Web apps vs. websites: What are the key differences?

While web applications and websites are both accessed through web browsers, and are often referred to interchangeably, there are some important differences between the two.

A website is like a brochure. It’s made up of pages of static information at a specific location – or “site” – on the web.

A web application is a software program – or “app” – that you use to accomplish a task, but it is typically embedded on a web page so it can be accessed easily by users without having to download and install it.

Whether you’re looking to develop a website or a web app (or both), this article will explain everything you need to know about the differences between them: how they are used, how they work, and how they are built.

Key differences explained

The differences between a website and a web application can be broken down into five categories:

• Interactivity: how people use it
• Functionality: how it works
• Technology: what kind of technology is used to run it
• Development: the process used to build it
• Maintenance: the requirements to keep it up and running

Let’s take a look at the table below to understand the differences between a website and a web app in context.

Aspect	Website	Web Application
Interactivity	Limited interactivity. Users mainly read or browse content.	Highly interactive. Users can input, modify, and retrieve data in real time.
Functionality	Provides static content, primarily for reading or browsing.	Enables users to complete specific tasks, goals, or actions.
Technology	Can be built using just HTML and CSS; may include JavaScript, or a content management system like WordPress.	Requires advanced frameworks, server-side technologies, and APIs for dynamic functionality.
Development	Minimal back-end work, focusing on front-end design and content structure.	Requires more complex architecture with back-end integration, APIs, and database management.
Maintenance	Mainly involves updating content, as well as keeping site software up to date, which may be automated.	More involved process that required ongoing testing due to more complex infrastructure.

We’ll explain each of these aspects in more detail.

Interactivity

Websites offer limited user interaction, primarily consisting of text and images for visitors to browse and read.

While websites usually include navigation menus and other basic features like forms or buttons, these elements are usually designed to improve the delivery of information or help users navigate various pages of content.

Common examples include personal blogs, portfolios of creative work, and company websites.

In contrast, web applications are highly interactive and designed for personalized user engagement. Users can perform tasks and receive results based on their specific actions, such as manipulating data or customizing an interface.

Some examples of web apps you’ll likely already be familiar with are online banking portals, social media platforms, and project management tools.

An online tool like Trello is considered a web application as it helps users organize tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with others.

Functionality

Standard website functionality is largely limited to links in the navigation menu that allow visitors to jump to the site’s various web pages. The web browser scrollbar allows them to move up and down longer pages.

The goal is to present content that users can browse or consume passively. There may be some elements that encourage limited interaction like signup forms or media players, but these don’t allow users to enter or manipulate data for the purpose of running tasks or solving problems.

A web application, on the other hand, can offer any type of simple or complex functionality, allowing users to perform actions similar to what they might do with desktop software or mobile applications.

For example, users can make an online purchase with a calculated shipping fee, enter and manage income and expenses data for a tax return, or send, receive, and sort communications with co-workers in various departments of a large organization.

Technology

Web designers can build entire websites using just the most basic web development technology. Hypertext markup language (HTML) is used to format page content, and cascading style sheet code (CSS) is used to define page layouts and the overall design.

JavaScript can also be used to add more dynamic features, such as animations or form validation, and PHP can be used to store and retrieve content from a database.

A content management system (CMS) like WordPress or a no-code website builder offers a simple way to manage a website without editing code.

In many cases, static websites can be hosted on simple web servers with minimal resources. Resource levels can then be increased as web traffic increases.

Web app development, while still reliant on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, requires a more sophisticated technology stack.

Advanced JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue improve functionality so users can interact with an app on a web page without having to reload it.

Web apps typically require server-side processing, so they use back-end technologies like Node.js, Ruby on Rails, or Django to handle requests and process user interactions.

While WordPress blogs store text content and settings info in databases, the database management system (DBMS) for a web app should provide more secure authentication mechanisms to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access.

While this technology stack may seem overwhelming, there are web application development tools that can help simplify the process.

Hostinger Horizons can bring your web app ideas online without learning coding languages or configuring a server. It can choose, provide, and configure all the necessary technologies to build a fully functional web app.

Simply describe the features you want by typing prompts. Then, once you’re happy with your new web application, simply click a button to launch it. It will be live on the web in minutes.

It’s available risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Development process

The development process for a website is often simpler and faster than for an equivalent web app. Some website developers code from scratch, while others use development tools, or a combination of coding and tools.

WordPress offers a fairly simple interface to build brochure websites, blog sites, or portfolios. Tools like AI website builders further simplify this process by allowing users to create websites via prompts without coding.

Meanwhile, developing a web application usually involves specialized skills in various frameworks and programming languages, as these are often best suited to specific tasks or types of apps.

Plus, to ensure they are secure and functional, web apps need thorough testing and debugging prior to launch.

Maintenance

Website maintenance involves posting and editing text, uploading images, and adding any other media that will be of interest to your site visitors.

Ecommerce or CMS-based websites will require back-end maintenance, such as updating plugins and themes, but these tasks can often be automated. It may also include managing server software to ensure consistent site performance, and keeping security tools and settings up to date.

Maintaining a web application, in addition to performance monitoring and security updates, requires continuous attention to ensure the app remains functional and compatible with dependent technologies.

Back-end systems, such as databases, user authentication, and integrations with third-party APIs, require regular attention to ensure that all components are running smoothly and securely.

Web application maintenance tends to be more extensive than website maintenance due to the technical demands of handling user data, increased interactivity, and more complex back-end systems.

Web apps vs. websites: common misconceptions

In this section, we’ll address common misconceptions about web applications and websites to help you better understand their unique purposes and functionalities.

A web application is just a website with more advanced features

Not really. While web applications are technically embedded on web pages, the fundamental difference lies in their respective purposes.

Websites are primarily designed to deliver content and information, while web apps are built to perform more complex tasks.

For instance, an ecommerce site showcasing and selling products is still a website, but a task management tool like Trello is a web app because it allows users to create, manage, and manipulate task data.

Web applications can also be mobile applications

Web applications and mobile applications are different in how they’re built, deployed, and accessed.

Web apps run in a web browser and can often be viewed on mobile devices, but they are not installed on mobile devices. Mobile apps require installation, and separate versions must be developed for specific operating systems like iOS or Android.

Some web applications can be converted into progressive web apps (PWAs) to function similarly to mobile apps, but they’re still distinct from native mobile applications.

Websites and web applications always require internet access

Most websites rely on internet access to fetch and display content from a web server, but once the content is displayed on the page and cached in the browser, it typically doesn’t require a connection to the web until the user clicks to navigate to another page, or clicks to stream media content.

Most web applications generally do require a connection to the internet to function, although some elements may work without needing to connect to the server.

Progressive web apps can often function offline or with intermittent internet access. PWAs use caching techniques and service workers to store data on the device, allowing the app to continue working without a continuous internet connection.

These technologies enable PWAs and some other web applications to offer offline functionality, syncing data once the user is back online.

Websites with many interactive features are actually web applications

Interactive elements and features don’t automatically make a website a web application.

A more dynamic website remains a website as long as its primary purpose is to deliver content, even if it includes interactive components, like educational websites with short quizzes, for example.

Web applications are task-focused and equipped with data processing capabilities, such as creating and editing documents in Google apps.

Conclusion

Although both are delivered and viewed via web browsers, websites and web applications serve distinct purposes.

Websites are designed to inform, delivering mostly static content for users to read and explore passively. In contrast, web apps are built to enable, providing users with tools to perform tasks, manage data, and interact.

Developing a website is often simpler, especially if you use a CMS or a website builder. Meanwhile, web app development can be more demanding due to the advanced technologies and infrastructure required.

Hostinger Horizons simplifies web application development and deployment without sacrificing functionality. You can build and launch a web app in minutes without extensive coding skills, giving you more time to focus on your business.

Web app vs website FAQ