PWA vs Native Apps: Which One to Choose in 2023?

The mobile apps industry has a vast and competitive market, and business owners face the challenge of establishing themselves in the leading role. Focusing on interactive user experience and exceptional results, business owners build native apps or progressive web applications as per their requirements.

PWA and native app development have their specific disadvantages— for example, PWA is a cost-effective option, whereas a native app offers more customized features and user experience. So, if you want to build a mobile app, you can make a team of developers proficient in native app development technologies or choose custom progressive web app development services. 

How are PWAs Different From Native Apps?

In this section, we will discuss how PWAs are different from native apps.

• Native Apps:

They are built on specific app development technologies like Java and Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS app development. Moreover, native apps are specifically designed for particular mobile app platforms, fully utilizing the device’s features and functionalities.

• Progressive Web Apps (PWAs):

These apps are built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript but provide an app-like experience. Additionally, these apps work seamlessly on mobile platforms like iOS and Android. They can also be accessed on web browsers or installed like an app on the home screen of smartphones.

Progressive Web Apps: Pros and Cons

• Pros:

1. Faster Loading: Progressive web app loads more rapidly than traditional web apps and works adequately offline or on low internet connectivity due to caching.
2. Low Storage Required: PWAs are lightweight and occupy less space than native apps. 
3. Cross-platform Compatibility: These apps are effortlessly accessible on multiple devices (desktops, mobile, and tablets), browsers, and operating systems (Android or iOS).
4. Consistent User Experience: PWAs use web development technologies and are consistently designed for all devices, offering a unified user experience across all platforms and devices. Like native apps, PWAs can also be added to the home screen for easy access.
5. Security: Following the HTTPS protocols and sharing encrypted information, PWAs are well-secure applications. Also, they are automatically updated, keeping the app up-to-date.

• Cons:

1. Security Vulnerability: PWAs are as vulnerable to security attacks and data break risks as traditional web apps.
2. Low Discoverability: Since PWA are not available on the Play Store or App Store, they can be challenging to find by your potential users. 
3. Limited Native App Features: In comparison to native apps, PWAs are unable to provide the full range of features of a native app since they are not explicitly designed for mobile devices but keep multiple devices in mind.

Native Apps: Pros and Cons

• Pros

1. Customized App Features: Since native apps are built on app technologies of the platforms it is being developed for, you can tailor them as per your user demand.
2. Enhanced User Experience: With native apps, you can thoroughly utilize the features and functionalities of mobile devices, facilitating a better user experience.
3. Security: Native apps have better security than PWA because app stores approve them per their guidelines and regulations.
4. High Performance: Even when not in use, apps can perform tasks like audio streaming, data synchronization, file sharing, etc., based on permissions.

• Cons:

1. Slower Time to Market: Native apps take more time to develop, test, and launch due to the development of separate versions on platforms like Android and iOS.
2. Costly Development: Developed for both iOS and Android platforms separately, native app development can be expensive compared to PWA development.
3. Frequent Updates Required: You must maintain and provide updates for native apps separately for iOS and Android platforms.

Progressive Web App or Native App: Which One is Better?

To decide which approach to select compared to native or PWA app development, define your app requirements and budget. Based on that, you can decide whether to hire a progressive web app development company or native app developers.

Note: The type of app development you choose will determine its success in the market. Therefore, you must carefully consider all your app development project’s parameters, features, and needs.