Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) vs. Native Apps: Which One Should You Choose?

User experience with digital platforms has shifted, with mobile devices now outpacing desktops. Traditional websites don’t cut it anymore, and mobile apps have become the go-to for fast, personalized experiences.

Businesses now face a choice between native apps and progressive web apps (PWAs). PWAs offer a cost-effective, app-like experience directly in a browser, with no downloads and easy updates. Native apps, on the other hand, provide better performance and deeper device integration, including offline access. 

When deciding between the native and PWA development, companies need to go double-thinking about development costs, performance needs, and what their audience values most. This post explores the subject of native vs. progressive web apps in detail. It answers several key questions, including:

• What are the key differences between native apps and progressive web apps?
• What are the pros and cons of each approach?
• How can this post help businesses choose the right direction for their digital strategy?

So without further ado, let’s get started.

PWAs vs. Native Apps: The Global Snapshot

Businesses everywhere are rethinking their approach to mobile apps. Native apps still dominate because they offer top-notch performance, but they come with high development and maintenance costs. In 2024 alone, mobile apps generated over $935 billion in revenue, with 1.96 million apps available on the Apple App Store and 2.87 million on Google Play.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are changing the game by offering a cost-effective alternative that looks and feels like a native app—without requiring users to download anything. Major brands like Twitter, Starbucks, Uber, Instagram, and WhatsApp have opted for progressive web app development services to provide seamless, hassle-free user experiences alongside their native apps. The global PWA market was valued at $1.46 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a 31.1% CAGR through 2030.

When it comes to choosing between a progressive web app and a native app, businesses weigh the trade-offs—whether it’s cost savings, user experience, or integration with devices. But one thing’s clear: PWAs are on the rise, expected to hit $10.44 billion by 2027, making them a serious contender in the mobile space.

What are PWAs?

PWAs are modern web apps that provide app-like features using standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They offer benefits such as offline access, fast loading speeds, and push notifications, making them strong competitors to native apps. PWAs are responsive, ensuring a consistent experience across different devices. Service workers enable offline functionality, so users can access content without a network connection. 

PWAs use HTTPS to secure data, reducing cyber threats. Push notifications help businesses re-engage users, and because PWAs don’t require app store downloads, users can easily install them directly through their web browsers.

Pros of PWAs

1. Cost-Effective and Flexible: PWAs operate across multiple platforms using a single codebase, which eliminates the need for separate development and maintenance costs, making them budget-friendly for businesses.
2. Faster Deployment and Updates: The cross-platform compatibility of PWAs leads to quicker deployment cycles and faster updates, enabling businesses to stay agile in the market.
3. Better Discoverability: PWAs are indexed by search engines, which improves organic traffic and visibility, especially for e-commerce businesses, news websites, and service providers.
4. No Installation Needed: Users can add PWAs to their home screens through web browsers without taking up device storage, offering an app-like experience without the need for large downloads.
5. Automatic Updates: PWAs automatically update, ensuring that users always have access to the latest features and security enhancements without manual installations.

Cons of PWAs

1. Limited Access to Device Features: PWAs do not have full access to device hardware and system features, such as Bluetooth, advanced camera controls, biometric authentication, or background processes, making them less suitable for hardware-intensive tasks.
2. Performance Limitations: PWAs, while optimized for speed, can struggle with resource-intensive tasks and complex animations, especially compared to native apps designed for specific platforms.
3. Restricted iOS Support: iOS support for PWAs is limited, with certain features like push notifications, background sync, and full-screen mode not fully supported, reducing engagement for iOS users.
4. Not Listed in App Stores: Since PWAs are not available on app stores, businesses may face challenges in gaining credibility and visibility, potentially lowering adoption rates among users who rely on traditional app marketplaces.

Best Use Cases of PWAs

1. Cost-Effective Solutions for Businesses

Businesses seeking digital solutions built upon minimal frameworks are hiring progressive web app developers because PWAs offer streamlined accessibility at reduced costs. With a native app-like experience at reduced development costs, PWAs are excellent choices for these businesses. Also, web technologies in PWAs allow business access to multiple device platforms without needing distinct iOS and Android applications.

2. E-Commerce Industry Benefits from PWAs

E-commerce stands among the leading industries that benefit from the use of Progressive Web Applications (PWAs). Major retail changemakers Flipkart and Alibaba implemented Progressive Web Apps for improving user retention through their quick loading mechanisms alongside offline choice and seamless navigation at slower internet speeds. The implementation of progressive web applications enables businesses to deliver app-like interfaces directly through web browsers which improves accessibility during the shopping process.

3. Media Industry Adopts PWAs for Fast, Responsive Content

The media industry adopted PWAs to provide Forbes and The Washington Post with fast-loading responsive content delivery to their readers. These platforms utilized PWAs because of user demand for instantaneous news to deliver a smooth reading experience which includes offline support and instant notifications to keep users engaged without requiring native app downloads.

4. Travel and Transportation Sector Leverages PWAs for Lightweight Interfaces

The travel and transportation sector has adopted PWAs from Uber to give users lightweight interfaces for booking that deliver fast performance on slow networks. This feature provides users with access in low-Internet zones by ensuring application availability without forcing users to download cumbersome apps.

5. PWAs Improve Enterprise Solutions and Corporate Applications

Enterprise solutions together with corporate applications gain advantages from PWAs because organizations can implement internal tools and collaboration platforms that operate cohesively between devices. The system requires no demanding app installations nor regular manual updates thus improving operational workflow and decreasing IT maintenance responsibilities.

6. Startups and Small Businesses Benefit from PWAs

PWAs deliver benefits that make them particularly attractive to startups and small businesses because of their cost-efficient features alongside growth potential. A web-based application operating on all devices provides businesses with both minimized development expenses and wide audience reach potential. The practical design of PWAs provides businesses with an efficient way to build a robust online presence through one single application instead of multiple native applications without straining their finances.

What are Native Apps?

Native apps are mobile applications developed specifically for platforms like iOS or Android. They are created separately for each operating system using languages like Swift or Objective-C for iOS and Kotlin or Java for Android. Available in app stores, native apps offer superior performance by fully leveraging the device’s capabilities.

Native apps are optimized for performance, providing fast and smooth experiences by integrating directly with the device’s operating system. They can access device features such as GPS, camera, accelerometer, Bluetooth, file storage, and biometric authentication. This full access allows for a more dynamic and responsive user experience.

Native apps are also tailored to each platform, offering platform-specific user interface optimizations. They are ideal for tasks that require real-time processing, intensive graphics, or complex animations. Furthermore, they integrate seamlessly with system functions like push notifications, background processes, and offline operation, providing users with a dependable experience.

In terms of security, native apps offer enhanced protection with platform-native features such as encryption and secure in-app transactions. Being listed in app stores increases an app’s credibility and visibility, and app store optimization (ASO) can further boost downloads and brand awareness, making native apps a strong choice for businesses.

Pros of Native Apps

1. High Performance: Native apps are optimized for a specific platform, resulting in superior speed and responsiveness compared to web apps. They are ideal for applications requiring high interactivity, such as mobile games, video streaming, and productivity software.

2. Enhanced Security: Native apps implement platform-specific security protocols, encryption, and secure APIs, making them highly secure. They are perfect for handling sensitive information, such as financial systems, healthcare data, and enterprise applications.

3. Access to Device Features: Native apps can fully access device hardware and features like GPS, camera, Bluetooth, and biometric authentication, offering a seamless and integrated user experience.

4. Smooth User Experience: Native apps are designed for specific platforms, ensuring a tailored user interface and experience, which enhances usability and user satisfaction.

Cons of Native Apps

1. Higher Development and Operational Costs: Developing and maintaining native apps is costly, as businesses need separate teams or frameworks for iOS and Android. Ongoing maintenance for multiple codebases and compatibility with new operating system versions adds to the expense.

2. App Store Dependency: Unlike PWAs, which are accessible directly through a browser, native apps require installation from app stores. This can be a barrier for users with limited storage space or those who prefer not to install additional apps.

3. Longer Time to Market: Since native apps require separate development for each platform, businesses may experience longer development cycles before launching their apps to the market.

4. Frequent Updates Needed: Native apps require regular updates to remain compatible with the latest operating system versions and to ensure security patches are applied, adding to maintenance time and costs.

Best Use Cases of Native Apps

Native Apps are the ideal solution for businesses requiring high performance, deep device integration, and advanced functionalities. Their ability to leverage platform-specific features makes them suitable for various industries:

1. Social Media & Communication – Apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp thrive as Native Apps due to their need for real-time messaging, camera integration, and media-sharing capabilities.
2. Gaming & Entertainment – High-performance games like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile rely on Native development to deliver smooth gameplay, complex graphics, and immersive experiences.
3. Finance & Banking – Secure transactions, biometric authentication, and encryption make Native Apps ideal for financial services like PayPal, Revolut, and banking applications.
4. Healthcare & Fitness – Apps requiring access to sensors, GPS, and real-time data processing, such as Fitbit and MyFitnessPal, benefit from Native development.
5. Video Editing & AR/VR – Applications that demand intensive processing power, such as Adobe Premiere Rush and Augmented Reality tools, rely on Native Apps to deliver optimal performance.

For businesses prioritizing speed, security, and deep system integration, Native Apps remain the best choice, despite their higher development costs and maintenance efforts.

What is the difference between a PWA and a Native App?

When deciding between a PWA and a native app, businesses must evaluate a couple factors to determine which solution best aligns with their goals.

1. Platform Compatibility: PWAs work across all devices and platforms through web browsers, without requiring specific operating system development. In contrast, Native Apps require developers to create two separate versions of an app with distinct programming languages and frameworks for both iOS and Android.
2. Installation and Accessibility: PWAs allow direct access from browser screens, enabling users to avoid using app stores for installation. Users can create a home screen shortcut to access the app immediately. Native Apps, however, require users to go through the app store installation process, adding an extra step before the app becomes accessible.
3. Performance: While the performance of PWAs is generally good for standard applications, their browser dependency may cause demanding applications to run slower. Native Apps, on the other hand, reach peak performance by utilizing all the capabilities of the device hardware, as they are platform-specific.
4. Offline Functionality: PWAs can function offline thanks to service workers, which allow them to store critical resources in cache. Native Apps outperform PWAs in this regard, as they offer complete offline functionality by saving data locally on the device.
5. Device Features and Integration: PWAs have limited access to device features such as Bluetooth connections, advanced camera controls, and background operations. Native Apps, however, can access all mobile device functionalities, including GPS, biometric verification, push notifications, and direct hardware control.
6. Development & Maintenance: PWAs benefit from using the same codebase across all platforms, which reduces both development and maintenance costs. In contrast, Native Apps require separate development for iOS and Android, leading to higher overall expenses and extended development and support timelines.
7. Security: PWAs use HTTPS as their primary security mechanism, though they lack advanced platform-specific security features such as encrypted storage and biometric authentication. Native Apps, however, benefit from deeper integration with the operating system, offering enhanced security measures to protect user data.
8. User Experience (UX): PWAs can provide an app-like experience, but their interface may not achieve the same level of performance as Native Apps. Native Apps, optimized specifically for their platforms, deliver superior design, response times, and user interaction.
9. Updates & Deployment: PWAs offer automatic background updates, requiring no user intervention. Native Apps, however, require manual updates via the app store, as every release must be approved by the app store before deployment.
10. Discoverability & SEO: PWAs are indexed by search engines, making them discoverable organically through search results. Native Apps, on the other hand, are not searchable by search engines directly but can be discovered through app store rankings and recommendation systems.
11. Push Notifications: PWAs support push notifications on Android but offer limited push notification functionality on iOS. Native Apps receive full push notification support on both Android and iOS, leading to increased user engagement.
12. Storage & Data Consumption: Because PWAs operate through the web, they consume minimal device storage. Native Apps, however, require dedicated storage on the device, taking up additional space.
13. App Store Approval & Compliance: PWAs can be deployed immediately on the web without the need for regulatory approval. Native Apps, however, face deployment delays as they must go through app store approval and compliance checks.

PWAs vs. Native Apps: A Quick Comparison and What Should You Choose

The choice between a PWA and a Native App depends on the specific requirements of your business operations. PWAs are ideal for organizations that prioritize low operational costs, cross-platform accessibility, and simple distribution methods. These platforms are well-suited for businesses aiming to expand their online presence while keeping costs minimal.

Native Apps, on the other hand, offer superior performance, deeper device integration, and enhanced security. These are essential for applications where performance and security are critical. Businesses in sectors such as gaming, social media, or data processing should opt for Native development to meet their project needs.

Below is a factor-wise comparison of the two:

Closing Thoughts

The debate between Native Apps and PWAs continues as both technologies remain essential for different needs. Native Apps are crucial for high-performance applications, while PWAs enhance the web user experience through flexible design and cost-effective implementation. 

As a result, businesses are increasingly likely to develop hybrid solutions that combine the best features of both Native Apps and PWAs, offering users powerful yet user-friendly mobile apps. A successful evaluation of budget constraints, user requirements, and strategic objectives will help determine the right technology for each situation.