Web App vs Mobile App: Key Differences to know
- 13th September 2023
- Hotel Website
A Web Application (or web app) is application software that is accessed using a web browser. Web applications are delivered on the World Wide Web to users with an active network connection. Web Applications should not be confused with websites. Web Applications refer to any website that does some work for its users. On the contrary, Websites are mainly informative and a lot of documents can be accessed on websites over the Internet.
Mobile applications on the other hand are software programs that are built for a specific platform such as smartphones, tablets, and other touch devices. They are downloaded via the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android). Some popular mobile apps are Instagram, Zoom, Snapchat, Booking.com, and Spotify.
| Web Apps | Mobile Apps |
| Web Apps can be accessed directly using the internet browser. | Users have to install the App on their device. They are installed via an app store such as Google Play Store and Apple Store |
| Web apps need an active internet connection in order to run. | Mobile apps may work offline. |
| It can’t support complicated functionalities. | It has Flexible User interfaces and it can support complicated functionalities. |
| Web apps will update themselves. | The user needs to regularly download updates. |
| Web Apps are less expensive to develop. | Mobile apps are more expensive to develop. |
| The speed of a Web Application depends on the quality of the internet connection. Poor connectivity leads to extended loading times. | Mobile Applications give faster navigation with shorter load times by obtaining the system’s resources. |
| Web Apps don’t need to be approved by the app store. So, Quality and security are not always guaranteed. | They are safe and secure as Mobile Apps must first be approved by the App Store. |
| User experience is inconsistent and dependent on the browser being used. | User experience consistent. |
| Web Apps are slow and less responsive. | Performance of Mobile Apps can be optimized to the device. |