What Is a Progressive Web App?

The line between web and mobile apps is thinner than ever, and that’s no accident. Over the past few years, a quiet revolution has been reshaping how we build and use applications across devices. That revolution? The Progressive Web App.

If you’ve ever used Twitter Lite or browsed Flipkart on your phone without downloading an app, you’ve already experienced one. But for most business owners and product managers, the question still lingers: What is a Progressive Web App, and is it worth building one?

This blog unpacks the concept of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in a way that’s practical, opinionated, and rooted in real-world applications. You’ll learn what makes them different from traditional web and native apps, how they work under the hood, and, more importantly, whether they’re right for your next digital product.

We’re not here to blindly evangelise. PWAs aren’t a silver bullet, but when used right, they can offer a fast, reliable, and installable experience that feels native, without the overhead.

Let’s dig in.

What Is a Progressive Web App?

A Progressive Web App, often abbreviated as PWA, is a type of web application that leverages modern web capabilities to deliver an experience that feels remarkably like a native mobile app. Unlike traditional apps, there’s no need to go through an app store to install it. It lives on the web, loads in your browser, and can be added to your device’s home screen with just a tap.

In simpler terms, a Progressive Web App is like a website and a mobile app had a baby, and that baby grew up to be both efficient and flexible.

The Core Qualities of a PWA

What makes a PWA “progressive” isn’t just buzz. There are a few specific qualities that define it:

• Reliable – Loads quickly and functions even on flaky or slow networks
  
• Fast – Responds to user interactions instantly with buttery-smooth transitions
  
• Installable – Users can add it to their home screen, similar to how they would with a native app.
  
• Engaging – Supports push notifications and full-screen experiences
  
• Secure – Runs over HTTPS to protect user data and ensure content integrity

These features aren’t theoretical; they’re enforced by technical standards that developers follow to build PWAs using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, just like any other modern website.

Who Coined the Term?

Google has played a leading role in championing the adoption of Progressive Web Apps. Back in 2015, engineers like Alex Russell helped coin the term to define a new generation of web apps that could meet user expectations for speed and utility, without the friction of downloads and updates.

Since then, the PWA concept has matured considerably, with backing from browser vendors and frameworks that make development smoother. Companies like Microsoft and Mozilla have also integrated support, adding legitimacy and cross-platform reach.

How Progressive Web Apps Work?

Progressive Web Apps aren’t magic, they’re just smart architecture. They blend established web technologies with newer browser features to offer a seamless, app-like experience. Here’s how that works behind the scenes.

1. Service Workers: The Brains Behind Offline Capabilities

The service worker is the core technology that drives the functionality of every Progressive Web App. This is a JavaScript file that runs in the background, separate from the main browser thread. It intercepts network requests and decides what to do with them: fetch fresh data, serve from cache, or show a fallback page if you’re offline.

Think of it as a smart traffic cop that keeps your app functional even when the internet isn’t.

Why it matters:

• Enables offline access
  
• Reduces load times
  
• Supports background sync and push notifications

2. Web App Manifest: Defining the App’s Identity

The Web App Manifest is a JSON file that tells the browser how your Progressive Web App should behave after it’s been installed on a user’s device. It includes things like:

• App name and icons
  
• Theme colors
  
• Display orientation
  
• Launch URL

This file is what lets a user “Add to Home Screen” and have the app open in a standalone window, without browser chrome or URL bars.

3. HTTPS: The Trust Layer

PWAs are required to run over HTTPS. This goes beyond being a best practice, it’s a recognised security requirement. HTTPS ensures encrypted communication between the app and server, protecting user data and enabling service worker functionality.

4. App-Like Navigation and Smooth Performance

PWAs use front-end frameworks like React, Vue, or even vanilla JavaScript to offer quick, responsive user interfaces. Combine this with caching strategies and preloading, and the result is a user experience that feels indistinguishable from native mobile apps.

Why PWAs Are Gaining Traction?

Progressive Web Apps didn’t just show up one day and demand attention. Their growth has been gradual, and honestly, well-earned. As mobile web usage continues to eclipse desktop in many parts of the world, the demand for fast, frictionless digital experiences has never been higher.

PWAs answer that demand in ways both users and businesses can appreciate.

1. One Codebase, Multiple Platforms

You build a PWA once, and it runs across devices, smartphones, tablets, and desktops. No need for separate iOS and Android development pipelines. That’s not just convenient, it’s cost-effective.

2. Lower Development and Maintenance Costs

Since PWAs rely on standard web technologies, teams can avoid the complexities of app store deployment, device fragmentation, and update cycles. A simple push to production can reflect changes instantly across all users.

For small teams or MVPs, that’s a huge advantage.

3. Fast Load Times, Even on Slow Networks

With the help of caching and service workers, PWAs can load within seconds, even on slow 2G networks or unstable public Wi-Fi. This makes them especially valuable in areas where internet reliability is limited, but mobile usage continues to rise.

A good example is Flipkart Lite, a PWA version of India’s leading e-commerce platform. After launching the PWA, Flipkart saw a 70% increase in conversions and tripled the time users spent on the site.

4. No App Store Bottlenecks

PWAs live on the web. That means no approvals, no waiting for app store indexing, and no 30% cut to platform gatekeepers. Users can easily share them just by sending a link.

It also removes a key drop-off point: the app store itself. Studies have shown that for every step in the installation process, user drop-off increases. PWAs eliminate most of those steps.

5. Re-Engagement Is Built-In

Push notifications and home screen access allow PWAs to behave like native apps in terms of re-engagement. For example, Twitter Lite saw a 75% increase in tweets sent after launching its PWA, with users installing it directly from the browser.

Progressive Web Apps vs Native Apps vs Traditional Web Apps

If you’re considering building a digital product, it helps to understand how Progressive Web Apps stack up against other options. Should you go fully native, stick with a traditional web app, or explore the middle ground with a PWA?

Let’s break it down.

Native Apps: The Gold Standard—With a Catch

Native apps are built specifically for platforms like iOS (using Swift or Objective-C) and Android (using Kotlin or Java). They provide top-tier performance, access to every hardware feature, and full integration with the device.

Strengths:

• Full hardware access (camera, GPS, Bluetooth, etc.)
  
• Seamless push notifications
  
• Typically, better performance for graphics-heavy or resource-intensive applications

Drawbacks:

• Higher development and maintenance costs
  
• Requires separate codebases for each platform
  
• App store review delays and platform fees
  
• Friction during installation (download, install, permissions)

Traditional Web Apps: Universal, but Limited

These are your typical websites, built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, accessed through a browser. They’re platform-independent and easy to deploy.

Strengths:

• Instantly accessible via a link
  
• One codebase for all users
  
• Fast updates and deployments

Drawbacks:

• No offline access
  
• No push notifications
  
• Can’t be added to the home screen
  
• Limited access to device features

Progressive Web Apps: The Best of Both Worlds?

PWAs aim to strike a balance between the richness of native apps and the reach of the web.

Feature	Native App	Traditional Web App	Progressive Web App
Installable	✅	❌	✅
Works Offline	✅	❌	✅
Push Notifications	✅	❌	✅ (Limited support)
Access to Device Features	✅ (Full)	❌	⚠️ (Limited)
App Store Required	✅	❌	❌
Cross-Platform Development	❌	✅	✅
Maintenance Costs	High	Low	Low

Note: Some advanced features (like Bluetooth or fingerprint authentication) are still restricted to native apps.

So, is a PWA a silver bullet? Not quite. But in many scenarios, it offers the sweet spot between cost-efficiency, speed to market, and user experience, especially for content-driven, service-based, or utility-first platforms.

Should You Build a Progressive Web App?

The short answer: it depends on what you’re building, and who you’re building it for.

Progressive Web Apps are not a one-size-fits-all solution. But for many businesses and product teams, they offer a compelling value proposition. Here’s how to evaluate if a PWA is right for you.

1. Are You Launching an MVP or Testing a Market?

If you’re in the early stages of product development, PWAs offer a lean path to market. You can ship quickly, iterate faster, and get feedback without spending months (and money) on native builds. Plus, no app store gatekeeping means you control the release cycle.

Ideal for:

• Startups
  
• Pilot projects
  
• Internal tools

2. Do You Have a Global or Mobile-First Audience?

PWAs shine in regions with slower internet speeds or lower-end devices—think India, Southeast Asia, or parts of Africa. Their low data usage and fast performance make them ideal for reaching underserved markets.

Also, PWAs are lighter than native apps. Twitter Lite is under 1MB, compared to the 100 MB+ footprint of its native counterparts.

Ideal for:

• eCommerce platforms
  
• News portals
  
• Financial tools

3. Do You Want to Skip App Stores (for Now)?

App store optimisation (ASO) is its own beast. If you’re not ready to compete in those crowded spaces or want to delay that step, a PWA lets you build traction directly from the web.

You can always go native later, especially if you see traction or need access to advanced device features.

Ideal for:

• Content-first platforms
  
• SaaS dashboards
  
• Web-based services

4. Do You Rely Heavily on Push Notifications?

Here’s where it gets a little nuanced. While Android supports push notifications for PWAs, iOS has only recently (and partially) caught up. That said, support is improving, and the use case depends on how mission-critical the push is to your business.

If 80% of your audience is on iOS and push is central to your model (think messaging or ride-sharing), a native app may still be necessary.

When You Might NOT Want a PWA

Let’s be honest, PWAs aren’t perfect. You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You need full access to native APIs (AR, biometrics, background location tracking)
  
• You’re building a performance-heavy app (3D gaming, video editing)
  
• Your revenue model relies on app stores, whether through in-app purchases or subscriptions.

Pro Tip:

You don’t have to choose between PWA and native from day one. Some companies start with a PWA to validate the product, then layer on native support later. It’s not an either-or—it’s a question of when.

Use Cases and Success Stories

Progressive Web Apps aren’t theoretical anymore; they’re out there, in the wild, driving real results for real companies. Across industries, PWAs are proving their worth by improving user experience, boosting conversions, and reducing development overhead.

Here are some real-world examples that highlight how impactful a well-executed PWA can be.

1. Flipkart Lite (India)

Flipkart, one of India’s biggest e-commerce platforms, reimagined its mobile experience with a PWA. The result?

• 70% increase in conversions from users who installed the PWA
  
• 3x more time spent on site
  
• 40% higher re-engagement rate via push notifications

Why it worked: A significant portion of Flipkart’s user base accesses the site over slower mobile networks. The PWA’s speed and offline capabilities delivered a smoother experience with less friction.

2. Twitter Lite

Twitter introduced its PWA to enhance performance and better serve users in emerging markets. With a footprint of less than 1MB and offline access, Twitter Lite provided near-native experiences.

Impact:

• 65% increase in pages per session
  
• 75% increase in tweets sent
  
• 20% reduction in bounce rate

Why it worked: Users were able to access the app faster, with minimal data usage, even on spotty networks.

3. Starbucks

Starbucks launched a PWA for online ordering that works offline and on low-bandwidth connections. Users could customise drinks and add items to their cart without connectivity.

Impact:

• The PWA is 99.84% smaller in size compared to the native iOS app.
  
• Doubled daily active users
  
• Orders on desktop nearly matched those on mobile

Why it worked: By prioritising accessibility and performance, Starbucks created a seamless experience across all devices.

4. Forbes

The news media site launched a PWA to optimise its mobile presence.

Impact:

• 100% increase in engagement
  
• 43% increase in sessions per user
  
• Page load times reduced from 6.5 seconds to 2.5 seconds

Why it worked: Faster load times and push notifications helped Forbes retain readers and drive repeat visits.

Emerging PWA Use Cases

PWAs aren’t just for big names. Here’s where they’re making inroads:

• Nonprofits and NGOs: Delivering accessible tools without requiring device-heavy apps
  
• SaaS Dashboards: Providing desktop-like experiences from a browser
  
• eLearning Platforms: Offline content access for students
  
• Local Businesses: Reducing dependency on expensive native app builds

If you’re exploring Web development trends or researching ways to optimise mobile experiences without overspending, PWAs should absolutely be on your radar.

Common Myths About PWAs

Despite their growing popularity, Progressive Web Apps are still wrapped in a few persistent myths. Here are some of the biggest misconceptions to clear up.

Myth 1: PWAs Can’t Compete with Native Apps

Not entirely true.

While it’s fair to say that PWAs still lag behind in accessing certain device-level features (like advanced Bluetooth or biometric authentication), they absolutely compete on usability, speed, and user experience for most common app functions.

In fact, for many service-based, content-driven, or utility apps, the user can’t even tell the difference between a well-built PWA and a native app.

Myth 2: PWAs Aren’t Supported on iOS

This was true once, but not anymore.

As of recent iOS versions, Safari supports major PWA features like:

• Home screen installation
  
• Push notifications (iOS 16.4 and later)
  
• Offline access via service workers

Sure, support lags behind Android in some areas, but Apple is closing the gap. For most use cases, a PWA performs just fine on iPhones.

Myth 3: Users Don’t Install Web Apps

Think again.

According to a report, 60% of users who engage with a PWA are likely to install it on their device if prompted. The key is how and when you ask.

A well-timed prompt, a subtle but visible install CTA, or offering offline access as a value-add can dramatically increase adoption.

Myth 4: PWAs Are Just Websites with a Fancy Name

Nope. A PWA is more than just a responsive website with a new name.

A real PWA includes:

• A web app manifest specifies how the app functions once it’s installed.
  
• Service workers (powers offline use, background sync, caching)
  
• HTTPS (ensures secure delivery)

These are technical prerequisites, not just marketing spin.

Myth 5: You Must Choose Between PWA and Native

Here’s the kicker: You don’t have to choose.

Many companies use PWAs and native apps together:

• PWA for global reach and first contact
  
• Native app for power users or advanced features

Think of PWAs as an entry strategy; you can always go native once you’ve validated your product and user needs.

UX and Performance Benefits of PWAs

Progressive Web Apps don’t just look good on paper; they genuinely enhance user experience and deliver performance gains that can impact key business metrics. Let’s walk through why both users and developers increasingly prefer PWAs for modern web experiences.

1. Faster Load Times = Better Engagement

Speed isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s critical.

PWAs use service workers to cache assets locally. That means users don’t have to re-download everything every time they open the app. Even on flaky or slow networks, they get a quick, reliable experience.

• A Google study revealed that 53% of users abandon a website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load.
  
• PWAs can load in less than a second after the first visit.

The result? Fewer bounces, more pages per session, and longer time spent on site.

2. Seamless Offline Access

One of the key advantages of PWAs is their ability to function even without an internet connection. This makes a huge difference for users in rural areas, commuters in transit, or anyone with spotty connectivity.

From booking forms to article reading or task management, many core functions can work offline and sync later.

3. Installable, Without the App Store Hassle

Users can install a PWA on their device directly from the browser, no App Store approvals, logins, or updates required.

This lowers friction, especially for users who are hesitant to install yet another app or are short on device storage.

The install prompt can also be timed strategically, after engagement or specific actions, to boost adoption without interrupting the experience.

4. Push Notifications That Drive Retention

Although support varies by platform, push notifications in PWAs (especially on Android) can re-engage users effectively, just like native apps.

Whether it’s alerts for new content, abandoned carts, or personalised offers, push is one of the best tools for driving return visits.

Just make sure you use them responsibly; unwanted alerts can do more harm than good.

5. Responsive, App-Like Interfaces

PWAs are built with mobile-first design principles and behave like native apps, with:

• Smooth navigation
  
• Fullscreen display
  
• Fluid interactions
  
• No address bar clutter

This creates a consistent, user-friendly experience across devices.

This is particularly helpful for UX research, as you can track behaviour with your regular analytics setup, test flows, and improve faster without waiting for App Store approvals.

How to Build a PWA: Tech Stack and Best Practices

Building a Progressive Web App isn’t just about checking a few boxes—it’s about making smart technical and UX choices that serve your users and your business goals. Whether you’re working from scratch or converting an existing web app, here’s how to approach it.

Core Components of a PWA

Every true PWA includes three foundational elements:

1. Web App Manifest

A JSON file that outlines your app’s behaviour once it’s installed. Includes metadata like:

• App name
  
• Icons
  
• Theme color
  
• Display mode (standalone, fullscreen, minimal-ui)

2. Service Workers

JavaScript files that run in the background. They enable:

• Caching
  
• Offline access
  
• Background data sync
  
• Push notifications
  

3. HTTPS

This is non-negotiable. Service workers require secure connections, and HTTPS ensures user trust and data safety.

Recommended Tech Stack

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Most modern frameworks and libraries support PWA development out of the box.

• Frontend Frameworks:
  React (via Create React App), Vue (via Vue CLI), Angular (built-in PWA support)
  
• Build Tools:
  Vite, Webpack, Workbox (for service worker management)
  
• Backend Options:
  Node.js, Firebase, Django, or any stack you’re comfortable with PWAs are backend-agnostic
  
• Hosting:
  Firebase Hosting, Netlify, Vercel, or any hosting platform that supports HTTPS.

PWA Best Practices

Here’s how to ensure your PWA delivers on its promise:

1. Prioritise Performance

Use lazy loading, image compression, and asset minification to reduce initial load time.

2. Test Offline Modes

Simulate network loss and verify core features still function correctly.

3. Optimise for Add to Home Screen

Design clear CTAs or visual cues to motivate users to install your PWA.

4. Implement Smart Caching

Cache critical content, but avoid overdoing it. Use stale-while-revalidate or dynamic caching strategies for freshness.

5. Monitor UX Continuously

Use tools like Lighthouse, WebPageTest, or Google Analytics to track loading speed, bounce rate, and engagement over time.

6. Make It Accessible

Use semantic HTML and ensure compatibility with screen readers. Accessibility should never be an afterthought.

Future of Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps have already proven their value, but where are they headed next? As browser standards evolve and user expectations shift, PWAs are likely to play an even bigger role in how we build for the web.

a) Continued Growth in Enterprise Adoption

Large businesses have started to move beyond experimentation and are actively investing in PWAs. Why?

• Lower total cost of ownership compared to native development
  
• Easier updates and deployment
  
• Faster time to market

Expect more enterprise-scale PWAs in industries like fintech, healthcare, and education, where accessibility and security are just as important as performance.

b) Tighter OS and Hardware Integration

Google and Microsoft are already leading the charge in making PWAs feel more “native” than ever. Features like:

• Deeper file system access
  
• Background sync
  
• Native file pickers
  
• App shortcuts (via right-click and long-press)

…are helping close the gap between web and native.

Even Apple, which once lagged behind in support, is steadily enhancing PWA capabilities on Safari. Recent iOS updates include push notifications and install prompts, a major step forward.

c) The Rise of “App-less” App Stores

As search engines get better at indexing web apps, PWAs can be discovered through organic search, no app store needed. This aligns perfectly with modern Web development trends, where users want fewer barriers and faster access.

Imagine a future where installing an app from the browser is the norm, and app store installs are the exception.

d) Hybrid Approaches and API Expansion

You don’t have to choose between web and native anymore. Many companies are combining the two:

• PWAs for broad reach and instant access
  
• Native apps for power users or advanced device features

With newer APIs like Web Bluetooth, WebUSB, and even WebXR for AR/VR, the scope of what PWAs can do is expanding rapidly.

e) Better Support for Monetisation and Subscriptions

You can expect improved tools and APIs for:

• In-app payments
  
• Subscriptions
  
• Ad monetization
  
• Membership models

This will open new doors for creators, publishers, and SaaS products who want to avoid app store fees and limitations.

PWAs aren’t a trend, they’re part of the web’s evolution. They represent a user-first shift in thinking: fast, reliable, and inclusive experiences available to anyone with a browser.

And as the lines between native and web continue to blur, investing in a PWA today means you’re preparing for a more flexible and platform-agnostic tomorrow.

Final Verdict: Should You Build a Progressive Web App?

If you’re still weighing your options, here’s the honest take: building a Progressive Web App isn’t a silver bullet, but in many cases, it’s a smart, strategic move.

Choose a PWA if you want to:

• Reach users across devices without duplicating development efforts
  
• Offer app-like experiences without App Store gatekeeping
  
• Boost speed, engagement, and retention—especially on mobile
  
• Reduce development and maintenance costs
  
• Improve SEO visibility and accessibility

PWAs are especially ideal for:

• Content platforms
  
• E-commerce stores
  
• SaaS dashboards
  
• Tools and utilities
  
• NGOs and public services

That said, PWAs aren’t for everyone. If your app relies heavily on native features like augmented reality, background processing, or advanced hardware integrations, you may still need a native build.

But for most modern applications, starting with a PWA gives you flexibility, faster time to market, and fewer headaches. And if the need for native grows down the road, you’ll already have a tested, user-friendly foundation to build from.

Before You Go: Keep This in Mind

Building a great PWA isn’t just about ticking technical boxes. It’s about understanding your audience, focusing on performance, and making UX a non-negotiable priority.

If you’re serious about staying ahead of modern Web development trends or want to back your design decisions with proper UX research, PWAs deserve a spot in your roadmap.

And remember what matters most isn’t the tech itself, but how it solves real user problems. PWAs just happen to be one of the most efficient, elegant ways to do that today.

As a user-centric web app development company, we help businesses craft modern PWAs that load faster, engage better, and convert more. Whether you need a complete product build or want to enhance your existing app with progressive enhancements, our team blends Web app development, UX/UI design, Mobile-first optimisation, and User behaviour insights backed by real UX research.

Let’s explore how a PWA can support your growth goals, without platform limitations or bloated budgets.