You need a mobile solution for your business. The question is: should you build a mobile app or a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
The old advice used to focus on development costs and separate codebases—but that's no longer the deciding factor. Modern cross-platform frameworks like Expo and React Native let you build native mobile apps from a single codebase. The real question today is: do you need device-specific features, and do you want users to feel like they're installing an app?
Key Insight: The choice between a mobile app and a PWA isn't primarily about cost or codebases anymore. It comes down to two things: (1) whether you need device-specific capabilities like Bluetooth, NFC, or background processing, and (2) whether you want users to discover and install your app from the App Store or Google Play rather than visiting a website.
What Are We Actually Comparing?
Mobile Apps (Native or Cross-Platform)
Installed from app stores onto your device. Can be built natively (Swift/Kotlin) or with cross-platform tools like Expo/React Native using a single codebase.
Examples: Instagram, CommBank, Uber, games
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Websites that look and feel like apps. Accessed through a browser but can be added to your home screen. No app store required.
Examples: Twitter Lite, Starbucks ordering, Pinterest mobile
What's Changed: Modern cross-platform frameworks like Expo let you write one codebase in React Native and deploy to both iOS and Android app stores. The "native means two codebases" argument is largely obsolete—the real differences are about capabilities and user expectations.
Mobile App vs PWA: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Mobile App | PWA |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution | App Store / Google Play | Direct URL / Add to Home Screen |
| User Installation Feel | Familiar "install an app" | More like a website shortcut |
| Device Features | Full access (Bluetooth, NFC, sensors) | Limited (no Bluetooth, restricted background) |
| Offline Capability | Excellent | Good (with service workers) |
| Updates | App store review (1-7 days) | Instant deployment |
| Performance | Best for intensive tasks | Very good for standard apps |
| Development (with Expo/RN) | Single codebase → both stores | Single codebase → web |
The Real Cost Picture in 2026
With cross-platform frameworks like Expo, the cost gap between mobile apps and PWAs has narrowed significantly. The choice is less about budget and more about what you actually need.
Mobile App (Cross-Platform)
Using Expo/React Native:
- • Initial development: $30k-$80k
- • Single codebase for iOS + Android
- • App store submission fees: ~$125/year
Additional considerations:
- • App store review process (1-7 days)
- • Must comply with store policies
- • Full device API access
Progressive Web App
Standard PWA:
- • Initial development: $20k-$60k
- • Works everywhere with a browser
- • No store fees
Additional considerations:
- • Instant updates (no review)
- • No store policies to navigate
- • Limited device API access
Bottom Line: Cost differences are now modest. If your requirements fit a PWA, it's still cheaper. But if you need device features or app store presence, the cross-platform app route is no longer prohibitively expensive.
When to Choose a Mobile App
Mobile apps are the right choice when:
1You Need Device-Specific Features
Bluetooth Low Energy (fitness trackers, IoT devices), NFC (contactless payments), advanced camera controls, background location tracking, Apple Watch/widgets, or hardware sensors that browsers can't access.
2App Store Presence Matters
Users expect to find you in the App Store or Google Play. Your audience discovers apps through store search. You want app store ratings and reviews as social proof. The "install an app" experience feels more legitimate to your users.
3Complex Offline Functionality
Apps that must work completely offline with complex data sync. Large local data storage requirements. Field workers in areas with no reception who need full functionality.
4Maximum Performance Required
Graphics-intensive apps (games, AR/VR), real-time processing (photo/video editing), complex animations where every millisecond matters.
When to Choose a Progressive Web App
PWAs are often the smarter choice when:
1No Device-Specific Features Required
Standard features like forms, lists, data display, user authentication, push notifications, basic camera (photos, QR codes), and GPS/location all work great in PWAs. If your app doesn't need Bluetooth, NFC, or advanced sensors, a PWA can do everything you need.
2Users Access From Multiple Devices
When users need to access from desktop and mobile. Business tools used in the office and on the go. One URL works everywhere—no need to install anything.
3Instant Updates Matter
Frequently changing content or features. No waiting for app store approval. Deploy a fix in minutes, not days. Great for rapidly evolving products.
4SEO and Shareability Matter
Want Google to index your content. Need shareable URLs for specific pages. Links can be shared via email, social, or messaging without app install friction.
5B2B or Internal Use
Internal tools, customer portals, booking systems, client dashboards. Users access via link—no app store discovery needed. Lower friction for onboarding.
Real Australian SME Examples
These are real scenarios from Expeed clients (details changed for confidentiality).
Professional Services → PWA ✓
Need: Client portal for documents, messaging, booking, invoices
Why PWA: Desktop + mobile access needed, shareable document links, no device features required
Outcome: Perfect fit. No app download friction for clients.
Fitness Coaching → Mobile App ✓
Need: Workout tracking, Apple Watch integration, heart rate monitor sync
Why App: Bluetooth LE required for device pairing, users expect fitness apps in the App Store
Outcome: Built with Expo. Single codebase, both stores.
Trades Business → PWA ✓
Need: Job tracking, quote generation, customer portal
Why PWA: Technicians + customers both need access, desktop admin + mobile field work, instant updates
Outcome: One solution for office and field. No app installs.
Consumer Retail → Mobile App ✓
Need: Customer loyalty, ordering, in-store pickup, push notifications
Why App: Customers expect to find retailers in app stores, app presence builds brand credibility
Outcome: App store presence drove downloads and engagement.
Common Myths Debunked
❌ Myth: "Mobile apps require building two separate apps for iOS and Android"
✓ Reality: Cross-platform frameworks like Expo and React Native let you build one codebase that deploys to both app stores. This is now the standard approach for most business apps.
❌ Myth: "PWAs can't send push notifications"
✓ Reality: PWAs support push notifications on Android fully and iOS (since iOS 16.4). For most business use cases, PWA notifications work great.
❌ Myth: "PWAs don't work offline"
✓ Reality: PWAs can cache data and work offline using service workers. For typical business apps, offline support is solid. Complex offline sync is where mobile apps still have an edge.
❌ Myth: "PWAs can do everything mobile apps can"
✓ Reality: PWAs cannot access Bluetooth, NFC, advanced sensors, or run background tasks reliably. If you need these features, you need a mobile app—there's no workaround.
❌ Myth: "Mobile apps are always more expensive"
✓ Reality: With cross-platform tools, the cost gap has narrowed significantly. A cross-platform mobile app is typically 20-40% more than a PWA, not 2-3x more. The decision should be about features and user expectations, not just budget.
The Two Questions That Matter
Forget the old debates about cost and codebases. Answer these two questions:
Do You Need Device-Specific Features?
Bluetooth, NFC, background location, advanced sensors, Apple Watch integration? If yes → Mobile App. These simply cannot be done with a PWA.
Do Users Expect an App Store Experience?
Will users look for you in the App Store? Does your brand benefit from app store presence and reviews? Do your users expect to "install an app"? If yes → Mobile App.
If you answered "no" to both:
A PWA will likely meet your needs, cost a bit less, and give you instant updates without app store approval delays.
Quick Reference Guide
Choose a Mobile App if:
You need Bluetooth, NFC, advanced sensors, or background processing • Users expect to find you in the App Store • You want app store reviews and ratings • The "install an app" experience matters to your brand
Choose a PWA if:
Standard web features cover your needs • Users access from multiple devices (desktop + mobile) • Instant updates are important • You want searchable/shareable URLs • It's a B2B tool or internal system
Cost is less of a factor now:
Cross-platform tools like Expo have made mobile apps much more affordable. Don't choose a PWA just because you think apps are too expensive—choose based on your actual requirements.
What You Should Remember
- The codebase argument is outdated—cross-platform tools like Expo let you build one codebase for both iOS and Android
- Device features are the hard line—if you need Bluetooth, NFC, or advanced sensors, you need a mobile app, full stop
- User expectations matter—some audiences expect to install an app from the store, others are fine with a web link
- PWAs excel for business tools—internal apps, client portals, and B2B solutions often work better as PWAs
- Cost differences have shrunk—don't default to PWA just because you assume apps are expensive
- An honest developer will ask the right questions—not push one solution over another
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The mobile app vs PWA decision isn't about cost or codebases anymore—it's about two simple questions: do you need device-specific features, and do your users expect an app store experience? Answer those honestly, and the right choice becomes clear.