More and more people use smartphones in today’s modern world, and the mobile application has become an indispensable part. It would be a mistake if we not mentioned the native app. However, when PWA appear, it surpassed the native app in every aspect.
If you are confused between PWA and native apps, this blogpost will point out their differences. Also, the reasons why progressive web apps are now preferable will be provided. Now just read on to find out why we need a PWA instead of a native app!
Contents
1. Installation
PWA
It is easy to install a progressive web app onto your phone or even your PC. Just a click on “Add to home screen” then you can use it right away.
However, this feature is not yet supported on the iOS browser – Safari. But don’t worry! TigrenPWA has already provided a pop-up to instruct PWA users to add to its home screen.
Native Apps
On the contrary, downloading a native app would take more time and effort since it includes more steps. First, you have to open your app store and search the app that you want to download. Then, click on the “Install” button and wait until the installation completes.
2. Updates
PWA
It is simple to update the progressive web apps. The only thing users have to do is refreshing. Thus, it only takes a split second to complete the updates.
Native Apps
The updates on native apps are more complicated since both merchants and users have to do it. For users, they have to open their app store to install updates. It may take a few seconds or even minutes to finish.
For merchants, native apps require updating in source code, then submitting to the app stores. Once the updates are approved, users will receive a notification.
3. Cost To Develop
PWA
Depending on the complexity of functions, the cost to develop a progressive web app may start at $5000. Hence, it is suitable for different business scales.
Native Apps
It is much more expensive to develop a native app. The total fee may come up to $100,000. For small apps, the PWA development cost starts at $10,000. For eCommerce apps, merchants will have to pay at least $30,000.
4. Maintenance Cost
PWA
The fact is it costs nothing to maintain a progressive web app. The only fees you have to pay are hosting and the domain name, which is equal to a website.
Native Apps
Unlike PWA, the native app has tons of fees that need paying, such as submission, server, and even push notification costs. The annual submission cost may vary depending on the operating system. Google Play Store charges $25 while Apple App Store demands $99.
The monthly server cost ranges from $20 to $60, and the push notification fee is $10 a month. Besides, if you want to update your app, it is essential to hire a developer. That means you have to prepare another amount of money.
5. Time To Develop
PWA
Depending on the app’s purpose and complexity, the PWA development time may last from 1 to 3 months.
Native Apps
As we know, different operating systems require a separate application. Hence you have to build at least two versions of an app for iOS and Android. That means it will double the time to develop. In general, the PWA development time of a native app in a platform is six months.
6. One-time Development
PWA
A benefit of PWA over native apps is one single codebase for various platforms. Which means we only need to develop the app once.
Native Apps
As mentioned above, different operating systems need separate versions of an app. Hence, one version of a native app can only be used in one platform.
7. SEO Friendly
PWA
Since a PWA is a website, it can also be indexed in search engines. Like any website, a progressive web app has URLs and is supported by popular browsers such as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Thus, PWA surpasses native apps in SEO and the number of visits to your site.
Native Apps
As you know, a native app can only be found in the app store. Therefore, it can not be indexed in the search engines. Thus, building native apps is not useful for SEO.
8. Data Storage
PWA
PWA don’t need to download all data to the phone like a native app. Hence, a PWA only needs a small amount of your device’s memory. This is also the reason why a progressive app can approach more types of customers. PWA is such a convenient tool for mobile users in countries where the Internet and wifi are not widely used.
Native Apps
A noticeable disadvantage of native apps is that they are eating up too much storage in our smartphones. On average, an iOS app takes up nearly 40MB, while an Android app requires approximately 15MB. Unless the memory is big enough, it is impossible to install many apps on the device.
Last Words
As we can see, PWA brings more benefits to both merchants and users in various ways. With all of their outstanding features, progressive web apps can be regarded as the mobile app’s future. Thus, merchants should take the chance to create one PWA for their businesses.
