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When to Pick a Mobile App vs. a PWA (and the Total Cost Difference)

Every founder wants to be “on mobile” — but does that mean building a native mobile app or opting for a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

The decision impacts cost, scalability, and long-term product growth.

Mobile App Basics:
Native apps are downloaded via the App Store or Google Play. They integrate deeply with the device and deliver smooth user experiences.
PWA Basics:
PWAs run inside the browser but mimic mobile apps. They don’t require downloads, load faster, and can be updated instantly.

Cost Breakdown:
Mobile App: Development can start at $20,000 and go beyond $100,000. Updates, testing, and publishing add recurring costs.

PWA: Often costs 70% less to build and maintain. Perfect for early-stage MVPs.

Performance & Scalability:
Mobile apps shine in performance-heavy use cases (gaming, GPS, offline).

PWAs shine in accessibility, speed, and cross-platform reach.

Which Should You Choose?

Pick a mobile app if your product needs advanced native features and your target market expects an app-store presence.

Pick a PWA if you’re testing an idea, working with tight budgets, or need a product that scales fast.

The “right choice” isn’t universal — it depends on your startup’s goals, resources, and user base.

Further Reading & Resources:
AtumCode Official Website

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