As the web becomes more powerful, many startups are debating whether to go native or build a Progressive Web App (PWA). Each has its strengths and trade-offs.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
PWAs are web apps that work offline, send push notifications, and can be installed like native apps.
Pros: - One codebase for all platforms - Lower development and maintenance cost - Instant deployment and updates
Cons: - Limited access to device features (compared to native) - Not ideal for performance-intensive apps or games - Still some inconsistencies across iOS
Native Apps
Native apps are built specifically for Android (Kotlin/Java) or iOS (Swift/Obj-C), giving full access to device capabilities.
Pros: - Full hardware access (e.g., sensors, camera, biometrics) - Superior performance, especially for games or animations - Better offline support and battery optimization
Cons: - Separate codebases and dev teams (unless using cross-platform tools) - Slower update cycles - App store approval processes
When to Use What?
| Use Case | Recommended Approach | |-------------------------|----------------------| | Content-Driven App | PWA | | Complex Game or 3D App | Native | | MVP Testing or Prototype| PWA | | Banking or Security App | Native | | E-commerce Platform | Depends on features |
PWAs are great for validation and rapid deployment. For deeper device integration or heavy performance needs, native still leads. Some teams use both: a PWA for general users and native for power users.
