innovative and ever-increasing options to enhance presentations. 

The Rise of PowerPoint as a Presentation Software

Developed by Robert Gaskins and Dennis Austin during the 80s, it was a presentation software developed for Mac computers. Along the way, Gaskins and Austin also employed the help of a third developer, Thomas Rudkin. PowerPoint 1.0 for Mac was released in 1987, and 10,000 copies were sold. Shortly afterward, Microsoft acquired Forethought Inc., the company that made PowerPoint. It took some convincing from colleagues, leading Bill Gates to seriously think about PowerPoint being an effective software.

For a long time, PowerPoint remained the major presentation software for desktop computer users, more precisely, Windows and Mac users. 

Emergence of Google Slides as a Viable PowerPoint Competitor

Nearly 20 years after its initial release, things began to change. The Internet had started taking the world by storm, and more people could use desktop computers than ever before. Not to mention, mobile devices started becoming ‘smarter.’ Then, Google launched its Google Docs Suite with an online version of a PowerPoint-like app. This app later became Google Slides. While Google was able to provide free online presentation software that could also enable the opening, editing, and sharing of PowerPoint-compatible files, Microsoft lagged in delivering a similar product. It wasn’t until 2012 that Microsoft PowerPoint came with proper online features. With the introduction of a free version called PowerPoint Online and later integration with Office 365 (now known as Microsoft 365), Microsoft caught up to Google Slides. Furthermore, the two became available for mobile devices, catering to the needs of smartphone users.

Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Feature Comparison

The first thing to consider when it comes to the Google Slides vs. PowerPoint debate is device compatibility. Back in the day, PowerPoint was limited to Windows and Mac computers, whereas Google Slides could mostly be used only through Internet-connected browsers. Much has changed since the launch of the Google Docs Suite, which led to what we now know as Google Slides. This means that both PowerPoint and Google Slides are now more compatible with different devices than ever before.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint has Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS apps. While Windows Phone is no longer produced, Microsoft released a version back then. Other than apps, PowerPoint is accessible through Internet browsers via the free but limited version called PowerPoint Online and the full-featured Microsoft 365 suite.

Google Slides

Google Slides was initially an online presentation app available via Internet-connected browsers. Later, it produced various apps for Android, iOS, Chrome OS, and Wear OS devices. Furthermore, you can also use Google Slides offline on a desktop computer using the Google Docs Offline Chrome extension. This extension also works with other Chromium-based web browsers like Edge.

Before we discuss the features of both presentation platforms, it is worth discussing the pricing mechanism that Google and Microsoft use for their presentation software.

Microsoft provides a free version of PowerPoint via a Microsoft account that you can use to access an online version. Furthermore, it also comes with OneDrive integration and up to 5Gb of free cloud storage. The full-featured version of PowerPoint has different license types, with an annual recurring fee for personal, family, business, and enterprise use. Microsoft also offers free versions for educational institutions, teachers, and students. The classic 2021 version of PowerPoint is also available for one-time purchase and is called Office Home & Student 2021. However, this is for non-commercial use and is more of a version with limited features.

As of 2024, Microsoft 365 starts at $69.99 for a personal package or around $6 per user per month. Depending on your needs, you can opt for family, business, or enterprise packages.

While Google Slides has been free for users of Google accounts for quite some time, it also comes with premium packages. Unlike the Google Drive-integrated version with 15GB of cloud storage, the paid version of Google Slides comes integrated with Google Workspace, which has various versions for business use and an enterprise package. Google Workspace for Education provides free and discounted versions for educational use.

Unlike the free version of Google’s products, Google Workspace offers advanced security, cloud storage, and custom emails with all Google products like Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and others integrated into one suite. Furthermore, it integrates with third-party apps for advanced integration for enterprise use.

Google Workspace can cost $6 per user per month or around $72 annually for a basic package. Other packages for business and enterprise use can cost more depending on the number of users.

Different presentation software has different templates, enabling end users to create customized slide decks to suit their needs. A number of native and third-party templates are available for both platforms. (Also, learn more about Slide Deck vs PowerPoint in our article)

Microsoft PowerPoint provides hundreds of templates that are accessible directly through its apps and online versions. You can also download PowerPoint templates from Office.com. Furthermore, more third-party developers provide customizable PowerPoint templates than Google Slides. SlideModel alone provides over 50,000 PowerPoint templates with various customizable characters, maps, diagrams, backgrounds, and layouts.

One of the things that Google Slides has lagged in is the provision of templates that are as good as PowerPoint. Not only are there fewer developers making templates for Google Slides, but the quality can also be often lacking. Compare that to the PowerPoint templates available via Office.com and third-party developers, and you will find PowerPoint to be a clear winner in this comparison. Suppose you are a Google Slides user searching for templates that can offer something similar to an experience provided by PowerPoint templates. In that case, you can either use PowerPoint templates in Google Slides or explore these Google Slides templates .

The basic editing features of PowerPoint and Google Slides are quite similar, with a few exceptions. If you are new to presentation making, you might want to first see our articles about how to start and end a presentation .

A glance at the Home tab of the Ribbon menu provides basic editing features, including the fonts, text styles, size, and alignment options. Moreover, you can use this menu or the left sidebar to create, duplicate, add, or hide slides.

Besides the left sidebar, Google Slides provides basic editing features via the Format menu. This menu caters to text, alignment, spacing, and other basic features. The Slide menu has many layout selections, slide duplication, and creation features. Many basic formatting options are also visible from the Google Slides toolbar. What sets apart Google Slides formatting options is mainly the availability of different font families, with fewer editing and enhancement features such as text stylizing options in Google Slides.

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides provide various embedding options to embed content within slides.

PowerPoint via the Insert tab offers options to add pictures from your device and online, including via Bing search stock photos provided by Microsoft. You can also insert illustrations, cutout people, stickers, and cartoon characters provided within the app. PowerPoint also comes with stock icons, shapes, 3D models, symbols, charts, and the ability to add videos and audio to slides. The videos include not only ones from within your device but also online videos and stock videos provided by Microsoft. Unlike past versions, Microsoft has come a long way in offering embedding capability for YouTube videos and other platforms such as Vimeo, SlideShare, Stream, and Flip. Additionally, you can instantly record a screencast and insert it into a PowerPoint slide.

PowerPoint supports MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, MPEG, and SWF video formats, as well as audio formats such as MP3, WAV, M4A, and WMA.

Google Slides provides shapes, tables, diagrams, charts, and WordArt that is similar but arguably inferior to PowerPoint. The embedding options offered by Google Slides are a close replica of PowerPoint. Available via the Insert menu, you can add images from your device via URL, Google search, your device camera by taking an instant photo, and Google Drive. Similarly, you can insert Audio and videos from YouTube and Google Drive. 

Google Slides supports videos from  MP4, AVI, MOV, and WMV formats, whereas supported audio file formats include MP3, WAV, and OGG. In terms of embedding capabilities, Google Slides is more geared towards online users, whereas PowerPoint also provides enhanced offline capability to embed videos and reasonable support to embed videos from popular video streaming platforms. Other features, such as making a screencast, require using third-party add-ons for Google Slides.

PowerPoint’s Draw tab and the Pointer options in Slideshow mode (accessible via the right-click menu) can highlight and turn your cursor into an instant laser pointer. You can also move the cursor to the bottom to reveal many of these features in slideshow mode and find options to zoom into text, view slide thumbnails, etc.

Regarding annotation and presentation features, Google Slides lags far behind PowerPoint. The Line and Scribble options are pretty limited, and while you can turn your cursor to a laser pointer or highlight text in Slideshow mode, PowerPoint’s ability to zoom and sort slides and Drawing tools cannot be matched.

When it comes to animations and transitions, PowerPoint’s capability compared to Google Slides has often been overlooked.

The Transitions and Animations tab provides transitions and animations in PowerPoint. Slide switching is a pleasure if you know how to arrange the transitions from the very basic reveal, split, and fade to the advanced Morph transitions. Similarly, PowerPoint animations are divided into four major sections, including animations for Entrance, Emphasis, Exit, and Motion Paths. Motion Paths are the most complex PowerPoint animations, enabling the definition of a path for an animated object.

You can go to Insert -> Animation after selecting an object or Slide -> Transition after selecting a slide to reveal animations and transitions in Google Slides. Unfortunately, both animations and transitions in Google Slides are pretty basic and limited, unlike PowerPoint, which offers basic to advanced transitions and animations. For example, the PowerPoint morph transition can create the illusion of moving objects, and Motion Paths can reveal objects on a set path defined by the user.

Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides support file conversion to different formats. However, some conversion options require third-party apps.

PowerPoint supports converting files to PDF, XPS, MPEG 4, WMV, EMF, RTF, SVG, BMP, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, ODP, and other formats. Many file conversion formats in PowerPoint are also native, such as the legacy PPT, PPA, POT, and PPS formats and the new formats PPTX, POTM, PPTM, PPSX, and POTX.

Google Slides provides native file conversion options to download your file as a PPTX, ODP, PDF, TXT, JPEG, PNG, or SVG file. However, to convert Google Slides to video or other formats, you must use third-party add-ons such as Creator Studio.

In the wake of COVID-19 and remote working, the need for collaboration and teamwork, even for presentations, cannot be underestimated. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace have often tried competing in this niche using various products woven into their presentation software.

The fact that Microsoft doesn’t simply produce a presentation suite but an entire environment, from operating systems to remote meeting apps, gives it quite an advantage. PowerPoint comes integrated with OneDrive, Teams, Loop, Skype, and various other apps you can use to collaborate online. Depending on your Microsoft 365 subscription, some features are limited to enterprise users, particularly for the desktop version of PowerPoint. You can share your files using OneDrive with specific people or by generating a publicly accessible link. Use the online version of PowerPoint to embed a code to share your presentation online.

Collaboration on a Live PowerPoint file can be performed through a browser, the desktop, or the mobile version of PowerPoint. Furthermore, its integration with Microsoft Teams helps integrate PowerPoint natively for remote meetings.

Google Slides initiated online collaboration and sharing long before Microsoft adapted to the concept. The initial version of Google Slides readily provided options such as sharing the file of online cooperation via a direct link that Microsoft later integrated into PowerPoint. Furthermore, you can also use the Publish on the Web option in Google Slides to embed the slides online.

In terms of collaboration, what makes the real difference is the close integration of various Microsoft products with PowerPoint. In contrast, Google Drive and Google Meet have been trying to do the same for Google Slides, with the latter being less popular for remote meetings than Microsoft remote meeting apps such as Teams and Skype. 

Unlike Microsoft, Google has struggled to leverage ChromeOS and Android as a primary choice for enterprise use since both operating systems lack the ability and compatible hardware to run heavy apps. Windows or Mac seems to be an obvious choice for end users when it comes to non-linear editing, research, graphic design, and other fields of work that require using resource-intensive apps. This also impacts the preference for Google Slides compared to Microsoft products such as PowerPoint, which integrates with the Microsoft-provided experience.

While much can be said about PowerPoint and Google Slides’ features, let’s examine some of the pros and cons of using both presentation platforms.

Pros of Using Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint has a number of handy features that make it a worthy presentation software and live up to its reputation as an industry leader.

Feature Rich

PowerPoint is a feature-rich presentation software with many advanced features to help you edit, create, design, and present your slides with many user-friendly options. 

Integration with Microsoft Products

PowerPoint, combined with the overall Microsoft experience, is based on its Windows operating systems, Teams, Skype, OneDrive, and other apps to provide support for PowerPoint.

Offline Access

Unlike Google Slides, which works best online, the offline version of PowerPoint allows users to create and present slides offline without requiring Internet connectivity.

Availability of PowerPoint Templates

You can find PowerPoint templates on any topic imaginable, with countless third-party developers adding free and premium templates daily. This ever-expanding resource is something that presenters can always leverage to make their presentation visually appealing and with easy-to-edit templates.

Advanced Collaboration Features

While PowerPoint was late in providing online collaboration features, the ability to work remotely has been expanding and improving once integrated.

Add-ins and Integration with Third-Party Apps

PowerPoint add-ins and third-party app integration have been seamless and ever-expanding. Not only can you use a wide array of add-ins to further enhance PowerPoint features, but you can also integrate it with various third-party platforms and apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Zapier, Bing Translate, etc.

Integration of AI

In recent years, Microsoft has been quick to integrate AI in PowerPoint. From PowerPoint’s Designer feature and Bing Translation tool to the integration of Copilot, Microsoft has been quickly enabling end users to leverage AI to create and design slides.

Cons of using Microsoft PowerPoint

While PowerPoint has many benefits, end users should also consider a number of cons.

Expensive Cost Structure

PowerPoint can be quite costly, and not everyone will be willing or able to afford a hefty annual recurring fee. The free version and license for noncommercial use have stringent requirements from which few can benefit. The free version of PowerPoint available as PowerPoint online has limited features.

Platform Dependency

While PowerPoint has an online version with ever-increasing features and mobile versions for Android and iOS, it is still more of a desktop app. We can argue that the online version isn’t as smooth as the functionality of the desktop version, and the mobile apps still leave a lot to be desired. Other than the Mac version of PowerPoint, it has been designed to integrate with Microsoft OS and apps, making it somewhat platform-dependent.

Pros of Using Google Slides

Google Slides has various pros as a presentation app for different types of end users.

Cloud-Based and Cross-Platform Accessibility

The promise of Google Slides or Google’s suite was always ease of access through the Internet and cross-platform compatibility. Like other Google products of its kind, Google Slides provides ease of access via the Internet and accessibility regardless of what operating system you are using. Using a modern browser allows you to access and use Google Slides without any platform dependency.

Economical Option for Making Presentations

Using the full-featured PowerPoint can be quite expensive, whereas Google Slides provides all basic features in the free version, with the option to upgrade to Google Workspace for more advanced features. Furthermore, Google Drive comes with 15GB of free cloud storage space compared to the meager 5GB provided by OneDrive. This can be helpful for long-term use for storing presentations online.

Compatibility with PowerPoint Files

If you can’t afford PowerPoint, Google Slides can be the next best thing. It provides compatibility for PowerPoint files, with the option to convert files in various other file formats such as PDF, RTF, ODP, etc. You can even start a presentation using Google Slides and download it as a PowerPoint file for use with PowerPoint. While many other apps also offer such features, the compatibility of Google Slides with PowerPoint files is one of the best you can find.  

Integration of Google-Based Apps

Google Slides is integrated with other Google products, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Meet, Google Forms, and Google Photos. You will find Google Slides quite convenient if you’re used to these products. 

Third-Party App Integration

Google Slides integrates with a number of third-party apps such as Adobe Spark, Canva, Lucidchart, Asana, etc. You can access Google Slides add-ons via the Extensions menu. The add-ons available for Google Slides are mainly for online platforms that integrate with Google Slides.

Cons of Using Google Slides

While Google Slides has been a great free alternative to PowerPoint, it does have various limitations.

Limited Features

When it comes to Google Slides vs. PowerPoint, the latter clearly offers more enhanced features that Google Slides has yet to match. Whether it’s the use of advanced transitions and animations, AI, design features, or basic editing and presentation options, PowerPoint wins by a mile.

Weak Offline Support

Google Slides is primarily an online app with weak offline support. Unlike PowerPoint, it is very hard, if not impossible, to create, edit, and present a presentation entirely offline using Google Slides.

Use by the US Military

There have been many instances where PowerPoint stood out as a presentation software and times when it took flak for the phenomenon called death by PowerPoint. The use of PowerPoint by the American military is well documented. The concept came to light amidst criticism of how bad the presentations were. This led to an article in The New York Times titled, ‘We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is PowerPoint’. Eventually, Microsoft intervened and sent in executive communications manager Dave Karle to rectify the problem. However, the case of death by PowerPoint in the US military is attributed not to the presentation software but to how it is inaccurately used to create presentations. 

Google Slides has many examples of case studies and events where it has been a regular feature. Google’s annual developer conference, called Google I/O, is famous for featuring presentations on Google Slides. In 2018, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and other senior officials used Google Slides during Google I/O as a part of the major event highlights. Google Slides has often been used in Google I/O events as a presentation platform by Google’s top management and remains the central app for keynote presentations.

While the US military might have a lot to learn about using PowerPoint, presenters at TED Talks often use it with quite some dexterity. PowerPoint and Google Slides have been regular features of TED Talks and are used by different types of presenters to express their ideas and explain various concepts.

Google Slides is often better than PowerPoint due to its cost-effectiveness, cloud-based accessibility, and superior real-time collaboration features. It is free with a Google account and offers seamless integration with other Google services like Google Drive and Google Meet. This enables users to work from any device with internet access without the need for software installation. Additionally, Google Slides’ automatic saving feature, cross-platform compatibility, and ease of sharing and publishing presentations make it a highly efficient and user-friendly choice for individuals, educators, and businesses.

Google Slides is a free, cloud-based presentation tool with robust collaboration features and cross-platform compatibility. PowerPoint is feature-rich presentation software available both online and offline. It is integrated deeply with Microsoft Office and offers advanced design, animation, and media embedding capabilities.

Yes, both Google Slides and PowerPoint offer cross-platform compatibility. Google Slides can be accessed via web browsers and has Android, iOS, Chrome OS, and Wear OS apps. PowerPoint has desktop applications for Windows and Mac and mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Google Slides is free for basic use with a Google account and offers 15GB of free cloud storage. Google Workspace, which includes advanced features, starts at $6 per user per month. PowerPoint is available with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, starting at $69.99 annually for personal use or $6 per user per month, with a free but limited online version.

PowerPoint offers many templates through Office.com and third-party developers like SlideModel. Google Slides has fewer templates, but you can find some through Google or use compatible PowerPoint templates in Google Slides.

PowerPoint supports embedding from your device, stock photos, online sources, and even creating screencasts within the app. Google Slides allows embedding images, audio, and videos from your device, Google Drive, and YouTube but relies more on third-party add-ons for advanced media embedding features.

Google Slides excels in online collaboration, allowing real-time editing and sharing through links. PowerPoint also supports online collaboration via OneDrive and Teams, with features integrated into the Microsoft 365 environment for seamless teamwork.

PowerPoint offers advanced animations and transitions, including complex features like Morph transitions and Motion Paths. Google Slides provides basic animations and transitions, which are more limited than PowerPoint’s capabilities.

PowerPoint supports full offline functionality, allowing you to create, edit, and present slides without an internet connection. Google Slides has limited offline support and requires enabling offline access through the Google Docs Offline Chrome extension.

PowerPoint is preferred for feature-rich presentations, complex animations, and integration with other Microsoft products. Google Slides is ideal for collaborative work and easy sharing, especially for those who prefer a cloud-based solution with basic features.

To insert an offline video in PowerPoint, go to the Insert tab, select Media -> Video -> Video on my PC, browse to the location of the video file, select it, and click Insert. The video will be added to your slide; you can resize and position it as needed.

While Google Slide provides an economical and easy-to-access alternative to PowerPoint, the latter remains an industry leader with features that Google Slides has yet to catch up to. While Google Slides had an edge in the past regarding online collaboration and sharing features, once PowerPoint became available online, Google struggled to match the features offered by PowerPoint and lacked the support of operating systems and other apps used by businesses that come integrated with PowerPoint. 

Windows-based operating systems, including client OS and servers, come integrated in an environment where the Office suite provides powerful support to PowerPoint users in an integrated environment. On the contrary, Google has failed to leverage Android or Chrome OS as a powerful operating system that can do the heavy lifting regarding enterprise-level software integration. Microsoft-based products are an obvious choice, even if some of the organization’s base infrastructure uses other operating systems, such as CentOS or Red Hat, to maintain its servers. This is because Windows is still a famous client operating system and Android and Chrome OS cannot match when running heavy applications for design, development, research, etc.

In conclusion, Google Slides serves as an economical alternative to PowerPoint. The latter is still the industry leader in presentation software and has yet to be dethroned.

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Google Slides Vs. PowerPoint: Which One is Better?

In this blog, we will explore Google Slides vs PowerPoint, comparing their key features, advantages, similarities, and drawbacks. We will discuss practical tips for choosing the right presentation software based on specific needs and preferences. We will also offer insights into their respective user interfaces (UIs) and compatibility.

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Effective presentations are pivotal, and choosing between Google Slides and PowerPoint in the "Slides vs PowerPoint" debate can greatly influence your ability to captivate and convey information seamlessly. Both tools offer unique features, but understanding their strengths and drawbacks is key to selecting the one that best fits your needs. 

In this blog, we will uncover a detailed comparison of Google Slides and PowerPoint, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms. This insight will aid you in making an informed decision, ensuring you select the right tool to enhance your presentation experience.

Table of Contents  

1)  What is Google Slides? 

    a)  Key features of Google Slides 

    b)  Advantages of Google Slides 

    c)  Disadvantages of Google Slides 

2)  What is PowerPoint? 

    b)   Advantages of Google Slides 

3)  Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Key differences 

4)  Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Factors to consider 

5)  Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Use cases 

6) Similarities between Google Slides and PowerPoint

7)  Conclusion 

What is Google Slides?  

Google Slides is an online presentation tool included in the Google Workspace suite. It enables users to create, edit, and present slide-based presentations right from their web browser without the need for any specialised software. Google Slides is known for its simplicity and ease of use, offering a variety of pre-designed templates, themes, and animations to help users craft visually appealing presentations.

Key features of Google Slides  

Google Slides comes with a variety of features that help you to improve your presentations. Some of them are mentioned below:

1) Real-time collaboration: Multiple people are able to create a presentation at the same time, and this mode is ideal for teamwork and remote collaboration.

2) Cloud-based storage: Your presentations will be automatically saved to Google Drive, thereby allowing easy access and smooth syncing on all your devices.

3) Template gallery: Slides offers a vast spectrum of ready-to-go templates for your presentation, so you can get going quickly and save some time.

4) Integration with other Google Workspace apps: This is absolutely the best part. You can integrates content from other Google apps like Google sheets, Google docs and Google forms.

5) Easy sharing and publishing options: You have the choice to send your presentations to specific people or they can be made open to everyone. It provides various ways to embed presentations on websites as well.  

Advantages of Google Slides  

Google Slides offers several advantages that make it a compelling choice for many users:  

1) Cost-effective: Google Slides is entirely free, offering a cost-effective solution for both individuals and businesses looking to cut corners without cutting quality.

2) Teamwork simplified: With its real-time collaboration capabilities, multiple users can edit and perfect a presentation together, making it a boon for productivity and teamwork.

3) Access anywhere, anytime: Being web-based, Google Slides can be used on any devices with internet access, making it a versatile tool across various platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

4) Save and sync without a hitch: Presentations are saved automatically to the cloud, minimising the risk of data loss and ensuring that your work is always accessible, no matter the device you switch to.

Disadvantages of Google Slides  

While Google Slides offers numerous advantages, it also has some limitations to consider: 

1)   Limited offline access: Slides requires an internet connection to create and edit presentations. Offline access is available, but it requires additional setup. 

2)   Advanced features: Compared to PowerPoint, Slides may have fewer advanced features and customi s ation options. 

3)  Compatibility issues with PowerPoint: Some formatting and design elements may not translate perfectly when importing or exporting presentations between Slides and PowerPoint.  

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What is Powe rPoint?  

PowerPoint  is a powerful presentation software developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is used widely across various industries for creating slide-based presentations. PowerPoint is known for its extensive range of features, which allow users to produce highly customised and professionally polished presentations. 

The software offers various tools for designing slides, including a broad selection of templates, themes, and layouts. Users can add images, videos, animations, and transitions to improve the visual impact and functionality of their presentations.

Key features of PowerPoint  

PowerPoint boasts a wide array of features to enhance your presentations. Some key features of PowerPoint include:

1) Extensive design options: PowerPoint provides an ample number of templates, themes, animations, and transitions, which can be utilised in order to create aesthetically pleasing slides.

2) Advanced customisation: Users have fine control over design elements, and they thus can make their presentations outstanding and presentable.

3) Integration with Microsoft Office suite: It smoothly works with other Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel, hence, easy exchange of information.

4) Multimedia support: It enables the integration of different media content, such as photographs, audio, and video, to add value to the presentation.

Advantages of PowerPoint  

PowerPoint's strengths make it a popular choice among professionals. Some of the advantages are mentioned below::  

1)  Robust feature set: PowerPoint offers a wide range of advanced features, animations, and transitions, empowering users to create dynamic and interactive presentations.  

2)  O ffline access: Unlike Slides , PowerPoint provides full functionality even without an internet connection. 

3)    Compatibility: PowerPoint presentations can be easily shared and accessed across different devices and platforms.  

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of PowerPoint to create more impactful and engaging presentations. Learn more now!

Disadvantages of PowerPoint  

Despite its strengths, PowerPoint has a few limitations to consider:  

1)  C ost: Unlike Google Slides, PowerPoint is not free. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite and requires a subscription or one-time purchase.  

2)  Steeper learning curve: Its extensive features and customi s ation options can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring time to master. 

3)   Limited collaboration: While PowerPoint offers collaboration features, they are not as seamless and real-time as Slides . 

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Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Key differences  

1) Cost: A significant difference between Google Slides and PowerPoint lies in their pricing models. Google Slides comes bundled with Google Workspace, offering it for free, while PowerPoint requires a subscription to Microsoft Office or a one-time purchase. Opting for Slides could be more budget-friendly if cost is considered.

2) Offline Access: PowerPoint boasts full functionality even when offline. Once installed, users can create, edit, and present without an internet connection. In contrast, Google Slides primarily operates in the cloud, necessitating an internet connection for real-time collaboration. Although Slides does offer limited offline access, it requires additional setup.

3) Advanced features: PowerPoint stands out for its wide array of advanced features and customisation options. It provides intricate animations, transitions, and design tools, enabling users to craft polished and visually appealing presentations. Conversely, while Google Slides offers a comprehensive feature set, it may have fewer advanced options compared to PowerPoint.

4) Integration: Consider your primary work ecosystem. If you heavily utilise Google Workspace apps like Google Drive, Google Sheets, and Google Docs, Google Slides seamlessly integrates with these applications, facilitating easy importing and exporting of content. On the other hand, PowerPoint integrates smoothly with other Microsoft Office suite applications, such as Word and Excel, delivering a cohesive experience for users familiar with the Microsoft ecosystem.

5) Storage and autosave: Google Slides automatically saves all changes to Google Drive, offering seamless backup and synchronisation. On the other hand, PowerPoint saves changes locally or to OneDrive, depending on the user's setup, requiring manual saving unless using the autosave feature in Microsoft 365.

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Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Factors to consider when choosing  

To determine the ultimate presentation tool for your needs, consider the following factors: 

1)  Purpose: Identify the purpose and goals of your presentation to determine which tool aligns better with your objectives. 

2)    Team collaboration: If you work in a team or require real-time collaboration, prioriti s e a tool like Google Slides.  

3)  D esign and customi s ation : Assess the level of design control and customi s ation you require for your presentations. 

4)  B udget: Consider your budget and whether you are willing to invest in a subscription-based tool like PowerPoint.  

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Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Use cases  

Google Slides is particularly useful in the following scenarios:  

1)  Team presentations: Slides' collaboration features make it ideal for team presentations where multiple individuals need to contribute.  

2)  Education: Many educational institutions use Slides for student presentations and assignments due to their accessibility and ease of use. 

3)   Remote work: Slides' cloud-based nature enables seamless collaboration and sharing in remote work environments.  

PowerPoint finds its strength in the following use cases:  

1)  Professional presentations: PowerPoint's extensive design options and advanced features make it a favoured choice for professional presentations. 

2) Offline presentations: If you regularly present in areas with unreliable internet service, the robust offline functionality of this tool can be a significant benefit.

3) Complex animations and multimedia: Its advanced features and multimedia support make it suitable for creating presentations with intricate animations and multimedia elements.

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Similarities between Google Slides and PowerPoint

Google Slides and PowerPoint share several similarities despite their differences. Here are a few: 

1) Presentation creation: Both Google Slides and PowerPoint allow users to create slide-based presentations, offering tools for adding text, images, shapes, charts, and multimedia elements. 

2) Templates and themes: Both platforms provide a variety of pre-designed templates and themes to allow users to create visually appealing presentations quickly. 

3) Slide Transitions and animations: Both Google Slides and PowerPoint offer a range of transition effects and animation options to enhance the flow and engagement of presentations. 

4) Collaboration: While Google Slides is known for its real-time collaboration features, PowerPoint also offers collaboration capabilities, particularly through Microsoft 365, allowing multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously. 

5) Export options: Both platforms support exporting presentations in various formats, such as PDF or PowerPoint format, allowing users to share their presentations with others who may not have access to the original software.

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Both Google Slides and PowerPoint provide potent features for crafting presentations, yet they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. The "Google Slides vs PowerPoint" debate involves considerations such as cost, offline access, advanced capabilities, integration options, and platform compatibility. When selecting between these two, it is crucial to evaluate your specific requirements, budget, and the extent of collaboration necessary. Ultimately, the choice between Google Slides and PowerPoint should be guided by your individual needs and goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Google Slides typically offers better collaboration options, allowing different users to work on a presentation simultaneously with real-time editing and commenting capabilities.

Google Slides is generally free to use with a Google account, providing access to basic features, whereas PowerPoint is part of Microsoft Office Suite, requiring a subscription or one-time purchase for full functionality.

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Google Slides vs PowerPoint: a Battle (Not) Worthy of Fighting

We've compared both presentation software by 13 criteria. Let's see which one wins.

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By Iveta Pavlova

in Insights

7 years ago

Reading time: 5 min

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Updated: April 29, 2022

PowerPoint has been the worldwide leading presentation software for over 30 years now. Compared to PowerPoint, Google Slides was introduced only a few years ago but have been steadily gaining speed until then. Today, both software programs are widely used and almost equally popular among users across the globe (for reference, check out the graph below). However, many people are facing the battle “Google Slides vs PowerPoint” or to put it in other words, which software is better for your personal needs.

At first, it may seem that Google Slides and PowerPoint are complete rivals. Both software programs experience the same annual cyclicality: a lower demand during the summer holidays and even bigger drop-offs during the Christmas-New Years’ breaks.

However, these two famous tools for presentations might be targetting completely different audiences. We’ve picked the 13 most important criteria according to users’ feedbacks, so we can compare the performances of both. Our mission is to find out:

• what the differences between the two software programs are,
• who wins the battle “Google Slides vs PowerPoint”,
• and is there a battle at all or are they targetting different buying personas? Let’s find out!

Affordability

Accessibility, online performance, offline performance, backups and storage, special effects, pre-made templates.

You may also be interested in What Are Stock Photos and Should You Use Them? [Master’s Guide]

Conversion / Export

To conclude,.

Both software programs offer unique advantages over the other. Google Slides is certainly user-friendly, multifunctional, and allows super easy collaboration with your team members. PowerPoint, on the other hand, is an advanced product with many years of development behind its back, and it naturally offers more functions for the end-user but it’s limited when it comes to co-working. At the end of the day, you have to choose your personal winner based on your own priorities and demands for presentation software.

You may also be interested in some of these related articles:

• 39 Free Google Slides Templates For Your Next Presentation
• The Best Free PowerPoint Templates to Download in 2022
• How to Start and End a Presentation: 10 Practical Tips to Grab Attention

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Iveta Pavlova

Iveta is a passionate writer at GraphicMama who has been writing for the brand ever since the blog was launched. She keeps her focus on inspiring people and giving insight on topics like graphic design, illustrations, education, business, marketing, and more.

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