Native, Cross-Platform or PWA: Which App Approach Fits?
A plain comparison of the three ways to build a mobile experience, with guidance on choosing based on your features, budget and audience.
Before you commission a mobile app, decide how it will be built. The choice affects cost, speed, performance and what features you can offer.
Native apps
Built separately for iOS and Android with each platform’s own tools. They offer the best performance and full access to device features, but cost more because you build and maintain two apps.
Cross-platform apps
Frameworks such as React Native and Flutter share most code between both platforms. Delivery is faster and cheaper for most business apps, with performance that suits typical needs. Very demanding graphics or unusual device features may still need native code.
Progressive web apps (PWAs)
A PWA is a website that behaves like an app: it can be added to the home screen, work partly offline and send some notifications. It avoids app store approval and is the cheapest path, but has limits on device access, especially on iPhone.
How to choose
- Need deep device features, heavy graphics or the best possible performance: native.
- Need both platforms on a sensible budget: cross-platform.
- Need to test an idea quickly or serve mostly content: PWA or a good mobile website.
Do you need an app at all?
If customers use you occasionally, a fast mobile website may be enough. Apps pay off when people return often, need notifications or use device features such as the camera or location.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheapest?
A progressive web app is usually cheapest, then cross-platform, then two native apps.
Can I change approach later?
Yes, but it usually means rebuilding the app, so decide with your long-term plans in mind.
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