PWA vs Native App and How to choose between them?
Every business now needs a mobile app, and those apps must provide a smooth user experience and impressive outcomes to be helpful. In recent years growing support has been shown for a new app called Progressive Web Apps (PWA). This app combines the features of a website with a native app. Many people have questioned if Progressive Web Apps (PWA) would eventually replace native apps.
What differentiates a PWA from a native app? What are the Pros and Cons? Continue reading to know what makes them different from the developer’s standpoint and from User’s perspective as well.
Difference between PWA and Native App
· Written in Different Languages for Different Purposes
A PWA is a web app that runs within a web browser instead of a native app, which runs on mobile devices. A native app uses the platform’s programming language (Objective-C and Swift for iOS or Java for Android), while a PWA uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
· Development Cost
A progressive web app is less costly to develop in comparison of developing a native app. You will need to understand and learn the language to create a version for each platform for the native app. It indicates you’ll need two versions for iOS and Android app, as well as the resources to support and upgrade each one. Development takes time, money, and efforts depending on the app’s complexity and motive.
A progressive web app is simpler to create and maintain, you can contact any Progressive Web App Development Company in USA or anywhere around the globe they can build an app for you which is more functional and less costly. You can have a single codebase for diverse platforms, not simply these two are most popular. Instead of creating an app from starting, you may use tools like Google Lighthouse to configure your existing website. You simply need one version of an app with a accessible design, and it will look the same on all devices.
· Distribution
With native apps, apart from creating separate versions for different platforms, you will have to present them to diverse app stores. App Store from Apple and Play Store from Android is very popular, but Amazon Appstore, Windows Store, and other are also there. You will pass some requirements from each of the above stores to get published. Sometimes, registration fee for a developer account is also required.
On the other hand, avoids the time-consuming App Store criteria. All that a user requires is a browser and a URL, to get an App like experience. Popular search engines like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox support many PWA capabilities. It simplifies for your web app to reach a mass number of audiences in a very short period of time. You can effortlessly distribute updates without waiting for permission, which makes PWA much more convenient for you and your users.
However, all web stores are not very good or bad. The criteria prevent the publication of low-quality apps. Publishing an app can boost your reliability and give people more confidence to use your app rather than a URL link to access your app. Web Stores may also help you advertise your business: being featured in an App Store can provide you with an immediate boost in branding and sales.
· Discoverability: ASO for native apps and SEO for Progressive Web Apps
Pages from native apps cannot be indexed or listed in search engines. Users can find your app easily on the App Store or App store website. Many factors impact app findability, and people can find your app faster with the help of App Store Optimization (ASO).
ASO is the process of improving your position in store search results. Keyword research, developing effectual titles and meta descriptions, taking nice screenshots, applying appropriate categories, and reaching out to third parties for downloads, reviews, and others are all part of it. However, all these need extra effort, time, and money to deliver your app in the market.
Dissimilar to Native apps, PWA works as a website so that it can be indexed and listed on search engines. Compared with other responsive web pages, PWAs are faster and more engaging, which increases your website’s search engine ranking.
Below are some steps to check your PWA is SEO friendly:
- Make sure your SEO structure is similar to your website.
- To avoid duplicate content use, rel=canonical.
- Googlebot will not index anything following the symbol, so keep an eye on URLs that start with #.
· Security: Native Apps provide more security options
PWAs are more secure than standard web apps since they run over HTTPS. These security protocols ensure that data exchanges between clients and servers do not tamper. Customers can enter personal credentials and credit card information without fear of being stolen in a secure environment.
Compared to progressive web app development, native apps offer opportunities to incorporate more security measures. If your app requires login, you can use multi-factor authentication. You can also use certificate pinning for even more secure communication. Furthermore, users are more likely to trust an app than a URL because it must meet the App Store’s security requirements before being published.
Conclusion
Native Apps and PWA apps both works excellently and offer a smooth user experience. You can make choice between the two according to your project goals. YES IT Labs help you build your own eCommerce solution that covers the PWA storefront. YES IT Lab is android app development company in USA that also provides, PWA services. We design strong architecture for your platform and make execution seamless with the help of an experienced Project Manager and Solution Architect. We are a SCRUM-centric organization that ensures the macro-level vision is carried out with micro-level care. You can book your free consultation, If you are interested in IT services.
