The mobile app has become an essential tool for businesses, and the need for a mobile app is driven by delivering great experiences and achieving good results8. When establishing a mobile presence, the main options are developing a progressive web app (PWA) or a native mobile application6. PWAs combine the functions and design of a native app with the accessibility of a website10.
Ultimately, the choice between PWA and native apps depends on the specific requirements of the project, business goals, target audience, and desired features5. PWAs are suitable for businesses that prioritize cost-effectiveness, wider reach, and faster development cycles, while native apps are preferred when a sophisticated user experience and utilization of device-specific features are essential5.
PWAs typically have lower development costs and shorter development times compared to native apps5. PWAs are cheaper and quicker to develop due to their cross-platform compatibility and single codebase6. Native apps require building separate apps for Android and iOS platforms, making them more expensive and time-consuming6. However, frameworks like Flutter, React Native, and Node.js allow crafting native-like applications that work seamlessly across platforms with a single codebase6. Support for PWA requires around 10% of its development cost1.
: Lower development costs due to a single solution for all users and faster time to market because of a single code base1.
: Higher development costs because you need to develop an app for different OSs and various devices, resulting in a slower time to market1.
Native apps are developed separately for iOS and Android devices, ensuring the app is tailor-made for each operating system and can access the full capabilities of the devices7. Native apps can access built-in phone features like GPS, camera, or fingerprint sensors to deliver more advanced capabilities7. PWAs depend on the user’s browser and screen parameters for performance and display, so the experience may vary across devices and browsers7. Native code is faster, and a native app is more powerful8.
: PWAs load faster compared to a responsive or mobile site8. PWAs can be cached on the user’s device, reducing data usage3.
: Native apps deliver smoother and faster performance compared to PWAs7. Native apps can tie into the underlying operating system and access device hardware for better performance8.
Native apps offer more advanced capabilities7. Native apps can collect user data using sensors and other hardware features to personalize the user experience7. PWAs excel in frictionless updates because changes are implemented server-side, ensuring users always access the latest version effortlessly2. Native apps require manual updates through app stores, potentially leading to delayed user adoption of new features and improvements2.
: No-download and no-installation approach for users and doesn’t require user participation for updates1.
: Needs to be downloaded and installed by users and needs to be updated on both the company’s and customer’s sides1.
PWAs are easier to maintain and update, as the updates are made on the server-side, instantly reflecting for all users5. Native apps require more ongoing maintenance to ensure the app is secure, bug-free, and best serving its users, with constantly changing OS updates and evolving user needs10.
: Reduced maintenance cost and easy updates1. PWAs can be updated automatically in the background, without the user having to manually download and install the update3.
: Bigger maintenance costs; updates may be tricky and the native app requires app store optimization due to frequent updates13.
Native apps benefit from efficient visibility through App Store Optimization (ASO), while PWAs gain advanced visibility with SEO1. PWAs are not distributed via application stores, eliminating the need to deal with app store approval processes, which allows for a quicker time to market6. Native apps require going through a cumbersome app store approval process, which can add time and potential for rejection7.
: Advanced visibility with SEO and no need for app store optimization13.
: Efficient visibility with ASO and app store discoverability17.
Starbucks' PWA uses 99.84% less space compared to its iOS app7. X’s (formerly Twitter) PWA is only about 1-3% of the size of its native app7.
Budget cuts and strict deadlines can cause a shift in priorities, but as a business owner, you should read the room and provide your end users with what they are looking for1. PWAs are suitable for businesses that prioritize cost-effectiveness, need a wider reach, and faster development cycles5. Native apps are preferred when a more sophisticated user experience and the utilization of device-specific features are essential5.
Native apps offer premium security due to various in-built security features, while PWAs, not being scrutinized by native app stores, may raise issues about their reliability17. App stores have stringent measures to ensure only the most secure native apps are rolled out
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