PWA vs Native Apps: Which Should You Choose in 2024?

Apps are undoubtedly essential for companies that consider offering their users a fantastic client experience. The trend of PWA or progressive web apps has been rising for the past years.

The best thing with PWA is that the user can mix the native app functionality with the website’s accessibility. Many are now wondering if PWAs could eventually replace native apps entirely, sparking a debate between PWAs and native apps.

Here, you can learn about PWA vs Native apps and if you want to choose any one of them for your business. Have a look:

What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A progressive web app combines features of both a responsive website and a mobile app, creating a hybrid experience.

The PWAs are developed and designed as the website, but they do offer an application-like experience when reached out via mobile.

The users can place them just like an app on their mobile screen without installing them. The latest JavaSript frameworks are used for designing the PWAs to provide them with a native experience and can also be installed on mobiles immediately.

In 2005, Google started that PWAs improve the mobile web experience and also offer the below-listed benefits:

• Boost retention and conversion: The PWAs load much faster, allow quick information search, and enhance the time spent by users by up to 40% per the industry.
• Trigger engagement: These PWAs are best designed for increasing attention via push notifications and will reduce load timings on mobiles.
• Promote offline utility: The PWAs can be used when users are offline or if the connection is unstable so that the web platform can load comfortably without downtime.

What is a Native App?

Native Apps have been in the industry since the start of the mobile phone industry. The native apps can be installed from the Android or iOS app stores.

They are built using the hardware capabilities of a specific mobile device and deliver a fantastic user experience.

The native apps are created for a particular OS. The native apps for the Android and iOS platforms are developed individually, meaning more investments are required in terms of effort, money and time.

Launching of the native mobile apps needs validation from their respective app stores and also needs their optimization to market well and reach out to the users.

Pros of a PWA

Here is the list of advantages related to the PWAs:

• Compatibility across the platforms: The core difference between the native and web apps is that the PWAs can adapt to any screen size and operating system. Like native apps, the user can open the PWAs on Windows, Android, iOS, etc.; they offer a great experience irrespective of the type of device.

• Cost of development: As PWA can work on any OS. It means that the developer does not need to create separate codebases. The developer needs to create a single codebase which is budget-friendly and less time-consuming.

• App-like experience: The PWAs feel and look like any other mobile application for the users. The PWAs can share push notifications and never require app updates as they are connected to the internet. Using a PWA lets you stay connected to the most up-to-date app version.

• Search Engine visibility: The PWAs are indexed by search engines like Google and are found online. The users can optimize their PWAs to engage their users via organic search and also boost their credibility.

Cons of a PWA

Here is the list of Cons related to the PWA:

• Limited Feature: On comparing PWAs with the native apps, they have limited access to their device’s functionality. For example, the PWAs cannot reach your contact list or support NFC and Bluetooth. 

• Device Battery: It is seen PWA drain more battery as compared to the native apps. PWAs are created in JavaScript, and with the help of an internet connection, they consume a lot of energy in smart devices.

Also Read : 9 Benefits of Using React Native for Mobile App Development

Pros of Native Apps

Here is the list of pros related to the native apps:

• Higher interaction level: If you plan to develop a mobile app with direct access to Bluetooth, a camera and a microphone, then a native application is one of the best options for you. Native applications can utilize smartphone hardware and seamlessly interact with other native apps without limitations.

• Monetization: As the native apps are published in various app stores, the users can easily integrate in-app purchases and process payments via the app store. People planning to monetize the PWAs can explore reaching out to payment solutions.

• Efficient battery: The native apps do not consume much power compared to PWAs, as they are built in the native language for the OS and are used in the offline mode.

• Security: This aspect is particularly relevant for applications that store sensitive data. Native apps are less susceptible to vulnerabilities because they can harness the built-in security features of the operating system. It means the user can implement two-factor authentication to protect the client’s data from any leakage.

Сons of Native Apps

Here is the list of cons related to the native apps:

• Cost and Time-intensive development: Native application development needs many resources. The program written for Android cannot be reused for iOS. Also, if you plan to launch the app on both platforms, you require separate teams for development, and you need to spend extra money for its development.

• Complicated post-production support: As the user requirements and updates for OS start increasing, the native app requires regular check-ups and maintenance. The circumstances are complex, and Android and iOS app development needs various skill sets to add new functionalities and remove bugs. 

PWA vs Native App for Businesses: Which one’s better?

Here is the difference between PWA and Native app for your business:

• Time to Market: If you are in the market and want to attract attention, PWAs are the right choice. The native apps required development teams to build iOS and Android apps. Also, the app store approval is required.

• Cost of Development: The native apps are expensive to build as they require both versions. On the other hand, PWAs are less expensive, as they are web apps designed to function on devices.

PWA vs Native Apps for End Users: What’s Better?

• Download & Installation: Many mobile users like simple workflows. Only some people love to install an app on a single time usage. So, due to increasing privacy concerns, users face many issues in granting permission to the native app to penetrate their phone location, storage, etc. PWAs, on the other hand, do not allow the user to install the app while purchasing something or interacting with the businesses.

• Performance: PWA load time is minimal, and they always work on third-party browsers. It means that the mobile battery will be consumed fast, and the chances of latency are also high. On the other hand, the native apps can work seamlessly on the mobile. They can use the device and hardware features better than the PWAs. 

• Features & Functionalities: The native apps work on a better functionality and gesture set than the PWA. Various features like smart sensors, geofencing, mobile payment, etc., are unavailable with PWA.

What Should You Choose- Progressive Web App or Native App?

Parameters	Native App	PWA
Feature Access	Limited acess is provided	Can access every hardware feature along with custom settings
Installation	Instalation is not needed	Has to be installed from the App stores
Updates	Instant and automated updates	User needs to update the apps manualy
Offline mode	The pre-caching with the native -apps require offline usage but the PWAs have limited functionality while using it offline	Offline modes are required
Push Notification	For iOS platform it is not required	Available for all platforms
Security	HTTPS encryption is provided	Additional security based on OS and device can be embedded

Conclusion

If you are selecting a mobile app development for the business or startup then you should not be in hurry. Find a React Native Development Company who can deliver fully featured web apps for the growth of your business. You can have a look at the pros and cons for choosing the development pace for progressive or native web app.

If the users value their time and is data-conscious then you can opt for progressive web app as there is no download required. In case you have the complicated functionality and for the brand credibility you can think about the native app.

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