Native, Web App, Or Hybrid: 10 Parameters To Consider

Native, Web App, or Hybrid – the choice has always been baffling the businesses that want to extend their reach with a mobile app. Native apps are platform specific apps while web apps are actually websites which act like mobile apps. The third option is hybrid apps which are a combination of native and web apps. When it comes to making a choice between native, web app, and hybrid app development, we have a comparison checklist of parameters to help.

1. Device features
Native is the best option if you want to explore the potential of the device features to the fullest. Only a limited range of features are available for use with the other two options.

2. Discoverability
Discoverability is another important parameter that drives the mobile app development process. It implies the ease with which users can find and access the apps. Web apps take the cake here are most users are likely to use browsers first rather than reach the app stores.

3. Speed
Speed is the next key aspect and undoubtedly, native wins the competition as these apps are faster as compared to their web and hybrid counterparts.

4. Offline functionality
Native app development is the best option if you want the app to be independent of internet-connectivity. Although in-browser caching is available for apps made in HTML5, they are still no match for native ones.

5. Development cost
Obviously, development costs play a vital role in driving this decision. Hybrid and web apps are definitely cheaper as a single code is to be developed.

6. Maintenance
The same goes for app maintenance as a single codebase (as in hybrid and web apps) is easier to maintain instead of multiple ones with iPhone and Android app development.

7. Installation
Installing a native or hybrid app can be quite a hassle for users as they have to hunt it on the app store, download, and install it. The process is easier for a web app user as he just needs to search in the browser, followed by creating a bookmark on the device home screen.

8. User Interface
Native apps score the points in terms of providing consistent user experience as they are capable of taking the advantage of strengths of the mobile as well as mitigating the risk of its limitations.

9. Platform independence
Web apps and hybrid apps are better than native apps if you are looking for platform independence as a factor. At least parts of their code can be reused while creating hybrid/web apps.

10. App approval process
The approval process is cumbersome for native and hybrid apps as they have to adhere to the App Store norms, which is not the case with the web app option.

Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between native apps, hybrid apps, and web apps is subjective and varies according to the requirements of the business. There is no single best way out as each of these options has its own strengths and weaknesses. Mobibiz is a leading mobile app development company in India that caters to apps of all types, depending on the actual requirements and preferences of the client’s business.