Presenters

Presenters are wireless remote controls for moving through slides from anywhere in a room. They suit teachers, trainers, sales teams and anyone who speaks to a group from a laptop. Typical models have next and previous buttons, a laser pointer and a USB receiver, and some add a timer or air-mouse cursor control.

How to choose a presenter

Connection type. Most presenters use a small 2.4 GHz USB receiver that plugs into the laptop and works at once. Bluetooth models need no receiver, which helps if your laptop has few ports, but pairing takes a little longer and can be fussier in a new room.

Range. Makers quote range in metres, usually measured in open space. About 10 metres is enough for a small meeting room or classroom, while lecture theatres and halls call for a longer-range model.

Pointer type. A red laser is fine in dim rooms. A green laser is generally easier to see on a bright screen or in a well-lit room. If you only need to change slides, a model without a laser is simpler and often smaller.

Extra controls. Basic models handle next and previous slide only. Others add a blank-screen button, volume keys, a vibrating timer that warns you when time is nearly up, or an air-mouse mode that moves the on-screen cursor. Pick the features you will actually use, because more buttons make a remote harder to operate without looking.

Power and compatibility. Some presenters take AAA or coin batteries, while others charge over USB-C and suit people who present often. Check that the model supports your operating system, whether Windows or macOS, and that it works with the software you use, such as PowerPoint, Keynote or Google Slides.

Brands and makers

No individual brands are listed on this page at the moment, so check the manufacturer name on each product listing as models appear. The groups below describe what is generally found in this type of product.

• Mouse and keyboard makers: many peripheral brands also sell presenters, and these often share receiver technology and build quality with their wireless mice.
• Presentation specialists: some manufacturers focus on remotes for meeting rooms and lecture halls, with longer range and timer functions as common features.

This category sits within mice and mousepads, so shoppers who want a full desk setup can also browse the neighbouring mouse categories.

Presenter FAQ

What is a presenter used for?

A presenter is used to control a slideshow from a distance, so you can move forward or back without standing at the computer. Most also include a laser pointer to highlight points on the screen. It frees you to face your audience while you speak.

Do I need software to use a presenter?

In most cases no. Most presenters with a USB receiver work like a keyboard and send page up and page down commands, so they run as soon as they are plugged in. Extra features such as timers or custom buttons may need the maker's app.

Is a USB receiver or Bluetooth better for a presenter?

A USB receiver is usually the more dependable choice for presenting at different venues, because it needs no pairing. Bluetooth is better if your laptop has no free USB port. Check that your computer supports the connection before you buy.

Are laser pointers on presenters safe?

Laser pointers on presenters are normally low-power devices, but they still need care. Never point one at a person's eyes, and avoid shining it on mirrors or glossy surfaces where it could reflect. Keep it away from children unless they are supervised.