When you’re trying to build an app, the first question to answer is: “Which type?” There are many types of apps out there, but web apps and native apps are most widely used.

However, it isn’t possible to build both of them because of their different development processes. That’s where this guide on “web apps vs. native apps” becomes useful for you.

In this article, we’ll cover:

Web apps vs. Native apps: The Differences
How to choose the best app type for your project?

What is a Web App?

A web app is a software application that can be accessed on any device through a browser. They are built with web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and Python. Web apps store the code on a remote server, which is then accessed by browsers.

To access a web app, you need an Internet connection. It also includes Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) which offer greater functionality and a mobile-like experience while running in browser.

But if all web apps run in browser, why aren’t they called websites?

It’s correct that all web apps are websites. However, not all web apps are websites. Most web apps are websites with high level of interactivity, unlike a website with simple static content. The functionality make a difference between the two.

What is a Native App?

Native apps, popularly known as mobile apps, are software applications that work on operating systems optimized for mobile devices, such as Android OS or Apple iOS. They are coded using native programming languages of specific operating systems.

Swift and Kotlin are used for iOS apps while Java and Kotlin are used to build Android apps. This means that you need to code your app using different languages to optimize it for different operating systems.

When you install a mobile app, this code is downloaded directly onto your device. That’s why most native apps don’t need an active Internet connection to operate (some may do to run certain features).

Native vs. Web Apps: Key Differences

Native and web apps have many more differences than their platforms. Here are key differences across various aspects that impact long-term app success:

User Experience

Web apps compromise on user experience as the code adapts to different devices. They are slower and less responsive than mobile apps. Hence, it significantly reduces user engagement and retention rates.

Native apps offer a satisfying and intuitive experience. They can integrate easily with mobile device features such as GPS and camera. In addition, business can send personalized push notifications, creating a unique user experience. Native apps are also more secure than web apps.

Deployment

Web apps are deployed through a browser conveniently. Thus, users can access a web app directly by the platform’s link and start using it.

On the other hand, mobile apps need their codebase to be downloaded locally on the user’s device to function. This means that users can access a native app only after installation.

Although it creates a point of friction, it also makes native apps more effective in the user retention journey. Web apps aren’t accessible unless the user visits the site. However, native apps can easily be accessed on the device anytime.

Platform Compatibility

Web apps use one codebase that caters to different devices, including tablets, mobiles, and laptops. You can use a web app on any device with a browser and an active Internet connection.

In business, this means that you can reach users on a large scale as the app is compatible with every platform. While it sounds great, the code trying to adapt to every platform compromises on user experience.

Native apps are only available on Android and iOS mobile devices. Since they are optimized for the operating system, native mobile apps provide an immersive user experience.

Investment

Web apps are generally easier to develop and maintain than native apps. This involves the initial efforts and the maintenance costs to ensure the app runs smoothly.

If you look closely, both web and native apps are expensive and really hard to develop. Moreover, web apps aren’t secure and sustainable enough for a long-term business. This is where AI builders become useful.

AI app builders like Natively can help you build, deploy, and maintain native apps without writing a single line of code. In fact, this way it costs less than a fraction of actual development charges to build a mobile app.

How to Choose the Best Type of App for Your Project?

Now that we know the difference between web and native apps, which one is actually suitable for your project? Let’s figure out.

1. Consider your target audience

While you’re doing market research, you’ll come across the device your audience mostly uses. If your audience primarily uses mobile devices, then you should go ahead with mobile apps.

There is also data suggesting people worldwide go online on mobile devices than desktop. So, you can also build a native mobile app to be safe.

2. Necessary features for your app

Your choice also depends on the features you want on your app. For instance, if you’re building an app for users to take pictures and videos, you’d need camera access. A native app is the only choice in such cases.

Consider other features as well that are available exclusively on mobile apps. This includes location features, push notifications, and offline access. Although they can be added to a web app, they aren’t as functional on it.

3. Project budget

Whether you’re building a web app or a native app, both of them are quite expensive to build and maintain. But if you’re considering web apps as a cheaper alternative, you’d be compromising on every functionality and experience that could be made better.

Instead, you could use an AI app builder such as Natively to build a functional native app. It can save you not just the hefty costs but also time.

Conclusion

Both web and native apps have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your audience, app idea, and long-term goals, you can choose the one that suits your needs the best.

You should also look the type of app your competitors have built. If they have native apps, you’d benefit from building one too as your audience already prefers it. Check out how a mobile app will look for your business on our AI app builder, Natively!