Web Apps vs Native Apps: What's the Difference?

If you want to have an app built for a smartphone, you will have to deal with the terms web app and native app. But what exactly is the difference? It is one of the first questions you should ask yourself: do I want a web app or a native app? There is no simple answer as to what is the best form. That is why in this article we will explain the difference between the two.

The Basics of Apps

Of course, there are web apps and native apps, but there is actually a third: hybrid apps. Below we briefly explain all three forms:

• Native apps: Native apps are also called mobile apps. You must download these apps from the Playstore or Appstore and install them on your phone. Native apps must be built separately for each operating system.
• Web apps: Web apps are not actually 'real' apps. They do not need to be installed, but can easily be used by entering a URL in your browser. The difference between a website and a web app is also still up for debate, but the word site is usually used for static content to inform users.
• Hybrid apps: A hybrid app is actually a combination of a native app and a web app. You can download this app from the Playstore or Appstore, and it looks like a native app to users. However, the method of development is different. The basis of a hybrid app is a web app.

The Differences Between Web Apps vs Native Apps

Once the difference between the three types of apps has become clear, we can start looking at the differences. This can make it easier to determine what the best choice is for you. Unfortunately, in most cases, there is no 'best choice', but one type of app may suit you better than another.

There are four points that make the difference between web apps, native apps, and hybrid apps:

1. User-Friendliness

Native and hybrid apps use the functions of the device, such as push messages, photos, etc. The difference between the two is that the native app speaks the language of the phone perfectly, and this is not always the case with hybrid apps. Native apps are therefore often more efficient and faster than web apps.

To open a web app, the browser must first be opened. This means that you are dependent on a link and have to wait for the browser to load. That is why hybrid apps are often faster than web apps.

2. The Development

The biggest problem lies in development. Native apps must be developed separately per operating system. So Android and iOS must use a different form. This is not a form of copy and paste, unfortunately.

Web apps only need to be built once. All that needs to be done here is to optimize for all devices, but this takes much less time, and therefore costs much less.

Hybrid apps are a bit of a combination of the two. Since a web app is used as a basis, it only needs to be further expanded for the operating systems.

3. Maintenance

Every now and then an update needs to be performed, simply as maintenance of the app. This is easiest with a web app. An update is performed automatically here. A user always automatically uses the most recent version.

With native and hybrid apps, the user must update the app themselves via the store they use. This takes more time, and in many cases, it is important that the app also works if it has not been updated.

4. Costs

It is difficult to name specific costs for developing an app. There are some guidelines that determine the costs. In general, a native app is the most expensive to develop. Then comes the hybrid app, and the cheapest one is the web app.

Need Help with Your Choice?

Do you need help choosing between web apps vs native apps? 4BIS is happy to help you with this. Contact us to get help with your choice!