Prezi vs PowerPoint: Which One Is Better? (In 2022)
The main difference between Prezi and PowerPoint is that PowerPoint is a tool used offline for creating standard presentations. Prezi on the other hand, is a cloud-based platform traditionally used for creating non-linear presentations.
At Presentation Geeks, we speak to many people who are trying to choose between using PowerPoint or Prezi for their next presentation. Prezi and Powerpoint are both phenomenal presentation visual aides, but they are very different.
It is the goal of this article to share the benefits of each program with you as well as the challenges so that should you choose either Powerpoint or Prezi for your next presentation, you have a great experience working with the program to develop your next presentation. And just maybe, by the end of this article, you will have read enough about PowerPoint vs Prezi to determine which software is better for your next presentation.
Throughout this presentation, we will include links to PowerPoint and Prezi samples that we’ve created. We encourage you to check out these samples so that you can experience the differences between both programs.
If you would just prefer to speak to a geek about the differences between PowerPoint and Prezi call us at 1-888-206-9525 or click here to send us a message
Prezi vs Powerpoint: How They Differ
When it comes to interface, Prezi and PowerPoint each take their own approach. Prezi utilizes a zooming user interface (ZUI) giving users the ability to zoom in and out, PowerPoint doesn’t. Conversely, PowerPoint uses a linear format, where Prezi is non-linear. Interestingly, PowerPoint diehards say that Prezi’s non-linear approach that lets people easily jump to different ideas is distracting their audiences.
While Prezi and PowerPoint have their own benefits, there are pros and cons to each of them. Hence, if you are working on an educational presentation or preparing a business presentation, it is important to understand all the aspects of the Prezi vs PowerPoint discussion.
Let’s dive into the article to find out more…
Microsoft PowerPoint
Before we get started, Check out a modern Powerpoint here…
PowerPoint is the traditional presentation software developed as part of the Microsoft Office suite. It initially launched in 1987, and changed the way the presenter delivered information. Over the years, PowerPoint has become so mainstream that the program is on its 12th version. In part, due to its widespread use as a presentation tool, Powerpoint became a staple at most presentations. Through its widespread use, presenters did what is common of most software programs and only used about 10% of its functionality. The outcome was a presentation of endless text and bullet-point slides. Over time this became known as “Death by PowerPoint.” Speakers reading text off slides, adding the odd confusing graphic and trying to use out of place animations to engage the audience. This opened a large opportunity for the use of a more modern presentation tool … Prezi!
Luckily for people who love the Microsoft Office suite of programs, PowerPoint has undergone some serious upgrades over the past year. This competition between the two platforms has driven some serious innovation. With Prezi quickly gaining a reputation for the more innovative presentation platform, PowerPoint has developed some fantastic upgrades allowing it to better compete as the leading presentation software too. Let’s start here.
For many users, PowerPoint is the go-to application when looking to put together a presentation. It is more user friendly, easier to learn, and useful for most professional presentations that benefit from a linear storyline.
PowerPoint Advantages
User-friendly
PowerPoint is often taught in schools, and chances are you may already know how it works. This is true in business settings as well. Most people with basic computer skills can develop, edit, and present a PowerPoint. If you are developing a slide deck that may be shared with other people for their own use, this may be a key consideration.
Handouts
Handouts are useful when you want everyone in the audience to be able to take notes or use the information later for reference. Click here for a 5 second how-to on PowerPoint Handouts.
Customization
It provides many possibilities for slide design. There are tons of fonts, colors, and backgrounds.
PowerPoint Disadvantages
Clumsy navigation
Due to its linear approach, it is sometimes difficult to locate a specific slide during the presentation. To some members of the audience, you could seem unprepared.
The graphics
Most often, your audience has already seen the premade layouts too many times already. Even if you can tweak them, they will still look a little outdated.
The licensing costs
You have to buy a software license for each computer you are going to install the app. Most likely you own more than one computer, so the costs will add up quickly.
Prezi
Before we get started, Check out a modern Prezi design here…
One of the biggest differences between Prezi and Powerpoint is that Prezi is a web-based application that provides the user a large, blank page to create presentations. The traditional slides are gone. Instead, the unlimited canvas lets you layout your idea in a non-linear fashion, meaning that you can have multiple paths from one point to the other. With Prezi, you can easily zoom in to focus on a single block of content. Then, you can zoom-out to get back to the overview. When considering Prezi vs PowerPoint, many are impressed by Prezi’s dynamic and engaging experience. But let’s see in detail the pros and cons of Prezi.
Prezi Advantages
Zoom function
The zoom function is Prezi’s most important differentiator. It simply allows you to zoom out with a mouse click. When you need to speak about a specific topic, you just have to zoom in on the part of the canvas containing that information. If you need to further emphasize your idea, just zoom in once more to gain more detail.
It is non-linear
Meaning that you have the utmost flexibility when moving from one idea to the other.
It is cloud-based
So you don’t have to carry your computer or an external hard drive in order to deliver your presentation. You just have to log in to your account from a computer connected to the Internet.
Prezi Advantages
Learning curve
If you are a designer, Prezi might be fairly simple to work with. Otherwise, you should spend some time learning to navigate its interface.
No printed slides
Since there are no slides, you won’t be able to hand out your audience a copy of your presentation however, if needed, design teams like Presentation Geeks can create customized hand-outs for your Prezi upon request.
Zoom function
The zoom function is Prezi’s strongest advantage but, when overused, can minimize the importance of the message.
Let’s see now how Prezi and PowerPoint stand against each other for business and education presentations. Business presentations are most likely to deliver a simple idea and a call to action. Thus, the content is all about delivering the core message. Conversely, academic presentations are crafted to deliver extensive information about a certain subject.
Prezi vs PowerPoint for Business
Check out a Great Business presentation here
Usually, PowerPoint’s simple and reliable design makes it the best tool for most business presentations that rely on simple charts, graphs, and text to deliver the message. People attending a business presentation are mostly interested in the content of the presentation. Also, the advantage of being able to give out handouts to your audience for later reference is helpful in business presentations.
Prezi vs PowerPoint for Education
Check out an awesome educational presentation design here.
On the other side, Prezi presentations are best suited when delivering presentations in schools or classrooms full of students. Unlike business people, children are easily distracted, and Prezi’s visuals and unique transitions are more likely to keep them focused on your presentation.
Prezi vs PowerPoint: Conclusion
Even if there are scenarios where each of Prezi vs PowerPoint might seem more effective, you should always keep in mind that, at the end of the day, both are just tools. The success of your presentation is not so much as what program you use, but how you use it. Before thinking about which software is best for your next presentation, you should always invest the right amount of time to organize and clarify your message.
Are you looking to make an informative and engaging presentation? Are you confused by the neverending Prezi vs PowerPoint vs Keynote discussion? We are a team of creative and experienced geeks that understand all the secrets of a successful presentation. You can’t go wrong with our professional team with decades of experience both designing and delivering successful and captivating presentations. Call us at 1-888-206-9525 to talk to a real-life Presentation Geek who will get to know everything we need to design the perfect presentation for you.
