June 05, 2023

Native apps for Android and iOS are renowned for their cutting-edge functionality and outstanding performance. Nonetheless, an increasing number of businesses, including well-known names such as Uber and Forbes, are shifting to progressive web apps (PWA) instead. Is it really worth your time to focus on expensive native apps when PWAs may be developed more quickly and for less money? 

Progressive web apps are rapidly gaining popularity among organizations in addition to native apps. The major components are a website and native apps. As a result, a number of top businesses throughout the world have openly embraced PWA and created progressive web apps.

Choosing the kind of app that would work best for your business can be very difficult when you are just starting out on your app development adventure. Nothing to worry about—we’ve all been there.

What is progressive web app development?

The website may be accessed virtually on any device thanks to the cutting-edge cross-platform technology known as Progressive Web Application (PWA). Using a desktop browser as an example, the PWA will operate as a specific internet site. On the other hand, if you open a PWA on an iOS or Android device, you get a helpful mashup of a website and an app. Popular PWAs include Twitter, Uber, Starbucks, and Pinterest, which you may be familiar with.

Features of Progressive Web Mobile Apps:

• PWA adheres to the progressive enhancement idea, which delivers more complex page versions to users while still providing everyone with basic functionality and content without taking connection quality or browser compatibility into account.
• PWAs can operate on poor networks or even no networks at all.
• Push notifications are frequently utilized as a message method to engage users and encourage continued use of the program. 
• The applications instantly self-update, making it easier for every progressive web app development company to use the most recent versions.
• Because these apps are served via HTTPS, they have robust security to prevent access from unauthorized people.
• PWAs are shared via a URL so that they may be found simply and are not distributed through app stores.
• PWAs are easy to install because all you have to do is visit a website and add it to your device’s home screen.

What is Native App?

Since the dawn of the smartphone age, you have been utilizing native mobile apps. On iOS or Android, native mobile apps are downloaded via app stores. They are designed to create a compelling user experience while using the hardware capabilities of a specific mobile device.

Because native apps are designed for a single operating system, they guarantee speedier performance and better use of the hardware’s capabilities. Native apps for the iOS and Android platforms are created individually, requiring a greater investment in terms of money, time, and effort.

Features of Native App:

• Native programs are protected by several layers of an operating system, making them difficult to exploit. They do not rely on any third-party system, instead relying solely on official APIs that have been well-tested across multiple framework versions. 
• Although maintaining a native app is more complex, clients may easily obtain information about the most recent version.
• Native applications are faster, more responsive, and provide an exceptional user experience. These apps run quicker because they are written in languages that are specific to the system’s ecosystem.
• Because you are not relying on cross-platform technology like Xamarin or Cordova, you are less likely to encounter errors when developing native apps. 
• In the absence of a network, going native is the best option. Because its content is downloaded, organizers, coordinators, guides, and even games can operate offline.

PWA and Native App: A detailed comparison

Progressive web apps are apps that are created with web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that operate in any web browser on any device. Native apps, on the other hand, are software programs created with a specific programming language for a certain platform (Android or iOS).

After you’ve grasped the primary distinction, we’ll quickly compare PWA and native apps.

A quick comparison

Factors	PWA	Native
Time to market	Quick Development	Require time to build and deploy.
Cross-Platform Availability	Available	Not available.
Installation	Requires no installation	Can get downloaded from a specific app store.
Feature access	Limited feature access	Access all the hardware, compatibilities, and custom features.
Offline availability	Pre-caching enables the offline mode	Offline mode is available.
Push Notification	Not available for the iOS platform	Work well for all the platforms.
Security	HTTPS encryption	Integrate security as per the specific platform.
Updates	Automatic updates	Manual updates need to be done by the user.

Detailed comparison

1. App development and market launch

Native app

One native mobile app for Android and iOS requires two teams, one for each system. Even if the apps for both systems are developed simultaneously, it will take longer to ensure that the functionality of both apps is the same. All of this implies that developing an app will take a significant amount of time and money.

PWA

1. PWA is still a website, albeit a faster one. To construct a progressive web app, you simply need one team of web developers. 
2. Because you are creating a website, shop validation is not necessary. You do not need to submit your app to any store, nor do you need to wait for it to be approved. 

2. App distribution

Native app

In the case of a native app, you must first create a native app for a certain app store before submitting it to that app store. The Google Play Store and the Apple App Store are the best possibilities.

To ensure that your app is released on these main platforms, you must meet the store’s rules. Furthermore, you must wait for approval from the individual app shops.

PWA

PWAs, on the other hand, do not have a lengthy launch procedure. You can rapidly create a PWA, launch it, and it will work on various devices. On any device, users can access the PWA using a browser and a URL. Any browser, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, can be used. You may also update the PWA instantaneously without having to wait for app store clearance.

PWA is the greatest option if you are just starting. In this case, consumers must utilize a browser to view the PWA. Any browser, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, can be used. As a result, a PWA allows you to reach a larger audience and receive feedback.

3. Installation

Native app

An average user will need to do the following to install your mobile app:

• Find your app among the millions of apps available; download and install it (wait patiently if the connection is poor or the software is large).
• Only now will they be able to open and use it?

All of this implies that you may lose your consumer at any time.

PWA

The basic actions a user will take to install a PWA are as follows.

• Locate and access your PWA site using Google; 
• When the pop-up prompt appears, select “Add to the home screen.” In some circumstances, both Android and iOS users will need to use the “Add to home screen” option in a browser menu.

4. Cross-Platform availability

Native

In the case of a native app, you must design and construct a separate app for the Android and iOS platforms. Aside from that, your app must give users best-in-class performance. As a result, you must devote a significant quantity of time and other resources.

PWA

When it comes to PWA, you only need to create it once, and it works effectively on various devices independent of the platform.

5. Development Cost

Native

The cost of developing a native app is higher because separate versions for Android and iOS are required. Furthermore, it will take a significant amount of time and work. Android apps are built with Java and Kotlin, whereas iOS apps are created with Swift or Objective-C.

As a result, you will need a different crew to construct both apps.

PWA

Progressive web apps, on the other hand, are far less expensive than native apps. The fundamental reason is that creating a PWA that works across multiple devices requires a single codebase.

When you construct a PWA, you can customize it using tools such as Google Lighthouse. You can alter the web app to make it more relevant to users based on the tool’s results.

6. Performance

PWA

When compared to a responsive or mobile site, PWA performs substantially better. Service employees are present at the heart of every PWA. Service workers are just JavaScript files that ensure programs operate in the background and are independent of a web page.

The sole disadvantage of PWA is that it requires a browser to function properly. As a result, there may be a delay or increased power use.

Native App

Native apps can use hardware and device capabilities to provide consumers with a better experience. As a result, native apps outperform progressive web apps.

7. Functionalities and Features

Native App

A native app can access Bluetooth, geofencing, inter-app interactions, and other features.

PWA

Progressive web apps have grown in popularity among enterprises globally. However, they still do not have access to all of the device’s functions, such as native apps.

Because progressive web apps rely on Web APIs to access hardware functionalities, this is the case. Furthermore, progressive web apps cannot provide push alerts to iOS users.

8. Offline availability

PWA

In offline mode, PWAs can only display precached content. It is possible because service workers employ JavaScript components to retrieve requests from the server for the user.

Native App

When it comes to native apps, they display content and functionality even when the user is not connected to the internet. It is feasible due to local data storage or cloud data synchronization. Aside from that, many native apps are designed to work well in offline mode.

9. Security

Native App

A native app is created with the application’s built-in security mechanisms in mind. Second, you can incorporate numerous security features into a native program.

It could be a multi-factor authentication mechanism in which a user enters two or more verification factors to gain access to the application.

Apart from that, certificate pinning can be integrated into native programs to avoid man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attacks, confirm users’ access to trustworthy certificates, and protect HTTPS network traffic.

PWA

PWA, on the other hand, operates under the HTTPS protocol; thus, PWA prevents information from being revealed or altered.

Furthermore, because PWA runs in a browser, the browser handles the majority of the security. As a result, it is as secure as a webpage.

PWAs, on the other hand, are vulnerable to a variety of attacks such as dormant service workers, XSS, file upload, and so on. As a result, we may conclude that PWA is no more secure than a native application.

What should you choose: a progressive web app or a native app?

After considering PWA and Native apps from both a business and user standpoint, it’s time to select the best one for your project. As an entrepreneur, you should consider the various instances in which PWAs or Native apps should be used.

Later, choose the best one among them by taking into account your current and future business goals.

Pick PWA if

• You want to make a simple app available to people. You can easily launch a PWA and engage with users via push notifications.
• You are on a tight budget. PWA takes less time to develop and launch.
• You’d like to reach a larger audience. PWA works well on smartphones, tablets, and other similar devices.
• You don’t want to waste time obtaining app store certification.

Pick a Native App if

• You want to build a long-lasting brand image and credibility. Deploying apps on the top app shops improves dependability.
• You want to incorporate advanced features such as geofencing, sensor detection, and so on.
• You wish to send push alerts to iOS users.
• Your purpose is to give users increased security.

Final Note

These questions can assist you in determining the benefits and limitations of each option and determining which is best suited for your individual use case and goals. For example, if you have a limited budget and your target audience mostly uses low-end devices, a Progressive Web App may be a better option because it is less expensive and available on a wide range of devices. A native mobile app, on the other hand, maybe a preferable solution if your application requires access to specific hardware features or offline capability.
We hope that our blog has assisted you in making an informed decision. If you require any additional information, please contact mayamitech.