Progressive Web Apps vs. Native Apps: Which One is Right for Your Business?

Today’s mobile-first world is completely driven by only one technology—mobile apps. Users want responsive and easy-to-use mobile applications, and businesses try to deliver those as well. Every business and developer wants to leverage modern application development practices to create the best for their customers.

However, being in this race of developing modern applications sparks a debate among business owners, developers, and project managers. The debate of progressive web apps vs. native apps. These app types offer unique advantages, making the choice more difficult than ever.

Rather than debating the two, the wiser course of action is to understand their differences. In this blog, we will learn more about progressive web apps and native apps and their pros and cons as well.

Keep reading till the end to find out which one is best for your business!

What is a Progressive Web App?

A Progressive Web Application (PWA) is a type of application that is developed using a web platform. These apps are developed using common web technologies like CSS, HTML, Javascript, or WebAssembly. However, in a conventional sense, PWA is not a typical app. It is actually an app-imitating website.

PWAs are designed and optimized in such a way that they perform like any other platform-based application. PWAs can work on any device that uses a web browser, providing a seamless and app-like experience. PWAs are a combination of web and mobile apps. They bring the best of both worlds together. 

Some popular examples of progressive web apps are Starbucks, Uber, and Pinterest. The PWA of Starbucks allows its user to locate their nearest outlets and view menus on the go. Uber’s web app lets you book rides and get ride updates even with a poor internet connection.

Pros of Progressive Web Apps

The pros of developing a progressive web app are as follows:

Universal Compatibility- PWAs are universally compatible with any browser, device, or platform. As they are built using standard web technologies, they appear the same everywhere. They can easily adapt to various operating systems and screen sizes.

Cost Effective- Progressive web apps require less time and resources for development. They are also easier to maintain and update, resulting in lower development costs. Also, their universal compatibility eliminates the need to create separate codebases for different OS.

No Installation- PWAs can be instantly used without the need for installation. They can be directly accessed on any browser. The user doesn’t need to find the app on any app store and wait till its installation to use it. Also, PWAs can run in the background and work offline.

Cons of Progressive Web Apps

Apart from all the positive aspects, progressive web apps also have some cons:

Limited Offline Use- PWAs can work in offline mode but it is limited to a certain extent. This is because PWAs still depend on a web browser connection. The offline access of PWAs is possible due to the caching functions. Users can browse the cached web pages but not any new ones if the internet is unavailable.

Limited Features- Although PWAs feel similar to native apps, they have very limited features as compared to them. PWAs cannot access multiple functionalities of a device limiting the features they can offer. For example, a PWA cannot access your contacts or use Bluetooth when required.

Security Issues- PWAs face similar security issues as traditional web apps. This makes PWAs more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Due to a lack of proper security measures like multi-factor authentication, HTTPS, and end-to-end encryption, the risk of security breaches increases in PWAs.

What is a Native App?

As the name suggests, a native app is developed natively to work on a specific platform, such as iOS or Android. Such apps are installed on a user’s device via the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. The same native app may have different interfaces and functions depending on the operating system it is developed for.

Native apps are developed using the native programming language and tools of an operating system. This allows them to leverage the full capabilities of the hardware and software of a device. With user permission, they can use the camera, location services, push notifications, accelerometer, and several other functionalities. 

Some commonly used native apps are WhatsApp, Instagram, and Skype. Social media apps like WhatsApp and Instagram offer extensive features like sharing photos and videos, real-time messaging, and location sharing that use device hardware. While Skype is a live video conferencing app with users around the globe.

Pros of Native Apps

Some positive aspects of native apps are as follows:

Best Performance- Native apps are the best in terms of performance. They are fast, efficient, and offer an outstanding user experience. Native apps are developed to match the technical requirements of an operating system which ensures seamless UI/UX and flawless usability.

High Security- Native apps are more secure against cyberattacks and ensure the safety of sensitive data. These apps can use the built-in security features of the operating system. Also, app stores from which native apps are installed have their own security protocols and measures to keep users safe.

Monetization- Native apps make it possible for developers to integrate an app monetization strategy. It is easy to integrate in-app purchases and payment processing in native apps via the app store from which they are installed. Thus, native apps offer better monetization opportunities for businesses.

Cons of Native Apps

Let’s have a look at some of the negative aspects of native apps:

High Development Cost- Due to the extensive features that native apps offer, it requires a lot of time and resources to develop them. Also, native apps are developed using non-reusable codes. It means that developers need to write separate program codes for different OS, increasing the development cost.

Complex Maintenance and Upgrade Process- Native apps require regular maintenance and upgrades to match the evolving user needs and OS requirements. Also, the process of maintenance and upgrade release is different on iOS and Android, making it more difficult to manage a native app on both platforms.

Downloading and Installation- Downloading and installing native apps can be a lengthy process. Especially in case of a weak internet connection, downloading a native app can take a lot of time. Also, native apps are directly installed in the device and use its in-built storage.

Which One is Better for You?

Considering the pros and cons of native and progressive web apps, it is quite difficult to make a clear choice between the two. Both application types are capable of delivering a viable product to the end users. So a better approach to choosing one entirely depends on your business goals, requirements, and your user’s needs.

Once you assess all these factors, you can consider the following conditions to help you choose between a progressive web app and a native app.

When to Choose a Progressive Web App

You can go with developing a PWA in case;

• You have a limited budget and a small development team. PWAs can be a cost-effective option as they require less time and resources to develop and release as compared to native apps.
• You want to focus on cross-platform compatibility for your app. As mentioned earlier, PWAs can easily work on any device irrespective of their operating system. This makes PWAs cross-platform compatible.
• You are looking to improve your brand presence and visibility. When correctly optimized with SEO, PWAs can rank higher on search engine result pages. This allows users to easily reach you.

When to Choose a Native App

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose native app development;

• When performance and superior user experience are your priority, native app development can be an ideal choice. Native apps are best for developing high-performance applications like games and video editing tools.
• Native apps are the right choice for you if your app relies heavily on device-specific hardware or APIs. Native apps are more efficient in using software and hardware features of a device as compared to PWAs.
• If security and data safety are your top priority, native apps offer more reliable security features and better integration with device-level security. Online payment and banking apps are developed with a native app approach only.

The Takeaway

As the debate of progressive web apps vs. native apps comes to an end, several critical points have emerged to guide your decision-making process. The key takeaway from our discussion is that none of the two app types are superior to the other. Both PWAs and native apps have their unique advantages and disadvantages.

To decide which one works for your business, you must first consider your project’s requirements. If you are developing an app with extensive features, like Instagram, you must go with native app development. On the other hand, you can choose a PWA if you want a simple, fast, and easy-to-use app like Starbucks.

At last, you must assess which of the two matches your requirements the best. Consider the factors we have mentioned to make a final call between progressive web apps vs. native apps.