PWAs run in the browser. Native apps run on the device.
Progressive Web Apps offer cross-platform reach without app store distribution. Native apps offer better performance, full device API access, and app store discoverability. For most B2B applications, a PWA is sufficient. For consumer mobile products where the app store matters, native is the right choice.
Platform decision between building a Progressive Web App (PWA) and a native mobile app — often driven by cost constraints
A Progressive Web App is a web application that installs on the device's home screen, works offline (via Service Workers), and receives push notifications. It's a web app that behaves more like a native app.
PWA advantages:
- No app store distribution required
- Single codebase for all platforms (same code on iOS, Android, and desktop browser)
- Instant updates (no app review process)
- Lower development cost
PWA limitations:
- Limited iOS support (Apple restricts PWA capabilities — push notifications only arrived in iOS 16.4 behind a permission)
- No access to deep device APIs: Bluetooth, NFC, background location, certain camera/microphone features
- Can't be discovered in the App Store or Play Store
- Performance ceiling below native for animation-heavy or compute-intensive applications
Native app advantages:
- App store distribution (discoverability, trust signals)
- Full device API access
- Better performance for complex interactions
- App store review process as a quality signal (and barrier to entry)
When PWA is sufficient:
- B2B web applications where workers access via company devices or desktop
- Internal tools
- Applications where the web experience is primary and mobile is secondary
- When app store distribution is not a user acquisition channel
When native is required:
- Consumer mobile product where App Store / Play Store presence matters
- Applications using device APIs not available to browsers (Bluetooth, background GPS)
- App that needs to run in an offline-first, low-connectivity environment
- Competitive context where users expect a native app
Platform selection that matches the product's actual distribution requirements and device capability needs — PWA when the browser is sufficient, native when app store and device APIs matter
React Native (Expo) for native mobile applications. PWA capabilities added to web applications when appropriate.
One honest number to start.
Fixed-scope, fixed-price. The number below is the starting point — final scope is built from your brief.
Platform selection that matches the product's actual distribution requirements and device capability needs — PWA when the browser is sufficient, native when app store and device APIs matter
Three steps, every time.
The same repeatable engagement on every project. No surprises, no mystery, no billable ambiguity.
Brief & discovery.
We send you questions, then get on a call. Output: a written scope with every step, feature, and integration listed.
Build & ship.
Fixed schedule, weekly reviews. No scope creep unless you change the scope — and if you do, we reprice it transparently.
Warranty & retainer.
30-day warranty on every launch. Most clients stay on a monthly retainer for ongoing features and maintenance.
Why Fixed-Price Matters Here
Mobile platform scope starts at $45k. PWA capability is included in web app projects.
Questions, answered.
For B2B: often yes. For consumer: it depends on the product. If the app store is a distribution channel and your users primarily use iOS, native matters.
No. React Native compiles to native iOS and Android code. PWA is a browser-based web application. They're different architectures.
Tell Ryel about your project.
Describe what you’re building and what outcome you need. You’ll have a written, fixed-price scope within the week.