Native vs. Hybrid vs. Web Apps: The Detailed Guide!

“Native vs Hybrid vs Web Apps – Do you know which is right solution to your business? Read the detailed guide and comparisons to know suitable one.”

Mobile apps have conquered the digitized world. Every individual has gadgets and uses mobile applications to exchange information and services. The mobile apps market size was valued at 206.85 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a CAGR of 13.8% between 2023-2030. The statistics from Grand View Research proved how rapidly the mobile app demand is increasing.

Therefore, stepping into mobile app development for own business growth and expansion is quite possible. Well before you think of development, know that there are three mobile app types: Native vs. Hybrid vs. Web Apps. Every type of mobile app suits different business needs and requirements. That is why, it is significant to know about all 3 types of mobile apps.

In this blog, we will provide you with a detailed guide on “Native vs. Hybrid vs. Web Apps.” Continue reading to know which mobile apps meet your business needs. So let’s get started.

What are Native Apps?

Native mobile applications are the most common and preferable apps built for specific platforms in a particular coding language accepted by the platform.
Consider here the examples to explain: Swift and Objective-C accept Native iOS Apps; whereas Java and Kotlin accept Native Android Apps.

Native App Development is processed using one Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for certain operating systems. Even more, do you know Apple and Google provide their particular app development tools, SDKs, and interface elements? Most of the clientele base demands native apps; because they render multiple benefits to businesses.

Pros	Cons
Native apps are high-performing and more approachable.	The cost of Native App Development is higher compared to hybrid and web apps.
Native apps have support from the app stores. In case disruptions happen, they can be managed immediately.	If you want to build native apps, then hire experienced app developers for that. The developers will utilize the latest mobile app development trends for result-oriented product creation at last.
The native apps need approval from the respective operating system.	If you want to build an application for one more platform, then you have to start with designing and development from scratch once again.
Native apps allow the developers to make use of all the features.

What are Hybrid Apps?

Hybrid apps are a combination of native and web apps; which work on versatility and cross-platform solutions. These applications are presented in the native app storebox. These apps can be downloaded on gadgets, and also be used through web browsers. It is built with backend codes and a native shell, making it much easier to download on app stores.
Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are also similar to hybrid apps with some unique features.

PWAs do not exist on the app store. The applications are very easy to make, and customizable though. Moreover, these apps offer better speed in the slow internet areas.
Hybrid apps are in demand among businesses because they provide many leverages. Therefore it is advisable to connect with hybrid app development companies to build robust apps.

Pros	Cons
The hybrid apps are built with common web technologies helping to reduce the development time.	The hybrid applications perform according to the internet speed, which states that the UX of hybrid apps is inconsistent.
Hybrid apps are kind of similar to web and native apps, which charge lesser costs with quality features ensured.	The hybrid apps barely utilize JavaScript and CSS programming languages. They should integrate hybrid app development frameworks like React Native, Cordova, and Iconic- which all have learning curves.
Hybrid apps can use the features of tracking locations, push notifications, etc.
Hybrid apps are cross-platform apps, that can be used on Android and iOS because of the common codebase used.

What are Web Apps?

Web Apps seem like websites but feel like apps. The users can use web apps on internet browsers. Basically, PlayStore and Apple Stores cannot feature web apps. No denying that users can access web apps through mobile gadgets, but they need web browsers for their accessibility. There are no certain applications built, but these web applications seem like apps available on browsers. Currently, every app has web app functionality also in them in the marketplace. Also, web application development companies are integrating advancements and the latest trends to make the apps more successful.

Web apps are easier and quicker to develop. Businesses choose to build web apps for certain reasons.

Pros	Cons
Web apps use one common codebase on all the platforms for development.	Undeniably web apps are easier to develop, but they lack native features.
If users are utilizing the right internet browsers for web app accessibility; there is no need to download anything.	The user experience is complicated because it requires more steps to access.
As compared to the other app development, web app development cost is lesser, because these apps are much easier to build.	The web apps are less responsive, a bit slow, lesser interactive compared to native apps.

Hybrid App vs. Native App vs. Web App – Understanding the Key Differences

Feature	Hybrid Apps	Native Apps	Web Apps
Development Approach	Combines elements of both web and native development.	Built specifically for a particular platform (iOS, Android, etc.).	Accessible through web browsers on various platforms.
Performance	is Generally slower than native apps as they use web views.	High performance as they are optimized for the specific platform.	Performance may vary, usually slower than native but faster than some hybrid apps.
Access to Device APIs	Access to some device features through plugins.	Full access to device features and APIs.	Limited access to device features through browser APIs.
Distribution	Distributed through app stores and web browsers.	Exclusive to specific app stores (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play).	Accessed through web browsers, no need for app stores.
Offline Capability	Partial offline functionality using caching.	Full offline functionality with local storage.	Limited offline functionality; depends on caching and service workers.
Development Time	Faster development compared to native apps.	Longer development time due to platform-specific requirements.	Faster development compared to native apps.
User Experience	May have a slightly different feel than native apps.	Offers the best user experience tailored to the platform.	User experience may vary; not as polished as native apps.
Cost	Cost-effective compared to native development.	May be more expensive due to separate development for each platform.	Generally cost-effective, especially for cross-platform solutions.
Updates	Easier to deploy updates across platforms.	Updates need to go through app store approval processes.	Instant updates without user intervention, as they are web-based.

HTime to Build Mobile App – Native App vs. Hybrid App and Web App

Mobile App Type	Description	Duration of Development
Web Apps	Web applications are simpler, and much quicker to develop.	1-3 months
Native Apps	Need to build separate apps for different platforms, because native apps are dedicated to only one platform.	2-4 months
Hybrid Apps	It takes less time to build native apps because it is a cross-platform app that requires development one time only.	2-3 months

The above-stated durations are the average timelines. If you will add more features and functionalities, then the duration might extend according to the requirements.

Cost to Build Mobile Apps – Web App vs. Native App vs. Hybrid App

Mobile App Type	Description	Cost of Development
Web Apps	Web Apps are easy to build, therefore these are cheaper compared to hybrid and native app development.	$5k – $250k
Native Apps	Native app development is a bit complicated because the application is built for a dedicated platform only. If someone wants the same app on another operating system, that requires developing another app from scratch.	$30k – $300k
Hybrid Apps	Hybrid apps are cross-platform apps, so these can be built in one go only.	$30k to $50k

The above-mentioned cost of mobile app development is average. If you want to integrate more features and other techs; then definitely cost will rise according to the demand.

Hybrid App vs. Native Apps vs. Web Apps Development: Ideal Choice for your Business?

To know which is an ideal mobile app type for your business needs; there are certain things to consider during the selection process. Now read below the factors to decide which is the best app type.

User-Experience

If the user is enjoying using your application, and also it is easier to navigate; then only chances are in favor of sustaining the users. On the other hand, a bad user interface will make people stop using your application. Therefore, it is very important to invest in UX to retain users. If you want to provide a great user experience to the users; then it is advisable to build 2 separate applications (one for Android and one for iOS). Both are different operating systems, so better to hand over the Android and iOS users their required dedicated apps.

Marketing and Cost of Application

Before you decide to develop one specific mobile app, better understand its marketing and cost factors. The first thing you need to consider is the cost of building a mobile application. Every investor definitely has a certain budget in hand, so know which is the right application to build for promoting business services under the budgeted cost. Compared to web apps and hybrid apps, native applications are expensive, but there are multiple benefits to choosing native.

Device Features

Make sure you have previously decided on the device features that suit better to the complexity of your application. The best thing you could do is to build native apps; that are highly suitable for every business type and to meet their business needs. Before making the decision, you need to figure out whether your application needs device features for its seamless usage.

Performance of the Application

Undeniably, there are many alternatives available in the marketplace for different kinds of applications. If the users are unable to connect and enjoy using your applications; then be ready to be replaced by other existing apps in the marketplace.

Considering the overall experience:

• Native apps are always counted as the best ones based on their excellent performance.
• Hybrid apps are good for dedicated browsers and app stores though. It can also mimic the native app experience for users, still, there will be a bit lack of performance.
• In case you need some informative pages for your services; then hybrid apps are a good fit for you. If you need to build impressive graphics and gaming; then choose to work with the native app.

Gestures of the Application

The applications need to feel right while used. When the user is navigating the app, by the time it has to react immediately. The more responsive your app is, the more users will visit and retain the application. Considering here the fact of seamless navigation; a native app is better in certain cases compared to hybrid and web apps.

You needed to know that, “Which is the best Mobile App Type to Build – Native, Hybrid, or Web Apps?” No denying that, native apps have higher chances of being on the favorable side. On the same side, one can also pick hybrid or web apps if his requirements are fulfilled. Basically, the decision to select the app type for your business depends upon its requirements. So first the entrepreneur has to decide what he wants, what else he needs, and what are the final goals and objectives, then the application is decided based on the demands.

Conclusion

Almost every entrepreneur is concerned about which mobile application is right to develop: Hybrid Apps vs. Native Apps vs. Web Apps. We understand that the final goal of an entrepreneur is to attract business from the marketplace. Deciding the right app is a major decision, so consult the ideas and planning with mobile app development companies. The clients should also evaluate in-house vs. outsourced developers to know whom to hire and hand over the project.

Consider your requirements and talk to the experts to know what suits best to you best. You can share your own visuals and ideas; then experts will rectify if require any alterations in the planning process. Gathering all the information in line and understanding business needs; you will be able to figure out things to be done and applications to develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Native, Hybrid, and Web Apps?

Native Applications are built for one dedicated platform only, which is responsible for quick and reliable high performance. These apps can be downloaded from one dedicated app store (either PlayStore or App Store) with one operating system. Also, the applications are not accessible through the web browsers.

Hybrid Apps are the aggregated apps of native and web ones. These applications are accessible through Android PlayStore (PlayStore) and Apple App Store (iOS) both at the same time. It provides flexibility and reusing the same codebases for various platforms and operating systems.

Web Apps are responsive websites that seem like mobile applications accessible through web browsers only. You can either the web apps on a desktop or also from mobile phones, but only on web browsers.

Is a Hybrid App Better or a Native App?

If we compare the hybrid with native apps; then undeniably native apps are proven to be more functional and highly performing. The hybrid apps most often experience latency issues and lack user experience.

When to Use Web Apps vs. Hybrid Apps vs. Native Apps?

Most often entrepreneur chooses native or hybrid applications. Web apps are not so preferable. Still, the selection of mobile app type depends upon the requirement of one’s business needs.