MS PowerPoint has been facing tough competition from Google Slides, a cloud-based tool that has impressed users with its accessibility and seamlessness.
Both tools are, without a doubt, the most popular tools to make and edit presentations. But which one should you choose, especially while working remotely?
Let’s evaluate both the software feature by feature.
Accessibility:
To use MS PowerPoint, you need to download and install the said software to your device. All your files, as mentioned, would be saved on your device itself. To access your files from any other device, you would require a subscription to OneDrive, the cloud-based storage platform offered by Microsoft. Still, you will only be able to access those files you have shared/uploaded on OneDrive.
On the other hand, Google Slides can be accessed from anywhere, thanks to the cloud-based platform. You just need an internet connection and a Google account.
Affordability:
To gain access to the full version of PowerPoint, you need a subscription to Microsoft 365. The cheapest version will cost you around $60. The online version of PowerPoint can be used free-of-charge, but it doesn’t offer all features. You can also use the basic version of PowerPoint on your PC if you have a Windows OS.
Google Slides is a part of Google Docs and can be used for free. The only prerequisite is a Google account. Hence, Google Slides is cheap and has more features than the free online version of PowerPoint.
Online Performance:
Google Slides works flawlessly on the Chrome browser. The online version of PowerPoint is no different. We didn’t notice any online performance issues.
Offline Performance:
Once the PowerPoint application has been downloaded on your PC successfully, it doesn’t need a stable internet connection to function properly unless you have switched on the auto-save feature or are searching for resources like templates on the application.
The full version of PowerPoint is filled to the brim with features and functionalities that you wouldn’t find on Google Slides.
The offline mode of Google Slides is more than sufficient to execute regular presentation-making tasks. You can easily turn on the offline mode by downloading the Google Docs Offline Chrome Extension.
Teamwork | Coordination:
Sharing files and documents on PowerPoint isn’t as seamless as on Google Slides. You need to upload your files on OneDrive and then share them with your teammates or share your documents by sending them over email.
As mentioned, collaboration on Google Slides is seamless and happens in real time. You and your team can edit documents, add suggestions and give comments.
Availability of Templates, Icons, and Other Resources:
Google Slide templates and other ready-made PowerPoint resources are great time-saving tools. PowerPoint offers a vast collection of templates, icons, animations, and graphics that you can use if you have the full version. Google Slides also has a basic collection of Slide templates and resources but PowerPoint stands out to be the clear winner in this regard.
Conclusion:
Google Slides, although a late entrant, is emerging to be the go-to choice of business professionals. Mainly because it lets you share and collaborate quickly and effectively. Multiple users can edit and share presentations, making it easy for teams and groups to work remotely.
In case you are looking for useful presentation templates, SlideUpLift offers a variety of free Google Slides and PowerPoint Templates to build effective presentations.
