Native app or PWA?
A real installed app or a progressive web app accessible from the browser? Each has strengths. The right choice depends on your users and your key features.
At a glance
| Criterion | Native | PWA |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Maximum | Very good |
| Access to phone features | Full | Partial |
| Presence on stores | Yes | No (via browser) |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Push notifications | Full | Limited by platform |
| Best for | Rich apps, frequent use | Wide reach, tight budget |
Choose native if…
- You need performance and advanced features.
- Presence on the App Store and Google Play matters.
- Usage is frequent and the experience must be flawless.
Choose a PWA if…
- You want maximum reach without installation.
- Budget and timeline are tight.
- One codebase for all devices is enough.
Our recommendation
For occasional use or wide reach, a PWA offers great value for money. For a central, rich, frequently used app, native remains the standard.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a PWA work offline?
- Yes. A well-built PWA works offline and installs to the home screen, without going through the stores.
- Can we start as a PWA then go native?
- Yes. We can validate with a PWA and build a native version later if usage justifies it.