Web Apps vs. Native Apps: Which is Best for Your MVP Startup in 2024?

Software Development 6 November, 2024

In 2024, creating an MVP startup includes more than simply a creative concept; it also calls for efficiency, speed, and a user-centered approach. One of the most important choices you’ll have to make when developing your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is whether to create a native app or a web app.

Each strategy has advantages of its own, but one is best for you will depend on your objectives, target audience, and available resources. In order to determine which web app or native app would be the best choice for your MVP startup in 2024, this post will look at the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Defining MVP: What Are We Solving For?

Let’s define an MVP before diving into details of app development. A minimum viable product, or MVP, is a basic version of your product with only enough functionality to attract beta testers and validate your concept.

The main goal is to gather feedback to make improvements before going all in on development. It’s important to move quickly and keep costs down. In fact, CB Insights reports that 29% of startups fail because they run out of money, often due to long and expensive development processes.

If you want to know Why MVP Development is Crucial for Startup Success for 2024. CLICK HERE

Native Apps V/S Web Apps

Here are the top 5 differences between Web Apps and native apps. This comparison will help you choose the right app for your business and make your decision easier:

Parameters	Native App	Web Apps
App Store Distribution	Native apps are available through app stores specific to each platform, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Users need to download and install the apps from these stores to use them.	Web Apps don’t need to be distributed through app stores. Since you don’t have to download or install them from an app store, they offer the best of both worlds.
Platform Compatibility	Native apps are made using specific programming languages and tools for each platform, like Swift for iOS and Java for Android.	Web apps that look and work like native apps can be installed on any device that has a web browser, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
Cost	Native apps are designed for specific platforms like iOS or Android. This means developers have to create them twice, once for each platform.	Web app development is cheaper than developing native apps. Web Apps use web technologies, allowing developers to use one codebase for many platforms.
Access to Native APIs	Native apps can easily connect with different device features, like push notifications, camera access, contacts, and more.	Web Apps have limited access to device APIs and features.
Offline Functionality	Native programs have many offline features. Users can access and use the app’s features and content without an internet connection because they can save data directly on their device.	Web apps can work offline because of service workers and caching. They can save data and resources on your device, so you can use the app even without an internet connection or in places with weak signals.

Advantages of Native App for Your MVP Startup

Lets discuss advantages of Native Apps for MVP Startup in details:

1. Better Results

Native apps function more quickly and offer a more seamless user experience since they are created especially for the platforms on which they are intended. Native apps are frequently the greatest choice for Minimum viable products (MVPs) that require rapid reactions and quickness, such gaming apps or ride-sharing services with real-time updates.

Real-Life Example

Uber initially started with a native app MVP to take full advantage of the phone’s GPS and notification system for real-time ride-hailing. Their decision to prioritize performance paid off, rapidly scaling the platform from a local to a global service.

2. Offline Functionality

Native apps can function without an internet connection, making them the preferred choice for MVPs where constant connectivity can’t be assumed, like in rural areas or regions with unstable networks.

3. Full Device Feature Access

Native apps can fully use a device’s hardware, like the camera, microphone, and GPS. This access allows them to provide advanced features that web apps can’t. This is especially important for MVP Startup that want to develops apps in fields such as augmented reality, IoT, or advanced data analytics.

According to Business of Apps, 90% of mobile time is spent on apps. This highlights the importance of creating engaging, feature-rich experiences that users prefer.

4. Push Notifications

Push notifications, which can greatly enhance user engagement, are easier to implement on native apps. For an MVP startup, this means direct communication with users, encouraging higher retention rates—a critical factor in early growth.

“When it comes to delivering rich, complex user experiences, native apps are still king.” — Benedict Evans, Mobile Analyst

Challenges of Native Apps

Lets read about possible challenges of Native Apps:

1. Prolonged Time to Market

Developing native apps takes more time because it usually involves complete coding, testing, and debugging for each platform. This can delay your MVP launch and make it take longer to reach the market.

2. Higher Development Costs

Native apps require separate development for each platform, which doubles the cost and time investment. This can be a serious financial setback for an MVP startup.

3. Maintenance Costs

After your native app is released, updating it involves releasing new versions and making sure it works with the latest operating system updates. This can lead to higher long-term costs compared to web apps, which only require server-side updates.

4. App Store Approvals

Getting your native app approved by the App Store or Google Play can take a lot of time because of strict rules. Delays like these could adversely impact startups attempting to go live soon.

Advantages of Web Apps for Your MVP Startup

Lets read about the advantages of Web Apps for MVP Startup in details:

1. SEO Visibility

Search engines have the ability to index web apps, which opens up the possibility of natural discovery. This is a strong point for MVP startups aiming to grow their audience quickly through content marketing and SEO strategies.

“Web apps are perfect for reaching users quickly and iterating without the roadblocks posed by app store approvals or platform dependencies.” — Sarah Perez, TechCrunch

2. Cross-Platform Compatibility

A web app does not require separate versions for iOS, Android, or other platforms in order to function on any device with a browser, including desktop computers and smartphones. This helps startups greatly by saving money and time on development.

The fact that there will be more than 4.3 billion mobile internet users worldwide by 2024, according to Statista, highlights the extensive reach that a web app may offer.

3. Ease of Updates

Updates and modifications take effect immediately without requiring the user to download a new version of the program because it runs on a server. For a minimum viable product (MVP), this is crucial when you’re iteratively improving it in response to user input.

4. Cost Efficiency

Generally speaking, creating web apps is less expensive than creating native apps for various platforms. For an MVP startup, this can mean a faster launch with a smaller budget. The cost difference is significant.

Web apps typically cost between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on complexity, whereas native apps can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000.

Challenges of Web Apps

Lets read about possible challenges of Web Apps:

1. Performance

Web apps are usually slower and less responsive than native apps. This can affect how users experience the app, especially in cases where a lot of processing power or large amounts of data are needed.

2. Limited Functionality

Web apps lack access to many device-specific features, such as camera controls, offline functionality, push notifications, and deep system integration. This can limit the functionality of your MVP, particularly if your product relies on hardware capabilities.

3. Offline Access

Web apps in general are still not as dependable when there is no internet, even though Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have made progress in providing offline functionality. This can be a restriction based on who your target market is and how your product is used.

Real-Life Case Studies: Web Apps vs. Native Apps

Lets look into Real-Life inspiring story that can inspire you and get you clear idea about what app to choose for your MVP startup:

1. Spotify- Balancing Web and Native Experiences

Spotify started out as a desktop program but has now developed into a web application as well as a dedicated mobile app.

Impact and Results

Retention and Engagement: The native app enhances user experience with features like offline listening and better integration with device hardware (like speakers and notifications).
User Accessibility: Spotify’s web app allows users to access music without downloading software, providing instant access and convenience.
Outcome: By effectively utilizing both platforms, Spotify has achieved over 500 million active users, demonstrating that a hybrid approach can significantly boost user engagement and satisfaction.

2. WhatsApp: A Native App Success Story

WhatsApp started as a simple messaging app, initially launched as a native application for iOS and Android.

Impact and Results

Rich in features: The app includes capabilities that are more smooth on native platforms, such as media sharing, phone calling, and video calls.
Result: With more than 2 billion users globally, WhatsApp’s success serves as an example of how well native applications work when high levels of interaction and user involvement are required.
Performance Optimization: Native apps typically perform better than web apps, particularly in messaging and real-time notifications. WhatsApp’s choice allowed for smooth communication even in low bandwidth conditions.

3. Trello: A Case for Web Apps

Originally designed as a web apps, Trello is a project management solution emphasizing ease of use and teamwork.

Impact and Results

Cross-Platform Accessibility: Trello is very flexible for teams since it is a web app that lets users view their boards from any device that has a browser.
Result: Trello’s user base expanded to millions of people as a result of its usability and accessibility, highlighting the power of web apps as collaborative tools and services.
Upgrades and Iteration: Trello can promptly provide features and fixes to users by enabling easy updates for web apps without forcing users to download new versions.

When to Choose a Native App?

The key consideration of choosing a Native app for MVP Startup:

If you want an app that is easy to use, has smooth navigation, and works well on mobile phones.
If you want to put your app on Google Play and Apple’s App Store
To provide a user-friendly UI/UX experience.
An operating system made specifically for mobile users on a certain platform.
If you want an app that works well for your users.

When to Choose Web Apps?

The key consideration of choosing Web Apps:

If you need an app that works well on mobile devices for both Android and iOS users, and also functions like a web app in a web browser.
If you want to create a single app or hybrid apps for all platforms and devices.
If you want to help your users save storage space on their devices.

Wrapping Up

The platform you choose to build your app will determine its success and your MVP Startup. Therefore, it is essential to choose the appropriate app by taking into account all factors, demands, and specifications related to your business and users. In this blog, we have discussed the comprehensive difference between Web App vs native. We discussed the pros and cons, features, and real life case studies.

However, if you are still not able to decide whether you need a Web App or native app YeasiTech are here to help you. Our team of competent app developers can assist you in selecting the best platform for your application. After evaluating your requirements, they will suggest the best course of action.

Contact our professionals and receive proven technological answers to your questions.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between a web app and a native app?

A web app is used through a browser and works on different devices, while a native app is downloaded and installed on a device, giving better performance and access to certain features of the device.

Which is more cost-effective for an MVP startup, a web app or a native app?

A web app is generally more cost-effective, as it allows you to reach users on multiple platforms without developing separate versions for different operating systems.

When should I choose a native app for my MVP startup?

If your target audience spends the majority of their time on mobile applications, like those for gaming or fitness, or if your MVP Startup depends heavily on device-specific capabilities like the camera, GPS, or push notifications, then a native app is the best option.