OpenLP vs Google Slides: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between OpenLP and Google Slides comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Google Slides is our overall pick for presentation design workflows. Pick OpenLP if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
OpenLP
Empower your church services with flexible, open-source worship presentation software.
Best for you if:
- • Free, open-source worship presentation software for churches.
- • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD).
Google Slides
Create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online, for free.
Best for you if:
- • Free online presentation software.
- • Real-time collaboration and sharing.
| At a Glance |  OpenLP |  Google Slides |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $7/moBusiness Starter |
Best For | Presentation Design | Presentation Design |
Rating | - | - |
Choose OpenLP or Google Slides?
Choose OpenLP if
Empower your church services with flexible, open-source worship presentation software.
- Completely free and open-source, eliminating subscription costs
- Cross-platform support for major operating systems
- Comprehensive remote control capabilities via web and native mobile apps
Choose Google Slides if
Create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online, for free.
- Free and collaborative
- Easy to use
- Good templates
| Feature | OpenLP | Google Slides |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 75 reviews | ★4.6/5 6,480 reviews |
| Categories | Presentation DesignProductivity | Presentation DesignProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
OpenLP
Empower your church services with flexible, open-source worship presentation software.
Strengths
- +Completely free and open-source, eliminating subscription costs
- +Cross-platform support for major operating systems
- +Comprehensive remote control capabilities via web and native mobile apps
- +Easy to use with quick setup time
- +Flexible media support through VLC integration
Weaknesses
- -Requires manual installation and setup, unlike cloud-based solutions
- -Reliance on community support for troubleshooting and advanced help
- -Features are tailored for church worship, potentially limiting broader presentation use cases
Key features
Google Slides
Create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online, for free.
Strengths
- +Free and collaborative
- +Easy to use
- +Good templates
- +Real-time editing
- +Web-based
Weaknesses
- -Less powerful than PowerPoint
- -Animation limited
- -Export quality varies
- -Design options limited
- -Offline iffy
Key features
Pricing: OpenLP vs Google Slides
| Plan | OpenLP | Google Slides |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $7 Business Starter |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $14 Business Standard |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $22 Business Plus |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on OpenLP pricing and Google Slides pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: OpenLP
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenLP
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Google Slides
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are presentation design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Google Slides
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (6,480 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenLP
- Choose if you want empower your church services with flexible, open-source worship presentation software
The Bottom Line
Google Slides is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenLP or Google Slides better?
Google Slides is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are OpenLP and Google Slides used for?
OpenLP: Empower your church services with flexible, open-source worship presentation software.. Google Slides: Create, edit, and collaborate on presentations online, for free..
What does OpenLP cost vs Google Slides?
OpenLP is completely free. Google Slides is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.