The need for an app with a great user experience and good results is actual. However, the decision between a Progressive Web App or a Native App might not be easy.

The PWAs are cheaper and faster to develop. On the other hand, Native Apps have a high performance and far more functionalities. Today, we will explore PWA vs. Native Apps to see which one is the best for your business.

What is a PWA?

Progressive Web Apps, a concept launched by Google in 2015, are websites to be accessed through mobile browsers but provide a user experience similar to that of a mobile app.

PWAs load just like regular websites but are similar to mobile apps, and by that, we mean that Progressive Web Apps are a type of software built with technologies like HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, but with the look and feel of a mobile app.

Advantages and disadvantages of PWAs

To put it in short, PWAs are something like an accelerated website. Unlike Native apps, Progressive Web Apps have a single base code for different operating systems such as Android and IOS.

This feature enhances the compatibility of PWAs and lowers the costs of developing. Let us look closely at the pros and cons!

Pros

• Progressive Web Apps don't need installation once the user can visit the web address and don’t need updates;
• They are better for user engagement. By having push notifications, PWAs increase the chances of users engaging with the brand;
• PWAs are memory-friendly, once they don't need a lot of space on the phone storage;
• They can be included in SEO tactics once they can be found through search engines. 

Despite the advantages, PWAs also have some flaws to be considered.

Cons

• They still have hardware and operating system limitations despite de advances;
• they may generate distrust for having a format that the user is not used to seeing;
• consume more battery power than Native Apps because it needs internet access.

Learn more about Progressive Web Apps on our blog.

What is a Native App?

Native apps, also known as mobile apps, are developed in a unique language for a specific operating system.

Because they are built exclusively for an OS, the Native App is faster and more reliable than the PWA.

Also, they have a brilliant performance because they have access to hardware and software features.

Advantages and disadvantages of Native Apps

Native Apps can link to the operating system and access the device hardware to provide a better experience to your customers.

A native app's programming language is faster and more powerful. Despite this, many still prefer using PWAs. Observe the pros and cons.

Pros

• Native apps have better UI (user interface) and UX (user experience) because they are developed specifically for an OS;
• Don’t need internet access and works off-line because it has access to local storage;
• Full access to hardware and compatibility with other applications on app stores;
• Native apps are more secure and better for data protection once they use hardware characteristics to strengthen authentication.

Cons

• Native apps have better UI (user interface) and UX (user experience) because they are developed specifically for an OS;
• Don’t need internet access and works off-line because it has access to local storage;
• Full access to hardware and compatibility with other applications on app stores;
• Native apps are more secure and better for data protection once they use hardware characteristics to strengthen authentication.

So, now that we analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of PWAs and Native Apps, we will try to help you choose the best option for your project.

PWAs vs. Native Apps: which to choose?

Both types of apps indeed have positive and negative points. However, depending on the project, objectives, or budget, one might meet your needs better than the other.

With that said, you should consider a PWA:

• if you are starting your business and you have a small budget. PWAs take less time to develop, so it costs less;
• if SEO is a priority. PWAs can improve your brand reach and visibility;
• If you want a simple app for users without the need to use hardware elements;

But if you want to go a different path and enter the market with full functionalities, then you should consider a Native App:

• It’s better for building credibility for your brand because it will be in all app stores; 
• Allows the use of mobile hardware features which allows improving UX and security;
• If you want your app to have push notifications.

Conclusion

PWAs and Native Apps are two good options to offer your audience a great UX. Despite the similarities, they do not suit all types of business. The main differences between them lie in the capability of accessing hardware features and the layers of security.

When deciding which one to use, keep in mind that you should consider aspects like compatibility, shareability, marketing budget.

If you still have doubts, talk to us. At Zalox, we can help you outline the best solution for your project.