Native App vs Web App: The Right Decision 2026
Native app, web app or PWA? Costs, pros and cons compared. How to make the right decision for your project.
Jonas Höttler
Native App vs Web App: The Right Decision 2026
You want to develop an app but don't know whether native, web or hybrid? The decision has massive impact on costs, development time and user experience. This guide shows you which option is right for your project.
Table of Contents
- The 4 App Types Overview
- Comparison: Native vs Web vs Hybrid vs PWA
- Cost Comparison
- Decision Tree: Which App for Your Project?
- FAQ
The 4 App Types Overview
Native App
Apps developed specifically for one operating system (iOS or Android). Examples: WhatsApp, Instagram, banking apps
Web App
Websites that look and work like apps. Run in browser, no installation needed. Examples: Google Docs, Notion, Figma
Progressive Web App (PWA)
Web apps with native features: offline capability, push notifications, home screen installation. Examples: Twitter Lite, Pinterest, Starbucks
Hybrid App (Cross-Platform)
One codebase (React Native, Flutter) compiled for iOS and Android. Examples: Facebook, Airbnb (formerly), Discord
Cost Comparison
Development Costs
| App Type | Simple App | Medium App | Complex App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native (iOS + Android) | €40,000 - €80,000 | €80,000 - €200,000 | €200,000+ |
| Hybrid (React Native/Flutter) | €25,000 - €50,000 | €50,000 - €120,000 | €120,000+ |
| PWA | €15,000 - €35,000 | €35,000 - €80,000 | €80,000+ |
| Web App | €10,000 - €30,000 | €30,000 - €70,000 | €70,000+ |
Decision Matrix
| Your Scenario | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Startup MVP | PWA | Fast, cheap, validate |
| E-Commerce | PWA or Hybrid | Reach + Performance |
| Social App | Native or Hybrid | Performance + Features |
| Gaming | Native | Performance critical |
| B2B SaaS | Web App | Browser access, updates |
| Internal App | PWA | Easy distribution |
Conclusion
The Native vs Web vs Hybrid decision isn't purely a technology question - it depends on your goals, budget and users.
Rules of thumb:
- MVP/Validation: PWA or Web App
- Both platforms + hardware: Hybrid (Flutter)
- Maximum performance/special features: Native
- B2B/Enterprise: Web App or PWA
At Balane Tech, we develop apps for all platforms - from PWAs to Flutter to Native. We honestly advise which option is right for your project. Contact us for a free consultation.
FAQ
Is a PWA as good as a native app?
For many use cases, yes. Performance difference is minimal. Limitations on iOS (push, background processes) and special hardware access.
Should I start with iOS or Android?
Depends on your target audience. In Germany: Android (60%) > iOS (40%). But iOS users often spend more. When in doubt: Hybrid for both.
How long does app development take?
Simple app: 2-3 months. Medium app: 4-6 months. Complex app: 6-12+ months. PWA/Web often 30-50% faster than Native.
What's better: React Native or Flutter?
React Native: If your team knows JavaScript, large ecosystem. Flutter: Better performance, more modern UI system, growing faster. In 2026, Flutter is often the better choice.
