Are you a business trying to reach your audience for better engagement or an educator looking forward to connecting with many other students? Either way - having a robust online presence is essential - especially since 67.5 percent of the global population uses the internet!
Two common options that you will come across when establishing your digital presence are mobile and web applications. While they may seem similar, each has its own features and preferred use cases. Therefore, it's important to understand web apps vs. mobile apps in detail so you make the right choice.
To help you with this, we are going to make a head-to-head comparison of web apps vs. mobile apps.
What is a Web App
Typically, a web app is an application or software program stored on a remote server and delivered to the audience via a web interface.
Since web apps aren't native to any system and run on browsers directly, users don't have to install them. Web apps came into light in the late 1990s, and since then, they have been developed and refined as per business needs and end-user requirements. These can be single pages or multiple pages, depending upon individual needs.
Web apps are more suited for businesses that want to exchange information and offer their services remotely. Some common examples of web applications include Google Docs, Netflix, Trello, Asana, Microsoft Office 365, and many more.
What is a Mobile App?
Mobile apps, as the name implies, are tools that are particularly designed to run on small computing devices like smartphones and tablets.
Typically, mobile apps date all the way back to the early 1990s when Nokia came up with options like the snake game. However, the real revolution in the world of mobile apps came in 2008 when Apple launched the first ever Apple App Store.
Compared to traditional web apps that run on any device and browser, mobile apps are optimized for mobile devices, offering incredible user experience. Here's an overview of the two common types of mobile apps that you may come across while deciding web apps vs. mobile apps:
- Native Mobile App: Native mobile applications are software that are developed to run on a particular device (iOS or Android). They use the system's SDK (software development kits), providing incredible performance and compatibility with the device’s hardware like camera and GPS.
- Hybrid Mobile App: Hybrid mobile apps are the ones that combine the functionality of both native and web applications. These are built using web technologies and then embedded in a native mobile app shell. As these apps are single code-based, they are quite popular among SMEs and startups that want to offer an engaging customer experience without extensive work.
Popular examples of mobile apps include PUBG, CandyCrush, Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Word, and more.
Web Apps vs. Mobile Apps: Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that you are aware of the basic concept of these apps, here's a head-to-head comparison of web apps vs. mobile apps that further helps you understand them better:
1. Accessibility
In web apps vs. mobile apps, the former is accessed by entering the website application name or URL in the search bar of a browser and then hitting enter. Then, click on the available link and start using the app.
Here's an example that clarifies this for you: Let's suppose you want to access Netflix to watch your favorite shows with loved ones. You need to open a browser, whether it's Google or Mozilla Firefox, and type “Netflix.com.” Click on the official web app link, enter your credentials, and that's all—start streaming shows.
On the other hand, mobile apps are downloaded first through the Google Play Store or the Apple Store and then accessed by clicking on the dedicated app’s icon.
For instance, if you want to download Spotify on your smart device, you have to install it from the app store. Once it's available on your phone, click on the app’s icon, create your account if you already don't have one, and stream music of your choice.
2. Programming Languages and Framework
For web apps, there are a variety of programming languages like Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, and Python. Developers can also utilize multiple frameworks, including Angular, Vue.js, and React, that make the whole web app development process a breeze. However, the good thing is, everyday, there are new frameworks being introduced in the web apps world focused on further streamlining web app creation.
Contrarily, the programming languages for mobile app development vary based on the type of app and the platform. For instance, if you are creating iOS apps, then you have to adopt Swift and Objective-C. Android apps rely on Java and Kotlin. However, hybrid mobile apps can be easily built using Xamarin, Appcelerator, React Native, and C#.
3. Speed and Performance
In the debate of web apps vs. mobile apps, the latter takes the lead in terms of speed and performance.
It's because a web app’s performance and speed are tied to an internet connection. As long as users have a stable connection, they can access and use the app, but the experience may be slower. The app may not load, or they may see inconsistent performance across a variety of browsers.
However, this isn't the case with mobile apps. It is stored locally on a device and runs directly using the dedicated device's hardware. On top of this, most mobile apps don't always require an internet connection to work smoothly. All this makes them responsive, delivering high speed and performance to satisfy end users.
4. User Engagement
When it comes to user engagement, web apps slightly lag behind. Firstly, these apps aren't very responsive, which may put off some users. Other than that, there aren't many options for businesses to encourage user interactions beyond basic notifications or content updates via email or when they open the app.
Mobile apps, however, have a significant advantage in terms of user engagement. They enable you to send push notifications to users to propel them to take a certain action on the app immediately. It is quite beneficial for e-commerce businesses as push notifications with graphics increase their click-through rate from 5.8% to 6.7%. Other than that, you can offer users some location-based services, all of which keep them engaged and ensure repeat visits.
5. Cost and Development Time
In web apps vs. mobile apps, building the former one is quite cheaper and faster. It's because web apps only require one version to work across all devices and browsers, whether it's a desktop, mobile, or tablet. With a single code base, you can develop and deploy the app and don't have to get into the hassle of platform-specific requirements.
In contrast, developing mobile applications is time-consuming and also cost-intensive. You have to create two separate versions of the app for compatibility across different devices (iOS and Android). Nonetheless, there's nothing to worry about, as advanced no-code mobile app platforms are gaining traction that aims to reduce the cost and time associated with developing these apps.
In web apps vs. mobile apps, you should opt for the former if you want something cost-effective to reach a wider audience across different platforms. On the other hand, mobile apps are best suited to provide an immersive user experience using native capabilities of mobile devices.
FAQs
1. Should I make a mobile app or a web app?
The decision of whether to choose a mobile application or a web application depends upon your goals. If you want your users to have quick, on-the-go access with engagement features like push notifications, then mobile apps are good. However, if you look forward to having a wider reach and easy access across multiple devices, then web-based apps can be your best bet.
2. Which is better for a business website or app?
For a business, the choice between web applications and mobile applications is subject to business objectives. If you are tight on budget and want to boost your SRRP ranking as well as reach a bigger audience, the web app is the right choice. On the other hand, if you want to offer your customers personalized experiences and send push notifications, then a mobile app is the way to go.
3. Are web apps much easier to maintain?
Yes, web apps are generally easier to maintain compared to mobile apps. It's because these apps only require updates to be made on the server side, and you only have to make changes in a single code base without worrying about any platform-specific changes. You also don't have to wait for approval from the app store, which makes the whole update process quicker and smoother.
4. Is it safer to use an app or website?
Both mobile apps and web apps can be secure if developers follow the best development practices and adhere to security standards. Mainly, security issues arise due to backend system vulnerabilities and not because of apps or browsers. So, use security measures like HTTPS or biometric authentication to avoid any misuse or cyber theft.
Conclusion
In the long debate of web apps vs. mobile apps, the decision of which one to choose solely depends upon your needs and goals. However, if you are looking for a reliable software developer to create secure and affordable web or mobile apps for you, look no further than CodeBudee Solutions. Our ultimate goal is to offer you scalable and user-centric applications that grow with your business needs while actively engaging end users.
Get in touch with us today and take a step towards establishing a credible online presence!
