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When you think of a teleprompter, you probably picture the device used by politicians or celebrities to give public speeches at major events. This hardware includes monitors and reflective screens that project large-font words onto a glass, with a human operator controlling the speed of the lines scrolling by.
But in 2024, advances in teleprompter technology make it possible for anyone with a computer or mobile device to get help delivering their speeches professionally.
Teleprompter software displays your lines for you while you’re giving a speech or presentation. Simply insert your chosen script, and the software scrolls your lines on your chosen display or device.
In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to turn your computer or phone into a teleprompter—and we’ll list 9 of our favorite free and affordable teleprompter software solutions in 2024.
Can I use my computer screen as a teleprompter?
If you’re giving a speech or presentation on a remote call, it makes sense to turn your extra monitor into a teleprompter that displays rolling text. This setup makes you appear more natural—it’ll look less like you’re reading from a script.
You don’t necessarily need dedicated software to turn your computer into a teleprompter (though software does make it easier). You can use Microsoft PowerPoint by following these steps:
Step 1: Open a new blank document. Choose a black background and large white text, in an easy-to-read font like Calibri or Cambria.
Step 2: Paste or type your speech into the text field.
Step 3: In the Animations tab, click the “Credits” icon. You can adjust the scrolling speed in the "Animations" panel under "Timing". Enter the total amount of time the presentation should take in seconds in the "Duration" field.
Step 4: Play the slideshow to go through your presentation.
Why should you use a teleprompter?
When giving a speech or presentation, it’s not usually a good idea to “wing it.” You need to prepare a script—but reading it from a piece of paper makes you look robotic and risks your audience losing interest in what you have to say.
A teleprompter is a great solution that prevents you from having to memorize every speech.
Instead of a static script, a teleprompter gives you scrolling text. And when giving a speech on a remote call, using your computer screen as a teleprompter lets you make “eye contact” with your audience while you’re actually reading your speech.
The benefits of teleprompter software include:
- Greater confidence: All you have to do is read; no memorizing is necessary.
- Better audience engagement: Keeping eye contact with your audience helps you appear more dynamic and retain the audience’s interest.
- Better delivery: Reading from a teleprompter keeps your wording more precise than if you were referencing your speech outline on a notecard.
- Affordable solution: Many teleprompter solutions are budget-friendly and easy to use, making them accessible to anyone who needs to deliver a speech or presentation.
Features to consider when choosing teleprompter software
When looking for the right teleprompter tool, you should have a good idea of the features you’re looking for. For example:
- If you’re looking for a tool to help you give a presentation on a remote call, you probably need a browser-based tool that keeps things simple.
- But if you’re planning to buy or rent teleprompter hardware, look for a tool that offers mirroring so that you can project it onto a physical teleprompter.
- And if you want to create videos on the go or for social media, be sure to look for a tool that’s available on Android or iPhone.
Of course, no matter your use case, there’s no need to pay an arm and a leg for a teleprompter tool. There are many quality options that are either free or very affordable—which is why none of the tools included below cost more than $10/month.
9 Best teleprompter software for Windows and Mac PCs in 2024
1. Riverside
Price: $24 / month
Riverside is an all-in-one video creation platform offering studio-quality recording, editing, transcriptions, and more. With it’s built-in teleprompter online you won’t need additional software, you can simply record and read in one platform. All you need to do is copy and paste your script, then you can adjust the font size, formatting, and how fast you’d like your script to scroll. When you’re ready, hit play and record as usual.
Key Features
- All in one platform with recording, editing and teleprompter software
- Adjustable rolling speed to suit your reading pace
- Customizable font and style so your script is easier to read
- Studio-quality recording with up to 4K video and 48kHz audio resolution
- Remote recordings with up to 10 participants, and with separate audio and video tracks for each
- Highly accurate AI transcriptions, available in over 100 languages
- Text-based editor so adjusting your recordings is as easy as deleting text.
- Online screen recorder so you can easily capture your screen and presentations.
Learn more or sign up to start experiencing all these benefits today!
2. Virtual Teleprompter
Price: The free version is limited to 1000 characters. For no limitations, the Pro version comes at a one-time payment of $7.99.
Virtual Teleprompter is a highly-rated teleprompter software for Windows and Mac devices. For speeches under 1000 characters, you can use the free version; otherwise, you’ll need to pay for the Pro version.
After downloading the software to your PC, you can easily adjust the overlay transparency, font size, speed, and colors of the display. Virtual Teleprompter also comes with an integrated timer and word counter to help you prepare your presentations.
Key Features
- Manual scroll or auto-scroll with adjustable speed
- Adjustable fonts, colors, and sizes
- Adjustable transparency
- Adjustable layout and alignment
- Integrated timer and word counter
- Text formatting options (bold, underline, italic, find/replace)
- Ability to mirror text (beam split)
- Compatible with all meeting platforms such as Webex, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, GoTo Meeting, BlueJeans, Webinars, and Live Streaming
- Multilingual & support for RTL languages such as Arabic/Hebrew
- Compatible with all Windows and Mac operating systems
3. Teleprompter Mirror
Price: Free
Teleprompter Mirror is a free, browser-based teleprompter software that lets you quickly paste your script into a browser window and scroll it as you give a speech.
The software is very easy to use; simply navigate to the free site and paste your script into the text window. Adjust the colors, font size, and scroll speed. Or if you prefer to have the text follow you as you speak, you can choose voice-activated scrolling.
When you’re ready to present, press the green play button. Or if you’re using a teleprompter device, you can flip the text to a mirror image so that it displays correctly on the physical teleprompter.
When using Teleprompter Mirror with Riverside, you can easily share your screen with others by clicking “Share screen” on the Riverside studio dashboard. Then select “Free Teleprompter Software” from the “Chrome” tab in the top right. This allows producers to share the teleprompter with others on the call, like the presenter.
Key Features
- Option to use on your browser or on a teleprompter device
- Free and easy to use
- Choose between automated scrolling or voice-activated scrolling
- Multilingual support
- Works on mobile devices
- Option to download the software for offline use
4. EasyPrompter
Price: Free for the basic plan. Paid plans start at $7.92 billed annually for unlimited saved scripts, offline operation, dual screens, keyboard shortcuts, and more.
EasyPrompter is a browser-based teleprompter tool that’s popular with content creators, preachers, teachers, and musicians. The dual-screen option lets users split the screen into an operator display and a talent display—and the talent screen can even be mirrored to accommodate teleprompter hardware.
Unfortunately, most of the useful features are kept behind a paywall. But paid users can appreciate the advanced features like dual screen, offline use, and unlimited saved scripts.
Key features:
- Adjustable speed and font size
- Horizontal or vertical flip
- Automatic sentence breaks
- Rich text editing
- Multiple saved scripts
- Script search and filter
- Offline operation
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Dual screen operation
- Smartphone remote control
- Adjustable line spacing and screen width
5. Speakflow
Price: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $10/month billed annually for unlimited scripts, auto-scrolling, video recording, and more.
Speakflow is a browser-based tool that lets businesses, content creators, and educators record presentations. The software is very team-oriented, with collaborative script management and multiple-screen syncing. However, some users have reported bugs with the “Flow” voice recognition control.
Key features:
- Team invitations with shared scripts and device syncing
- Adjust font size, colors, and text formatting
- Record videos in up to 1080p HD and share with a link
- Works on all devices
- Script editor auto-saves and provides a revision history
6. Teleprompter
Price: $49.99/year after free trial.
Teleprompter is an iPhone and macOS app that lets content creators use their devices as a teleprompter. If you’re recording a TikTok or live video for social media, Teleprompter can help you keep eye contact with the camera while knowing exactly what to say next.
The downside to this software is that it’s not free, and it’s Apple-only. If you’re looking for an affordable tool that you can use on all devices, you should look elsewhere.
Key features:
- Available on Apple devices only
- Customizable scrolling speed
- Script import and editing
- Mirror scripts for use with teleprompter hardware
- Upload and sync scripts with Dropbox, Word, iCloud, or Google Drive
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Works offline
- Adjust full-screen mode and aspect ratios
7. PromptSmart
Price: The Starter Pack is $9.99/month paid annually. The Team plan is $19.99/month paid annually.
PromptSmart is mobile teleprompter software available for download on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. The tool uses its proprietary VoiceTrack speech recognition technology to scroll with natural pacing, whether you’re online or offline. If you improvise or go off-script, the tool will even pause and wait for you to return to the lines before scrolling ahead.
Key features:
- Advanced VoiceTrack speech recognition technology
- Customer portal for managing edits and scripts
- Clone duplicate displays and web-based control room
- End-to-end encryption
- Keyboard shortcuts
8. PromptDog
Price: One-time payment of $69.
PromptDog is teleprompter software available for download on Windows and macOS devices. The tool is aimed at solo presenters, marketing teams, and production houses who need an easy-to-use and flexible tool. Use PromptDog on your screen for remote calls and recordings, or pair it with professional teleprompter hardware.
Key features:
- Mirroring for use with teleprompter hardware
- Separate windows for presenter and operator
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Work offline
9. Teleprompter Pro
Price: $8.99 one-time payment
Teleprompter Pro is a Microsoft solution that produces scrolling text for Windows and Android users. The software lets you record your speech and has voice recognition control for natural scrolling.
Some users have reported difficulty stopping or rewinding the scrolling text if needed, but overall, this is a simple and functional teleprompter app for Windows users.
Key features:
- Presentation recording
- Dual screen
- Voice recognition control
- Configurable scroll speed, text size, and colors
- Load and save scripts from standard text files
- Mirroring option for use with teleprompter devices
- Full webcam support
Which is the best teleprompter software?
The best software for you depends on your needs and preferences. Here are our recommendations based on various use cases:
- Teleprompter Mirror—Best easy-to-use, browser-based tool that integrates with professional recording software
- PromptSmart—Best voice recognition tool for natural scrolling
- Speakflow—Best for teams
- Teleprompter—Best for social media content creators using Apple devices
Want to learn more about what teleprompter software works best in your ideal setup? Watch the video below:
FAQs on teleprompter software
Does Windows have a teleprompter?
There is no pre-installed teleprompter app on Windows. However, just like there are Mac teleprompters, there are plenty of tools that work well with Windows 10—including Teleprompter Pro, Teleprompter Mirror, and Virtual Teleprompter.
How do I turn my computer into a teleprompter?
While it’s possible to use slideshow tools like Microsoft PowerPoint as a teleprompter (see the instructions above), you can use one of many teleprompter software solutions to turn your computer into a teleprompter more easily.
For beginners, easy tools include Teleprompter Mirror and Virtual Teleprompter.
Does Zoom have a teleprompter?
Zoom does not have a native teleprompter feature, but many of the tools on this list work well with Zoom. Simply open the teleprompter app, insert your script, and adjust the settings to your liking. Then join the Zoom meeting in another window.
For best results, position the window containing the teleprompter script as close as possible to your webcam (for example, at the top of your screen) so that it looks like you’re looking into the camera while reading your speech.
Read more: 5 Best Teleprompters for Zoom & How to Use One Easily
Final thoughts
There are many reasons to use a teleprompter when giving a speech or presentation. It can help you give a more polished performance without the need for multiple takes. And a teleprompter lets you appear to keep eye contact with your audience, as opposed to obviously reading off of a piece of paper.
With developments in teleprompter technology, it’s now possible to turn your computer into a teleprompter with the use of Microsoft PowerPoint or dedicated teleprompter apps.
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