#1) SmartSHOW 3D (Recommended)
Best for creating original and exceptionally artistic slideshows.
SmartSHOW 3D is a slideshow software that strives for ease of use, but at the same time boasts an impressive set of features. You can either use its 200+ library of templates for quick video creation or make spectacular videos of your own. For that, you’ll have an extensive effects and transitions collection, as well as an intuitive DIY animation module.
Here, you can let your imagination run wild while creating a one-of-a-kind slideshow with multi-layered slides, 3D camera effects, and animated collages. With SmartSHOW 3D, you’ll also have access to multiple tools for photo and audio editing, and voice comments recording.
Features:
- 200+ professionally designed templates for an array of occasions
- Easy-to-use module for setting up custom animation with keyframes
- Multiple layers animation, 3D camera effects, layer masks
- 400+ transitions, special effects, 3D collages, and nature effects
- Built-in library of over 200 music tracks that are free to use
- Histogram & audio points for precise volume adjustment
- Dozens of output formats for TV, PC, mobile, Web, DVD
Verdict: SmartSHOW 3D is an advanced but still comprehensible tool that allows for both simplistic and truly sophisticated slideshow making. While you can resort to resource-saving templates, more importantly, the software also provides you with enough tools and features for limitless artistic expression.
In terms of technical capabilities, SmartSHOW 3d is a robust, reliable, and undemanding program. Both pros in slideshow making and those new to the field will enjoy it.
Price: SmartSHOW 3D comes with a free 10-day trial. There are two versions of the program available: Standard version ($39.90) and Deluxe version ($59.50)=>> Visit SmartSHOW 3D Website
#2) Magix PhotoStory Deluxe
Best for complex and flamboyant slideshows.
Magix PhotoStory is considered one of the best professional slideshow software and for a good reason. Aimed mostly at experienced users, this software harbors a 300+ library of effects and an astounding collection of music tracks (although these aren’t songs per se, but rather the number of variations of several songs’ tempo and style).
Magix PhotoStory also has a custom animation module and an integrated photo editing tool.
Features:
- Easy video creation with 100+ templates
- 800+ music tracks and sound effects
- Picture-in-picture presets
- Built-in filters for photo enhancement
Verdict: Magix PhotoStory is beloved by many thanks to its drag-and-drop workflow as well as for its vast library of templates and effects. This software will be perfect for creating truly breathtaking slideshows provided you learn how to navigate in its slightly confusing interface.
Price: Magix PhotoStory Deluxe offers a 30-day free trial and costs $49.99.
Website: Magix PhotoStory Deluxe
#3) PTE AV Studio
Best for creating smooth and fluid visual narratives.
PTE AV Studio is a spiritual successor of the award-winning PicturesToExes program. This presentation maker allows users to combine pictures, videos, and audio files into sleek slideshows with an impressive speed thanks to GPU acceleration.
There are 100+ effects and templates, as well as video, photo, and multitrack sound editing tools at users’ disposal. Those who like to come up with their own effects will love the DIY animation module with keyframe-based workflow.
Features:
- Decent library of built-in templates and effects
- Parent-child animation of elements within one slide
- Collection of masks, filters, and text styles
- Preview in full resolution
Verdict: PTE AV Studio is definitely among the best tools for commercial slideshow making. Thanks to its bugless performance and a respectable collection of time-saving effects and templates, users can turn images into engaging videos in a matter of minutes. Still, this functionality means that you’ll need a hi-end computer to use it to the fullest.
Price: PTE AV Studio has a free 30-day trial and comes in two versions: Standard ($69) and Pro ($139).
Website: PTE AV Studio
#4) Adobe Premiere Pro
Best for the creation of sophisticated and dynamic videos.
Adobe Premiere Pro is the staple of video editing software that, however, can be used for slideshow making as well. There are no built-in slideshow templates within the software, but the Internet is full of pre-designed themes, both free and paid.
Without templates, you are still able to create a minimalistic slideshow sprinkled with transitions and text captions. You have the option to save your creation as a video for PC, Mac, or Web.
Features:
- Keyframe-based animation of slides
- Peerless video and audio editing tools
- Advanced photo enhancement and filters
- Convenient organization tools
Verdict: Despite how massive the software is, it is relatively easy to navigate. Sure, Premiere is mostly designed for digital video editing, but you can still use its prowess to create professional slideshows, either clear and simplistic (by just creating sequences of photos) or grand and stunning (with downloadable themes).
However, since this is an Adobe product, Premiere Pro is quite pricey. Besides, it takes a hi-spec computer to make this demanding beast run smoothly.
Price: Adobe Premiere Pro has a seven-day trial period. After that, it costs $239.88 a year.
Website: Adobe Premiere Pro
#5) CyberLink MediaShow
Best for the creation of simple yet elegant slideshows.
CyberLink MediaShow is a true old-timer of the video industry. This is an all-in-one program that you can use to make slideshows, movies, and even screensavers. It only has a bare minimum of effects and transitions but is equipped with nifty organization tools that can sort all your photos for quick and convenient search. Sadly, no multiple layer editing is available.
Features:
- Modest collection of transitions
- Built-in photo editing module
- Integration with Facebook albums
- Face recognition and tagging
- Sleek user-friendly interface
Verdict: If you are not planning on creating visual extravaganzas, CyberLink MediaShow will do. With it, you’ll be able to easily create simplistic videos where nothing would distract from the photos. As for downsides – the program has a slight tendency to crash. But on the plus side, the file organization system within this software is impeccable.
Price: CyberLink MediaShow has a 30-day free trial and costs $49.95.
Website: CyberLink MediaShow
6. PhotoStage Slideshow
PhotoStage Slideshow allows you to make vibrant slideshows from photos on Windows 10 quickly. This software offers roughly 30 transition effects, but there are no backgrounds, filters or themes. This tool not only allows you to crop and rotate your photo but also lets you adjust the contrast, hue and brightness.
Pros
- It’s easy to use.
- It comes with effects and multimedia presentations.
Cons
- The free version is for non-commercial use only.
- You have to buy technical support plans to access email support.
Our verdict
It offers a variety of input and output options as well as editing tools for images and music. 10 Best Free and Cheap Stock Photos Websites [2021]Where to find cheap stock photos? 10 low-cost stock photo websites are listed here. Besides, this post offers you 3 photo editors and a photo slideshow maker.Read More
7. CyberLink MediaShow
CyberLink MediaShow, free slideshow maker, not only can make photo slideshow but also helps you tag and categorize your images and videos. This photo slideshow maker offers 31 transition effects to help you create a cool slideshow. This tool lets you add an audio track to give your presentations an entertaining touch.
Pros
- It is a very versatile and powerful application.
- It gives you quick links, so you can share media with websites, such as YouTube, Facebook, and Flickr.
Cons
- Occasionally crashes while editing.
- CyberLink charges for phone support.
Our verdict
There are many features available in the free version of the video slideshow maker, and it performs all tasks with ease and at fast speed.
8. Photostory Deluxe
Photostory Deluxe helps you easily personalize your photo slideshow because of its extensive editing and creation tools. Photostory Deluxe helps you enhance your photos and videos before you publish them, making it is a perfect choice for serious photographers or GoPro users.
It covers all the basic slideshow features necessary to make beautiful projects. It has an extensive toolset featuring advanced editing tools there are not found in many competing programs.
This photo slideshow maker offers over 300 transition effects, more than 370 backgrounds and filters. Besides, there is an in-store app where you can purchase additional graphics, music and transitions. And, you can use the advanced editing tools to make your photos stand out.
This tool has so many tools, thus beginners might feel a little daunted by all of the options.
Pros
It has hundreds of transition effects and a wide variety of useful tools.
Cons
- You have to pay extra to receive technical support over the telephone.
- It is one of the most expensive slideshow programs.
Our verdict
Photostory Deluxe is one of the top photo slideshow maker. It makes HD-quality slideshows and has one of the most extensive photo and music editing toolsets we saw. But, it might take a while to figure out how to use everything since there are so many tools.
Conclusion
Do you find it tiresome to make slideshows for your company presentations? Are you looking for the most appropriate software for slideshow? How about uploading presentation slides onto Powerpoint? All these are some of the common problems faced by users today. The best software I usually recommend them is ImgBurn Slideshow maker.