PWA is an emerging technology that turns a simple website into an app-like application for users. Meanwhile, the native app is the typical application you download, install and use on a mobile device. Both Progressive web app and Native app have certain crossover, while they can outweigh one another in specific eras. To make the best decision for your tech development, here is the Synodus comparison between Progressive Web App vs Native App, the differences and similarities.
Native App vs PWA in Businesses
1. Time To Market
PWAs are a great option if you want to quickly produce app-like experiences for the user and already have a functional website. When using a native approach, you need to have a separate team of developers working on getting your app compatible with Android and iOS.
However, because a PWA is simply a website, it can be built and released much more quickly, allowing for the gathering of crucial data on the market and its users. We also have a guide on how this incredible technology works and combines the best of a website and a mobile app.
For quick time to market: PWA wins.
2. Cost of Development
It’s expensive to create a native app since you must make many versions for each platform if you want to use all the benefits of being native.
Android native app development is often done in Java or Kotlin, whereas iOS app development is done in Objective-C or Swift. Having two different development technology stacks requires more work and money. Because of many incompatible code bases, upkeep is expensive.
However, progressive web apps (PWAs) are quicker and cheaper to build since they are simply web apps that have been optimized to behave like an app on any mobile device, regardless of the platform.
For cost of development: PWA is cheaper
3. Different in Discoverability and Marketing Strategy
Since native applications may only be downloaded via official App Stores, the SEO efforts of your digital marketing team won’t do anything to increase the app’s visibility.
However, App Store Optimization (ASO) utilizes tactics comparable to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), such as keywords and metadata. ASO also calls for top-notch screenshots and proper classification, giving users a taste of your native app’s features before downloading it.
Since search engines (like Google and Bing) index PWAs, you can employ the same search engine optimization (SEO) techniques on them as you do on your website.
For discoverability: Both PWA and Native App require search optimization strategy
Progressive Web App vs Native App: Which Will Users Prefer?
1. Installation
The average number of applications downloaded per person in the United States is 3.5. Part of this is due to the installation requiring a certain amount of work, even if it’s just under a minute. Users must first locate the app in the store and confirm that they wish to install it. They must then wait for the download and installation. Yet, they might only use the app once or twice after giving it access to the system.
In contrast, a progressive web app does not need complex installation. Visitors may bookmark and add the app to their home screen from the browser with a few clicks. The PWA will appear on the user’s home screen or app directory.
Furthermore, a progressive web app takes up less space than an app. Visitors may access and share the app with their friends using a URL. There’s also no need to upgrade the app since it always launches with the most current version.
For installation: PWA is more convenient
2. Comparison in Performance
PWAs load substantially quicker than responsive or mobile sites. Service workers and scripts also operate independently in the background, allowing it to perfectly function offline. Unlike a website, where an Internet connection is required.
A native app, on the other hand, integrates smoothly as part of the smartphone once installed. It may make greater use of hardware and device capabilities than PWAs. Because of the platform-centric coding, native mobile apps are more powerful and perform well.
In performance: PWA loads quicker. Yet, native app is more stable and run smoothly
3. Number of Features and Usability
Compared to progressive web applications, native apps provide superior technological options and capabilities due to their deeper integration with the device and its surroundings.
PWA has limited to no access to the system hardware, unlike the native apps, where you install it directly into the system. Push notifications and in-app purchases are the main functions of PWA.
Meanwhile, native apps have more specialized features, such as geofencing, taking and uploading media files, cross-app communication, voice recording and video chatting.
For usability and advanced features: Native app wins
4. Update
PWAs are usually auto update since they load from a server without user interaction. Native applications must be updated on both ends, which means that the firm that created the app must guarantee that any bugs or security holes are fixed. The user must download the most recent version to provide an excellent overall experience.
For update: PWA is more convenient
5. Storage, Data and Power
When a mobile device runs a native app, it can directly access the device’s storage, processor, and other hardware. Storage space and mobile data use may all add up quickly, especially for “heavier” mobile applications that the users engage with regularly.
Drainage difficulties are the downside of PWAs. Even though it takes less storage and data, PWA requires lots of battery power to function, which can kill your battery health.
6. There’s One Thing in Common: Both Can Work Offline
With a PWA, you can still utilize it even if your network connection is spotty, so you can still use offline mode.
When an internet connection is unavailable, a native app may display any previously downloaded data or functions. This may be achieved by storing data locally or syncing it with a remote server in the cloud. Nowadays, many native apps can work entirely without an internet connection.
PWA vs Native App For Developers
1. Different Programming Languages
Developers create native applications for smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices by tailoring their code to each device’s unique hardware and operating system.
On the other hand, progressive web applications (PWAs) are just webpages designed to seem like apps, and they may be used in the same ways native apps are via the browser or by installing them locally. Both native apps vs progressive web app employ CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, making them considerably alike code-wise. Because of this, a developer may take a large chunk of PWA code and apply it to the native app, thereby drastically reducing the development time.
Yet, the native app and PWA still have differences in programming languages and frameworks selection. It’s not always the same. For example, ReactJS is used to create web apps, while native apps require React Native.
2. In-store Distribution, PWA Can Be More Convenient
Native apps need unique versions for multiple platforms and App Stores. Apple’s App Store and Android’s Play Store are popular, but there are others. Each retailer has different publishing criteria. Developer accounts are sometimes fee-based.
PWA avoids App Store requirements since only a web browser and URL are needed. Browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge enable PWA capabilities. Your app can reach a broad audience quickly, and you may update without permission. Both you and your users will benefit from PWA.
Yet, publishing an app may boost your credibility and encourage customers to utilize it over a URL. App Stores may enhance your brand and revenue by featuring your company.
3. Security in PWA vs Native App
The requirement that PWAs operate over HTTPS gives them a security advantage over regular website applications. Because of these protocols, every communication between the server and the client is entirely secure. A safe and sound system will give your consumers peace of mind when they input sensitive information like credit card numbers or personal identification information.
Conversely, while developing a native app, you may include various security features. Assuming your app needs login, security measures like multi-factor authentication may be readily implemented. Since all applications must meet the store’s security rules before they are published, users are far more inclined to believe in an app they discovered on a Web Store than a URL.
4. Cross-platform Compatibility
PWA is still a new technology and undergoing many developments. Therefore, they might face some limitations on certain systems and devices. iOS has just accepted PWA. Thus, it’s not working perfectly on an iOS device. For native apps, it can work cross-platform due to whichever way you code and whichever system you prioritize.
In cross-platform compatibility: Native app wins
5. Technical Requirements
Each native app must be checked for conformance to technical guidelines and requirements before release. A PWA, on the other hand, will never experience this.
Native apps’ primary “selling point” is their superior user experience. Consequently, developing using the platform’s native language and APIs ensures that the app will function as expected and provide a smooth user experience and user interface. What’s more, when you build an app for a specific platform, you have greater freedom to be innovative with the app’s internal features and include cutting-edge functionality.
How Twitter Switched From Native App to Progressive Web App
Many companies employ both Progressive Web App and Native app, with each focusing on different goals and groups of users.
Take Twitter, for example. After much research, they learn that many users abandon their app and delete it after one or two weeks of use. Mainly because their storage is full, and they don’t use the app that often. Other complaints were that their app took time to load and was less responsive than their website.
In front of the risk of losing users, Twitter created Twitter Lite – the PWA. Using the latest technology, Twitter developed a PWA that is not only dynamic and fast-load like a website but also lightweight and simple to install. Users can use this alternative anytime without fear of taking up storage space.
Twitter native apps are now used mostly by frequent users, while seasonal and occasional users mainly use the PWA. Employing PWA has helped Twitter gain an average of 4 visits per day, increase engagement and reduce by 20% bounce rate.
| Many businesses have used PWA besides their native app and gained tangible results. Learn their stories and how they build a PWA |
Side-by-side Comparison: Progressive Web App vs Native App
Let’s take a look at the most significant criteria when comparing progressive web app vs native app
| PWA | Native App | |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Limited | High |
| Average time to develop | 2-3 months | 5+ months |
| Functionality | Simulated Native functionality with minimal bells and whistles | Access to advanced features of the device |
| Aims | Enter the market rapidly at a reduced cost, time and resources; Intensified exposure to new people and more people being exposed to the brand | Provide a more sophisticated interface with greater features and tighter security; Establishing one’s trustworthiness |
| Business | Social media, news and entertainment, ecommerce can make the most out of PWA | Any industry. Especially banking, fintech and ecommerce with lots of sensitive information |
| Revenue models | Less easy to make a profit on | Simple to monetize |
When to Use PWA and Native App
Based on the difference between progressive web app and native app, we can give you some recommendations based on some common scenarios:
When you already have a Native App
To increase your user base with little more work, expand to PWA if you already have a native app that can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play Store.
When you start from scratch on an app development project
If you’re releasing a new app but aren’t sure how the market and potential consumers will respond, you may avoid the expense and time commitment of developing a full-fledged Native app by using a Progressive Web App (PWA).
When a convenient distribution is essential
Unlike Native apps, which require users to search for your app among hundreds of similar ones and then click two additional buttons before sharing it with others, PWAs need a URL link to be shared and executed.
When Money Is Tight, But You Need an App Now
PWAs are a great option when you need more resources to engage in the entire mobile app development cycle. Because of the reduced time and complexity required to create a progressive app may be made available to more people at a cheaper cost.
When App Performance Is More Valuable Than App Development Expenses
Native Apps are the best option if you have the budget for app development and prioritize speed and performance. Native applications provide superior performance since they are designed from the ground up for one platform.
If your app fails when used alone
PWAs are the way to go if you want to provide your consumers the option of quickly navigating to and from your site without requiring them to rely heavily on their device’s native functionality. However, you should go with Native if your service will need customers to engage with external devices, such as a camera to publish a picture or a GPS to get directions from A to B.
When Trustworthiness Is a Priority
Choose native apps if you want your brand to seem trustworthy and credible. Your brand will quickly gain credibility with the app store’s positive reviews and high ratings.
| Also read: The benefits of Progressive Web Apps |
Wrapping Up
Both progressive web app vs native app have their benefits, so it’s essential to consider your business’s goals and current capabilities carefully before deciding. Sometimes you need something quick and cheap, and that’s when a PWA comes in. However, a PWA could not provide the necessary performance or use all the device’s characteristics. A Native App might be an excellent option to explore in this case.
