Progressive Web Apps (PWA): What You Need To Know

When it comes to delivering a consistent, app-like experience across devices – without the cost and complexity of developing separate mobile and web applications – Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are one of the most practical solutions available. But what are PWAs, how do they work, and when do they make commercial and technical sense for your business? Let’s take a look.

What Is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A PWA is a type of web application that behaves like a mobile app, but is built using standard web technologies. You access it through a browser, just like any other website — but you can also add it to your home screen, access it offline, and receive push notifications. For users, the experience is seamless. For businesses, the opportunity is significant.

In short, PWAs bridge the gap between websites and native apps, bringing together the flexibility of the web and the functionality users expect from mobile apps, all within a single codebase.

Core Features of a PWA

PWAs aren’t just websites dressed up as apps. They rely on a specific set of capabilities to deliver a native-like experience:

• Offline functionality: With service workers, PWAs can load even without an internet connection.
• Installability: Users can save a PWA to their device directly from the browser.
• Push notifications: Just like native apps, PWAs can send alerts to users — improving re-engagement.
• Responsive design: PWAs adapt to any screen size or device.
• Fast load times: Through caching strategies, PWAs minimise network dependency and improve performance.

Each of these features is designed to improve usability, reduce friction, and make the product easier to access, especially in regions where bandwidth or device storage is limited.

How PWAs Work Behind the Scenes

Under the hood, a PWA uses three main components: a service worker, a manifest file, and HTTPS.

• Service Worker: This is a script that runs in the background and handles caching, offline access, and push notifications.
• Web App Manifest: This defines how the app appears to the user (icon, name, launch behaviour).
• HTTPS: PWAs must be served over secure connections to ensure data integrity and user security.

Together, these elements allow a PWA to behave like a traditional mobile app, without the need for App Store or Google Play deployment.

Key Benefits of Using PWAs for Businesses

The benefits of PWAs aren’t purely technical; they also support faster development, lower long-term maintenance costs, and improved reach across platforms.

• One build, multiple platforms: PWAs eliminate the need to build and maintain separate native apps for iOS and Android.
• Improved performance: Thanks to caching, PWAs load faster, even in poor network conditions.
• Higher user retention: The ability to install a PWA to the home screen increases visibility and repeat usage.
• Cost efficiency: Without app store fees or platform-specific development, PWAs are more accessible for businesses with limited budgets.

We explore this in more depth in our article on how websites impact profits – check it out over on our blog.

PWA vs Native Apps vs Traditional Web Apps

Every technology choice involves trade-offs. Here’s how PWAs compare:

• Native apps offer deeper integration with device hardware, but come with higher development and maintenance costs, and require store approval. That said, PWAs can have limited access to some device features, such as advanced camera or geo-localisation features. 
• Traditional web apps are easy to access and maintain, but lack the interactivity and user experience enhancements of PWAs.
• PWAs strike a balance: installable, fast, and app-like, but still web-based and accessible via URL.
• Performance Limitations; PWAs rely on a browser engine, so they don’t necessarily perform as fast as native apps, especially when it comes to resource or graphic-heavy tasks like gaming or real-time video processing. 
• Compatibility can also play a role; not all browsers support all PWA features. 

That said, PWAs aren’t suitable for every use case. Apps that require complex hardware integrations (e.g. Bluetooth, camera-based AR) or performance-heavy features may still benefit from native development. We always assess these needs on a case-by-case basis before recommending a solution.

Is a PWA Right for Your Business?

It depends. PWAs are particularly well suited to businesses that want to reach users on mobile and desktop without the time or budget for native development. They’re ideal for content platforms, booking systems, e-commerce solutions, and internal tools that need to work reliably across environments.

That said, choosing the right technology depends on your specific goals, user base, and long-term product roadmap. During the planning phase, we always explore alternatives and advise on the most practical approach.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Progressive Web Apps represent a practical, forward-looking approach to building digital products that are fast, reliable, and accessible. For many businesses, they offer a smart middle ground between native apps and traditional websites.

At Pixelfield, we see PWAs as a valuable part of a wider digital strategy, and support our clients by taking a fully bespoke approach. So whether you’re in the market for PWAs, custom software, or tailored web development services, get in touch with us today for a consultation. With our team of experts and your creativity, we can bring your project to life. Contact us today to get started.