Did you know that 70% of mobile apps lose their users within a month? Yes, that’s true! Many apps fail—not because they lack features but because they were built on the wrong platform. The debate between PWA vs native apps can decide whether your app succeeds or struggles.
Many businesses choose native apps, thinking they are the best. However, they don’t always consider the many benefits of PWAs. PWAs are cheaper and easier to use, making them a strong option.
This choice can be tricky.
It’s not technology, though—that’s about your app’s usability for your users. Do you go for quick, multi-device PWAs? Do you need a feature-rich, native app for a single platform? That’s your call. Don’t worry, though—we can help with that.
In this article, we will cover why this choice is important. We will go through both options and present both sets of pros and cons. By reading through, you will understand which one best suits your business, and save yourself both time, money, and headaches.
PWA vs. Native App: What’s in between?
The world of mobile app development is a high-speed one and companies have a choice: develop a Progressive Web App (PWA) or a native app. There are both pros and cons in both of them. To make an educated decision, first, one must know about PWA and native.
Let’s break it down:
Native Apps
Native apps use a single platform for a single OS, for example, for iOS, Swift and Objective-C, and for Android, Java and Kotlin can be used.
Since they’re native for one platform, they run perfectly well. They can make use of device capabilities including camera, GPS, and alerts. Users download them via app stores including Google Play and App Store for Apple.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
PWAs work in a contrasting manner. They merge the app and website bests together. They’re coded with web technology, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. PWAs have an app and website with a similar feel, with capabilities including push messages, offline use, and installation onto a home screen.
Unlike native apps, PWAs don’t download through app stores.
Instead, you can access them directly from a web browser. Any device with a current web browser can use them, and that’s a big part of why they’re convenient and accessible to everyone. That cross-browser compatibility is one reason why PWAs make an ideal app option for companies in search of a powerful yet simple app solution.
In short, PWAs combine web and mobile app experiences into one smart bundle.
What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of PWAs?
Let’s dive in and have a look at both the pros and cons of PWAs, and then I’ll break them down for you in detail afterward.
Advantages of PWAs
Cost-Effective Development
PWAs are cheaper to make than regular apps. Why? Because they use one code for all platforms. This means you don’t need separate apps for iOS and Android. It saves both time and money.
Faster Time to Market
Since PWAs have one codebase and a simple process, they’re quick to launch. Businesses can release them fast, test them, and improve them based on feedback.
Improved Discoverability
PWAs are easy to find via search engines as they’re web-based. In contrast to native apps, whose success is through app store search, PWAs have organic search traffic via Google and other search engines in larger quantities.
Easy Updates
Updates happen in the background, and no single file must be downloaded. It keeps it simple and convenient and puts everyone in a position to work with the most updated version with no fuss.
Accessibility
PWAs work on any device with a modern web browser. They don’t rely on a specific OS. So, regardless of whether your device is a phone, a computer, or a tablet, ease of use with the app is assured. That’s a big win when comparing them with native apps.
Reduced Storage Space
PWAs are not bulky and use little room. That is ideal for individuals with not a lot of phone storage and for individuals who don’t want to download large programs.
Offline Functionality
PWAs can work even without the internet. Thanks to service workers, they store some data for offline use. This is handy in areas with weak signals or poor connectivity, making PWAs a smart choice for custom apps.
Enhanced User Engagement
PWAs let users add them to their home screens and send push notifications. These features keep users engaged and coming back. Compared to native apps, PWAs do a great job of boosting user interaction through push alerts.
International Growth
PWAs are perfect for places with slow internet or expensive data. They’re light, fast, and work offline. This makes them easy to use in areas with poor network access. Their cross-platform design also helps businesses grow globally.
Boost to Business Metrics
Studies show PWAs improve key business numbers. They boost engagement, increase mobile sessions, and get more page views. Users stay longer, bounce rates drop, and interactions rise. This makes PWAs a strong tool for online growth.
Disadvantages of PWAs
Now, let’s talk about the downsides of PWAs.
Limited Access to Device Features
PWAs can’t fully use device features like Bluetooth, NFC, or advanced camera tools. If your app needs these, PWAs might fall short. Native apps handle these features better because they work closely with the phone’s hardware.
Performance Limits
PWAs are speedy but not necessarily speedy enough for sophisticated operations, for one. Because they’re executed in a web browser, of course, they can’t have a performance level equivalent to native app development for a platform like iOS. That’s worth bearing in mind when choosing between native and PWAs.
Browser Compatibility
Not all browsers implement Progressive Web Apps in a similar way. All older browsers don’t necessarily implement all capabilities well. That can generate blended experiences between devices, in contrast with native programs, which run well anywhere in general.
Limited Offline Capabilities
While PWAs can work offline, native apps work offline more effectively. Native apps have a larger capacity for storing information locally, with offline access at a lesser efficiency. Business owners will have to make a determination regarding offline capability desired in terms of use when choosing between native and PWAs.
Security Certification
PWAs aren’t app store approved, and companies must secure security in-house, then. That involves having a strong security in place to protect information about your visitors. Trust comes with having a strong security, especially when dealing with sensitive information.
Push Notifications for iOS
Push notifications don’t work for iPhones, and that can have a negative impact for companies utilizing this feature for generating activity for a user. It’s an important consideration when creating an app for use with an iOS platform.
What are Strengths and Weaknesses of Native Apps?
Now, let’s review both the pros and cons of PWA and native app options, and knowing both will enable you to choose best for your business.
Advantages of Native Apps
Superior Performance
Native app development solutions are built for specific platforms, like iOS or Android. This makes them faster and smoother. Animations look better, and the app responds quickly. That’s why many businesses pick native apps when they need strong performance, especially when comparing PWA vs native options.
Enhanced Security
Native apps come with built-in security tools like encryption and sandboxing. These tools keep data safe. In contrast, web applications like PWAs need extra steps to reach the same security level. This makes native apps a preferred choice for businesses focused on data protection.
Full Access to Device Features
Native apps can use all the phone’s features—like GPS, camera, and Bluetooth. This helps developers create better, more advanced apps. That’s something PWAs can’t always do, giving native app development solutions an edge in functionality.
Embark on Your App Adventure with Our Expert App Development Services!
App Store Visibility
Native apps show up in app stores, making them easy to find. Users can download them straight from these stores. This gives native app development solutions an advantage over PWAs, which don’t rely on app stores for visibility.
App Store Optimization (ASO)
With ASO, native apps rank higher in app store searches. Good titles, clear descriptions, and appealing visuals help get more downloads. This is a strong marketing tool compared to PWAs, which depend more on web search visibility than app store rankings.
Offline Functionality
Native apps can save more data on the device. This means they work better without the internet. PWAs often don’t have strong offline features. If your app needs to work offline, native apps are a better choice, especially for businesses focusing on custom application development.
Improved User Experience
Native apps follow design rules for each platform. This makes them easy to use and smooth to navigate. The result is a better user experience than many web applications, making native apps ideal for businesses wanting top-notch performance.
Brand Credibility
Having a native app in the app store builds trust. App stores review apps before approving them. This reassures users about the app’s quality and safety, which is a major factor when comparing PWA vs native options for brand credibility.
Disadvantages of Native Apps
Higher Development Costs
Making native apps costs more. You need different apps for iOS and Android, which means hiring separate teams. This costs more than building PWAs or custom application development projects that work across platforms.
Longer Development Time
Native apps take longer to build. Developers write code for each platform, which adds time. PWAs, on the other hand, are quicker to develop, making them appealing for businesses looking to speed up their custom application development process.
Maintenance Challenges
Native apps have separate codes for each platform. This means more work to update or fix bugs. PWAs are easier to maintain since they run on the web, reducing the ongoing workload for businesses focused on native app development solutions.
App Store Approval
Native apps must pass strict app store rules. The review process can take time and delay the app’s launch. Businesses need to plan for this when choosing between PWAs and native app development solutions, especially in time-sensitive projects like iOS app development.
What Are the Tools and Technologies for Developing PWA vs Native Apps?
Building an app starts with picking the right tools. Let’s break down the tools and tech needed for both PWAs and native apps.
PWA Development Tools
- Frameworks: The most popular ones are React, Angular, and Vue.js. These help you build web apps with cool features.
- Tools: Tools like Lighthouse and Webpack make sure your PWA runs fast and smooth. This is key for a great user experience.
Native App Development Tools
- For iOS: Developers use Swift or Objective-C with Xcode to build apps for Apple devices. These tools are must-haves for iOS apps.
- For Android: Android applications are coded in Java or Kotlin in Android Studio.
- Cross-Platform Frameworks: React Native and Flutter enable one to develop both an iOS and an Android app with a single code base.
Using cross-platform tools like React Native is a timesaver. Once coded, and then use it for any device. It is best for companies that prefer to save both money and time in developing custom apps.
Conclusion
Choosing between native and PWAs will rely on your purpose for your business. There isn’t a single answer, but use the tools, technology, and success stories discussed above to make your determination.
Picking the wrong one can cost both time and money and even make you lose your users. An incorrect one can cause lost opportunities and unsatisfied customers.
At Linkitsoft, native and PWAs can both be developed for your needs. Whatever your desire, a native app or a PWA, we have them both for you.
Don’t wait! Let’s develop custom apps with a proven success record for delivering actual results together. With native, PWA, and iOS development expertise, let’s make your app stand out in today’s mobile-first age. Connect with us today and gain an edge over your competition!
