Native, Web, or Hybrid Apps? What's the Difference?

When creating an app, there are many factors one should consider. Perhaps the most important, however, is what development path you should use.

The three primary development paths are native, web, and hybrid. But what's the difference, and how do you know which type of app is right for you?

Read on to discover what sets these development paths apart.

In addition to going over their advantages and disadvantages, we indicate when you might use one over the other. With this information, you'll be able to choose the right development path from the get-go and set your product up for success.

Native Apps

A native application is the most common type of app, available in app stores for mobile downloads. The term refers to the code execution, which is part of the hardware platform.

Seeing how popular native app development is, it's no wonder it comes with many advantages. But, like any development path, it can also have drawbacks depending on your project. Let's take a closer look at this path's advantages and disadvantages:

Native App Advantages

Optimal Performance

There's no doubt that native mobile apps offer the best performance. People tend to have the best user experience with them as they run smoothly, provide interactive features, and guarantee security.

Support from App Stores

App stores ensure these products adhere to operating system protocols, including compatibility with users' devices.

Discoverability

Store listings make it easy for your current users to find your products. The listings also offer free advertising and help you connect with new audiences.

Native App Disadvantages

Requires Experienced Programmers

If you use this development path, it likely won't be a DIY project.

When building native apps web developers must use languages that iOS and Android devices accept. For instance, if they were to create a product for iOS, they would use a programming language like Objective-C or Swift. For an Android project, they would need to use Kotlin or Java.

While hiring experienced programmers can be expensive, the cost will be worth developing a functioning, user-friendly product from the get-go.

Requires Different Codebases

Technically, advances in the coding world allow programmers to create one native product compatible with multiple platforms. Cross-platform solutions include Tiggzi and Widgetbox.

However, you'll need to create separate codebases for multiple platforms if you don't use these solutions. Requiring several codebases further complicates matters and adds to your expenses.

Web Apps

Because of the cost and experience that native products require, they are ideal for bigger, more intricate projects. However, if you want something simpler, web apps may be the way to go.

Web applications don't take up storage on your device as they aren't downloadable. Instead, they load in a web browser like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.

Essentially, web products take information from a desktop website and condense it to make it more mobile-friendly. Developers build a web app using programming languages like HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.

See below for a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of web applications.

Web App Advantages

Easy to Build

The use of simple programming languages makes these products relatively easy to build. One can create them without the constraints of operating system protocols and release them in any format.

Inexpensive

The initial cost will be much cheaper than other development paths. However, you should ensure that the product you want is simple enough for web technologies to stay on par. If you need to add advanced functionality later on, it will only cost you more.

Quick Turnaround Times

Because they're easier to build and don't require approval from stores, web products have quick turnaround times. This development path is perfect if you need to get your product out fast.

Web App Disadvantages

Inferior Performance

Web products do not offer the same interactivity, push notifications, and fast loading speeds that native products do. These device features are some of the most important to friendly user interfaces — without them, your customers may be dissatisfied with your product.

Poor Discoverability

Because these products are not available through stores, they have poor discoverability. Users must type in a URL or use a search engine to find the page, which further complicates the user experience.

Hybrid Apps

Hybrid applications do not require a web browser to run. They come with a backend code written in the programming languages of web technologies (CSS, JavaScript, etc.) but have a downloadable native shell that loads the code via a webview.

As the name suggests, hybrid products offer a blend of features from the previous two development paths. Let's take a look at what you can expect.

Hybrid App Advantages

Requires One Codebase

These cross-platform mobile applications only need one codebase to be compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Offers Some Native Device Features

With these products, you can create a decent user experience by offering push notifications, interactivity, etc.

Hybrid App Disadvantages

Slow Performance

Hybrid applications let users have your product on their phones, but the performance may suffer. Slow loading times are common complaints.

Prone to Bugs

This development path offers a blend of features, but it also comes with problems from the other two development paths. You may find yourself fixing constant bugs, especially if you add lots of customization.

Bottom Line — Native, Hybrid, or Web Apps?

Each of these development paths has its advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it boils down to your product's unique needs.

If your product requires lots of personalization and scalability, native or hybrid is the way to go. Native app development offers the most customizability, while hybrid can give you some of the perks of native while keeping cost downs. For simple projects, we recommend web technologies.

Need more advice? Contact our experts today! We can help you build a web app that will deliver the ultimate user experience.