Both mobile and web app technologies are getting better and better over time. So, companies have a hard time figuring out which means to use to reach niche audiences. And their final goal is to give users the best possible experience that is free of bugs. So, the question is: Should businesses put money into making a mobile app, or should they put their efforts into making a web app that works well on all devices and is easy to use? It’s the old argument about mobile app vs web app.
Native mobile apps are made for a specific platform, like iOS for the Apple iPhone or Android for a Samsung device. They can be downloaded and installed through an app shop, and they can use system functions like GPS and the camera. Mobile apps live on the gadget and run on it. Some well-known mobile apps are Snapchat, Instagram, Google Maps, and Facebook Messenger.
Web apps, on the other hand, are viewed through an internet browser and can be used on any device. They don’t come with a certain system and don’t need to be downloaded or set up. Because they are dynamic, they do look and work a lot like mobile apps, which is where people get confused.
Mobile App vs Web App Comparison Table
E-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite and the Nook GlowLight 4 are very common. Both have screens with high clarity, backlighting that can be changed, and large e-book libraries. Kindle works with Amazon services, while Nook can read many different file types. Paperwhite has a smooth ecosystem, while GlowLight is open to different material sources and can meet the needs of different users.
| Aspect | Mobile App | Web App |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Installed on mobile devices | Accessed via web browsers |
| Accessibility | Available offline with app download | Requires internet connection |
| Installation | Downloaded from app stores | No installation required |
| Performance | Generally faster and smoother | Depends on network and browser |
| User Experience | Tailored for specific devices | Can be less optimized for mobile |
| Updates | Frequent updates through app stores | Instant updates without user action |
| Native Features | Access to device features | Limited access to device features |
| Development | Specific languages (Java, Swift) | Web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) |
| Cross-Platform | Requires separate development | Universal access across devices |
| Storage Usage | Uses device’s storage for installation | No storage used on user’s device |
How are mobile apps built?
Making mobile apps costs more than making computer apps. Because apps are made for a specific platform, releasing it on more than one platform usually means starting from scratch in terms of design and development. But they are much faster and usually have more features and functions. Depending on the device, native mobile apps are made with certain languages and Integrated Development Environments (IDE).
Apple devices run on the original iOS operating system, so Apple apps are made with either Objective-C or Swift and the Xcode integrated development environment (IDE). Native apps for Android are usually written in Java and made with the Android Studio or Eclipse integrated development environment (IDE). Apple and Google also have their own development tools, interface elements, and software development kits (SDK) that developers can use to make native mobile apps.
How are web apps built?
Usually, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and Python are used to make web apps. Web apps aren’t built with a standard software development kit like mobile apps are. Developers can still use themes, though. Web apps are generally easier and faster to make than mobile apps, but they don’t have as many features. If you want to learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, our free 5-day short course has a number of useful lessons to get you started.
Mobile App vs Web App: Functionality
Most mobile apps don’t have as many features as full-fledged websites, and many of them are designed for just one thing. For instance, apps like Roblox let you play games on your phone, apps like TurboTax help you figure out your taxes, and apps like Twitter are fun and let you talk to other people.
Web apps let you use a lot more features than mobile apps do. For instance, Adobe Photoshop users can choose between a mobile app and a web app. But the mobile app doesn’t have as many tools for drawing and painting as the web apps, which let you use all of Adobe Photoshop’s features and give you a better experience. Google Apps, Microsoft 365, and Gmail are a few more examples of computer apps.
Mobile App vs Web App: Uses Case
Both mobile apps and web apps can be used in interesting ways that meet different wants and goals. The choice between the two depends on the user experience you want, the functionality you need, and the group you want to reach.
Mobile App
Augmented reality (AR) technology lets people look at goods through high-resolution images, interactive 3D models, and the mobile app.
- Gaming: Many people use mobile apps to play games because they can use the device’s features and give engaging experiences.
- E-Commerce: E-commerce apps make shopping easier by giving you personalized suggestions and safe ways to pay.
- Fitness and Health: Fitness apps can track activities and health data by using the device’s sensors.
Web app
Team members can sign in to the web app from any device they want, whether it’s a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and they don’t have to run any extra software.
- Content Consumption: Web apps are great for reading papers, watching videos, and listening to podcasts, among other things.
- Online Tools: Web apps like Google Workspace offer tools for working together that can be used on any device.
- Information Portals: Web apps like news sites or online stores can be used to share information.
Mobile App vs Web App: Performance and Speed
When it comes to speed and performance, mobile apps and web apps are very different. Mobile apps tend to have better speed because they are designed to work well with the device and use its resources. They are installed directly on the user’s device, so functions and data can be accessed more quickly. This makes interactions smoother, speeds up load times, and improves response, all of which contribute to a more seamless user experience.
On the other hand, web apps need to be connected to the internet and run in a browser, which can cause delays and make them take longer to start. Even though improvements in web platforms have made web apps work better, they may not be able to match the speed and responsiveness of mobile apps. In the end, the choice between a mobile app and a web app should be based on how the app needs to work and what the user wants in terms of speed and efficiency.
Mobile App vs Web App: Offline Functionality
The ability to work without an internet connection is a key difference between mobile apps and web apps. In this way, mobile apps have a clear edge because they can often work even without an internet connection. This feature lets users view content, do tasks, and use certain features even when there is little or no Internet connection. This makes things easier and more interesting for users. Mobile apps can store data locally, so you can use them even when you don’t have a connection.
Web apps, on the other hand, work mostly because they are connected to the internet. Even though improvements like Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have made it easier for web apps to work offline, they still don’t have as many features or work as well as their mobile versions when they’re not connected to the internet. So, the fact that mobile apps can be used without an internet connection greatly improves user experience and productivity, making them a good choice for situations where users can’t be sure they’ll always have access to the internet.
Mobile App: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Faster than web apps
- Since they have access to system tools, they can do more.
- Can work offline
Cons
- Costs a lot to keep up and change.
- It may be hard to get the app store to accept a native game.
Web App: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Web apps don’t need to be downloaded or installed. They work in your computer.
- They are easy to keep up with because they all use the same codebase.
- Will update themselves
Cons
- Do not work offline
- Slower than mobile apps, and less advanced in terms of features
Mobile App vs Web App: Which one should you consider?
You should choose between a mobile app and a web app based on your specific needs, goals, and customers. Both systems have pros and cons that make them good for different situations. If performance, gadget integration, and access when you’re not online are the most important things, a mobile app could be the best choice.
On the other hand, a web app could be the best choice if you want it to work on all platforms, be cheap, and be easy to use right away. You’ll be able to choose the best platform for your project or business if you carefully think about your needs and clearly understand what each platform has to offer.
FAQs
Access. Mobile websites work on all devices and can be viewed by anyone with a web browser. Apps, on the other hand, have to be downloaded and changed for each operating system, like iOS and Android. Apps can’t be used right away like websites can until they are loaded.
It is a Web app. Web applications are websites that have features and ways to connect with them. Web apps like Gmail, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and so on are all interactive and made to keep users interested.
A mobile app that is well-made can do things much faster than a mobile page. Websites usually store their data on computer servers, while apps usually store their data on the mobile device itself.
