Native app vs web app: that's often the first choice when you want an app built. You download a native app from the App Store or Google Play, and it's built for one operating system. A web app runs in the browser and works on any device with internet. Both can look like a real app. The difference lies in cost, capabilities and how people find them.
Short answer: if you need heavy phone features or really want to be in the app stores, go native or cross-platform. If you want to start quickly, affordably and with wide reach, a web app is often the smartest start. Below you'll read why.
What is a native app?
A native app is built specifically for iOS (iPhone and iPad) or Android, using that platform's programming language and tools. You install it through the App Store or Google Play. Because it runs directly on the operating system, it has full access to the phone: camera, GPS, Bluetooth, sensors, contacts and notifications.
The downside: if you want to reach both iPhone and Android users, you're effectively building two apps. Every update also has to pass Apple's and Google's review before users get it. On top of that come costs for developer accounts and maintenance per platform.
What is a web app?
A web app is an application that runs in the browser, such as an online planner, customer portal or ordering system. You open it through a link. A modern variant is the progressive web app (PWA). You can add it to your home screen, it works partly offline and on many devices it can send push notifications too. Read more in progressive web app.
You build a web app once and it works on iPhone, Android, tablet and computer. Updates go live for everyone straight away, without app store approval.
Native app vs web app: the differences at a glance
- Cost: a web app is usually cheaper, because you build one version. Native for two platforms is often the most expensive.
- Speed and smoothness: native apps often feel smoother for heavy tasks, such as games or video. For forms, overviews and orders, a well-built web app is more than fast enough.
- Phone features: native has access to everything. A web app can do a lot, such as camera and location, but not everything.
- Working offline: native can do this fully. A PWA can do it partly.
- Visibility: a web app can be found on Google. A native app has to be found in the app stores.
- Installation: native requires a download. You open a web app straight from a link, which lowers the barrier.
- Updates: web apps are updated instantly. Native apps wait for approval and for the user to update.
Hybrid and cross-platform apps: the middle ground
Between native and web there's a third option: the cross-platform app, sometimes called a hybrid app. You write one codebase, and it's released as an app for iOS and Android. You do get into the stores and have access to most phone features, without building everything twice.
For many business apps, this is a good balance. You do still deal with the app stores' rules and reviews, and with updates for new versions of iOS and Android.
A common mistake is choosing on gut feeling. An app in the store feels more professional, but that says little about whether customers will download it and keep using it. So look mainly at how often people need the app and which features are truly essential. The choice between native, cross-platform or web then almost makes itself.
When should you choose a native app?
- Your app relies heavily on phone features, such as Bluetooth devices, sensors or advanced camera functions.
- People use it daily and expect to find it in the app store.
- It must work fully offline, for example at locations without signal.
- Performance is crucial, as with games or heavy graphics applications.
- You want to sell digital products or subscriptions through the stores.
When is a web app the better choice?
- You want to go live quickly and first test whether the idea works.
- Your budget is limited but you still want to reach everyone, on any device.
- Customers use it now and then and don't like downloading yet another app.
- You want to be found on Google.
- It's about forms, bookings, orders, overviews or a portal.
An example from our work: the ordering platform for Apple Mix Fried Chicken in Den Helder runs on the web. Customers order straight from the browser, with a basket, delivery costs and a live notice of whether the restaurant is open right now, without installing anything first.
Checklist: native app or web app?
Answer these questions for your own situation. The more often you say yes, the more native or cross-platform comes into view:
- Do you need phone features that a browser doesn't support?
- Must the app work entirely without internet?
- Do people use the app every day or every week?
- Is a spot in the app store important for your brand or your sales?
- Do you have budget for two platforms and for maintenance with every new iOS and Android version?
Still unsure? Then start with a web app. You can always expand to an app in the stores later. Read roughly what the different routes cost in how much does it cost to build an app.
Advice on your app from Violexa
At Violexa we build websites and apps and give honest advice on which type of app suits you. Hisham looks at your goal, your users and your budget, and tells you when a web app is enough. A custom website or web application starts from €1,799 excl. VAT (€2,177 incl. VAT) per project. Larger projects get a fixed price up front, in writing.
Want to know which route is smartest for your idea? Book a free quickscan. In 30 minutes, online or on site, we discuss your plan. Afterwards you get short written advice with a price indication, with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, a native app or a web app?
That depends on what the app needs to do. Native suits heavy phone features, working fully offline and daily use. A web app is cheaper, works on any device and can be found on Google.
Can a web app go in the App Store?
A regular web app can't go in directly. But you can add it to the home screen as a PWA. If you really want to be in the App Store, you need a native or cross-platform app.
Does a web app work offline?
A progressive web app can work partly offline, for example by showing previously viewed pages or saving input until there's a connection again. Working fully offline is better done with a native app.
What is a hybrid app?
A hybrid or cross-platform app is built with one codebase and released for iOS and Android. It's a middle ground between native and web: you're in the stores, but you don't have to build everything twice.
