Progressive Web Apps vs. Native Apps: Which One Should You Pick?
Where do we even start? Pretty sure though that this isn’t the first post you are stumbling across in your search for information on Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and native apps. But if you’re here, then it’s either of two things:
- First, you are still in dilemma about your decision on whether to go for a PWA or a native app and are looking for reasons to fortify your decision.
- Second, you still aren’t satisfied with the information you have come across till now.
Then it’s a good thing you stumbled across this post because the things we discuss here will provide you with basic information on the two types of apps and will also help you fortify your decision on which one to pick. So let’s get straight to the point.
What are a PWA and a Native App?
The proper discussion about any technology commences with a basic intro which is its definition. That’s because a proper definition helps you get acquainted with the technology. So we begin with that.
Native App: Even if you’re a non-technical person, you must be familiar with a native app. As a smartphone user, you have been using it since the dawn of smart devices.
Native applications are mobile applications built with specific technologies like Java, Objective C, React Native, (in case of hybrid apps), or Kotlin. Mobile apps are meant to run on particular platforms namely iOS and Android.
PWA: A Progressive Web App is a typical web application that works across web browsers (just like any other website), but offers the experience of a native application. Unlike a native app, one doesn’t need specific technologies to create a PWA, but the basic ones like HTML, CSS, WebAssembly, and JavaScript.
They can run across multiple platforms and devices (which just need to have a web browser) and are responsive. Some renowned names that have already invested in it are BMW, Starbucks, Twitter, and Forbes.
We now move on to the focal point of our discussion, the key differences between the two types of applications.
The Major Differences Between PWA vs Native App
Before we begin comparing the two, readers should know that the points described below will state the difference from the developer’s point of view and from the user’s as well, mostly depending upon the purpose it serves.
#1 Development Time
The development time is a factor that is significant for both the developers and the users. While it allows developers to create more in less time, it brings down the market time for users. Compared to a native app, a PWA has lesser development time because it can be deployed across multiple platforms with one single.
In the case of native apps, developers need to build from scratch and though one single codebase can be used for deployment (in case a developer is using a cross-platform technology like React Native), it needs to be molded during deployment.
#2 Audience Reach
This point is important for businesses as the purpose of any application is to gather a good clientele or customer base. Thanks to smartphones, it has become easy for businesses to reach users, irrespective of the type of app. But, a progressive web app can reach more audiences in a short span of time.
Since a PWA is more convenient in its usage, your audience is more likely to try that first. A native app on the other hand requires installation, and registration and then comes to the functional part. Hence, users can hesitate to try it immediately. But, when it comes to branding and getting quality customers, a native app is certainly more effective.
A customer can be more willing to try your PWA but there’s no guarantee they will return to it; if a customer gets accustomed to your native app, chances are they will keep it and use it for a longer time.
#3 Low Development Cost
Compared to a PWA, a native app requires more investment (mostly due to the same reasons that make for its less development time). The use of PWA requires a smart device, a web browser, a URL, and an Internet connection. Sometimes not even that as PWA has caching facilities.
After browsing the app once or twice, users can work offline. Furthermore, several popular browsers like Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox support PWAs. But a native app requires more investment because of the use of advanced technologies and the deployment requirements of App Stores.
To publish your app on the app stores, you need to have accounts on each of them. Then the app needs to meet the publishing criteria for that particular platform and sometimes, the stores even charge a nominal registration fee from developers.
#4 Maintenance
Maintenance is another crucial factor for both developers and stakeholders. Native apps require frequent updates. Once an app is uploaded, the investors need to upgrade it regularly with new features, functions, or bug fixes, and the users need to install those updates to keep the app fit.
But that is not the case with PWAs. Once the developers have made the changes, those are automatically reflected on the next use. This offers more convenience to the users.
#5 ASO and SEO
ASO and SEO are the optimization processes used for mobile and web apps respectively. ASO is the optimization process that helps investors get better ranks in the app store’s search results. It improves the discoverability chances of a mobile application.
SEO is the process to get better search engine rankings for websites, or in this case, web apps. Compared to SEO, ASO is more arduous and requires more time and effort. Apart from relevant keywords and meta descriptions, ASO requires proper categorization, clear screenshots, proper details, etc. to get good ranks.
But SEO for PWAs can be done like any other website. It doesn’t require extra procedures. The implementation structure for SEO is the same as that of any normal, responsive website. Hence, the chances of getting better results are brighter.
#6 App Security
Both native apps and PWAs need to follow security protocols, but native apps are more secure compared to their web counterparts. PWAs follow the generic protocols like any other website like working under HTTPS and getting other certifications.
But the native technologies of mobile apps have their own built-in security mechanisms. Apart from that, the app stores also provide extra protection to the apps with their own security protocols. This is a huge reason why users prefer mobile apps (especially for merchandise), rather than web apps.
#7 Device Utility
This is another crucial point that demarcates the boundaries between the two types of apps. A PWA is an advanced version of a website but it fails to make optimum utilization of a device’s hardware, something that is done excellently by a native app.
Unlike a native app, a PWA cannot access sensors, and cameras, or get facilities of other features like geofencing. But these things can easily be done with a native app. Also, a native app can make better interactions with a device’s mechanism like making calls, taking pictures, etc.
Which One is the Right One?
Both PWAs and native apps have their own benefits and drawbacks. It’s not wrong to go for either of them. In fact, some businesses prefer to have it both ways since it gives the added advantages of both.
But whether to go for progressive web app development services or to stick with mobile app development, is a decision that depends solely on an investor’s requirements.
You can go for a PWA if you are a start-up willing to reach more audiences quickly and cost-effectively. But if you are willing to take it nice and slow, with proper branding, and wish to build your own niche market, then a native app is the most viable option.
So what do you think? Which one do you think is the right one for you? Do let us know in your comments.
