Mobile app vs website
Not every business needs an app. Sometimes a responsive website or a PWA is enough. Let’s figure out when an app is justified and when it’s an unnecessary expense.
When you DON’T need an app
- An informational company website
- One-off purchases (low usage frequency)
- Limited budget at the start
- No unique mobile functionality
When you DO need an app
- Frequent use — daily or weekly
- Offline features — working without internet
- Push notifications — critical for the business
- Device access — camera, GPS, sensors
- Loyalty — a loyalty program, bonuses
Types of mobile apps
Native apps
Separate development for iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin).
- ✅ Maximum performance
- ✅ Full access to device features
- ✅ Best UX
- ❌ More expensive (two codebases)
- ❌ Longer development
Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter)
One codebase for iOS and Android.
- ✅ Faster and cheaper than native
- ✅ A single development team
- ✅ 90% of native app features
- ❌ Slightly lower performance
PWA (Progressive Web App)
A web app with mobile features.
- ✅ The cheapest option
- ✅ No need to publish to stores
- ✅ Works on all platforms
- ❌ Limited device access
- ❌ Not in the App Store / Google Play
Cost comparison
| Type | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| PWA | from ₽200,000 | 1–2 months |
| Cross-platform | from ₽500,000 | 2–4 months |
| Native (iOS + Android) | from ₽1,000,000 | 4–6 months |
Examples of business apps
E-commerce
- Product catalog with search and filters
- Cart and checkout
- Push notifications about discounts
- Loyalty program
Service business
- Online service booking
- Visit history
- Visit reminders
- Bonus system
Delivery
- Real-time order tracking
- Push about delivery status
- Chat with the courier
- Ratings and reviews
Development stages
- Analysis — research, competitors, the spec
- UX/UI design — prototypes, screen design
- Development — frontend, backend, API
- Testing — QA, beta testing
- Publishing — App Store, Google Play
- Support — updates, fixes
What you need to publish
- App Store: a developer account ($99/year), compliance with Apple’s guidelines
- Google Play: a developer account ($25 one-time), Google’s policies
Related articles
Conclusion
A mobile app is a serious investment. Start with a PWA or a responsive website, test your hypotheses, then develop further. We’ll help you choose the optimal format and deliver the project.
Not sure whether you need an app? Tell us about your business and we’ll give an honest recommendation.
