PWA vs. Native: Which Approach is Right for Your Project?

You’ve probably used both without giving it a second thought. However, there’s still some skepticism around PWAs. The upside? They’re continuously improving, thanks to ongoing support and updates from both Google and Apple for Android and iOS. At the same time, devices are becoming more powerful, making it easier to implement things like animations – features that were once difficult or even impossible to achieve with a PWA.

The real question is: What sets these two apart, and which one’s the right fit for your project? Keep reading to find out.

PWA 101

PWAs are a modern take on web apps, developed to run smoothly right in your browser. They have a lot in common with traditional web apps, but there are a few important differences. For starters, they’re built with a mobile-first mindset, which means they’re optimized for a smooth experience on phones and tablets. That said, while PWAs are a strong alternative in many situations, they’re not a full replacement for native apps – at least not yet.

PWAs are primarily built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but they’re often developed with modern libraries or frameworks like React, Vue, or others.

PWAs: The good and the not-so-good

There are a number of reasons to build and use PWAs, especially if you’re after a flexible and user-friendly solution. Here are the most important ones:

• Local data storage: PWAs store only the necessary data on the user's device, which eliminates the need for large downloads of unnecessary data.
• Payment convenience: Because PWAs aren’t tied to a specific operating system, you're free to integrate the payment provider of your choice, without dealing with restrictions from Apple, Google, or anyone else.
• SEO opportunities: Since PWAs work like websites, they can be indexed by search engines, making them easier to discover and potentially drawing in more users.
• Fast loading time: When built right, PWAs load quickly by fetching just the data currently being displayed to the user.‍
• Instant updates: When it's time to update the app, users don’t have to download anything or deal with downtime, making the whole experience smoother.‍
• Faster & cheaper development: Since PWAs are browser-based, development is typically quicker and more cost-effective compared to building native apps.

So far, so good, right? While PWAs offer many perks for end users, there are still a few things to keep in mind. One of the biggest challenges is user expectation. People often assume that every product has a native app, and when they hear “PWA,” you might need to explain what that even means. And let’s be honest, saying “It’s a web app” doesn’t always feel as convincing as having a traditional app.

Discoverability is another challenge. PWAs don’t show up in app stores like Google Play or the App Store, so if someone’s used to finding apps that way, they might never come across yours.

Finally, PWAs don’t always have the same deep integration with hardware, so things like Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi controls, or even camera and mic access may not work as smoothly (or at all), depending on the platform. This could be a dealbreaker for some users.

When to use PWAs?

Suppose your app already offers a solid web experience, and you’re looking to expand accessibility for mobile users without the commitment of developing a fully native app – a PWA is definitely a good choice for you. They’re especially handy for businesses that rely on repeat customers, like online retailers. With a PWA, users can add your app to their home screen for quick access, no download required. It’s simpler for them, and it keeps your brand just a tap away, encouraging return visits.

Fast-moving platforms like social media and news sites can also benefit from PWAs. Their quick load times help deliver a smooth, seamless experience – exactly what users expect when they’re scrolling, swiping, or staying up to date.

What about native apps?

Unlike PWAs, native apps are built specifically for mobile devices, which means you need to create separate applications for both Android and iOS. Luckily, modern frameworks like Flutter and React Native make it possible to write one codebase that runs on both platforms, saving time and effort.

Still, there are important differences between Android and iOS that developers should keep in mind while building apps. A major one is how each platform handles local data storage – file access works differently on Android and iOS. Even simple actions, like opening the default email app from a link, require different implementations depending on the platform. These subtle variations add complexity, especially when trying to maintain consistent behavior across both systems.

Traditionally, Android apps are built using Java or Kotlin, while iOS apps rely on Objective-C or Swift. Today, Flutter and React Native are among the most popular options for building cross-platform apps with a single codebase, making native development more accessible than ever.

Native apps: The good and the not-so-good

While PWAs have their own set of advantages, native apps give you a smoother and more integrated experience. They offer:

• Better experience: Unlike PWAs, native apps have smoother animations and better design possibilities.
• Offline performance: While PWAs can offer limited offline functionality, native apps have the upper hand. Many are designed to work fully offline, providing a more reliable experience when there’s no internet connection. 
• App store: Native apps benefit from being listed in the App Store and Google Play, making them easier for users to find through search and browse.
• Access to features: Native apps can tap into hardware features like Bluetooth, NFC, the camera, and voice recording, making them more versatile.

Before committing to a native approach, there are a few challenges to consider. First, native apps require users to download and install them. That also means every time you release new features or improvements, users need to update the app, unless the update is mandatory. The problem? Many users skip optional updates, which can leave them stuck on older versions without the latest functionality or fixes.

Another drawback is the cost of development. Since native apps, to an extent, need to be built separately for iOS and Android, you’re essentially managing two parallel projects. Even if you use a cross-platform framework like Flutter, certain features still need to be customized and optimized for each platform. On top of that, QA testing has to be done individually for both versions, which adds time and expense.

Monetization can also be an issue. On iOS, you're required to support Apple Pay for in-app payments, and Google enforces the same with Google Pay. If you'd prefer a different payment provider, your options are limited by platform rules.

When to use native apps?

Native apps are often the best choice when your goal is to deliver a seamless user experience and make full use of device-specific features. They’re especially great for:

• Gaming: High-performance games require fast processing and smooth animations, areas where native apps shine.
• Education apps: These often include interactive elements like voice recording, so users tend to come back to them a lot.
• Productivity apps: Notes and other task management apps often need offline support and instant syncing, which native development supports well.‍
• Entertainment & streaming: Apps like these demand efficient video playback and optimized battery usage, something that native environments handle better than PWAs.

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If your app needs to take full advantage of device features, speed, and a high-quality user experience, native development is often the best route to go. Some well-known apps like Duolingo, Netflix, and Twitch are using this approach.

So, what’s the right choice for you?

There's no right or wrong answer to this question – it really depends on your goals and priorities. That said, here are a few key factors to help guide your decision:

• Development cost: Ask yourself how much you're willing to invest. For native apps, you'll need a bigger budget for the full development cycle, while PWAs can be a more cost-effective option.
• User experience: Who’s your target audience, and what type of responsiveness does your app need? Native apps offer the best performance, while PWAs have some limitations in responsiveness.
• Accessibility: If you want to reach a wider audience, PWAs are much more accessible since they run on any web browser without downloading.‍
• Maintenance: How important and how often will you update your app? PWAs provide seamless updates, so users don’t have to download anything manually, unlike native apps.

Final thoughts

In the end, choosing between a PWA and a native app depends on your specific goals, budget, and the features your app requires. Consider whether you need full access to device hardware, offline functionality, or in-app payments – and how much you're willing to invest in platform-specific development.

PWAs continue to evolve, offering more flexibility and ease of deployment. However, native apps still lead when it comes to performance and deep integration. As Google and Apple continue shaping the mobile landscape with their own standards and restrictions, developers often have to adapt to each platform’s rules. So while PWAs are closing the gap, the decision ultimately comes down to what works best for your users and your business.