PWA vs Native App: Which Does Your Business Need?

Key takeaways

• A PWA is a website that can be installed, work offline and send push notifications — no app store needed.
• Native apps get full device access, app store presence and the smoothest performance.
• PWAs are cheaper to build and maintain, and their pages can be found through search engines.
• On iPhone, web push only works for PWAs added to the home screen, and some device features remain unavailable.
• Many businesses start with a PWA or responsive web app and add a native app once demand is proven.

Not every business that wants "an app" needs one in the App Store. A progressive web app can deliver much of the experience for a fraction of the cost. But native apps still win for some features and audiences. Here is how to decide.

What is a PWA?

A progressive web app is a website built with modern web technologies so it behaves like an app: it can be installed on the home screen, open full screen, work offline or on poor connections, and send push notifications. It runs in the browser engine, from one codebase, on every device.

What is a native app?

A native app is downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. It is built for the platform — natively or with a cross-platform framework such as Flutter or React Native — and has full access to device features, background tasks and the platform's own interface.

PWA vs native app compared

• Cost: PWA: one codebase that is also your website, so lower build and maintenance costs. Native: higher, especially with two platforms and store releases.
• Device features: PWA: camera, location and more, but not everything — and support varies by browser. Native: full access, including background tasks and deep OS integration.
• Push notifications: PWA: supported, but on iPhone only once the user adds the app to their home screen. Native: fully supported.
• Offline use: Both can work offline when built for it.
• Discoverability: PWA: pages can rank in search engines and be shared with a link. Native: app store search and featuring.
• Updates: PWA: instant, like a website. Native: through store review and user updates.

When a PWA makes sense

• Your users find you through search and links, and SEO matters.
• You want an app-like experience without app store fees or reviews.
• Budget is limited, or you want to validate demand first.
• Most usage is occasional rather than daily.

When a native app makes sense

• You need device features or background behaviour PWAs can't offer reliably.
• Daily engagement and reliable push notifications are central to the business.
• App store presence builds trust with your audience.
• Performance-heavy features such as video, AR or complex animation.

The common path

Many businesses start with a fast, responsive web app or PWA, learn what users value, then invest in a native app once the case is proven. For ecommerce, a strong mobile site comes first; a Shopify mobile app suits brands with loyal, repeat customers.

Frequently asked questions

Can a PWA be published on the app stores?

On Google Play, yes, through a Trusted Web Activity. Apple's App Store requires apps to offer more than a wrapped website.

Do PWAs work on iPhone?

Yes. iPhone users can add a PWA to the home screen, which also enables web push notifications.

Is a PWA cheaper than a native app?

Usually, because one codebase serves every device and also works as your website.

Our web application and mobile app teams build both, and will recommend the one that fits your users.