Mobile App vs Mobile Website

Mobile Apps are gaining increasing popularity and are great for many types of use cases. However, mobile websites can also be very powerful and can be better suited in some cases. We will compare mobile apps with mobile websites and look at the differences, advantages and disadvantages.

What Are Mobile Apps and Websites?

Definition of Mobile Apps

Mobile apps are dedicated software applications specifically created for mobile devices – smartphones and tablets. They tend to deliver a more personalised experience by using the device’s native features, such as the camera or GPS.
Mobile apps must be downloaded from an app store – Apple App Store or Google Play.

Definition of Mobile Websites

Mobile websites are browser-based HTML pages, just like any other website, linked together and available on the internet. Their dynamic nature means they can be updated instantly, providing flexibility in content management.
Mobile websites serve a broad audience, by making information available on any device with internet access.

Key Differences Between Mobile Apps and Websites

Functionality

Whilst mobile apps and mobile websites both run on mobile phones (or tablets), the types of functionality offered can differ. A mobile app is able to offer a wider range of functionality as it has more permissions than a mobile website. The types of functionality that only a mobile app can offer include:

• Advanced push notifications
• Bluetooth and NFC
• High quality graphics
• Access to contact list
• Access to calendar
• Health activity
• Smart device interaction
• Alerts/vibration
• Easy in-app purchases

With modern web browsers, mobile websites can also access some functionality such as GPS, camera and simple push notifications. However compared to a mobile app, access is more restricted. For example, GPS can be used in the background on a mobile app.

Offline Ability

A mobile website will typically always require an internet connection. However mobile apps are able to function completely offline. It does, of course, depend on what the app does, but if it doesn’t rely on external / real-time data it will be able to function offline. This can be a benefit for cases where there is no signal available.

Ease of Access and App Store Acceptance

In order to be used, a mobile app must first be downloaded from an app store – such as the Apple App Store or Google Play. To get the app into the app store in the first place requires the app to go through a fairly rigorous approval process, including signing up for developer accounts. Apple in particular have some strict policies, particularly in terms of how payments are handled, as they really push in-app purchases, rather than 3rd party payments.

In contrast, a mobile website is very easy for a user to access (they just type in the URL into their browser) and does not require an approval process.

Ease of Making Updates

Modern mobile websites are easy to update and a user will instantly see the changes. Mobile apps are more complex to update with more testing needed, plus the app store approval process to go through – for every change. So even a fairly simple change can mean waiting several days for the app stores to approve. Once approved, the user must then download the new version of the app – many users have this set to be done automatically, although some prefer to update manually.

Device Compatibility and User Reach

Mobile apps are able to be downloaded and installed on Android and Apple mobile phones and tablets. These devices have an operating system (e.g. iOS for Apple) and this has releases (e.g. iOS 13). Apps are developed (and the app stores insist on this) to be available for more recent releases of the operating system. This means that if somebody has an old phone and hasn’t updated the operating system, they may be unable to download new apps.

In comparison, mobile websites are available on any mobile phone and tablet using the standard web browser.
If designed using a responsive framework (most are now), then it means the website is also available to be viewed on laptops, desktops and other, smaller devices with a web browser. This gives the advantage of a highly consistent experience whether using a computer or phone.

Development and Maintenance Costs

In terms of development cost, a mobile website will generally be cheaper to develop than a mobile app. Updates / maintenance will also cost less. When using cross-platform mobile app frameworks like Xamarin, the cost of a mobile app can be reduced compared to developing separate, native apps.

Speed of Development

Another consideration that contrasts between mobile apps and mobile websites are the timelines for launching. Mobile apps have a longer development time, which includes testing and approval processes mandated by the app marketplaces, specifically the App Store and Google Play.

Mobile websites also have a much shorter development time. This is in part due to the fact that they work as a unified product that just works on any device and they can be more easily updated.

Scenarios for Choosing Mobile Apps

Frequent User Interaction

Mobile apps are best suited for scenarios that require repeated user engagement, allowing for a frictionless and immersive experience. Mobile apps increase customer satisfaction and improve user experience.

All users, not just mobile ones, expect a site to load instantly and provide seamless navigation – something that mobile apps do exceptionally well.

Need for Complex Features

Mobile apps really outdo themselves in more advanced functionality. They offer unique experiences specifically optimised for mobile devices. Such tailoring also helps ensure usability is elevated through native UI elements, smooth navigation, and features.

Utilising Offline Capabilities

Offline capabilities are one of the niche areas where mobile apps excel. They save your users time by giving them instant access to essential functionality, even when they’re offline.

Consider a navigation app, for example. Users can download maps for offline use, making sure they never get lost, even off the beaten path.

Summary

Deciding whether you need a mobile app or a mobile website really comes down to what your goals are, and who your audience is.

Mobile apps provide a deeply personal experience, which helps keep users engaged with simple interfaces and powerful features such as push notifications. They shine in use cases that need deep interactivity or offline use.

Mobile websites really start to shine with their greater accessibility and cost-effectiveness. They are device-agnostic and don’t require installation, offering a low-friction way to reach a broad audience.

Knowing what users prefer and the direction they’re trending in helps inform this decision. Costs and development time can be significant, but both platforms can be leveraged to create powerful new marketing and outreach tools. Consider your unique requirements and budget.