When first constructing an app, you have three types of apps to choose between: native apps, hybrid apps, and web apps. Choosing either one depends on what you intend to do or your goal. And each one has its pros and cons.

Native apps, being the most commonly used ones in major apps, are said to be the best-performing and are better to start your business with. So what exactly are native apps, and how do they function? In this article, we’ll answer all the questions regarding native apps and whether they’re really better for your mobile apps. We will also conduct a comparison between native apps, hybrid apps, and web apps

 

Native Apps

What Is a Native App?

Native apps are what most people are using at the moment and are what comes to mind when you hear the word “mobile application.” Most applications used in our daily lives are native apps.

A native app is “a software program developed for a specific platform or device,” which means that when it’s made, it’s made for only one type of device because it uses its language. For instance, if you want to develop an app for an Android device, you use the specific programming language of Android, which is “Java.” and if you want to develop an app for an Apple device, you use “Swift or Objective-C.”

Native apps provide maximum performance and reliability. You can conclude from the name “native” that it’s able to interact with the operating system and act natively as if it’s a part of the operating system. Native apps can access many of the mobile phone’s features and functions. For example, when you grant an app access to your microphone or camera, you can use it later as a function. This can vary depending on your mobile phone’s capabilities.

Security is another great thing about native apps. Developing native apps uses advanced technologies that protect data and make them even more reliable.

With great performance comes a great user experience, and native apps guarantee a great user experience. As they are completely able to match user interface and setups which eliminate any chance of user frustration or dissatisfaction

Despite many advantages, native apps have one major disadvantage. Developing a native app is extremely pricey and time-consuming, especially if you are planning to offer your business app on both platforms. It requires two completely different development processes, different teams, and double the time and costs.

Web Apps

What is a Web App

Let’s start with web apps. In terms of definitions, web apps are responsive websites that can be accessed through an application. So, what does that actually mean? This means that upon opening the application, it is an interactive website with the look and feel of an application.

Because it is very simple and does not contain or require complex functionalities that can be found in a native app. This type of application is commonly used when conducting a low-budget application. They’re also built for all platforms, as they don’t adhere to just one.

As simple as web apps are to access, use, and operate, web apps’ major problem is discoverability. Web apps can’t be featured on either the Apple or Android platforms. This can cause a major problem for your business, as you want to be as visible as possible. Web apps will limit your ability to promote the application or have it discovered by users. It also tends to be slower and less responsive than native apps. Web apps are also not available or accessible offline, which usually frustrates users. Web apps could be an excellent way to test your app’s concept on a small group of people. but not if you want to go places with your business

Hybrid Apps

What is a Hybrid App

Hybrid apps literally have the best of both worlds, with some major differences. They merge features from a native app and a web app. They appear on an interactive website as well, but they also appear and are available on the App Store. So discoverability is not really a problem in hybrid apps, unlike web apps.

However, performance issues are still present in hybrid apps, as they run on WebView, which is responsible for displaying webpages inside hybrid and web apps. The speed of hybrid apps relies on the user interface, meaning that the user’s experience of a hybrid app fluctuates from one user to another according to the speed of the user’s browser.

Seeing the key differences between the three types of apps and how native apps stand out as the most reliable and performing, choosing the right app type depends on your budget, audience, the features you need, and most importantly, the goal you want to accomplish. So, you need to know exactly what your priorities are before starting to develop your app.

 

nandbox offers the option of developing native apps with many features in much less time and with a simpler process. There will be no need to hire a team as you can create the application from A to Z by yourself and avoid the hassle of back-and-forth conversations with development teams. The concept can be easily applied the way you see and think about it. You can try the nandbox app builder completely for free! where you can create an app for your company on both platforms in a single step Our team will also assist you in the publishing process to set you on the right path.