While this article compares native and webview apps, if you wish to convert your website into an app, get started here.
The way we access digital content has changed dramatically. While web browsers have long been the default gateway to the internet, mobile apps now dominate how people consume information, shop, and interact online.
For businesses, having a mobile app is no longer optional โ itโs a strategic necessity. However, the big question often arises: should you build a native app or a WebView app?
Both approaches have their merits, but they serve different purposes and audiences. In this guide, weโll explore how native and WebView apps work, their pros and cons, and which one offers the better chance of success for your business in 2025.
How do we access content on browsers and apps
Browsers render web content directly from URLs, relying on a rendering engine to display pages. Mobile apps, on the other hand, often use built-in frameworks to fetch and display data through APIs.
App development has become more accessible than ever, thanks to no-code and low-code app builders like AppMySite. These platforms make it possible for anyone to create mobile apps without deep technical expertise โ whether the goal is a feature-rich native app or a lightweight WebView app that mirrors an existing website.
To understand which type of app best fits your goals, itโs essential to first grasp how both native and WebView apps function.
What are native apps
A native app is built specifically for a particular platform, such as Android or iOS, using that platformโs programming language and SDK (Software Development Kit).
These apps are downloaded from app stores and installed directly on a device. They can access device features such as GPS, camera, push notifications, and local storage โ offering a seamless and optimized user experience.
Common examples: WhatsApp, Instagram, Spotify, and most popular games are all native apps.
How to build native apps:
- By writing code using platform-specific languages (Java, Kotlin, Swift, etc.), or
- By using a no-code native app builder like AppMySite, which lets you create Android and iOS apps without coding.
The scope and benefits of native apps
Native apps are known for superior performance, reliability, and scalability. Hereโs why businesses prefer them:
- Designed for specific operating systems, ensuring faster performance
- Provides smooth, interactive, and intuitive user experiences
- Access to native device features like camera, GPS, and push notifications
- Enhanced data security and offline functionality
- Distributed through official app stores, improving visibility and credibility
Drawbacks:
- Costly and time-consuming to develop
- Requires separate builds for Android and iOS
- Longer development, testing, and submission cycles
Despite these challenges, native apps remain the gold standard for businesses seeking long-term app performance and user satisfaction.
What are WebView apps
A WebView app acts as a bridge between a mobile app and a website. It uses an embedded browser engine to display web content within an app container. In essence, it loads your website inside an app shell.
This means that if your website is already mobile-responsive, you can turn it into a mobile app quickly without coding. The user interface looks like a mobile app, but the content comes from your website.
How to build WebView apps:
- Developers can manually embed WebView code within a native container, or
- You can use a platform like AppMySite to convert your existing website into a WebView app for Android and iOS in minutes.
Read: How to build a WebView app with AppMySite?
The scope and benefits of WebView apps
WebView apps are popular among startups and small businesses looking to launch quickly and affordably.
Advantages:
- Quick and cost-effective to develop
- No need for separate Android and iOS builds
- Easier updates โ changes on your website automatically reflect in the app
- Smaller file size and less device storage usage
- Ideal for content-heavy or informational websites
- Best suited for businesses testing app ideas or operating on tight budgets
Drawbacks:
- Limited offline functionality
- Slower performance compared to native apps
- Inconsistent UI across devices and operating systems
- Restricted access to device hardware features
- May face app store approval challenges if not optimized
While WebView apps donโt provide the same responsiveness as native apps, they remain a great option for businesses prioritizing speed and simplicity.
Native vs WebView: The verdict
When it comes to performance, native apps lead the way. They integrate deeply with device systems, offering faster speed, better security, and smoother user experiences. Apps that rely on features like GPS, camera, or real-time data should almost always be native.
However, WebView apps are a practical alternative for those who:
- Have limited development budgets
- Want to launch fast
- Already have a responsive website
- Donโt need complex native functionalities
In recent years, the gap between native and WebView experiences has narrowed thanks to advancements in frameworks like Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and no-code platforms such as AppMySite, which help create WebView apps with near-native performance.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your goals. If your app is central to your business model, go native. If itโs an extension of your website or a testing project, WebView can be a smart, efficient choice.
Building native and WebView apps with AppMySite
AppMySite enables anyone to build both native and WebView apps without writing code. The platform integrates seamlessly with WordPress, WooCommerce, and other CMS systems, making it perfect for businesses of all sizes.
With AppMySite, you can:
- Create both native and WebView apps for Android and iOS
- Customize design, layout, and branding without coding
- Preview and test apps instantly in real-time simulators
- Generate builds and publish directly to Google Play and the App Store
- Convert any website into a mobile app effortlessly
Whether youโre building a native app to power your business or a WebView app to go mobile quickly, AppMySite offers an affordable, flexible, and scalable solution for 2025 and beyond.
Final thoughts
Native and WebView apps serve different purposes, but both play vital roles in mobile strategy. While native apps offer unmatched speed and usability, WebView apps provide accessibility and affordability.
Your decision should reflect your priorities โ performance and user experience favor native apps, while simplicity and quick deployment make WebView apps appealing.
Whichever route you choose, AppMySite empowers you to build, customize, and launch your mobile app with zero coding, minimal cost, and maximum efficiency.
Start building today and bring your business to mobile the smarter way.