At a glanceExpert’s Ranking
Professionals
Included as a part of Workplace subscription
Full of templates
Straightforward to change kinds
Cons
Loads of nice options now
Our Verdict
PowerPoint remains to be a incredible solution to construct a presentation, and whereas there are new rivals to its throne, it stays surprisingly versatile and simple to make use of due to a strong function set. It’ll be fascinating to see if AI results in further options, too.
Worth When Reviewed
This worth will present the geolocated pricing textual content for product undefined
Greatest Pricing At the moment
Worth When Reviewed
Lifetime license, Workplace Residence 2024, one gadget: $149.99; Lifetime license, PowerPoint, one gadget: $179.99; Microsoft 265 Private, one gadget: $99.99 a yr ($9.99 a month)
Greatest Costs At the moment:
Microsoft (one gadget, one yr)
$99.99
Microsoft Workplace Residence 2024
$149.99
Microsoft (lifetime license)
$179.99
From enterprise shows to high-school slideshows, PowerPoint is so well-known it’s virtually a verb in some circles. And, whereas Apple’s Keynote is a incredible various, as with Microsoft Phrase there’s a superb likelihood you’ve labored with Microsoft’s suite for thus lengthy it’d be more durable to alter.
That doesn’t imply there are many areas to make use of PowerPoint by itself benefit although. In actual fact, it’s a incredible presentation builder that’s full of templates for absolutely anything, has deep OneDrive integration and is prone to be supported for many years to return.
Apparently, it doesn’t pack as many AI options as Keynote (a minimum of not but), however with the likes of Canva and Figma on its case, there’s each likelihood that would occur quickly as Microsoft seems to be to maintain competitors at bay.
First Impressions
New from Template: There are many methods to get began
Foundry
Booting up PowerPoint, you’re met with just about the identical display as you’ll get when firing up Phrase or Excel, too.
This allows you to leap proper right into a latest file, take a look at shows which have been shared with you, or open up one you’ve saved in OneDrive.
It’s very nice to have the ability to get began, and there’s an enormous catalog of templates to select from, too, starting from undertaking outlines, to colourful slideshows, to extra enjoyable and eccentric choices. For somebody as creatively challenged as myself, I appreciated discovering a place to begin was a easy course of.
It’s value noting that, whereas it’ll be acquainted to some, there are lots of toolbars and icons for newcomers. I’m not towards that, as a result of shows may be inherently private, however it’s one thing to think about for those who’re introducing somebody that hasn’t used Office365 earlier than.
Talking of Office365, it’s the best way PowerPoint feeds into the vast Microsoft app ecosystem that makes it as compelling because the likes of Google’s apps. As an illustration, you probably didn’t suppose to purchase a presentation app piecemeal, however for those who’ve acquired one included in your subscription then it’s value utilizing.
For $99.99 a yr (or $9.99 per 30 days) you rise up to 6 licenses throughout Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and extra, which is a ton of worth even for those who’re placing a presentation collectively as soon as in a blue moon.
For one person it’s $99.99/£84.99 a yr ($9.99/£8.49 a month) for Microsoft 265 Private, which incorporates as much as six licenses throughout Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and extra, which is a ton of worth even for those who’re placing a presentation collectively as soon as in a blue moon. Or for $129.99/£104.99 a yr (or $12.99/£10.49 per 30 days) you will get the Microsoft 365 Household version with as much as six licenses.
Nonetheless, for those who solely need to purchase PowerPoint you are able to do that too. Microsoft sells a lifetime license of Phrase for $179.99/£159.99 (one gadget). You may also purchase a lifetime license to Workplace Residence 2024 for one gadget, which incorporates Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for simply $149.99/£119.99. Which is a cut price (for those who overlook that Apple provides it’s Workplace apps away without spending a dime).
Microsoft PowerPoint options
Change Kinds: It’s straightforward to combine up kinds in PowerPoint for those who’re trying to freshen issues up.
Foundry
Apart from a complete host of the way to get cracking with a presentation, I respect how easy it’s to revise a presentation’s styling wholesale. When you’ve constructed it, you possibly can change between kinds as if it had been as straightforward as altering a single factor, and that’s very best for anybody trying to produce a number of copies of a report for purchasers and wishes a definite type for every with out altering the content material wholesale.
Keynote is, in my thoughts, nicer to have a look at, however PowerPoint is a lot highly effective and it’s straightforward sufficient so as to add photographs and belongings from nearly anyplace, together with OneDrive (when you’ve got the app put in in your Mac).
Templates: PowerPoint is full of templates so that you can use as a place to begin.
Foundry
Copilot performs a sizeable function within the app lately with options like a speaker coach to observe your presentation, however there’s no generative AI picture drop-in such as you’ll discover in Keynote with Apple Intelligence (a minimum of not on Mac).
There may be help for Apple’s ‘Writing Tools’, and you’ll drop a video recording instantly onto your presentation with a ‘Cameo’ function. It’s neat, letting you add a private contact, however I’d wager you’ll have entry to far more when engaged on a Home windows PC.
You’ll be able to share shows for real-time collaboration through OneDrive, too, letting you’re employed with a staff member.
Microsoft PowerPoint annoyances
Transitions: The transitions you’re keen on are nonetheless right here, you’ll be happy to know
Foundry
My solely grievance is that Microsoft’s toolbar-heavy UI means PowerPoint probably isn’t significantly beginner-friendly, however a minimum of it’s comparatively uniform throughout apps.
It’s additionally value what rivals within the house are doing. Google Sheets, Canva, and Figma all provide spectacular suites of presentation instruments at minimal value to a person, they usually’re beginning to introduce further AI-driven options — however I count on Microsoft is doing its personal work in that space to keep up a bonus.
Must you purchase PowerPoint 2024 for Mac?
PowerPoint is, nicely, a powerhouse. It’s packed to the gills with options, and for those who’re on a Home windows PC that’s solely prone to be much more true. In the event you’re an Office365 person, you’ll discover loads of causes to put money into it in your subsequent presentation, however rivals are coming for the crown.
Additionally learn: Microsoft Excel evaluate: What’s new in Excel 2024? and Microsoft Phrase for Mac evaluate: What’s new?
