Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) represent a middle ground between traditional websites and native mobile apps. They offer app-like experiences without the cost and complexity of building separate iOS and Android applications. Here's what you need to know.
What Exactly Is a PWA?
A Progressive Web App is a website built with modern technologies that can behave like a native app. Users can install it on their home screen, receive push notifications, and use it offline—all without downloading from an app store.
PWAs use standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) enhanced with service workers and manifest files to provide these capabilities. They're progressive because they work for all users regardless of browser, but offer enhanced features in modern browsers.
Key Benefits of PWAs
Cost-Effective: Build once, deploy everywhere. No need for separate iOS and Android teams.
No App Store: Skip the approval process and update instantly without user action.
Discoverable: Unlike native apps, PWAs are indexed by search engines.
Lightweight: PWAs are typically much smaller than native apps, loading quickly even on slow networks.
Engaging: Push notifications, home screen presence, and full-screen mode increase user engagement.
Always Current: Users always get the latest version without manual updates.
When PWAs Make Sense
PWAs are ideal when:
- You need to reach users across platforms with limited budget
- Your app doesn't require deep device hardware access
- SEO and discoverability are important
- You want fast iterations without app store delays
- Your users have limited storage or slow connections
E-commerce, news sites, booking platforms, and content-driven applications often see great success with PWAs.
When to Choose Native Instead
Native apps remain the better choice when you need:
- Deep integration with device features (camera with AR, Bluetooth, sensors)
- Complex graphics or gaming
- Background processing
- Integration with other apps
- App store presence is crucial for marketing
The gap is closing, but some capabilities still require native development.
PWA Success Stories
Major companies have seen significant results with PWAs:
Twitter Lite reduced data usage by 70% and increased pages per session by 65%.
Pinterest's PWA increased core engagements by 60% and ad revenue by 44%.
Starbucks' PWA is 99.84% smaller than their iOS app.
These examples show PWAs aren't just for small businesses—they're a legitimate strategy for companies of all sizes.
Getting Started with PWAs
If you're considering a PWA, start by evaluating your requirements:
1. List the features you need—can they be achieved with web technologies?
2. Consider your target audience and their devices
3. Evaluate your development resources and budget
4. Think about your update frequency and deployment needs
Many businesses find that a PWA covers 80-90% of what they'd build with a native app, at a fraction of the cost.
PWAs offer a compelling path for businesses that want app-like experiences without the overhead of native development. While they're not right for every situation, they're worth serious consideration for most business applications. The technology has matured significantly and major browsers now provide excellent support.