Mobile vs web apps: Key differences

Mobile and web apps offer unique advantages for businesses and end-users. While they work in a similar way, they also have distinctive differences that cater to varying use cases.

In this article, we’ll break down their core differences, draw insights from industry sources, and help you understand what sets native mobile apps and web apps apart.

What is a web app?

A web app is an application you can access through a web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. It usually needs the internet to function, though some advanced web apps can have certain features for offline use, too.

Another important aspect of a web application is that it doesn’t need to be installed on your phone or computer, even though it can be accessed on both devices.

Key characteristics

• Responsive design. Adapts to various devices as long as there’s a browser.
• Accessed via URL. No direct download is required.
• No installation. Doesn’t take up storage space on devices.
• Internet dependency. Usually – but not necessarily – needs an active internet connection.
• Uses standard web technologies. The foundation is built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Examples: Gmail, online banking.   

What is a mobile app?

A mobile app is usually built for a specific operating system (iOS or Android). It’s downloaded and installed from an app store, allowing direct access to device features and potentially providing offline capabilities.

Key characteristics

• App store download. Installed from official marketplaces (App Store, Google Play).
• Platform-specific design. Built differently for each OS, ensuring a polished user experience.
• Deeper device access. Can require access to a camera, GPS, notifications, sensors, and more.
• Offline functionality. Many native mobile apps work even without an internet connection.
• Examples: Instagram, WhatsApp.

Web apps vs mobile apps: Understanding the main differences

Here’s a simple comparison to show how web and mobile apps differ across important aspects:

Aspect	Web apps	Mobile apps
Accessibility	Open in a browser; no installation needed	Must be installed on a specific device type (iOS or Android)
Cost to develop	Usually less expensive (one version for all users)	Often more expensive (separate versions for iOS and Android)
Time to build	Faster to launch updates (one main code to manage)	Slower if you need separate apps for multiple operating systems
Features	Limited phone access (depends on what the browser allows)	Can use many of your phone’s features and often runs faster
User experience	Consistent design for everyone, but not always a native feel	Designed to match each device’s style
Offline use	Requires internet connection, though some data can be saved offline	Often works without the internet (e.g. games or note-taking apps)
Updates	Instantly updated for all users when changes are made	Users must update or accept updates through the app store
Discoverability	Found through web browsers like Google Chrome or Safari	Found through app stores like Google Play or App Store
Performance	Depends on the browser and internet speed; can be slower than native mobile apps	Optimized for specific mobile devices, often resulting in faster and smoother performance
Security	Exposed to more network-based threats	App store policies can add an extra security layer
Cross-platform solutions	Single codebase runs everywhere but may limit advanced device integrations	Often built separately or with hybrid tools, which can be more complex than a single web app

Now, let’s briefly expand on each of the core differences.

Accessibility
Web apps are ready to use as soon as someone visits the URL. Mobile (e.g. iOS and Android) apps require an app store download, adding potential friction but also guaranteeing a more personalized experience.

Cost
A single web app can serve all users regardless of the operating system. Building a mobile app usually means you’ll need one version for iOS and another one for Android, which can double the cost and time.

Time to develop
Web apps can be built and updated quickly. Native mobile apps involve more steps, such as coding for multiple platforms and navigating app store submissions and approvals.

Features and performance
Mobile apps can access nearly every feature on your device, such as the camera, microphone, GPS, sensors, and so on. Web apps have gotten better at this thanks to new technologies but still can’t do everything mobile apps can.

User experience
Mobile apps usually look and feel more natural on your device, following specific design guidelines for iOS or Android. Unlike mobile apps, web apps will likely look and feel the same on all devices, which is good for consistency but might not be as smooth to use.

Offline access
Web applications typically need an internet connection, though Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) can cache limited content for offline use. In contrast, many mobile apps offer near-complete offline functionality and sync data when online again.

Updates
Web apps let you roll out updates on the server side so everyone sees new features immediately. Mobile apps rely on users installing new versions from app stores, which can delay the widespread adoption of each update.

Discoverability
Web apps rely on SEO to appear in search results, which can be powerful for long-term traffic. Mobile apps depend on ASO to rank in app store searches and gain visibility among countless competing apps.

Hybrid or cross-platform solutions
Frameworks like React Native or Flutter can be a middle ground, letting you reuse much of your code across multiple platforms. This reduces costs, although it may not match the full performance or flexibility of fully native mobile apps.

Choosing the right solution

Whether you opt for a web or a mobile app will depend on the app’s purpose, the functions it should have, and various limitations, such as resources, time, and budget.

A web app or progressive web app makes a good option for many use cases. These apps are cheaper and easier to update, and users can open them in their browsers without having to download anything onto their devices.

What’s more, building web apps from scratch requires no technical skills when using AI web app-building tools like Hostinger Horizons. You can use it to create a fully functional web application without coding, using just prompts, and then easily deploy it with just a click of a button.

However, if you require advanced hardware use (like NFC, AR, or specialized sensors) or want the app to have offline access, a native mobile app is likely a better fit. Keep in mind that mobile apps take longer to make and aren’t as easy to update.

In terms of security, mobile apps can leverage built-in protections from the phone’s operating system, but they need separate updates for each platform (iOS and Android). Web apps let you update one version for everyone at once.

Thinking long-term, if your project involves heavy growth or user engagement, a mobile or cross-platform approach may be worth the extra effort and cost, as it can provide a more powerful experience and wider access to device features.

Conclusion

Mobile apps and web apps each solve different problems. A mobile app provides deeper access to phone features, can work offline, and feels more integrated with a device. However, mobile or native apps generally cost more to build and require separate versions for different operating systems.

A web application is cheaper to maintain, the updates are instant, and users can open it on any device with a browser. Web apps are also typically easier to share since no installation is needed.

In order to make the right call in the web app vs mobile app dilemma, think about your budget, the features you need, and how your audience prefers to interact with your content before choosing one over the other.

Web app vs mobile app FAQ