Web App vs Mobile App: Which Does Your Startup Need?

The Platform Dilemma

One of the first decisions startups face: where should we build? The answer isn't always obvious, and the wrong choice can waste time and money.

Let's break it down.

Web Apps: Pros and Cons

Advantages

✅ Instant access — No download required ✅ Cross-platform — Works on any device with a browser ✅ Easier updates — Deploy once, update everywhere ✅ Better SEO — Discoverable through search engines ✅ Lower development cost — One codebase for all devices

Disadvantages

❌ Limited device features — No push notifications, limited camera access ❌ Performance — Can be slower than native apps ❌ No app store presence — Harder to discover ❌ Internet required — Limited offline functionality

Best For

Content-heavy platforms (news, blogs, directories)

B2B SaaS products

E-commerce with existing web traffic

Products where SEO matters

Limited budgets

Mobile Apps: Pros and Cons

Advantages

✅ Better performance — Faster, smoother experience ✅ Device features — Camera, GPS, sensors, push notifications ✅ Offline capability — Works without internet ✅ App store discovery — Millions of potential users browsing ✅ User engagement — Home screen presence drives retention

Disadvantages

❌ Higher development cost — iOS and Android separately ❌ App store approval — Review process can delay launches ❌ Updates require downloads — Users must update manually ❌ App store fees — 15-30% commission on transactions

Best For

Consumer-facing products

Features requiring device hardware

High-engagement use cases (social, fitness, gaming)

Products where push notifications are critical

Markets with high mobile usage

The Hybrid Approach: PWAs

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer a middle ground:

Web technology, but installable

Some offline functionality

Push notifications (limited)

No app store required

Good for: Simple apps, limited budget, fast time to market Not ideal for: Complex features, Apple users (limited iOS support)

Decision Framework

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Who are your users?

B2B customers → Web app (desktop usage)

Consumers → Mobile app (phone usage)

Both → Start with one, expand later

2. What features do you need?

Camera, GPS, sensors → Mobile app

Complex forms, dashboards → Web app

Push notifications → Mobile app (or PWA)

3. What's your budget?

Under $30K → Web app or PWA

$30K-$75K → Mobile app (cross-platform)

$75K+ → Both, or native mobile

4. What's your timeline?

4-6 weeks → Web app

6-12 weeks → Mobile app

12+ weeks → Both platforms

Our Recommendation

For most startups, we suggest:

Start with one platform — Validate the idea first

Choose based on users — Where do they spend time?

Plan for expansion — Build with scalability in mind

Use cross-platform tools — React Native, Next.js

Case Study: When We Recommend Each

Chose Web App:

B2B analytics dashboard

Online booking platform

Content marketplace

Chose Mobile App:

Fitness tracking app

Food delivery service

Social networking product

Built Both:

E-commerce platform (web for SEO + app for loyalty)

Enterprise tool (web admin + mobile for field workers)

Let's discuss which platform makes sense for your product.