PowerPoint vs Prezi, Which is better?

For the last number of years I have used both Both Powerpoint and Prezi for presentations.

After delivering a Prezi presentation I always get the same question, which is better, Powerpoint or Prezi?

My answer is always the same, it depends on the context.

Context

You determine which is better based on your presentation.

Is your Presentation data driven and requires a formal structure?

Typically PowerPoint is the best option for this type of presentation

For example:

• Reports
• Step by step detail
• Processes
• Numbers and data

Is you Presentation idea driven and has the flexibility for a creative structure?

Typically Prezi is the best option for this type of presentation

For example:

• Big picture
• Map like layouts
• Brainstorming
• Timelines
• Content for young audiences

Audience Impact

You should also ask yourself what impact do I want the application to have on my audience?

PowerPoint is seen as professional.

Although there seems there to be a certain degree of audience fatigue around PowerPoint.

Prezi has a wow factor, particularly for audiences who have previously not seen Prezi presentations.

Although the pan, zoom, and rotate functionality needs to be used smoothly to prevent motion-sickness in your audience.

Other Key Differences

There are a number of key differences between the two applications, if you still are undecided whats best for you this table may help.

	PowerPoint	Prezi
Costs	Licence costs	Free(Public content) Monthly cost for Offline & Private Content
Storage	Computer	Web based
Content	Audio narration Music & Images Videos embedded (offline)	Audio narration Music & Images YouTube or uploaded videos (online)
Content Delivery	Linear	Non Linear Zoom functionality
Collaboration	Shared drive to support multiple editors	Multiple online editors
Learning curve	User friendly	Simple in nature(Less Functionality than powerpoint) Takes some time to learn
Other Differences	Multiple printing options Limited Collaboration Limited ability to embed	Limited printing options Online Collaboration Embed in webpages

Summary – Powerpoint vs Prezi

Powerpoint is best suited to data driven presentations, and is viewed as professional.

Prezi is best suited to idea driven presentations, and has a wow factor.

Prezi of this blog

If you want to view a prezi presentaion of this blog content,I created a prezi with embedded powerpoint slides to show the difference in the two applications. Please see Powerpoint-vs-Prezi

 

If you enjoyed this blog, perhaps you would like The Number 1 Mistake to Avoid for Digital Presentations

 

References used

While researching this article I read the following articles.

https://sites.google.com/a/udel.edu/prezi-quick-tips/ppt-vs-prezi

http://www.webcoursesbangkok.com/blog/prezi-vs-power-point-which-is-better-for-wowing-an-audience/

https://blog.udemy.com/prezi-vs-powerpoint/

http://presentationpanda.com/uncategorized/powerpoint-vs-prezi-whats-the-difference/

http://www.slideshare.net/KreativTeaching/prezi-vs-ppt

http://vividmethod.com/prezi-versus-powerpoint-for-presentation-visuals/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoJNShAQAnE

---

This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my current employer.