"We need an app" is one of the most common requests we hear. Sometimes it's the right call; often a well-built mobile website does the job faster and for less.
Side by side
| Mobile-friendly website | Progressive web app (PWA) | Native app (iOS/Android) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Found via search engines | Yes | Yes | Mostly via app stores |
| Installation | Not needed | Optional, from the browser | Required, via app store |
| Phone features (camera, notifications) | Limited | Partial | Full |
| Updates | Instant | Instant | Through store review |
| Typical cost | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
A native app makes sense when…
- Users will open it many times a week (e.g. ordering, tracking, field work).
- You need deep phone features: background location, Bluetooth, offline work.
- Push notifications are central to the service.
A website (or PWA) is usually enough when…
- Most visitors come once or occasionally (e.g. company info, quotes, bookings).
- You need to be found on Google.
- You want to launch quickly and learn first.
Not sure which fits you? Tell us how your users will use it.