PWA or native app: which is right for your business
Many businesses assume they need an app in the Apple and Google stores. Sometimes they do, but often a progressive web app does the same job with less cost and complexity.
What a PWA is
A progressive web app (PWA) is a website that behaves like an app: it installs on the home screen of a phone or computer, opens full screen and can show content even when the connection drops.
It is built once and works on Android, iPhone and desktop through the browser.
Advantages of a PWA
- One build for every device
- Instant updates, with no app store review
- Discoverable on Google like any website
- Users try it without installing anything and install it if they like it
When a native app makes sense
A native app is still the best choice when you need:
- Deep hardware access: advanced Bluetooth, sensors or heavy processing
- A presence in the app stores as a sales channel
- Very specific system features the browser does not offer
A rule of thumb
If your app is for booking, checking information, buying, managing or talking to customers, a PWA is usually enough and faster to launch. If you depend on the phone’s hardware, consider a native app.
You can also start with a PWA, validate the idea with real users and move to native later if it is truly needed.
A real example
For a cardiology practice in Venezuela we built a PWA with online booking, a patient portal, an admin panel and a WhatsApp assistant. Patients use it in the browser or install it on their phone, without going through any app store.