Let’s start with a table showing the key differences between these 20 slideshow programs:
20 Best Photo Slideshow Makers 2023 for Desktop and Online Users
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Last updated: 30.03.2023
Want to make a cool-looking video from your photos? Then, the first thing you’ll need to do after culling your images is to pick the best software for slideshows: fast, easy to master, jam-packed with features & tools and, at the same time, with affordable price. However, once you open Google and start searching, you get buried by different alternatives: websites, apps, desktop programs, services…
Which one to pick? How to avoid getting a pig in a poke? Well, you can stop searching now - we have made all the hard work for you. Here is a full list of 20 best slideshow software for both experienced and not very experienced users.
Best Slideshow Creators - Top 3 Programs
SmartSHOW 3D - Best All-in-One Slideshow Maker
The best slideshow movie maker in our ranking for those who don’t want to spend hours watching tutorials. It’s packed with 700+ design templates & effects and hundreds of user-friendly tools & features. Built-in soundtracks and stylish transitions help you mix your photos into a stunning movie. A smart wizard for newbies lets you nail the task in under 5 minutes. Read on or click the button below to download it for free!
Download
Fully compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7
Magix Photostory - Best for Experienced Users
This software was primarily designed for people skilled in video editing. It boasts an extensive library of templates and effects, as well as lots of image enhancement options. Novices, though, can also handle presentation making thanks to the built-in wizard. Magix Photostory is another best program for a picture slideshow, as it lets you export your awesome creations in 4K resolution. Check out the full review below!
Proshow Producer - Best for Custom Animation
It might not be the easiest software to use on the market, but it’s the best program for creating professional slideshows full of multimedia content. This feature-rich application includes hundreds of transitions and effects, allowing you to build creative slideshows. You can work with layers and customize almost everything to your liking to design unique animations. Find out more about this program below!
Best Slideshow Makers - Comparison Matrix
| Features |
SmartSHOW 3D
Download |
MagixPhotostory Download |
ProshowProducer Download |
Movavi Slideshow Maker Read More |
CyberLink MediaShow Read More |
NCH PhotoStage Read More |
Wondershare DVD Slideshow Read More |
Icecream Slideshow Maker Read More |
Windows Movie Maker Read More |
MiniTool MovieMaker Read More |
Kizoa
Read More |
Animoto
Read More |
Smilebox
Read More |
PowerPoint
Read More |
Adobe Spark Read More |
Google Slides Read More |
Slidely Show Read More |
Kapwing
Read More |
123 slideshow Read More |
PixTeller
Read More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| License | Free trial | Free trial | Free trial | Free trial | Free trial | Free trial | Free trial | Free trial | Free to use | Free to an extent | Free to an extent | Free to an extent | Free to an extent | Free to use | Free to an extent | Free to use | Free trial | Free to an extent | Free to use | Free trial |
| Price | $49.95 | $49.99 | $250.00 | $44.95 | $49.95 | $29.99 | $69.95 | $19.95 | Free | $12.99 | $99.99 | $15.00 | $11.00 | Free | $9.99 | Free | $119.00 | $20.00 | Free | $9.00 |
| Ease of use | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of effects | 350+ | 1500+ | 700+ | 150+ | 50+ | 30+ | 30+ | 20+ | 60+ | 50+ | 150+ | 20+ | 30+ | 15+ | 0 | 10+ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Number of templates | 200+ | 500+ | 30+ | 100+ | 10+ | 10+ | 5 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 120+ | 120+ | 150+ | 10+ | 120 | 10+ | 1000+ | 20+ | 0 | 650+ |
| Number of transitions | 160+ | 150+ | 200+ | 140+ | 20+ | 15+ | 15+ | 10+ | 10+ | 90+ | 150+ | 120+ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Number of music tracks | 200+ | 50+ | 120+ | 30+ | 20+ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50+ | 50+ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 150+ | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Audio waveform | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Add video | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Add animations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Final verdict | 10 | 9.5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Top 20 Slideshow Software
Now, let’s take a closer look at each program from our list and dwell on the key features. Some programs are suitable for professional video creators, others have a very simple interface and can be used even by beginners. So, what slideshow software should you pick?
Let’s find out in the concise slideshow creator reviews below!
1
SmartSHOW 3D - best all-in-one slideshow maker
SmartSHOW 3D is an easy-to-use slideshow video software loaded with pro-level tools. There are 700 templates and effects made by professional designers that you can use to build your project. Juice it up with 3D animations, realistic nature effects, cool-looking transitions and creative collages. Professional users will take advantage of working with layers and 3D camera, while new users will enjoy the simple drag & drop workflow.
Pros:
- Free trial version
- 600 templates & effects
- 200+ royalty free songs
- Record voice comments
- Add video backgrounds
- Collages from pictures & videos
- Realistic nature effects: rain, snow, fire
Cons:
- No 4K output in current version
2
Magix Photostory - best for experienced users
Photostory is powerful slideshow maker software that lets you create videos from pictures and clips. There is a large collection of transitions and effects: around 1500+ pieces to pick from. You can apply photolooks to quickly correct the pics colors, brightness and contrast. Export the videos to your computer, burn it to DVD or save it as a photobook. However, the software has a dark interface with lots of small buttons and options, so it’s very hard to navigate around.
Pros:
- Easy video creation with Slideshow Wizard
- Setting up animation with drag & drop
- Record voice comments in CD quality
- Up to 16 tracks on the Timeline
- Movie-styled animations for images
Cons:
- The interface is hard to navigate
3
Proshow Producer - best for custom animation
For a long time, Proshow Producer has been considered to be one of the best professional slideshow software. There are lots of manual settings to experiment with. You can adjust almost anything to your taste and create animations with multiple layers. However, it’ll be hard for beginners to figure everything out - they’ll have to start with reading manuals. What’s more, Proshow is discontinued now, and you won’t be able to purchase it from the official website.
Pros:
- Gives you total control
- Hundreds of templates to use
- Unlimited number of tracks
- Ability to create 4K video
- Burn slideshows to DVDs
- Create custom animations
Cons:
- Extremely steep learning curve
- This product is discontinued
4
Movavi Slideshow Maker - best for newcomers
This easy-to-use picture slideshow program will be a good choice for those who just started learning video creation. You can use Slideshow Wizard and let the program do all the work for you or create a custom project. Then apply various filters, effects and transitions to throw in some magic. However, it’s hard to figure out how to adjust animations - not a plus for newbies. In the end, you can export the video, burn it to DVD or upload it to social media.
Pros:
- Convenient Timeline
- Fine-tune audio tracks
- Add voice comments
- Record videos and screencasts
- Add cool-looking stickers
- Use built-in collections
Cons:
- Watermark in the trial version
- The trial version toolkit is limited
- Trial version exports only half of your video
5
CyberLink MediaShow - best for sorting footage
If you have lots and lots of photos from various events, then take a look at this program. With MediaShow, you can not only make a photo slideshow with music, but also organize all the photos and videos to your taste. Pick a tag or a person’s name, and the software will sort all the photos. You can add 3D videos and work with them, however, the software toolkit is rather limited: you can’t fine-tune animations, effects and apply layer masks.
Pros:
- Different output options
- Convenient folder browsing
- Built-in face recognition
- Integration with Facebook albums
- Auto-update photos from Dropbox
- Pre-made styles for faster video creation
Cons:
- Few presets and styles
6
NCH PhotoStage - best for home use
PhotoStage is free slideshow software for non-commercial use. If you plan to make slideshows for watching them with your family at home - it's worth taking a look. You can use the automatic Quick Create option to let the program build slideshows for you. Alternatively, you can make your own project with clips, special effects and animations. However, PhotoStage doesn’t have a lot of advanced tools: you can’t fine-tune animations, work with layers or use a 3D camera.
Pros:
- Free for personal use
- Ability to burn DVD
- Record voice comments
- Get your pics from Dropbox
- Make portable .exe videos
- Direct output to social media
Cons:
- Few presets for Quick Create
7
Wondershare DVD Slideshow Builder - best for DVD burning
If you need the easiest way to create lots of slideshows and burn them to DVD, then check out this program. You can use dozens of templates for DVD menus and fully customize them: tweak buttons, pick background music, add captions, pictures and other elements. You can use 480+ effects and templates to spice up your video. For an animated slideshow, the toolkit is rather limited: you can’t adjust keyframes, customize effects or apply masks.
Pros:
- 480+ templates and effects
- Vast toolkit for making DVDs
- Advanced Mode for experienced users
Cons:
- Some effects and designs are outdated
8
Icecream Slideshow Maker - best for uncomplicated videos
If you want to create a simple presentation without diving into complex editing, then this is best photo slideshow software for you. All the necessary tools can be found in the main window, so you don’t need to look for them. Just drop in your pictures, apply effects, add music and you’re all set. The software can’t offer pro-level features like 3D camera, custom animations or fine-tuning audio, but it’s definitely a good choice for newbies.
Pros:
- Extremely user-friendly
- Create 4K video and burn DVD
- Use cloud storage (Drive & Dropbox)
Cons:
- Limited toolkit
- Few transitions
9
Windows Movie Maker - best for fast & free slideshows
This photo slideshow software comes with old Windows systems. For Windows 10 and higher, it was replaced by Video Editor. With this free Proshow Producer alternative, you can combine images, clips and voice comments to create your own unique video. There are a few ready-made presets for animations and effects you can apply with a simple drag & drop. If you want to make a slideshow from your photos and don’t want to download any additional software, then just run Windows Movie Maker.
Pros:
- Add voice comments
- Burn videos to DVD
- Free app if you use Windows 7, Vista, XP
Cons:
- Limited toolkit
- Few output options
- The product is discontinued
10
MiniTool MovieMaker - best for beginners
MiniTool MovieMaker is an easy freeware program for Windows PCs that provides you with all the features and tools you need to make a stunning slideshow. With this best program for photo slideshows, you can add transitions, effects, animation, text, and all kinds of media. If you lack ideas or time, you can use its ready-made slideshow templates. As for the export options, you can download your creation in 21 formats, including MP4, AVI, GIF, or iPhone.
Pros:
- 150+ effects and transitions
- In-program collection of music
- No watermark
Cons:
- Export limited duration videos in the free edition
- No version for Mac
11
Kizoa - best for short videos
Kizoa is an online video editor and it doesn’t require registration. This service offers lots of themed templates both for common users and business owners: retail, school, clubs, real estate, cafes and others. You can replace animations, pick different effects, apply transitions and replace photos. However, these elements can’t be fully customized and, what's more, you can’t create videos longer than 1 minute unless you purchase a subscription ($99.99).
Pros:
- Enjoy pre-made themes
- Completely free to use
- Videos are stored online
- Explore photos & videos collection
Cons:
- Requires subscription
- Needs stable Internet connection
12
Animoto - best for quick promotional videos
Animoto is a web-based software to make a slideshow. All projects can be managed from a personal account. Just pick a template, add your photos, music and the video is ready. Animoto has a convenient timeline with large previews, so you can easily manage the slides. A pinch of salt: to use all features and create dynamic slideshows in HD 1080p with no watermark, you need to get a monthly subscription ($33).
Pros:
- Extremely user-friendly
- Great sharing capabilities
- Takes no space on your HDD
Cons:
- Requires monthly subscription
- Have to upload private pics to Internet
13
Smilebox - best for templates
Smilebox is another web-based service for making slideshows, collages, animated flyers and presentations. Just like in Kizoa, you will find themed templates you can use for creating your project. You can add photos, captions and music. The interface is pretty neat, so most users will feel themselves at home. The editing possibilities are a bit limited, though, since you can’t add videos, voice comments, GIFs or fine-tune the applied animations.
Pros:
- Pretty easy to use
- Built-in collection of music
- Lots of pre-made templates
Cons:
- Requires monthly subscription
- Have to upload private pics to internet
14
PowerPoint - best for professional environment
PowerPoint is a part of Microsoft Office Suite. It’s rather basic, but many people consider this program the best Windows slideshow maker. All you need to do is pick a theme, add your photos, record voice comments, drop in some transitions - and here you go. You can perform edits on the photos you add, including background removal. As for the output options, you can save your creation in the PowerPoint format, as well as burn it to DVD.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Suitable for business purposes
- Suitable for educational purposes
Cons:
- Limited toolkit
- Few pre-made designs
15
Adobe Spark - best for creating online
It is a web-based package provided by Adobe, aimed at making videos and website content. You can use it for free, but with watermarks on your final creations. Spark has a built-in collection of pictures and a few pre-made templates to speed up the video making process. Once you modify a slide, it gives you an instant preview, which is very convenient. Although it’s an Adobe product, Spark is very easy to use - you’ll figure everything out in under a minute.
Pros:
- Simple workflow
- Free image stocks
- Convenient Timeline view
Cons:
- Limited toolkit
- Requires subscription
16
Google Slides - best for sharing
Looking for something affordable to pull off a presentation for your studies or business? Then enter your Google account and open Google Slides. It’s an extremely simple yet well-designed program that allows you to create slideshows from your photos. You can’t add videos, music, voice comments or animations, however, you can quickly create a simple presentation and share it with your friends and colleagues for no fee.
Pros:
- Affordable for anyone
- Web-based back up
- Your privacy is protected
- Share your creations with others
Cons:
- Lack of features
17
Slidely Show - best for business purposes
For a long time, Slidely was considered one of the best picture presentation makers and was used by millions of people to create slideshows, collages, and videos. In 2021, it was replaced by Promo, an online platform for making high-quality clips. Now this photo movie maker has access to iStock and Getty Images content and royalty-free music tracks, allowing you to build compelling videos for your business promotion straight from any web browser.
Pros:
- Suitable for business purposes
- Includes unlimited stock media
Cons:
- High-cost subscription
- Limited toolkit
18
Kapwing - best for on-the-go slideshows
Kapwing is a collaborative platform for creating videos, images and GIFs. It doesn’t require installation, and you can work directly on the website. If you have several devices, it provides single workspace for all of them. Each workspace can be shared and your friends can help you create the video. You can add subtitles to your videos, captions, shapes and import content directly from the internet. You can’t add transitions between the slides, though.
Pros:
- Great sharing tools
- Direct import from websites
Cons:
- No transitions
- Limited toolkit
19
123-slideshow - best for simple presentations
It’s an open source online slideshow maker. Its primary goal is to help you create a slideshow for your website. The toolkit is rather limited though: you can add pictures only, with no music, animations or effects. However, 123-slideshow is completely free, web-based and doesn’t require installation. That’s why it’s still a decent option if you want to create a simple slideshow but have no desire to mess with PowerPoint or register at online services.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- Free for personal use
Cons:
- Extremely limited toolkit
- Can’t provide privacy protection
20
PixTeller - best for marketing
It’s a handy marketing tool and the final best picture slideshow maker on our list. Explore the huge collection of customizable templates to speed up your presentation creation. Besides slideshows, you may also make posters, banners, collages, and social media ads to promote your business. Plus, edit all your images before or during slideshow creation. As for the downsides, there are no transitions or special effects, and you can’t add videos or music to your presentation.
Pros:
- Vast collection of templates
- Built-in picture stock
Cons:
- No effects and transitions
- Limited toolkit
How to Make a Slideshow of Pictures with Music
Now, let’s see how to create a slideshow with music in SmartSHOW 3D, the best video slideshow maker for PCs. You don’t need any prior experience to master this software. Just click the button below for a free download and follow the steps to start making your slideshow without much effort.
Download
Fully compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7
Step 1. Get Started Creating Your Slideshow
First, install SmartSHOW 3D, the best slideshow maker available for free, and run it on your PC. Now you have two available options. If you’re not pressed for time, you can make a slideshow from scratch. Alternatively, use one of the pre-made templates from the Slideshow in 5 Minutes section.
We selected the New Project option to demo you more SmartSHOW 3D features
Step 2. Upload Photos and Videos
Drag and drop your pics and clips to the timeline one at a time, or add the entire folder with a single click. If needed, change the order of the slides manually or let the program rearrange them randomly. Just right-click on the timeline and select Shuffle Slides.
Add your best photographs to the timeline
Step 3. Enhance Your Slideshow with Effects
Once you’ve created the foundation, it’s time to add special effects and 3D animations. Go to the Effects tab to explore all kinds of dynamic effects, from simple rotation and pan & zoom to snowflakes and bubbles. If you’d picked the Slideshow in 5 Minutes option earlier, then all animation is already built into the chosen template.
Highlight the autumn vibe video with the falling leaves effect
Step 4. Spice Up Your Picture Slideshow with Music
Switch to the Music tab and pick a cool song from the built-in library of 200+ royalty-free soundtracks, or upload the one you want. You can also add some storytelling to your slideshow by recording a voiceover.
Jazz up your slideshow with the right sound
Step 5. Choose the Export Format
Once you’ve finished, click the Create Video button to download your slideshow. Choose the format depending on your needs. Pick YouTube or Facebook formats for sharing your video via social media. Prefer watching it on your TV or a smartphone? Then, select same-name formats.
Choose from 30+ output formats
How to Choose the Best Slideshow Creator
We’ve covered 20 best slideshow maker software for PC you can use to create your own project. Consider your needs and pick the program that suits them the most. For example, do you want to make a pro-level slideshow with 3D effects and custom animations? Take a closer look at SmartSHOW 3D or ProShow.
Need a quick presentation for your colleagues? Go with Google Slides or Kapwing. Don’t want to pile up your HDD with software? Have a rather stable Internet connection? Try an online service - Kizoa or Smilebox.
Still not sure what to pick? Here's what to look for when choosing a slideshow maker:
- Supported OS. Always check the compatibility of the software you choose with your device. There are some programs suitable for several operating systems, but usually they are only compatible with one of the following: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. It is also worth thinking which device you’ll be using to build presentations - a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Ease of use. Some programs can be far too cumbersome and require in-depth mastering. If you're a newbie or don't want to spend time learning the workflow, look for software that has an intuitive interface and automatic features.
- Price. If you’re on a small budget and don’t intend to create slideshows often, consider choosing a free slideshow app. Can’t seem to find the right one among them due to the limited toolset? Then take a look at some paid software with a free trial period. It allows you to invest your money wisely because you can test out the program before purchasing.
- Available features. If you need software to make professional-looking presentations quickly and easily, choose the option with an integrated template collection. Want to build more creative and eye-catching presentations? Then opt for a program with lots of effects, transitions, and animations so nothing gets in the way of your creativity.
And in case you are looking for software for a certain occasion, follow the links to check out more specialized articles, for instance, how to create wedding, funeral, and animated slideshows.
We hope this tier list will help you make your choice and pick the best slideshow software for your project. Now prepare your photos and go create a stunning video!
Slideshow Making Software: FAQ
What is a Slideshow?
A slideshow is a presentation of a sequence of slides created with special software. Slides can include various visual elements such as images, text, charts, videos, and animation. They can also contain music and voiceovers. Slideshows can be created for different reasons, including business and educational purposes, or simply to show off a collection of digital photos.
What is the Best Free Slideshow Maker?
- 1. SmartSHOW 3D
- 2. Magix Photostory
- 3. Proshow Producer
- 4. Movavi Slideshow Maker
- 5. CyberLink MediaShow
What is the Best Slideshow App?
- 1. MoShow Slideshow Photo & Video
- 2. PickPlayPost
- 3. Movavi Clips
- 4. VideoShop
- 5. Viva Video
What is the Best Slideshow Maker with Music?
If you intend to create slideshows occasionally or you’re a complete novice in this field, then
opt for SmartSHOW 3D. It contains everything you need to make pro-level presentations
without any hassle.
What is the Easiest Slideshow Maker?
Easy-to-use slideshow software you need to purchase yet has a free trial period:
- 1. SmartSHOW 3D
- 2. Movavi Slideshow Maker
- 3. CyberLink MediaShow
- 4. Wondershare DVD Slideshow
- 5. Icecream Slideshow Maker
Completely free slideshow-creating programs even newbies can handle are:
- 1. Windows Movie Maker
- 2. Google Slides
- 3. MiniTool MovieMaker
- 4. Kapwing
- 5. 123 slideshow
Where Do You Get Royalty-Free Music for a Slideshow?
SmartSHOW 3D comes with the largest built-in music library. More than 200 soundtracks are available for you to choose from. If you don’t find the right one, explore royalty-free music stock websites like Bensound, Pixabay, FMA, and TakeTones.
Need the best software for creating slideshows?
Click the button below to get started with SmartSHOW 3D!
Click the button below to get started with SmartSHOW 3D!