Key Differences

 

Here is a quick, high-level summary of the key differences:

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

• Access: Accessed via URL and added to the home screen; no App Store needed.

• Cost & Build: Cheaper and faster to develop using a single codebase (web technologies).

• Updates: Instant and automatic on the server side.

• Performance: Browser-dependent; good for content, but limited offline use and hardware access (like camera or Bluetooth).

• Discoverability: Easily found via standard search engines (SEO).

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Native Mobile Apps

• Access: Downloaded and installed directly from App Stores (Apple/Google).

• Cost & Build: More expensive and time-consuming, requiring separate codebases for iOS and Android.

• Updates: Require manual user downloads and App Store approvals.

• Performance: Superior speed, robust offline capabilities, and full access to all device hardware.

• Discoverability: Found primarily through App Store searches (App Store Optimization - ASO).