Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) are seeing a rapid increase in global adoption. Contrary to native apps, which run specifically on a platform (iOS or Android), PWAs run on the internet using a browser engine. With the increase in global adoption, we see organizations asking if developing a PWA is worth the investments. How good are progressive web apps compared to native apps?
In this article, we’ll discuss PWAs, their features, and which factors affect the development cost to find out how much a PWA development company will charge you in 2024.
Native Apps and PWA Development Background
Mobile app development has been rapidly evolving these last few years. Since the introduction of the two major platforms, Android OS in 2008 and iOS in 2007, native app development has been dominating this sector. What are native apps? A native application is an application created specifically for an iOS or Android device platform. It uses a particular programming language, such as Laravel, Kotlin, Swift, or Python.
However, since native apps are specifically made for particular operating systems and services, companies must develop separate apps to reach users on the two major platforms. This can be very costly and complex to manage.
To mitigate this problem, progressive web apps, or PWAs, were introduced in 2015. Common web technologies such as PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are used to create PWAs. They feel and work like native apps, except they run on browser engines and depend on the web.
PWAs have features like offline operation and push notifications. Modern APIs are also used to build and expand PWAs, making it simple to offer enhanced features, dependability, and device installation.
Characteristics of PWAs: What you should be considering
To find out the factors that may affect the development cost, let’s look at some of the key features of PWAs for a better understanding.
Responsive Design
Different brands manufacture devices with varying screen sizes, and it is paramount to ensure your app works well for every customer regardless of the platform they are using. PWAs automatically adjust to different devices, eliminating each platform’s need for separate development. The most significant advantage of a responsive and cross-platform design is that you can maintain your application and add major updates with minimal hindrance.
Cross-platform Compatibility
Because PWAs are initially designed as web applications, they function on all platforms and browsers. This design approach creates a consistent user experience. Also, being cross-platform compatible means PWAs can be accessed by a broad range of users worldwide.
Free Connectivity
Users should be able to access content without a stable internet connection, which is especially helpful for people living in remote areas or traveling. This offline availability creates a more reliable experience than sending a user back to a default offline page when they are not online.
Take a music app for example: users must be able to listen to music offline and access downloaded songs when not connected to the internet. The Twitter app is another excellent example, allowing users to review past tweets they may have missed.
Factors Influencing PWA Development Costs
PWA development costs can vary widely depending on many factors. Some of these factors include:
Contractor Selection
You will likely find different rates based on the developer’s expertise and location. Developers from the US, Canada, or Western Europe will likely charge higher rates than developers from Eastern Europe and the subcontinent. Experienced developers will surely charge more, but that also ensures the quality of the project.
Freelancers are cheaper than agencies, but you should assess their portfolio and expertise before hiring them. Freelancer availability in times of emergency can be an issue and is worth considering when choosing a developer. In 2024, hourly rates for freelancers are typically $200 and less, depending on their location and expertise.
Project Complexity
Costs vary depending on the type of PWA you’re trying to build. Do you want a simple, service-based app, or do you want to include unique and engaging features for your users? Whether you want a plain or feature-heavy PWA, expect the projected cost to vary.
Building a feature-rich PWA is approximately 1.5 times more expensive than creating a simple PWA. However, the final price depends on specific project requirements, contractor rates, and additional features.
Marketplace Optimization
This is important, as you must comply with app store regulations. First, if you want to list your app on an app store, ensure your PWA meets the guidelines of major platforms like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store regarding icon size, screenshots, and metadata. Designing high-resolution icons and splash screens enhances the visual appeal and provides a smooth launch experience for users.
You can showcase your PWA’s features by sharing engaging screenshots, a short app preview video, or an animated GIF. Your development company may handle this and charge you accordingly, or marketing your app may be something you wish to carry out.
Cost Estimation
By now, you have already figured out that PWA development costs widely vary depending on the PWA development company, their location, expertise, marketplace, and the complexity of your app. You should be prepared to spend around $40,000–$70,000 for a competitive PWA.
Conclusion
The development cost of creating a PWA in 2024 varies hugely depending on features, and is expected to increase in the upcoming years. With the emergence of new technologies and platforms, the adoption rate of PWAs will continue to increase. However, remember that a loyal app user base can only be obtained with quality development and by prioritizing user experience, not by overstuffing apps or cutting budgets.