Google Slides vs Microsoft PowerPoint
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
AI tool · Freemium
Google's collaborative slide editor with Gemini features for generating images and slides on Workspace plans.
AI tool · Paid
Microsoft's presentation software with Designer layout suggestions and Copilot deck drafting on eligible plans.
The short answer
Choose Google Slides if you need…
- Real-time collaboration
- Google Workspace teams
Choose Microsoft PowerPoint if you need…
- Corporate decks
- Teams on Microsoft 365
Side-by-side
| Google Slides | Microsoft PowerPoint | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Presentations · Slide software | Presentations · Slide software |
| Price | Freemium | Paid |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android |
| Works with | Google Workspace | Microsoft 365 |
| Hands-on tested by us | Not yet | Not yet |
| Last checked | 2026-10-29 | 2026-10-29 |
What each one is
Google Slides
Google's collaborative slide editor with Gemini features for generating images and slides on Workspace plans. Effortless sharing. Design options are basic compared with dedicated tools.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft's presentation software with Designer layout suggestions and Copilot deck drafting on eligible plans. The universal format. Copilot features depend on licence and are uneven in quality.
Best for
Google Slides
- Real-time collaboration
- Google Workspace teams
Microsoft PowerPoint
- Corporate decks
- Teams on Microsoft 365
Strengths
Google Slides
- Browser-based collaboration
- Gemini slide and image help
- Comments and version history
Microsoft PowerPoint
- Designer layout ideas
- Copilot drafting on eligible plans
- Presenter coach
- Co-authoring
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint?
Google Slides: Google's collaborative slide editor with Gemini features for generating images and slides on Workspace plans. Microsoft PowerPoint: Microsoft's presentation software with Designer layout suggestions and Copilot deck drafting on eligible plans. Google Slides suits real-time collaboration, while Microsoft PowerPoint suits corporate decks.
Are Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint free?
Google Slides: Freemium. Microsoft PowerPoint: Paid.
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.