PWA vs Native App: Which is Best for Your Business

Web Development

24 February, 2025

PWA vs native apps
Deven Jayantilal Ramani

Deven Jayantilal Ramani

VP, Softices

Choosing between a Native App vs a Progressive Web App (PWA) can be challenging, especially when you need to balance user experience, development costs, and long-term scalability. Each option comes with its own strengths and trade-offs, making it crucial to align your choice with your business goals and target audience.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences, advantages, and limitations of both Native Apps and PWAs. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which approach best fits your needs, ensuring you make a well-informed decision that maximizes your app’s success.

What is a Progressive Web App?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is one of the types of web applications which is essentially a website that behaves like a mobile app. It’s built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript but offers features traditionally associated with native apps, such as offline access, push notifications, and home screen installation, without requiring a download from the app store

Examples of PWAs

  • Starbucks: A PWA that allows users to browse the menu and order offline.
  • Uber: A web-based version that works well even with slow network speeds.
  • Pinterest: Improved user engagement and time spent on the app by switching to a PWA.
  • Twitter Lite: A lightweight version of Twitter that loads faster and saves data.

Pros of Progressive Web Apps

  • No App Store Approval: No need to go through app store guidelines, approvals or updates. 
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on any device with a browser.
  • Cost-Effective: Cheaper to develop and maintain compared to native apps.
  • Easy Updates: Updates happen automatically without user intervention.
  • Offline Functionality: Can work without an internet connection.
  • SEO Benefits: PWAs can appear in Google search results.

Cons of Progressive Web Apps

  • Limited Device Features: Cannot fully access hardware features like Bluetooth or advanced camera controls.
  • Performance: May not be as fast or smooth as native apps for complex tasks.
  • iOS Limitations: Apple restricts some PWA features, like push notifications and offline storage.
  • Discoverability: Harder to find since they’re not listed in app stores.

Check out our blog on Website vs Web App to understand how PWAs differ from traditional websites.

Best Use Cases for PWAs

  • Content-driven platforms (blogs, news, media websites)
  • E-commerce stores looking for a quick, app-like experience (e.g., AliExpress saw a 104% increase in conversion rates with their PWA).
  • Startups with a limited budget
  • Apps that need broad accessibility without installation barriers
  • Apps that need to work offline or in low-network conditions.
  • PWAs are lightweight, fast, and accessible. They’re perfect for businesses that want to reach a wide audience without the overhead of developing multiple native apps, and don’t require heavy device integrations.
For an in-depth understanding, check out our insightful blog on Progressive Web Applications.

What are Native Apps?

Native Apps are applications built specifically for a particular platform, like iOS or Android, using platform-specific programming languages (Swift for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android). They’re downloaded from app stores and installed directly on a user’s device. They can fully leverage device features

Examples of Native Apps

  • Instagram: A feature-rich app that leverages device hardware for camera, GPS, and more.
  • Spotify: Offers seamless music streaming with deep integration into the device’s OS.
  • Uber: Relies heavily on GPS, maps, and real-time updates, which are best handled by native apps.
  • WhatsApp: Delivers real-time messaging with high security and performance.
  • Amazon: A popular ecommerce platform with millions of users.

Pros of Native Apps

  • High Performance: Optimized for the platform, offering faster, smoother and responsive experiences than PWAs.
  • Full Access to Device Features: Can use hardware like cameras, microphones, GPS, and sensors.
  • Better User Experience: Designed specifically for the platform, following its guidelines.
  • App Store Presence: Easier to discover and download through app stores.
  • Stronger Security: Offers more control over user data and transactions.

Cons of Native Apps

  • Higher Cost: Requires separate development for each platform.
  • Longer Development Time: Building and maintaining multiple versions can be time-consuming.
  • App Store Dependence: Subject to strict guidelines and approval processes that can be lengthy and complicated.
  • Manual Updates: Users must download updates from the app store. 
  • More Storage Usage: Takes up more space on users’ devices.

Best Use Cases for Native Apps

  • Gaming apps with high graphics and performance demands
  • Financial or banking apps requiring top-notch security
  • Social media or messaging apps needing real-time interactions
  • Apps with deep device integrations (camera, GPS, Bluetooth, etc.)
  • Apps requiring deep hardware integration (e.g., fitness trackers, AR/VR apps).
  • Enterprise apps with complex workflows.

Native apps offer superior performance and a flawless user experience, making them ideal for apps that rely heavily on device hardware or require complex functionality.

progressive web app vs native app examples

PWA vs. Native App: A Quick Comparison


Factor

PWA

Native App
Installation Required No Yes
Platform Dependency Works on all platforms (browser-based) Platform-specific (iOS/Android)
Performance Good, but limited for complex tasks, slower than native Excellent, optimized for the platform
Offline Functionality Yes, but limited via service workers Yes, full offline support
Access to Device Features Limited (e.g., no Bluetooth, limited GPS) Full access (Camera, GPS, Bluetooth, etc.)
App Store Presence No Yes
Automatic Updates Yes, updates instantly Requires user updates
Push Notifications Yes (but limited on iOS) Yes (full support)
Development Cost Lower cost (single codebase) Higher cost (separate codebases)
User Experience (UI/UX) Limited compared to native Best performance and design
Security Less secure, relies on HTTPS More secure with OS-level protection
Discoverability (SEO) Indexed by search engines Not indexed by search engines
Storage Usage Minimal storage required Takes up more device space
Monetization Options Limited (no in-app purchases via app stores) Full monetization options (subscriptions, in-app purchases)
Background Processing Limited Fully supported

Which is Better? Native App or Progressive Web App

The answer isn’t black and white, it depends on your app’s purpose, target audience, and budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

When to Choose a PWA

  • You want to reduce development costs and maintain a single codebase.
  • Your app is content-focused (blogs, news, e-commerce, etc.).
  • You need a lightweight, fast, and accessible app without requiring downloads.
  • You want your app to be discoverable on Google and shareable via links
  • Your app doesn’t require deep device integrations like Bluetooth or sensors.
  • Your audience is global as PWAs work on any device with a browser, making them ideal for reaching a wide audience.

When to Choose a Native App

  • Your app needs high performance and smooth animations (like gaming or social media).
  • You require full access to device features (GPS, Face ID, camera, etc.).
  • Security is a top priority (like banking or fintech apps).
  • You want to monetize via app stores using in-app purchases.
  • You need complex offline functionality with strong background processing.
  • You’re targeting a specific platform.

Native Vs Progressive Web Apps: Developer’s Perspective


PWA Development

Native App Development
  • Easier to Build: PWAs use standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), which most developers are already familiar with.
  • Single Codebase: One codebase works across all platforms, reducing development time and effort.
  • Faster Updates: Updates are deployed on the server and instantly available to users.
  • No App Store Approval: Avoid the hassle of app store guidelines and approval processes.
  • Limited Tools: While PWAs are improving, they still lack some advanced tools and libraries available for native development.
  • Platform-Specific Expertise: Requires knowledge of platform-specific languages (Swift for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android).
  • Separate Codebases: Need to maintain different codebases for iOS and Android, increasing development time and cost.
  • App Store Dependence: Must adhere to app store guidelines and wait for approval for updates.
  • Advanced Tools: Access to powerful development tools and libraries for building complex, high-performance apps.
  • Better Debugging: Native development environments (Xcode, Android Studio) offer robust debugging tools.

Native Vs Progressive Web Apps: User’s Perspective


PWA Experience

Native App Experience
  • No Installation Required: Users can access the app directly from their browser without downloading it.
  • Lightweight: PWAs are smaller in size and don’t take up much storage space.
  • Offline Access: Works even without an internet connection, which is great for users in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Limited Features: May not support advanced device features like AR, Bluetooth, or advanced camera controls.
  • Discoverability: While PWAs are improving, they still lack some advanced tools and libraries available for native development.
  • High Performance: Faster and smoother, especially for graphics-intensive or complex apps.
  • Full Feature Access: Can leverage all device features like GPS, camera, and sensors.
  • App Store Trust: Users often trust apps more when they’re downloaded from official app stores.
  • Storage Space: Native apps can take up more storage space on a user’s device.
  • Updates: Users need to manually update the app, which can lead to outdated versions.

PWA Vs. Native: What to Develop for Your Business

Both PWAs and Native Apps have their place in the app development world. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, cross-platform solution that’s quick to deploy, a PWA might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you need high performance, deep hardware integration, and a polished user experience, a native app is the way to go.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs and goals. Think about your target audience, the features you need, and your budget. Whether you choose a PWA or a native app, the key is to create something that delivers value to your users.

  • From a Developer’s Perspective: PWAs are easier and cheaper to build, while native apps offer more advanced tools and better performance.
  • From a User’s Perspective: PWAs are lightweight and accessible, while native apps provide a smoother, more feature-rich experience.

Still unsure? Discuss your project with our expert team at Softices and find the best solution for your business!

Reach Out to Us Now!


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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for my business: a PWA or a native app?

It depends on your needs! If you want a cost-effective, cross-platform solution with quick deployment, go for a PWA. If you need high performance, deep device integration, or app store monetization, a native app is better.

Yes, PWAs work on any device with a web browser. However, some advanced features (like push notifications) may be limited on iOS.

No, users can access a PWA directly from their browser without downloading it.

Yes, native apps require separate development for iOS and Android, which increases costs. PWAs have a single codebase, making them more affordable.

Yes, but with limitations. PWAs use service workers for offline functionality, but they don’t offer full offline access like native apps.

PWAs are indexed by Google and can appear in search results, while native apps are not.

Yes, native apps are optimized for their platforms, making them faster and more responsive, especially for complex tasks like gaming or real-time features.

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