Confused about choosing a perfect medium for engaging a mobile audience towards your business? Well, here is a comparison between the two leading solutions for businesses to woo mobile users i.e. Progressive web apps vs Native App. This will help you find a more suitable option for your business. This being said, it is indeed a prerequisite to target a mobile audience.
If we go with the trends, there is one-sided dominance of mobile devices for using the internet. Smartphones are fascinating people, and this is forcing eCommerce giants to take the mobile web seriously. Mobile is changing the equilibrium of eCommerce from a computer-based in this mobile-first age.
1. Why your business needs a PWA or Native App?
2. PWA vs Native App – Differences
3. Performance – PWA vs Native Apps
4. Features – PWA vs Native App
5. What is better for your business?
Online interaction with potential customers is easier in this mobile-age than it was ever before. PWA or Native apps are trending in the eCommerce industry. Specifically, the way mobile is becoming a digital pioneer & expanding eCommerce to an incomprehensible extent. So many businesses are diving into mobile commerce, even the ones changing from offline to online business.
Why your business needs Progressive Web Apps or Native App?
It is always said that any business needs to reach its target audience on its convenience for sales conversions. As a business, you can’t ignore the interest of people in mobiles. It is rather a platform to penetrate your audience. Mobile compels you to incorporate a strategic shift and emphasize the exponentially growing number of mobile users.
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To reach mobile users, you need to adopt PWA or Native App or both if your budget allows sufficient investment. These are the two most effective platforms for engaging mobile users. I would assume you know the popularity of native mobile apps in the eCommerce industry. If not, you were definitely not living on earth.
Progressive Web App is a capable solution that stands neck to neck with the native apps in many aspects. To put it in a better context, many popular brands like Alibaba, Flipkart, BookMyShow, Forbes. Your presence for reaching mobile users through PWA and Native app.
Did You Know – 53.6% of the online traffic on the eCommerce platforms is coming from mobile.
If you have to figure out what’s better for your business, now is the time. As the mobile-first age arrives, you need to adapt your business online and choose a platform that suits your business better.
Progressive Web Apps vs Native App
Mobile App is a basic necessity these days. The surge of mobile connectivity also has a preposterous impact on the eCommerce landscape. Even though native apps developed much earlier than PWA, yet it created ripples in juxtaposition to the future of native apps by few people. But it is not the case in practical implications because the native apps are way too different in rich and diversified functionalities. So it is necessary to understand that PWA Development is not a rival to native apps. Both have their own pros & cons, merits & demerits for a business.
We create native apps to perform specifically attributed sets of tasks on smartphones. The Progressive web app is more of an enhancement of a website. Progressive web apps transform the webpages into an intuitive application that feels like an app without being one. This transition involves nicely thought out tweaks for the website that make the website responsive and interactive to surf on mobile browsers. PWA is not an actual app like the native apps are, it is a website application that resembles the app.
It is an obvious tendency of human beings to get attracted by vibrant and interactive things. Progressive web app captivates people with a rich and fluent user interface and takes the user experience to a much higher level. This increases the chances of visitor conversion. Here we will provide a detailed comparison between PWA vs Native App from the perspective of the business. You can surely figure out the option for your business using these aesthetic differences discussed below.
Development
Native Mobile Apps demands double work
Native apps come separately for iOS and Android, the two most popular mobile platforms. There is a predicament for businesses to create separate variants for both platforms to get outreach for all kinds of mobile users. Even though Android is the most extensively used mobile platform across the world, but the users of iOS are also insignificant proportions.
Ignoring any of these two groups of mobile users is going to hurt your business, eventually. Apps meant for Android differ from the ones prepared for Apple’s iOS. So you need to work separately on both. This doubles up the effort required in the development of a native app for both iOS and Android platforms. So, your business ends up investing twice the effort for developing native apps covering all the mobile OS.
PWA is more convenient
Progressive web apps are websites that have an intuitive framework. So you do not need a hefty investment for developing PWA for business. Developing PWA is not restricted to abide by any strict guidelines, just like any other website. We can access the progressive web through most types of mobile browsers. PWA features are more or less the same as native apps. Although, the expenditure of business is just a small proportion of what you need to spend on native apps.
The benefits of PWA outweigh the cost of Native apps
Building a progressive web app is cheaper than developing a native app. With the native app, create two separate applications for the iOS and Android platforms. This means you need at least two versions for iOS and Android, and the resources to maintain and update each version.
Depending on the complexity of the business, native apps consume hefty money on development. The cost of native app development can vary depending upon the business Progressive web app is faster to build and update. You can have one solution that operates across the platforms.
Maintenance
Native Apps Demand consistent updates and debugging
Even after getting your native app for both the popular mobile operating systems, you still need consistent work to make the app better and enhanced for users. The app is never perfect. It is not possible to build an app with no flaws or issues. Therefore, you need a team of developers constantly active and working on patches for the bugs and/or issues to release the updated version.
Even if you somehow created a flawless app, you will still need to upgrade it from time to time. Why? It is essential to keep the app compatible with the latest changes made by the platform itself. For instance, Android releases a new patch over its previous version every few months for various reasons, including security. It is an essential part of maintaining the relevance of the app for the changes made in the platform.
Progressive web Apps is an interactive website
All the users need is a web browser and a URL. Many of the PWA features are supported by popular browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. This makes it easier for your app to reach a large audience in a short time. You can easily deploy your updates without the need to wait for approval. This makes PWA is much more convenient for both your business and the customers.
Discoverability
Getting listed & app store optimization
We place native apps on the app stores where people visit and download the app. A platform such as iOS even charges the developers for creating their app store account. Getting the apps to an app market is tough. The native apps need to optimize the app and comply with the rules and restrictions used by the app stores to prevent poor quality apps from being listed for downloads.
Having your app listed on the app store makes your business more reliable among users. People have more trust in native apps rather than the PWA has driven web URLs. Native apps is not available on the search engine results. Users can find the app on respective app stores of Android and iOS. This is a key factor that influences app discovery. You need App Store Optimization for enabling users to find your app faster and with relative ease.
PWA enhances your business visibility on search engines
PWA works like any website so it can be indexed in search engines. Compared to normal/responsive web page. PWA has increased performance and engagement, helping your website rank better in search results. PWA is an SEO magnet that is easy to rank among the top search results owing to its unique framework. The progressive web empowers the search engine ranking of business tremendously.
To put it simply, the Progressive web app boosts the visibility of your business. You can reach your target audience by searching for the relevant solutions in search engines organically. This way, PWA can accompany your new eCommerce venture on the long journey to turn into a well-recognized brand.
Security
Multiple security factors for native apps
Native Apps have the option to build multiple security measures for enhanced safety of your data. If your app requires login, you can implement Multi-Factor Authentication. You can also use Certificate pinning for even more secure communication. Besides, users are more likely to trust an app than a URL, as it needed to pass the App Store’s security requirements before getting published.
A progressive web app is secure under HTTPS security protocols
PWAs are more secure than normal web apps because it runs them on HTTPS security protocols. This ensures that someone tampers no data shared between the client and the server from unlikely sources. In a secure environment, customers can enter personal details and credit card information without worrying that one can steal it.
Download & Installation
Source – The Mobile App Report by Comscore
Necessary to download & install a Native app
An average mobile user installs zero apps a month. Part of this is because it requires a certain level of commitment to get to the end of the installation process and use the app. First, users have to find the app in the store and confirm that they want to install it. After that, they have to wait for the download and installation.
Finally, after granting the app permissions, users often delete the app after using it. When users uninstall an app, it is usually the final decision and they might not come back.
No download or installation required for PWA
The progressive web app does not need any download or installation from the users. Any user can simply open the PWA on his browser and that suffices to access the application. Visitors can also bookmark and add the app to the home screen of their mobile with one tap.
PWA places an app icon on the home screen of the mobile, it can send push notifications, and integrate with the system settings. Besides this, PWA barely consumes any space, unlike the native apps. So you can use almost an app-like environment for user interaction without forcing the user to download anything at all. Just open the URL and access the app. You just have to share the URL with your friends. When there is no installation, obviously there will be no updates.
Performance of PWA vs Native app
Speed & fluency – Compared to a native mobile app, PWA loads much faster. While the native apps use a good chunk of data to work with, PWA has service workers which operate separately on web pages. These service workers cache certain resources and synchronize the data remotely, which even allows them to perform certain tasks without internet connectivity. Like Native apps, PWA also has the option to add a home screen shortcut that makes it instantly accessible without surfing.
Usage under poor network or offline – PWA enables to process requests even if it has no internet availability. Thanks to the service workers, PWA saves the tasks and later updates them when the internet connectivity is back.
Battery consumption – PWA consumes more battery than Native Apps. The reason is simply that PWA operates under a browsing app and has no direct control over battery consumption. The consumption, therefore, depends on the latency of the browser. The Native app directly performs under the operating system, which allows them to calibrate efficiency and power consumption.
Features of PWA vs Native app
PWA is progressing along the line of native apps there is a limit to its functionalities compared to native apps because of its dependency on the internet browser :
- Push notifications: Having push notifications increases the chance to re-engage an interested user. Native app allows building functions from scratch or even using third-party integration if need be. They also enable, though PWA to send push notifications with the help of service workers, it cannot use API on iOS because of enhanced security parameters of the platform.
- Geofencing: Geofencing is helpful in development as it allows developers to create virtual boundaries for functions. If the user tries to cross the boundary, the app triggers programmed actions. When combined with push notification, Geo-fencing provides an excellent option to reach and engage mobile users. Although this is a feature that is only available in native apps.
- Payment transaction: In this aspect, mobile apps and PWA are both equally capable. Through interaction with NFC chip or other hardware-based digital payments restricts for PWA on iOS platforms.
- Interaction with other apps: Native app can make calls, keep user logins, use the calendar, and various other ways that are, by accessing other apps. This process requires the permission of the user before anything else. PWA lacks this feature.
- Other smart features: PWA cannot access the device of the user or use other functions that can only work with the help of sensors of the mobile.
What is better for your business?
Both the native app and PWA accomplish and bring an array of features to the table. But nothing is devoid of flaws or bugs, and these two apps also have their share of flaws too. Your business must analyze the various intricacies involved in managing the medium of outreach it chooses for interacting with the target audience. By taking it non-seriously, you are going to end up in a complete disaster.
While choosing a medium between PWA and Native Apps, consider the aspects of each option excels in, and how they fit in with your vision of your app.
PWA suits your business if
- You are setting up an eCommerce business – PWA does not require its users to download anything and allows several ways to interact with users. As a new eCommerce enterprise, it is challenging to convince users to download your native app. With PWA, you don’t need to force users to download an app to start with.
- Your business has budget-constraints – PWA is fairly cheaper to develop and does not take as much time or effort for maintenance. As a small business, this makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?
- You want an online transition for your offline business – For offline businesses; it is time to mark their presence on the online landscape because it is immense and keeps growing with each day. PWA helps such offline businesses in their online transition as they don’t have to put a rigorous investment right away.
- Your target audience has a poor internet connection – Yes, the ability to function without a fast internet is a big factor too. PWA can operate under poor connection speeds with no compromise at all. If a business has a target base in the exterior regions or rural areas, PWA should be their only hope to succeed online.
The native app suits your business if
- For Branding – Any big brand name has to have its own presence on the app stores as we essentially consider it a key to reliability It surely develops a trust for the brand amongst people.
- For enhanced accessibility to device hardware – Mobile is a multi-functional and highly equipped gadget. Only native app allows your business the luxury to use those smart features such as Geo-fencing, GPS sensors, storage space, system settings. The access to such features gives an edge in creating better user experiences and intuitive use of UI/UX
Concluding Remarks
Every business ultimately needs to penetrate its target audience. As a business, you need a medium to reach the mobile user. Native app and Progressive Web App are the two most dominant platforms for developing mobile outreach. where you can find most of your target audience.
Do not undermine the strengths and weaknesses of your business, especially while making such important decisions. Your business needs to set up for challenges lying ahead. These two service platforms provide a hefty asset to grab the advantage of the mobile revolution. They work along with a few respective limitations, which you must consider.
When you adopt PWA or Native app, you provide a seamless user experience for engagement with mobile users. But both operate on concept and origin distinctive of each other having their benefits and flaws, respectively. In fact, there are plenty of examples where eCommerce brands are using both native apps and PWA.
If you wish to leverage the mobile web for your business expansion, you can know better by this helpful webinar by the tech expert from Magento & CedCommerce, respectively.
Before implementing PWA, there are certain aspects you need to consider as a business. Here is a webinar that enlightens those factors you need to keep in mind when you transition to PWA.
“Considerations before implementing Magento PWA for your business”