Introduction
With over 6 billion smartphone subscriptions globally and climbing, mobile apps have become the ultimate medium for businesses to engage, connect, and deliver value on a massive scale. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are gaining popularity as businesses explore alternatives to native app development. Building Progressive Web Apps vs Native Apps is a crucial decision for a business and it depends on many key factors. In this article, we will explore the major differences between PWAs and native apps and which to choose when, to help businesses make informed decisions in 2025.
What are PWAs and Native Apps?
Let us begin by understanding what is a PWA and what is a native app.
PWAs are basically web applications that can function seamlessly across devices. They combine the user experience of a native app with the convenience of a website. PWAs leverage modern web technologies like service workers and web app manifests to provide a smooth and engaging experience. Users can easily install PWAs on their device home screens for quick access without the hassle of going through an app store to download and install.
Native apps are specifically designed for a particular platform like iOS or Android. They can be installed on a user’s device through an app store. These apps are built using platform-specific programming languages and tools, optimizing them for the platform they run on.
Progressive Web Apps vs Native Apps : Key Differences
Feature | PWA | Native App |
Functionality | Limited to the capabilities of a web browser. | Can access all mobile device features, including location tracking, camera, contacts, and device security features. |
User Experience | May vary across browsers due to browser dependencies. | More consistent and refined experience optimized for the specific platform. |
Performance | Generally slower, but benefits from instant server-side updates. | Faster and more responsive, but requires user downloads for updates. |
App Development | Cost-effective and faster development cycle. | More expensive and time-consuming, especially for cross-platform development. |
Customer Reach | Wider audience through browser accessibility. | Discoverable through app stores and can function offline. |
Real-World Examples for PWAs vs Native Apps
Let us look at some statistics for some of the successful PWAs implemented by large organizations:
- Twitter Lite: Twitter Lite saw a 75% increase in tweets, 20% reduction in bounce rate, and 65% increase in pages per session.
- Flipkart: Flipkart achieved a 70% increase in conversion rate, a 40% increase in re-engagement, and 3x increase in time spent on site.
- Starbucks: Starbucks experienced a 23% increase in order diversity and a 2x increase in daily active users.
Pinterest: Pinterest witnessed a 60% increase in core engagements and a 44% increase in ad revenue.
Let us look at some of the successful native apps built by:
- Instagram: Instagram boasts over 2.3 billion active monthly users, making it the second most downloaded app globally.
- Uber: Uber generated $31.8 billion in revenue in 2022, representing an 82.62% increase from the previous year.
- Spotify: Spotify leads the music streaming market with over 205 million premium subscribers worldwide.
PWAs vs. Native Apps: When to Build What
Both PWAs and Native Apps have unique strengths, and their suitability depends on the specific needs of the application and the target audience. Here’s a breakdown to help make informed decisions:
When to Choose PWAs
The main strength of PWAs lies in their cost-effectiveness, cross platform solutions. They are best suited for applications which are not high on functionality. Some use cases where PWAs are best suited:
- Offline or Limited Connectivity:
- Why? PWAs leverage service workers to cache content and data, enabling functionality even in offline mode or with unreliable internet.
- Examples: Apps for frequent travelers or regions with low internet penetration, such as airline booking portals or offline-first productivity tools.
- News and Media:
- Why? Fast load times, responsive design, and push notifications make PWAs suitable for delivering content-heavy platforms.
- Examples: Forbes, Medium, and The Washington Post use PWAs for their high-speed, low-data news delivery.
- Travel and Hospitality:
- Why? PWAs can offer features like offline booking, real-time updates (e.g., flight changes), and location-based services.
- Examples: Travel companies like MakeMyTrip and Trivago.
- Health and Fitness:
- Why? PWAs can deliver interactive features like workout plans, user tracking, and personalized advice without requiring large downloads.
- Examples: Fitness platforms like Fitbit and Nike Training Club use PWA technology to engage users seamlessly.
When to Choose Native Apps
Native apps are built specifically for a platform (iOS or Android), offering access to advanced device features and superior performance. They are the right choice for providing superior performance, advanced features, and high user engagement.
- E-commerce:
- Why? Native apps can use advanced features like AR for virtual try-ons, secure payment integrations, and personalized recommendations.
- Examples: Amazon, eBay, and Walmart use native apps for smooth shopping experiences.
- Social Media:
- Why? Native apps excel in handling real-time interactions, media uploads, and live streaming due to their access to device hardware.
- Examples: Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat rely on native apps for social engagement.
- Gaming:
- Why? High-performance graphics, immersive gameplay, and access to device hardware like gyroscopes make native apps ideal for gaming.
- Examples: PUBG, Candy Crush, and Call of Duty: Mobile are popular native games.
- Productivity:
- Why? Advanced features like offline editing, file synchronization, and calendar integration are more seamlessly handled by native apps.
- Examples: Microsoft Office, Evernote, and Notion.
- Entertainment and Streaming:
- Why? Native apps handle high-quality video and audio streaming, adaptive bitrate adjustment, and offline downloads better than PWAs.
- Examples: Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify.
PWAs vs Native Apps : Right Choice in 2025
- Development Cost and Time: PWAs typically have lower development costs and shorter development times compared to native apps. This is a crucial consideration for startups and projects with limited resources.
- User Experience: Native apps generally offer a more refined and polished user experience because they are designed to leverage the device’s full capabilities. For applications that demand high performance and responsiveness, native apps may be the better choice.
- Accessibility: PWAs are accessible on any device with a web browser, allowing them to reach a broader audience.
- Maintenance and Updates: PWAs are easier to maintain and update as the updates are made on the server-side, instantly reflecting for all users.
Conclusion
Both PWAs and native apps have their own advantages and limitations. Choosing the right mobile app development style depends on the specific requirements of the project, the business goals, the target audience, and the desired features. PWAs are suitable for businesses that prioritize cost-effectiveness, need a wider reach, and faster development cycles. Native apps are preferred when a more sophisticated user experience and the utilization of device-specific features are essential.
Need help making the right choice? Book a consultation with Compileinfy. Our Mobile App Development experts can provide guidance and tailor solutions to help you achieve your mobile app goals in 2025 and beyond.
