Website to App: Your Complete Conversion Guide
Transform your website into a powerful mobile app. Learn the pros and cons of WebView wrappers, PWAs, and native development to choose the right approach for your business.
Founder, Natively
Converting your website to a mobile app has never been more accessible. With mobile apps generating 3x higher engagement than mobile websites and conversion rates up to 157% higher, the business case is clear. But which conversion method is right for you?
Key Takeaways
- Multiple conversion paths — WebView wrappers, PWAs, and native apps each have distinct trade-offs
- App Store considerations — pure WebView apps often face rejection; native features increase approval rates
- Performance matters — native apps load 60% faster and have 3x higher user retention
- Cost varies widely — from free PWAs to $150,000+ custom development, with AI tools offering a middle ground
- User expectations are high — 53% of users uninstall apps that feel slow or buggy
Mobile App Impact
Sources: MobiLoud Research, PWA Stats
Why Convert Your Website to an App?
In 2026, having a mobile presence is essential. Mobile devices account for 72% of total website traffic, yet mobile web conversion rates lag behind desktop by nearly 50%. The solution? A dedicated mobile app.
Mobile apps offer capabilities that websites simply cannot match:
- ✓Push notifications — reach users directly with 88% higher engagement
- ✓Home screen presence — constant brand visibility and one-tap access
- ✓Offline functionality — work without internet connectivity
- ✓Device features — camera, GPS, biometrics, and more
- ✓Better retention — app users return 3x more often than mobile web visitors
Understanding Website to App Conversion Methods
There are three primary approaches to converting your website to a mobile app, each with distinct characteristics:
WebView Wrapper
Displays your website inside an app shell. Fastest to implement but limited in functionality and often rejected by App Stores.
Progressive Web App
Adds app-like features to your website. No app store needed, but limited native capabilities and iOS restrictions.
True Native App
Purpose-built for mobile with full device access. Best performance and user experience, guaranteed App Store approval.
Find Your Best Conversion Method
Answer 3 quick questions to get a personalized recommendation
What type of website do you have?
WebView Wrapper Apps: Quick but Limited
WebView apps work by embedding your website inside a native app container. According to MobiLoud, this approach can get you to market quickly, but comes with significant trade-offs.
WebView Advantages
- ✓Fastest time to market (days, not months)
- ✓Website updates automatically sync to app
- ✓Single codebase to maintain
- ✓Lower initial development cost
WebView Limitations
- ✗Slower performance than native apps
- ✗Limited device feature access
- ✗No offline functionality
- ✗Risk of App Store rejection
App Store Warning
Apple explicitly states that apps that are simply a web view wrapper may be rejected. Your app must provide functionality beyond what a mobile browser offers.
Popular WebView Wrapper Tools
| Tool | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| MobiLoud | Custom pricing | E-commerce, managed service |
| Median (GoNative) | $790 base | Complex web apps, enterprise |
| AppMySite | $19/month | WordPress, WooCommerce |
| BuildFire | $159/month | Custom functionality needs |
Progressive Web Apps: The Middle Ground
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) add app-like capabilities to your website without requiring an app store listing. PWAs are projected to capture 60% of enterprise mobile projects by the end of 2026.
PWA Advantages
- ✓No app store submission required
- ✓Works across all platforms
- ✓Lower development cost
- ✓Better SEO than native apps
- ✓Push notifications (including iOS since 16.4)
PWA Limitations
- ✗Limited iOS feature support
- ✗No App Store visibility
- ✗Restricted device hardware access
- ✗Users must manually add to home screen
- ✗Lower trust perception vs App Store apps
PWA Success Stories
True Native Apps: The Gold Standard
Building a true native app—whether from scratch or using AI-powered tools—delivers the best user experience and highest engagement rates. According to industry research, native apps consistently outperform alternatives.
Native App Advantages
- ✓Superior performance — 60% faster than web-based alternatives
- ✓Full device access — camera, GPS, sensors, biometrics
- ✓Offline capability — works without internet
- ✓App Store approval — guaranteed when built properly
- ✓Better retention — 3x higher than mobile web
Traditional Native Development
- ✗High development cost ($20,000-$150,000+)
- ✗Long development timeline (3-6+ months)
- ✗Requires specialized developers
- ✗Separate codebase from website
- ✗Ongoing maintenance costs
The AI-Powered Alternative
Modern AI tools have fundamentally changed native app development. Instead of hiring expensive development teams or spending months learning to code, you can now build production-ready native apps by simply describing what you want.
Method Comparison: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing the right conversion method depends on your specific needs, budget, and timeline. Here is a comprehensive comparison:
| Feature | WebView | PWA | Native (AI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Time | Days | Weeks | Minutes |
| Cost | $500-$5,000/yr | $0-$2,000 | From $5/mo |
| Performance | Medium | Medium | Excellent |
| Offline Support | ✗ | Limited | ✓ |
| Push Notifications | ✓ | Limited iOS | ✓ |
| Device Features | Limited | Limited | ✓ Full |
| App Store Listing | Risky | ✗ | ✓ |
| Code Ownership | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| User Engagement | Medium | Medium | 3x Higher |
When Should You Convert vs. Build New?
The decision between converting your existing website and building a new native app depends on several factors:
→Consider Website Conversion If:
- •Your website already has all the functionality you need
- •You primarily need push notifications and home screen presence
- •Budget is extremely limited and timing is urgent
- •You are testing the market before major investment
→Build a Native App If:
- •You need device hardware access (camera, GPS, sensors)
- •Offline functionality is important
- •Performance and user experience are priorities
- •You want guaranteed App Store approval
- •Long-term engagement and retention matter
Ready to Build a Native App?
Skip the complexity of website conversion. Build a true native iOS and Android app with AI in minutes. No coding required. Full source code ownership. Starting at $5/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn my website into a mobile app?
Yes, you can turn your website into a mobile app using several methods: WebView wrappers that display your site in an app shell, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) that add app-like features, or building a true native app that replicates your website functionality with better performance and native features.
What is the best way to convert a website to an app?
The best method depends on your needs. WebView wrappers are fastest but limited. PWAs are cost-effective but lack native features. True native apps offer the best performance and user experience. For maximum engagement and App Store approval, building a native app with AI tools like Natively provides the best results.
How much does it cost to convert a website to a mobile app?
Costs vary significantly: PWAs can be free to implement, WebView wrapper services range from $500-$5,000/year, while traditional native app development costs $20,000-$150,000+. AI-powered platforms like Natively start at $5/month and generate production-ready native apps from descriptions.
Is a converted app as good as a native app?
WebView-wrapped apps typically underperform native apps in speed, user experience, and feature access. They may also face App Store rejection. True native apps built specifically for mobile deliver 60% faster load times, 3x higher engagement, and access to all device features. Building a native app, even with AI assistance, provides superior results.
Will Apple approve a WebView app?
Pure WebView apps that simply wrap a website often get rejected by Apple App Store for not providing enough native functionality. Apps must offer features beyond what a web browser provides. Adding push notifications, native navigation, and other native features increases approval chances.