App Development
Businesses are often confused whether they need to connect with a Progressive app development company or to avail themselves of React native app development services. In this blog, we are going to compare Progressive web applications and React Native and see which one of these is the best choice for mobile application development. According to some progressive app development company many people uses this because of cross platform compatibility and easy maintenance. We will compare these two technologies on 9 different criteria such as development, performance, user experience, maintenance, accessibility, etc. Don’t worry, this discussion also includes a simple comparison table to make things easier for you.
These are the factors that you should consider while making a choice between these two.
So, let’s start.
Development and Deployment
React Native:
Starting with the requirements of development and deployment, Reach Native uses JavaScript and React framework and can be used for iOS and Android both, given its’ high code reusability.
Also, like any other programming language, it requires app store submission. So, the React Native app development services provider would first post it on the app store for approval and then only users can access the same.
Progressive Web App (PWA):
Things are different in the domain of PWAs, they use standard web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc. and a single code base is suitable for all browsing platforms.
And since they run in web browsers, the best part is that they do not need app store submissions. This gives your business free-hand while gaining a wider reach on par with cross-platform application development.
Performance
React Native:
Availing React Native app development services brings your near-native performance. The technology is better for complex, resource-intensive apps and can access device features through native modules.
Progressive Web App (PWA):
While PWAs do give users faster access to your application, they have to slightly comprise me in terms of performance compared to native apps.
This is because they are highly dependent on the capabilities of the particular browser they are running on.
Also, they have quite limited access to device features, however, things are improving significantly with the onset of modern APIs. A progressive app development company will make full utilization of these advancements.
User Experience
React Native:
As already mentioned, React Native possesses native-like capability, hence they offer a great user experience which stays consistent in terms of look and feel across devices.
Also, React Native has strong offline support with the ability to use local storage and caching.
Progressive Web App (PWA):
PWAs have succeeded in delivering user experience similar to native apps but still they feel a little less integrated. Nevertheless, they offer smooth and responsive interfaces with considerable offline support that utilizes service workers and caching strategies.
Maintenance and Updates
React Native:
As you might have figured out by now, the involvement of app stores is one of the biggest drawbacks of React Native mobile app development services To pass on updates, you need to go through the app stores route, which can be frustrating and even stifling the whole process.
However, there is one unique feature that can accelerate development speed in React Native comes i.e. Hot Reloading.
It enables the developers to see changes made in real-time, without refreshing the app. This saves a lot of time that gets lost in back and forth of repeated manual refreshes.
Progressive Web App (PWA):
PWA are really fast when it comes to deploying updates. You can deploy updates directly through the web without going through the route of app store. This is also a plus point from the user’s perspective. Without needing to download updates from the app store, users will always have access to the latest version of the app.
Additionally, this helps in continuous deployment as updates are pushed directly to users without delays.
Installation and Accessibility
React Native:
Again, the installation of React Native applications requires downloading them to users mobile and it costs them valuable device storage. This is a significant challenge as it can deter users with limited storage capacity from downloading the app. Or even if they have downloaded it, at one point or the other they have to make a choice whether to keep the app. This is because the storage is limited and it will get full at some point in time, thereby, reducing the app’s user base and engagement.
Further, React Native apps will only be accessible by user with devices running on iOS or Android while circumventing devices with other operating systems such as Window, Linux or ChromeOS.
Progressive Web App (PWA):
On the other hand, not only can PWAs be accessed through any web browser but they can also be added to the home screen without any significant storage impact. This further blurs the line between PWAs and other native applications.
Hence, they have a much wider reach by being accessible to users across devices with any OS.
Use Cases
React Native:
As can be deciphered from all the above comparison points, React Native app development services follow a dedicated path for high-performance apps. These are for business objectives that need to capitalize on extensive native features and resources.
Some common examples of React Native apps are:
- Social media apps
- Complex gaming apps
- High-performance utility apps such as fitness trackers and financial management tools
Progressive Web App (PWA):
PWAs, on the other hand, are for objectives that require offline functionality along with a broad reach across devices. They are also good for deploying rapid updates.
Some examples are:
- News websites,
- eCommerce platforms, and
- content-rich applications media streaming services and online learning platforms.
Summary Table: Which One to Choose
| Feature | React Native | Progressive Web App (PWA) |
| Development | JavaScript, React, native modules | HTML, CSS, JavaScript |
| Deployment | App stores | Web browsers |
| Performance | Near native | Depends on browser capabilities |
| User Experience | Native-like | Responsive, smooth |
| Offline Capability | Strong | Excellent |
| Maintenance | App store updates | Instant updates |
| Installation | App stores | Browser-based |
| Accessibility | Limited to app store devices | Any web-enabled device |
| Best For | High-performance, native features | Broad reach, rapid updates |
Conclusion
Thus, when it comes to choosing a progressive app development company or React Native services provider, you need to consider your target audience and the platform they have the better access to.
React Native is a better choice for apps with high performance and advanced features. PWAs are more suitable for broader reach across multiple devices.
Then, you need to assess the development resources and timeline you have with you. React Native is more resource-intensive with a near-native experience. PWAs are quicker and cost-effective to develop and maintain.
Lastly, in terms of user Experience, React Native is the choice to a highly responsive. Progressive web apps are better for a consistent experience across web and mobile.
