The ultimate difference between web apps and mobile apps

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The ultimate difference between web apps and mobile apps
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Do you know how many mobile apps are available on the Google Play Store? The number is about 2 million! Following the wind, the rate of developing web apps is increasing at an exponential rate. Now the interesting question you may ask is – what’s thedifference between web apps and mobile apps?

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Answering the question is not that challenging. Following the rest of the discussion will allow you to figure out the difference between these. And at the same time, it will eliminate all the confusion regarding web apps and mobile apps floating around your head right now!

What is a web app?

In simple words – a web application is an app that you don’t need to download and install manually on your device. Instead, the application is already installed on a web server. Your job is just to use it!

Let’s take an example!

Microsoft Office is a legendary software that is used by many people around the globe. To use it – you need to install it on your device manually.

Now, the mentionable fact is – Microsoft introduced a web version of this software named Microsoft 365. By creating an account over there, you can easily use this software where you can enjoy all the functionalities without installing any external software on your device.

Here, Microsoft 365 is a web application.

What is a mobile app?

Now it’s easy for you to make a clear guess regarding the answer to the question, as you already know about web applications now! This is basically application software that is not located on any web server.

In simple words – a mobile app refers to a kind of app developed for installing manually on your device to use it.

For example, on the Google Play Store or Apple Store, you will get millions of apps. Each of these is the perfect example of mobile apps.

The main property of a mobile app is – a mobile app always performs using your device’s power. It’s portable as well.

Mobile apps vs. web Apps: which one is good?

Both are decent enough to choose! To decide which particular one will be suitable for you depends on your needs.

We need to consider the use cases of both. And then we can figure out which one we should finally choose.

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If you are a businessman, then your primary target is enabling your targeted audiences to connect with your business so that you can make them your potential customers or clients later on. For many entrepreneurs, the best way to connect with their targeted audience is through mobile apps.


But on the other hand, developing a mobile app needs a decent budget. Because technically, it can contain complex functionalities. So depending on your budget, goals, and some other major and minor parameters, you have to decide which one you should choose.

To make your task easier, you can consider reading the following regarding the advantages and disadvantages of both of these apps.

The advantages and disadvantages of mobile and web apps

Throughout the discussion, you already know what mobile and web apps are and the basic differences between these two. In the following, you’ll get some valuable information about these apps by reading their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of mobile apps

  • Enhanced user experience
  • Supports complex functionalities
  • Can be used without any internet connection
  • Easy customization opportunity
  • Keeping a dedicated server is not compulsory all the time
  • Comparatively improved security and safety as it needs to be approved by Apple Store and Google Play Store.

The disadvantages of mobile apps

  • Approving any particular mobile app on the Google Play Store or App Store is comparatively hard.
  • The convenience of monetization is not that great – it’s still evolving.
  • The development process is not that cost-effective.
  • Users will need to update their apps from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Advantages of web apps

  • Users don’t need to install this app on their devices.
  • No updates are required.
  • The maintenance cost is low compared to developing a mobile app.
  • Developing web apps is a swift and convenient process.
  • No approval is required from the Google Play Store or Apple Store

The disadvantages of web apps

  • Generally always needs an active internet connection
  • Comparatively slow performance
  • It requires a dedicated server to host web apps
  • The monetization process is comparatively less challenging

Is a native app the same as a mobile app?

Well! The interesting thing is – most people considermobile appsto be basically the other name of native apps. But in reality, both of these are not identical.

Mobile application means any sort of application software that has been developed targeting mobile devices. Now, it can be a mobile application or web apps.

On the other hand, native apps are developed by using a specific coding language such as Java or Objective – C or Kotlin, mainly targeting smartphones for different platforms.

Considering some unique aspects, native apps attained massive popularity. Some of these are mentioned below.

  • It is developed for specific platforms.
  • Enhanced security.
  • Great reliability.
  • Seamless user experience.

Ending lines

Basically, this was a precise and in-depth discussion regarding web apps and mobile apps. Considering your project, your needs, budget, time, and some other parameters, you need to decide what types of apps you need to spend your valuable time on.

The knowledge that you got from this discussion will hopefully help you. But if you still feel confused and need to explore more about web apps and mobile apps that you want to develop for your project, consulting with an app development company will be a great idea.

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