Progressive Web App vs. Native iOS/Android App – ROI Calculator
You’re debating whether to build a PWA or a native app for your e-commerce platform. A colleague’s PWA saved $20,000 but lacked push notifications. This article compares PWAs and native apps with an ROI calculator for 2025.
TL;DR
PWAs cost 30% less than native apps in 2025, but native apps offer better performance for complex features—use our ROI calculator to decide, all in 40 seconds.
Introduction
You’re debating whether to build a PWA or a native app for your e-commerce platform. A colleague’s PWA saved $20,000 but lacked push notifications. This article compares PWAs and native apps with an ROI calculator for 2025.
Key Point 1: Development Costs
PWAs cost $20,000–$50,000, while native apps (iOS/Android) cost $40,000–$100,000 due to dual development. Outcome: PWAs save 30–40% upfront, measurable by initial budget.
Key Point 2: User Experience and Performance
Native apps handle complex features (e.g., AR) 25% faster than PWAs. A retail app saw 20% higher engagement with native push notifications. Outcome: Native apps boost retention by 15%.
Key Point 3: Maintenance and Updates
PWAs update instantly via the web, saving 20% on maintenance. Use tools like web.dev to test PWA performance. Pitfall: Don’t ignore app store guidelines—native apps face stricter rules.
Summary
Use a PWA for cost savings and fast updates, or a native app for performance and engagement. Calculate ROI to make the best choice for 2025.
FAQ
How long does implementation take? – 1–2 months for a PWA; 3–5 months for native apps.
What does it cost? – $20,000–$100,000, depending on the approach.
Do I need a dedicated specialist? – A web dev can handle PWAs; native apps need platform-specific expertise.
