Progressive Web Apps vs Native Apps: Which should you choose in 2025?
As the world embarks on a new journey in 2025, technological trends are also advancing at full throttle. While Progressive Web Apps are not anything surprisingly new, they still remain one of the most advanced technologies used by mobile app development companies.
That being said, many brands prefer to use native apps for various reasons. Progressive Web App development solutions offer smooth performance in different devices while the native apps provide superior performance. Numerous factors influence this choice, which you are about to discover. Choosing the right platform for your application is a crucial and complicated task. Keep reading this blog to get the ultimate information on both app categories. But before that, we need to deep dive into these application types to give your brand a cutting-edge digital presence.
What is a Progressive Web App?
PWAs serve as the latest form of app development which is abbreviated as Progressive Web Apps. The user interface of PWAs functions like native apps though they contain enhanced capabilities. The applications work without an internet connection on various devices at any screen size. Web browsers enable users to access these applications which also allow integration into other related applications and devices.
PWAs provide easy accessibility thus they cater to the needs of a wide user base. Popular graphic-user-interface online platforms like Telegram, Spotify, and Pinterest are prime examples of solutions that function as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
Top Features of a Progressive Web App
1. No Reliance On Internet Connectivity
‘Modern apps’ is just one of the many names given to Progressive Web Applications because of their functionalities. Powered applications run normally without needing continuous internet availability. PWAs use service workers to store essential data needed for app loading thus enabling users with limited internet access to use the application.
2. Push Notifications
With the push notification capability, PWAs allow users to stay up to date with critical announcements. Through the Push API, PWAs deliver instant notifications about new products, launches, promotional deals, and other vital updates even while the application remains inactive. The feature builds user engagement by preserving data for loading applications that ensure high retention levels while enabling businesses to contact their audience directly. The time-sensitive notification system operated by PWAs offers users customized information that produces significant enhancements to user experience.
3. Accessible On the Home Screen
The functionality to place Progressive Web Applications on home screens exists for mobile phones as well as desktop systems and additional devices. Users can find quick access by placing PWAs directly on their screens so they need not experience browser searches and multiple clicks for website access. Users get a smooth app experience through the single tap feature which launches PWAs on their devices. The user-friendly interface of PWAs helps businesses retain their audience along with user engagement which makes these solutions practical for businesses.
4. Fast Loading Speed
Developed using advanced technologies and modern programming languages, PWAs load at a fast speed. This keeps the users hooked to the app, earning their trust. This feature does wonders in cases of low internet connectivity and limited device storage.
What Is A Native App?
Native applications exist exclusively for particular operating systems among iOS and Android. These applications utilize programming languages which include Objective-C or Swift for iOS and Java and Kotlin for Android apps.
The focus of developers designing platform-specific apps is on linear development because they target a single operating system. Native apps deliver outstanding performance due to their focus on a particular platform. All native applications including WhatsApp and Snapchat together with Facebook constitute the leading examples of this category.
Top Features Of A Native App
1. Fast And Efficient
The features of a device remain accessible for native applications because they use all hardware capabilities such as the camera, GPS, microphone, accelerometer, and biometric authentication systems. The system allows functionalities like real-time location tracking which works alongside face or fingerprint recognition and voice commands. Through perfect device integration, native apps serve audiences with extensive feature requirements by creating deeper user experiences. The healthcare and banking industries along with e-commerce benefit the most from this type of application framework.
2. User Data Security
Native apps provide strong security features because they adhere to the security standards set by the operating system. They can implement advanced encryption methods, secure APIs, and multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive user information. By operating directly on the device and not depending on web connections, native apps minimize risks related to cross-site scripting and insecure web traffic, which is why they are often favored for financial, healthcare, and enterprise applications.
3. Revenue Earning Possibility
Native apps are distributed via official app stores such as Google Play and Apple’s App Store, which enhances their credibility and visibility to potential users. The listings in these app stores offer exposure, along with user reviews and ratings that contribute to building trust. Apart from that, native apps can utilize various monetization strategies, including in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertisements. This makes them a great choice for businesses aiming to generate revenue from their mobile applications.
4. Quick App Updates
Native apps can be updated easily through app stores, enabling developers to quickly release bug fixes, new features, and security patches. Users receive automatic notifications for these updates, ensuring they always have the most current version. Also, native apps can perform background updates, which improves performance and security without interrupting the user experience.
Tech Aspects Of PWA Vs Native Apps
Before making the decision, knowing the tech intricacies involved with each application type is crucial. This provides ample idea of how the development and installation process will look like.
App Installation
● Native apps are downloaded from the official Play Store or App Store. Their updates are also initiated through these platforms.
● Progressive Web Apps are added to the device’s home screen after being downloaded directly from the browser, which is a fairly simple process.
Offline Utility
● PWAs utilize service workers to cache content, enabling some offline access. However, more complex features might still need an internet connection.
● Native apps, on the other hand, provide complete offline functionality since data can be stored directly on the device.
App Development Process
● PWAs are developed with a single codebase that works across all platforms, which helps to cut down on both development time and costs.
● Native Apps need individual development for iOS and Android, leading to more time-consuming and costly maintenance.
App and Data Protection
● PWAs are more prone to online security attacks since they lack in-device security and authentication.
● Native apps are safer to use because they require multiple authentication rounds and have encrypted local storage.
Which one is better?
Emergen Research’s latest analysis indicates that the global market for Progressive Web Apps was valued at $1.13 billion and is expected to grow to $10.44 billion by 2027. That being said, Native apps are equally popular with the global mobile app market size to grow at a rate of 14.3% by 2030. So, which of these two should you choose? Allow us to put our expertise to work to help you make the right choice:
Visibility: Brands that want higher visibility and reach should choose PWAs since these apps are added to the home screen of the device. This gives them the opportunity to provide a more personalized experience to the users.
Search Engine Indexing: Since PWAs are present on the browser, they are easily scanned by the search engine. This makes them visible to a large online audience. However, the same is not the case with native apps.
Platform Precision: If you want a platform-specific app, then native app development is the right option since it is built on a platform-specific operating system.
Hybrid Apps: Businesses, especially startups, that are operating on tight budgets should develop a single app or hybrid apps that feature multiple capabilities at lower development costs, which is possible with a PWA.
Are You In Need Of Expert App Developers?
Consumer spending on mobile apps increased to 36.2 billion US dollars during the second quarter of 2024. These numbers highlight the popularity of different kinds of apps present in the market. Whether you want a native app or PWA, making the right development choice is crucial. Find the best app developer near you for your next app development project. But before you finalize a service provider, here is what you need to know:
● PWA and native app development require expertise in numerous programming languages. Make sure the developers hired for the task excel in different technologies.
● Custom app development services should be preferred to get the application modified according to your needs.
● The app development company should have a dedicated team of UI/UX designers to create compelling and engaging designs for the app.
● The service provider should successfully integrate third-party apps and APIs into the application.
● The development company should also be ready to provide consultation and feedback on the final app version.
Wrapping Up
While native apps and Progressive Web Apps are both highly popular, you can choose only one. You can utilize the information provided in this blog to better assess your needs and preferences. Finding the right platform for your app is a valuable step towards success. Hire a prestigious app development company like WebStar Solutions for your next project. They can help you with a dedicated team of developers skilled at native apps and Progressive web app development.
Relatable Questions To Ask
Considering benefits, how is PWA different from a native app?
PWAs can be accessed by the user in case of limited or no connectivity. They also do not need to be approved by the app stores for launching to the users. These benefits outshine native apps to a great extent.
When should one choose native apps?
Businesses searching for cost-effective and time-saving solutions should try native apps. They are not expensive to develop and also deliver impressive performance.
How can I hire you?
You can directly fill in your query and details on our Contact Us page, and our experts will soon reach out to you.
How can users access a PWA?
People have the misconception that a PWA needs to be searched on the browser every time a user wants to open it. But that’s not the case. A PWA is stored on the device’s home screen for quick access.
What is the main difference between a PWA and a native app?
The major differentiating feature is the platform. PWAs are website-like software delivering app-like features on multiple devices. Native apps are solely made for mobile phone operating systems accessible through app stores.