Choose a web app when your users work mostly on computers, when you need to reach many people without asking them to install anything, or when you want one version that works everywhere. Choose a mobile app when people use it daily on their phone, need it to work offline, or need phone features like the camera, GPS or notifications. Many businesses start with a mobile-friendly web app and add a mobile app later.
The difference
| Web app | Mobile app | |
|---|---|---|
| How people open it | In a browser, with a link | Installed from Play Store or App Store |
| Devices | Any computer, tablet or phone | Phones and tablets |
| Updates | Instant, for everyone | Users install updates; stores review them |
| Offline use | Limited | Strong |
| Phone features | Some | Full: camera, GPS, notifications, files |
| Cost | Usually lower, one version | Higher, especially for Android and iPhone |
| Reach | Anyone with a link | Only people who install it |
When a web app is better
- Office staff use it at desks most of the day.
- Customers use it once in a while, such as for booking or tracking.
- You want to launch quickly and change it often.
- Budget is limited.
When a mobile app is better
- Field staff use it all day: sales, delivery, technicians, collections.
- It must work in areas with weak signal.
- It needs the camera (photos, scanning), GPS (location, routes) or reliable notifications.
- Customers use it often, such as for ordering or a loyalty programme.
The middle option
A progressive web app (PWA) is a web app that can be added to a phone’s home screen, opens like an app and can work partly offline. It is a good first step for many businesses before investing in full mobile apps.
Another common pattern is a web app for the office and a mobile app for field staff, both using the same data.
Questions to decide
- Who will use it, and where: office, field or home?
- How often: every hour, every day or once a month?
- Does it need to work without internet?
- Does it need the camera, GPS or notifications?
- Android only, or iPhone too?
- How often will features change?
Hidden costs to plan for
- Publishing fees and rules of the app stores.
- Updates when new phone software versions come out.
- Testing on many phone models, especially low-cost Android phones.
- Support for users who can’t install or log in.
How Ameya Artha helps
We build web apps and Android, iPhone and cross-platform mobile apps, and help you choose the one your users actually need. See our software services