Learn what PWA (Progressive Web Apps) are, why they're becoming the future of applications, and how they work. PWA vs native apps comparison.
Learn what PWA (Progressive Web Apps) are, why they're becoming the future of applications, and how they work. PWA vs native apps comparison.
Technology that combines the best of websites and mobile apps. Installs in seconds, works offline, doesn't fill up your phone storage.
PWA (Progressive Web App) is a next-generation web application that looks and works like a regular mobile app, but doesn't require installation from the App Store or Google Play. You open a website in your browser, tap 'Add to Home Screen' — and you get a full-featured app.
Imagine: you visit your favorite service's website, and it offers to install itself as an app. In 2 seconds, an icon appears on your home screen, the app works offline, sends notifications, and takes up only a few hundred kilobytes instead of hundreds of megabytes.
Technically, PWA is a website enhanced with modern technologies: Service Workers for offline functionality, Web App Manifest for installation, and Push API for notifications.
| Criteria | PWA | Native |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Instant from browser | Via App Store |
| Size | 100-500 KB | 50-500 MB |
| Updates | Automatic | Manual |
| Offline | Yes - not just a website | Depends |
| Speed | Lightning fast - not like a website | Depends on network |
| Cross-platform | Works everywhere | Separate for iOS/Android |
Yes! Apple added PWA support in Safari starting from iOS 11.3. You can install PWA via Safari, and they will work like regular apps.
PWA only work via HTTPS and are isolated in the browser sandbox. This is the same level of security as online banking.
Yes, PWA support push notifications on Android and Windows. iOS support was added in iOS 16.4.
No! A typical PWA weighs 100-500 KB, while a native app is 50-500 MB. That's a 1000x difference. However, each native app has its own cache, while all PWA apps use a unified browser cache that is cleared more frequently, better, and faster than many native apps.
Web Store is a catalog of verified PWA apps with reviews, ratings, and installation instructions. We simplify discovery and make PWA accessible to everyone.
Launch products 3x faster and cheaper. No need to develop separate versions for iOS and Android.
Conversion grows 20-30% thanks to instant loading and offline capability.
Readers can save articles for offline reading. Push notifications bring audience back.
Independence from App Store and Google Play policies. No one can block your app.