Mobile App vs. PWA: Which is Right for Your Startup?
Should you build a native iOS/Android app or a Progressive Web App (PWA)? We break down the costs, benefits, and technical differences to help you decide.
When launching a new digital product, founders often face a critical decision: should we build a Native Mobile App or a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
Native Mobile Apps
Native apps (built with Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android) offer the highest performance, deep hardware integration (camera, Bluetooth, push notifications), and a premium feel. However, they require maintaining two separate codebases, which is expensive and time-consuming.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
PWAs are websites that look and feel like native apps. They can be installed on the home screen, work offline, and are incredibly fast. The main advantage? You only build the app once (using React, Vue, etc.), and it works across all devices. They also bypass the App Store's 30% revenue cut.
The Verdict
If you have a tight budget and want rapid cross-platform deployment, choose a PWA. If your app relies heavily on 3D graphics, complex animations, or native hardware APIs, choose Native.