Native App vs. Web App – which One Is Better for You?

When it comes to developing a mobile application for your business, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to create a native app or a web app. The right choice will between Web App vs Native App depends on a variety of factors, such as your budget, timeline, and the specific features you want in the app.

To find out what type of application is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• How quickly do you need the app? 
• What is your budget for the development process? 
• What features are essential to the app’s functionality? 
• And finally, in what ways will the app serve your business priorities?

While asking these questions is essential. However, they aren’t very helpful if you don’t know the differences between native and web apps.

Therefore, in this article, we’ll walk you through the definition of a native app and web app, their pros and cons, examples, and a very cool and convenient way to create a native app with no coding knowledge using a mobile app builder.

So, buckle up, and let’s dive right in!

What is a Native app?

Let’s imagine that your smartphone is a fancy sports car, and you want to build an app that can drive that car. A native app is like having the keys to that car – you have full access to all the features and capabilities and can interact with them most efficiently.

In technical terms, a native app is a software application built for a specific mobile platform (such as iOS or Android) and installed directly on a mobile device. Essentially, it means that the app is developed using platform-specific programming languages and development tools, which makes it optimized for that particular operating system.

iOS native app is typically developed in Swift or Objective-C, while the native android app has Java or Kotlin as the standard programming language.

A native app can take full advantage of the features and capabilities of the device, such as GPS, camera, contacts, and more, which results in faster performance and a better user experience. 

As per insider intelligence, the research shows that US adults spend at least 4 hours a day browsing the internet on their smartphones, and 88% of that time, they use mobile applications rather than websites.

Native Apps – Pros & Cons

When deciding whether native will be the right decision for your business, consider the pros and cons listed above.

– Pros of Native Apps

• High Performance: Native apps are optimized for specific platforms and utilize the device’s hardware and software features to deliver a high-performance and responsive user experience.
• Access to Hardware: Since they’re built for specific platforms, they can access the device’s hardware and utilize features such as a camera, microphone, and GPS.
• Offline Functionality: You can use a native app when there is no internet connection, making it more convenient for users on the move.
• Better User Experience: User experience is everything, and native apps offer the best user experience because they are designed especially for each platform, so they are more intuitive and easier to use.
• Security: They offer better security and safety measures, as they can implement encryption, two-factor authentication, and other security features.

– Cons of Native Apps

• App Development Cost: Native apps require more time, money, and resources to develop as they need a dedicated team of developers for each platform. Occasionally (But not always)
• Longer Development Time: Since native apps require specific development tools and technologies, the development process can take longer than other apps.
• App Store Approval: App Store approval is necessary for native apps, which can cause delays in the release of an app if there are any issues.
• Compatibility Issues: Not compatible with multiple OS, as they are developed for particular platforms (Android, iOS, Windows, etc.) and won’t work seamlessly on all platforms.
• Limited Audience: Having a native app limits your audience’s reach. But you can easily overcome this by making a native app for each platform separately, which we’ll discuss late in the article.

What is a Web app?

A web application is an online app/website that mimics the look of a mobile application. You can build a web app using Javascript, HTML5, and CSS that runs in different web browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc.

Compared to native applications, a web app is less complex and, therefore, more affordable and easier to develop. However, a web app can have slower performance and a less intuitive user interface design.

Additionally, unlike native apps, you won’t find a web app on app stores for iOS or Android, making it harder to find and discover. 

However, a web app is more highly accessible than a native app, as users can access it from any device with a web browser. This includes smartphones, tablets, and other devices such as smartwatches and smart TVs.

Web Apps – Pros & Cons

If you are still undecided, then keep reading to find out the pros and cons of web apps below:

– Pros of Web Apps

• Cross-platform compatibility: Web apps can run on various browsers and devices, which makes them highly accessible to a wide range of users.
• Easy to develop: Developing a web app is easier than creating native apps. Thus they are less expensive to develop.
• No downloads required: Since web apps run on a web browser, users don’t need to download and install the app on their devices.
• Easy to update: Unlike native apps, you can update a web app without requiring users to download and install a new version.
• Low barrier to entry: Developing a web app doesn’t require the same level of technical expertise as building a native app.

– Cons of Web Apps

• Slower performance: Web apps tend to be slower than native apps, which can negatively impact the user experience.
• Limited functionality: Unlike native apps, web apps cannot utilize certain hardware features on a device, limiting their functionality.
• No app store visibility: App stores do not display web apps, which can limit their discoverability for the user.
• Less intuitive UI design: Since web apps aren’t designed for specific platforms, their user interface might not be as intuitive as a native app’s.
• Internet connectivity required: You need an internet connection to use a web app, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.

What is the difference between Native and Web-Based apps?

With the popularity of smartphones and tablets, native and web-based applications have become more and more important. The following are some key differences between a native and a web app, which can help you determine which type of app would work best for your business.

What are the Examples of a Native App?

When you think of your favorite mobile applications, chances are that most of them are native applications. These applications are designed for specific operating systems, such as iOS or Android, and can be downloaded and installed on a device. 

Here are a few well-known examples of native applications:

• Instagram: It’s a popular social media application and is an example of a native app for iOS and Android devices.
• Uber: This ride-hailing app is a prime example of a native app as it uses a device’s GPS and other features.
• Shazam: It’s a music recognition app that can identify any song playing; it is a native app that uses a device’s microphone.
• Spotify: The Spotify (music streaming service) app is available for iOS and Android devices.
• Google Maps: This mapping and navigation service is a native app that can help users get around with real-time traffic updates.

What are the Examples of a Web App?

As web applications are accessible through web browsers (Chrome. Safari, Opera, etc.) thus, every website you see is an example of a web app.

• Trello: The popular project management tool is an example of a web app that helps teams collaborate and organize projects.
• Canva: Your favorite design platform Canva is a web app that provides users with an intuitive interface to create designs.
• Google Drive: You can access this cloud storage service and productivity suite via the web browser.
• Netflix: Netflix (one of the top video streaming platforms) has a website for its video streaming service.
• Dropbox: This file hosting service has a web app that lets users access files and collaborate on projects without downloading anything.

Native App or Web App: Which One Should You Choose?

For most businesses, it can be challenging to choose between a native app and a web app. So to help you out, following we have outlined a few critical factors that will make your decision easier:

• Performance: When it comes to performance, a native app is a better choice as it is optimized for the platform and has access to the device’s hardware, resulting in a faster and more responsive experience.
• Cost: Developing a native app requires more time, resources, and a dedicated team of developers for each platform, making it more expensive than a web app. A web app might be better if you’re on a tight budget.
• Offline functionality: For apps intended for offline use, a native app is a better choice for you as it can work offline.
• User experience: Native apps offer a better user experience than web apps since they are custom-built for each platform, which results in a more intuitive interface.
• Compatibility: A web app can run on various devices and browsers. If you want that, then go for a web app.
• Updates: If you need to update your app frequently, a web app is a better choice as it does not require users to download and install a new version.

By considering these factors, you will be able to choose the most suitable type of app for your business needs and goals.

Build Your Own Native App with APPExperts in Minutes

APPExperts is a WordPress mobile app builder that provides an effortless way to create custom mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms without requiring any coding knowledge.

When we consider the pros and cons of both native apps and web apps, it’s easy to conclude that having a native app tends to be the better option compared to a web app, and APPExperts helps you build that faster than you may think.

Web apps might be a more feasible solution for businesses or individuals with limited budgets. Still, APPExperts makes it easier for them to create a native app without breaking the bank.

Simply put, APPExperts provides an easy-to-follow process for creating a native mobile app that you can integrate with an existing WordPress website. Additionally, you get the platform’s convenience, enabling you to build a fully functional app without writing a single line of code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are native apps better than web apps?

Because native apps are usually faster, perform better, and are more reliable than web apps. They can also access the device’s hardware and software features. You can build a native app using APPExperts in no time at all without having to code.

Which is a better native app or a web app?

The answer depends on the specific use case and user needs. Native apps are generally better for performance and features, while web apps are better for accessibility and cross-platform compatibility.

What are the two differences between a web app and a native app?

The main differences between a web app and a native app are that a native app runs directly on the device and can easily access the device’s hardware and software features. In contrast, a web app runs in a browser with relatively lower performance but is easier to update and develop.

Can we make money with apps?

Yes, you can easily make money with apps; the amount you can make from an app can vary widely depending on the app and the monetization strategy used. A successful app can earn millions of dollars in revenue, while others may need more revenue to be profitable.

Conclusion

The answer to the question “Native App vs. Web App – Which is better for your business?” depends on the need and goals of the business. Both approaches have their own benefits and drawbacks, and you should weigh them carefully based on your business’s short-term and long-term goals. 

Regarding usability, users prefer native apps because they offer a better interface and native capabilities. On the other hand, web apps could be more beneficial in the long term, as they are more accessible and cost-effective.

For those who are looking to build a native app for your business, APPExperts is an excellent choice, as it lets you create your own native app cheaply and easily using an intuitive user interface that requires no coding at all.