Web Apps vs Native Mobile Apps: Which Does Your Business Need?
Most businesses should start with a web app or PWA. Native apps only make sense when you need device features.
Web app: low cost (2-4 weeks), no offline, no app store, no push notifications, limited device access, instant updates, SEO friendly. PWA: medium cost (4-6 weeks), works offline, optional app store, push notifications, device access. Native: high cost (8-16 weeks), works offline, app store required, full device access.
Decision matrix: need camera/GPS? Native. Offline? PWA or Native. App store presence? Native. SEO traffic? Web or PWA. Push notifications? PWA or Native. Budget concerns? Web app.
Smart strategy: Phase 1 — launch PWA or web app (fast, cheap, SEO-friendly, tests your idea). Phase 2 — if demand grows, add native apps leveraging existing codebase. Savings: 60-75% with web approach.