In today’s world, where new technological advancements take place every day, consumers are being showered with the ultimate convenience. And, the whole responsibility of satisfying them with the cutting-edge solutions lies on the businesses that rely on the online sales. So, whenever there is an emergence of some new technology in the market, every website owner starts considering whether to adopt it or continue with the traditional way. One such technology is a progressive web app, leaving behind the concept of native apps. If you are also stuck in the dilemma of choosing between these two techs, this blog post is just for you. Read on.
What Are Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)?
Progressive Web Apps are web applications that use modern web technologies to deliver an app-like experience directly through a web browser. They combine the best of both worlds: the reach of the web and the functionality of native apps. Isn’t it super convenient for business? PWAs are designed to work on any device with a browser, offering features like offline access, push notifications, and fast loading times.
Let’s take a look at some key features that PWAs support:
- There is cross-platform compatibility, which means the PWAs can work on any device with a browser (desktop, mobile, tablet).
- Users don’t need to install them as they can directly access them via a URL.
- There is offline functionality available. The service workers enable offline access and caching.
- There is no need to download large files from app stores.
- PWAs are discoverable through search engines.
What Are Native Apps?
Native apps are software applications built specifically for a particular platform, such as iOS or Android. They are developed using platform-specific programming languages (Swift for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android) and are distributed through app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store.
The typical features you will find in Native Apps are:
- They are known to be high-performing as they are well optimized for the platform, offering faster and smoother performance.
- There is full device integration viable, like you can easily access device hardware like GPS, camera, and sensors.
- They are visible through app stores.
- Their UI/UX is for specific platforms.
- They come with offline capabilities.
PWAs vs. Native Apps: A Comparative Analysis
1. Development Cost and Time
Since PWAs are built using web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) so they require a single codebase for all platforms. This means there won’t be much developmental cost and time required to develop the PWA. There are strategies for accelerating software development, but still, native stays behind. Because web app development is simpler than the mobile app development, there is less separate codebases needed.
So, in this scenario, the winner is PWA, especially if you are a budget-conscious businessman.
2. User Experience
While PWAs offer a good user experience, they may not match the smoothness and responsiveness of native apps, especially for complex functionalities. Native apps provide a superior user experience with faster load times, smoother animations, and better integration with device features.
In this case, the winner is native apps (for businesses prioritizing premium user experience).
3. Performance
PWAs are lightweight and fast, but browser capabilities and network conditions can limit their performance. Native apps are optimized for the platform, delivering superior performance and handling resource-intensive tasks more efficiently.
Here, the winner is Native Apps (for performance-critical applications like gaming or AR/VR).
4. Discoverability and Distribution
PWAs are discoverable through search engines, making them easier to find. However, they lack the visibility of app stores. Native apps benefit from app store distribution, which can drive downloads and provide credibility. However, they require approval from app stores, which can be time-consuming. But following top app store optimization tactics can help in boosting app ranking.
The best approach depends on the marketing strategy you are following.
5. Maintenance and Updates
Updates are seamless and instant since users always access the latest version through the browser. Updates require users to download new versions from app stores, which can lead to fragmentation.
The clear winner here is PWAs (for businesses that need frequent updates).
6. Offline Functionality
PWAs can work offline using service workers, but their offline capabilities are limited compared to native apps. Native apps can offer robust offline functionality, making them ideal for apps that need to work without an internet connection.
Here, Native Apps win for offline-heavy use cases.
Which is Better for Your Business?
So, while choosing between these two technologies, there are a few things you need to look at, like your business goals, target audience, and budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Choose PWAs If:
- You have a low budget
- Your target audience uses a variety of devices and platforms.
- You need a faster time to market.
- Your app doesn’t require heavy use of device hardware.
Choose Native Apps If:
- You want to deliver a premium user experience.
- Your app relies heavily on device-specific features (e.g., camera, GPS).
- You have the budget and resources for platform-specific development.
- You want to leverage app store visibility and credibility.
Please note that to promote your app you will need to spend on methods like App store optimization, paid ads, and more. On the other side, for PWAs, you can simply rely on SEO.
Twitter Lite, Starbucks, and Pinterest have successfully implemented PWAs, increasing engagement and reducing data usage. On the other hand, apps like Instagram, Uber, and Spotify rely on native development to deliver high performance and rich features.
Conclusion
There is no simple answer to the question of which among the Progressive and native technologies is best. PWAs are an excellent choice for businesses looking for a cost-effective, cross-platform solution with broad reach. On the other hand, native apps are ideal for businesses that prioritize performance, user experience, and deep device integration.
Before making a decision, consider your business objectives, target audience, and technical requirements. In some cases, a hybrid approach (combining PWA and native elements) might even be the best solution.
Ultimately, the right choice will help you deliver value to your users and drive your business forward in the competitive digital landscape. Now that you have understood the difference between PWAs and native apps, explore more insightful blogs at AppFirmsReview.