What is the main difference between a Native App and a PWA?

Native apps are developed specifically for iOS or Android and offer full access to all device features. PWAs are web applications with app-like behavior that run through the browser and serve all platforms with a single codebase.

When should I develop a Native App instead of a PWA?

Native apps are the right choice for complex offline functionality, high performance requirements (gaming, AR/VR), deep hardware integration (Bluetooth, NFC, sensors), or when App Store presence is important.

How much does developing a Native App cost compared to a PWA?

Native apps typically cost €30,000-150,000+ for both platforms, while PWAs range from €10,000-80,000+. The difference arises from the separate development for iOS and Android with native apps.

Do PWAs support Push Notifications on iOS?

Yes, since iOS 16.4 (2023), Apple also supports Push Notifications for PWAs. This was a long-standing disadvantage that has now been resolved.

Native App vs PWA – which approach fits?

Comparison of performance, costs, functionality, and maintenance – for your mobile strategy.

Native App vs Progressive Web App: The Right Decision

Native App or Progressive Web App (PWA)? Many companies face this question when planning their mobile strategy. Both approaches have their merit – the right choice depends on your requirements, budget, and target audience. At Groenewold IT Solutions, we have implemented both variants extensively and will honestly advise you on which path makes sense for you.

Native Apps are developed specifically for iOS (Swift) or Android (Kotlin) and offer the best performance as well as full access to all device features. Camera, Bluetooth, NFC, sensors – everything is available. Native apps are the first choice when you need complex offline functionality, have high performance requirements (gaming, AR/VR, real-time features), or require deep hardware integration. The downside: higher development and maintenance costs since you must develop for each platform separately.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are websites with app-like behavior. They can be installed on the home screen, work offline, and support push notifications. The big advantage:One codebase for all platforms, no app store dependency, instant updates, and lower costs. PWAs are particularly suited for content-heavy applications, e-commerce, internal tools, or when you want to get to market quickly. Since iOS 16.4 (2023), Apple also supports push notifications for PWAs, eliminating a major disadvantage.

Our recommendation: Start with the question "What device features do I really need?". If the answer is "mainly display content, forms, simple interactions", a PWA is often the more cost-effective and faster solution. If you need Bluetooth, NFC, complex offline sync, or maximum performance, there is no way around a native app. A hybrid approach is also possible: PWA for the majority of users, native app for power users with advanced requirements.

Comparison at a Glance

Criterion	Native App	PWA
Performance	Best performance possible	Good, but limited
Offline Functionality	Fully possible	Limited (Service Worker)
Device Features	Full access (Camera, GPS, Push, etc.)	Limited (Bluetooth, NFC restricted)
Installation	App Store download required	Directly via browser, no store
Updates	Store review, user must update	Instant, automatic
Development Costs	Higher (2 platforms)	Lower (one codebase)
Maintenance Costs	Higher (store fees, updates)	Lower
Discoverability	App Store presence	SEO, direct links
Push Notifications	Fully supported	Supported (iOS since 2023)

When a Native App Makes Sense

Complex offline functionality – e.g., field service apps that work offline for days
Hardware integration – Bluetooth, NFC, sensors, camera with advanced features
High performance – gaming, AR/VR, complex animations, real-time features
App Store presence important – for visibility and trust with end customers
Complex background processes – GPS tracking, music streaming, etc.

When a PWA Makes Sense

Content-focused applications – news, catalogs, documentation
E-commerce & shops – fast loading times, SEO benefits, easy installation
Internal enterprise tools – no app store process, instant updates
Budget optimization – one codebase instead of two, lower maintenance costs
Fast time-to-market – get an MVP or prototype live quickly

What Does Development Cost?

Native App (iOS + Android)

• Simple app: €30,000 – €60,000 excl. VAT
• Medium complexity: €60,000 – €150,000 excl. VAT
• Complex: €150,000+ excl. VAT
+ App Store fees (€99-299/year)

Progressive Web App

• Simple PWA: €10,000 – €30,000 excl. VAT
• Medium complexity: €30,000 – €80,000 excl. VAT
• Complex: €80,000+ excl. VAT
No store fees

Native, PWA, or both?

We analyze your requirements and recommend the optimal strategy – free and without obligation.

Free Consultation Cost Calculator

Native App vs. PWA: Which Mobile Approach Fits Your Project?

The decision between a native app and a Progressive Web App affects not just the technology but the entire business model of your mobile presence. Both approaches enable reaching users on smartphones and tablets but differ fundamentally in reach, feature scope, development effort, and user experience. Those who choose wrong may invest significant money in a solution that misses the usage patterns of their target audience.

Native apps are developed specifically for one platform – with Swift or SwiftUI for iOS, with Kotlin or Jetpack Compose for Android. They offer full access to all device features: camera, GPS, accelerometer, Bluetooth, biometric authentication, push notifications, and offline capability. Performance is optimal, the user experience feels familiar, and distribution through App Stores creates visibility and trust. The price: higher development effort since each platform requires separate development or a cross-platform framework must be used.

Progressive Web Apps are essentially websites that behave like apps. They can be installed on the home screen, work offline, load quickly, and adapt to every screen size. The big advantage: A single codebase for all platforms, no App Store review process, and instant updates without downloads. PWAs are excellent for content-heavy applications, internal tools, or scenarios where the App Store barrier is an adoption obstacle.

The limits of PWAs show in demanding device integrations: Bluetooth Low Energy access, complex background processes, file system access, or integration with other apps are limited or platform-dependent. On iOS, PWA functionalities are more limited than on Android, which can affect the user experience on Apple devices.

We recommend native apps when your product heavily depends on device features, highest performance is expected, or App Store presence is strategically important. We recommend PWAs when fast market launch, maximum reach without download barriers, and a unified experience across all devices are the priorities. In some cases, a combination also makes sense: a PWA as a broad entry point and a native app for power users with advanced features.