Building a web app for your business isn’t a joke!
You cannot just choose any random app type just because your friend has told you to do so, can you?
Well, you will certainly not!
When it comes to building web apps, two approaches are gaining traction, Web App and PWA (Progressive Web App)!
Though they sound familiar, there are multiple differences between the two!
A web app runs on a browser and is accessible across all devices and OS and operates via a browser. On the contrary, PWA runs on both mobile and desktop and offers a blend of both experiences to the user. Thus, PWA development services are on the rise.
But ask yourself- Is this difference enough to decide the right web app for your business?
Exactly, you’ve got the answer in your mind? This post will provide in-depth differences between the two to clarify your doubts and let you make a fruitful decision.
Let’s go!
What is a Web App?
In layman’s language, a web app is a kind of app that runs on the desktop via a web browser. Developers design a wide range of web apps for multiple uses and purposes to cater to users of all kinds. There are some of the common types of web apps, for example, online calculators, webmail, or eCommerce shops.
They don’t need to be downloaded as they are easily accessed via a network. Whether you have Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, then use a web app on any of these platforms.
Though a web app is popular, PWA has been gaining huge popularity among businesses of all kinds.
Before we dive into PAW, let’s discuss the benefits of a web app.
Top Benefits of Considering a Web App
Here is a list of the reasons to consider a web app. Let’s discuss them!
- Cost-Effective
One of the most attractive advantages of creating web apps is the cost factor. Web development services required to execute this is way cheaper than other kinds of web development. Furthermore, it simply consists of creating links between the URL and the application. Since it is relatively simpler to build, it takes far less time for development.
- Flexibility & Scalability
Another key feature of a web app is that it enables your business to adapt and grow. Also, it helps integrate a wide set of features into the app to meet the changing needs of the customers. Unlike mobile applications that require specific updates, web app updates are applied on the host server. It will help all users to access the latest version.
- Hassle-free Deployment
Unlike other apps, a web app is easy to deploy which ensures quick and hassle-free access via a URL. Moreover, the best thing is that it doesn’t require individual updates. It means that users can access the latest version of the app without any difficulty.
So, it is no secret that web apps are a great product for a business!
But technology has now paved the way to a new kind of web app, i.e., none other than a PWA.
Let’s get started!
Progressive Web Apps: What are they?
PWA is a web app that efficiently uses state-of-the-art web technologies to provide a seamless experience to users. A blend of native and hybrid apps, PWAs offer modern functionality, including push notifications, touch gestures, offline access, and more.
Let’s drop some more surprising bombs related to PWAs.
- PWAs have nearly 36% higher conversion rates than native apps.
- The global market for PWAs is expected to reach a value of $10.44 billion by the next 3-4 years.
- The average bounce rate for PWAs is just 42%, which is significantly lower than the average mobile bounce rate of around 60%.
Well, that shows the power of PWAs!
To dig deep, let’s set our sights on the reasons to consider progressive web apps.
Strong Benefits of Progressive Web Apps for Your Business
Let’s discuss the reasons to consider PWAs.
- Incredibly Progressive
One of the key benefits of considering PWAs is that they are progressive which means they can work on any device. Besides it, these apps allow you to leverage a wide range of features on the user’s device.
- Easy to Launch
Built using modern technologies like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3, a PWA is deployed to a web server, and then the user can access it via a URL. Once the app is installed, the user can open it like any other app.
- Rapid Loading Time
The best thing is that the loading time of PWA is just 3 seconds in the first time. On the contrary, if you try to open the app usually, then it will take only 1.3 seconds to load on mobile devices. Furthermore, it works well on all kinds of browsers, including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.
Differences Between a Web App & a Progressive Web App
Let’s take a look at the differences between a web app and a progressive web app.
| Parameters | Web App | Progressive Web App |
| Installation | A general web app cannot be installed on mobile. | On the contrary, a PWA can be easily installed anywhere. |
| Ease of Access | As it is impossible to install, it is difficult to access. | PWAs take up very little space (in kb) and offer easy access to users. |
| User Experience | In a general web app, the user experience is not up to the mark. | PWAs, on the other hand, offer a seamless user experience like a native app. |
| Speed | The speed of a web app completely depends on the responsiveness of the website. | In contrast, Progressive web apps use cache data to ensure faster loading time. |
| Special Feature | There is no such feature as push notifications or surfing without the internet. | Irrespective of the web browser, it sends push notifications to the user. |
Summary
So, there you have it! These types of apps have their unique benefits. But when it comes to business growth and stability, progressive web app stands out tall! Because PWA is a more advanced version, it surpasses web apps in terms of speed, reliability, and performance.
