App Programming: Which Type of App Suits You?
Before you start programming an app, you should clarify one question: What kind of app do you actually need? Native app, web app, hybrid, or PWA? The choice has direct impacts on cost, reach, and user experience. This article explains the four main types so you know what you’re talking about the next time you speak with a developer.
TL;DR
- Native Apps run only on one operating system (iOS or Android), offer the best performance and app store presence, but are expensive to develop and maintain.
- Web Apps run in the browser, are platform-independent and cheaper, especially suitable for internal tools.
- Hybrid Apps combine web technology with a native wrapper and can be published in both app stores.
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are installable web apps that require little storage, update automatically, and can be indexed by search engines.
- The right choice in app programming depends on budget, desired features, and app store requirements.
What is a Native App?
Native apps are what most people think of when they talk about “an app.” They are developed specifically for one operating system and run only there. An app for iOS does not run on Android, and vice versa. To cover both platforms, you have to develop twice. This is also the biggest disadvantage: Native apps are expensive, both in development and maintenance.
However, they offer real strengths. They are performant, feel familiar because they use native UI elements, and have full access to device functions like camera, microphone, and GPS. And of course: They are found in the app store, which is the deciding factor for many users.
Before you commit, read on. These advantages are not exclusive to native apps.
What Can a Web App Do?
Web apps may seem less exciting at first glance, but they have their own qualities. Essentially, they are websites that can do something. They run in the browser, are platform-independent, and work equally well on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
Famous examples include Google Mail, Figma, Canva, and ChatGPT. All tools you probably use daily without ever having installed them.
Nowadays, web apps can also access hardware: camera, microphone, GPS, Bluetooth, and even push notifications are possible, with user permission. Especially for internal applications that do not need to be available in the app store, a Web App is often the smarter choice.
What Are Hybrid Apps?
Hybrid apps are a mix of native and web apps. At their core, they are web apps wrapped in a native shell and can access device hardware through so-called bridges.
If you want to publish an app that runs on Android and iOS and is found in both app stores, hybrid apps are a good option. The development costs are significantly lower than for two separate native apps. A web app is developed, which is then placed in two operating system-specific shells. At EXORD, we like to use Capacitor for this.
What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
Between web apps and hybrid apps, there is another category: the Progressive Web App. Personally, it is my favorite if the app does not necessarily need to be available in the app store, although even that is now possible on Android.
A PWA is essentially a web app that can be installed but does not have to be. It also runs simply in the browser.
The advantages are considerable. PWAs are slim and consume little storage space. They are indexed by search engines, making them relevant for SEO. Updates happen automatically because the app always loads the latest version. No more manual updates. Big names like X (Twitter), Spotify, Uber, Starbucks, and Pinterest all have a PWA, often in addition to the native app.
There is a small catch: Outside of Chrome or Edge on Android, the installation process is less intuitive. Anyone who chooses a PWA should clearly show users how the installation works. Since the app also runs in the browser without installation, this is not a real problem for many use cases.
Which Type of App Fits Your Project?
The right choice in app programming depends on your specific project. A few questions help with the decision:
| Criterion | Native | Hybrid | PWA / Web App |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Store Presence | Yes | Yes | Only Android (PWA) |
| Platform Independent | No | Yes | Yes |
| Development Costs | High | Medium | Low |
| Performance | Very High | Good | Good |
| SEO Capable | No | No | Yes |
For Mobile App Development with app store presence, hybrid apps often offer the best value for money. For internal tools or SEO-relevant applications, web apps or PWAs are often the better choice. Native apps are worthwhile if performance is absolutely paramount and the budget allows.
If you’re unsure, just contact us. We’ll look together at what makes sense for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a native app and a web app? A native app is developed specifically for one operating system (iOS or Android) and runs only there. A web app runs in the browser and works on all devices with an internet connection, regardless of the operating system. Native apps are generally more performant but significantly more expensive in app programming.
Q: When is a Progressive Web App (PWA) worthwhile?
A PWA is worthwhile if you want an app that runs in the browser without installation, consumes little storage space, and updates automatically. It is especially useful if the app does not necessarily need to be available in the app store or if SEO plays a role, as PWAs can be indexed by search engines.
Q: Can web apps access the camera and GPS?
Yes. Modern browsers allow web apps to access the camera, microphone, GPS, Bluetooth, and the file system, each with the user’s explicit permission. Push notifications are also possible today via web apps.
Q: What is a hybrid app and when is it useful?
A hybrid app is a web app wrapped in a native shell, allowing it to be published in app stores. It is suitable if an app should be available on iOS and Android without developing two separate native apps. This saves development costs without sacrificing app store presence.
Q: Which type of app is the cheapest to develop?
Web apps and PWAs are generally the cheapest, as only one codebase needs to be maintained for all platforms. Hybrid apps are more expensive than web apps but significantly cheaper than two separate native apps. Native apps are the most complex if both platforms are to be covered.
