The Pros and Cons of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in 2025

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are gaining serious traction as a modern solution for delivering app-like experiences directly through the web. At 10 Grounds, we've recently developed several PWAs and have been impressed by their performance, flexibility, and reach. From Mac to Windows, Android to iOS, PWAs today are more interoperable and accessible than ever. But like any technology, they come with both strengths and trade-offs.

What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A PWA is a type of web application that uses modern web capabilities to deliver a user experience similar to native apps. It runs in a browser but can also be installed on a user's device, offering features like offline access, push notifications, and native-like interactions.

The Pros of PWAs

✅ Cross-Platform Compatibility
PWAs work across operating systems—macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS—through the browser. No need to develop separate apps for each platform.

✅ Lower Development & Maintenance Costs
You build once and run everywhere. This dramatically reduces development time and long-term maintenance overhead compared to native app development.

✅ No App Store Gatekeeping
Users can install PWAs directly from their browsers without going through Apple’s App Store or Google Play, avoiding delays, fees, and restrictions. This independence means businesses can offer features like subscriptions, discounts, loyalty points, and custom promotions without being limited by app store policies or commissions. You're free to innovate and monetize your app on your own terms.

✅ Fast, Responsive, and Lightweight
Thanks to caching and modern web standards, PWAs load quickly and offer excellent performance, even on low-bandwidth connections.

✅ Easy Updates
Since PWAs are web-based, updates happen in real-time—no need to wait for users to install the latest version.

✅ Improved SEO
Unlike native apps, PWAs can be indexed by search engines, improving discoverability and reach.

✅ Push Notifications Just Like Native Apps
PWAs now fully support push notifications across major platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. This makes it possible to engage users with timely alerts and updates—just like native apps—boosting marketing capabilities and user retention.

The Cons of PWAs

⚠️ Installation Isn’t Always Intuitive
Unlike native apps that are easily found and installed from app stores, PWAs often require users to follow specific steps to install them—such as tapping the browser's share or options button and selecting "Add to Home Screen." This process isn’t always obvious to non-technical users, so businesses need to provide clear, visual instructions in their landing pages and marketing to guide adoption.

💡 Visual Tip: Include device-specific illustrations or animations showing the installation process. For example, a short GIF showing a user tapping 'Share' > 'Add to Home Screen' on iOS Safari or 'Menu' > 'Install App' on Chrome for Android can make a big difference in guiding users effectively.

⚠️ Limited Native Features on Some Platforms
While support is improving, PWAs may still lack access to certain device-level features like Bluetooth, biometric authentication, or system-level integrations.

⚠️ User Adoption & Perception
Some users still prefer downloading apps through traditional app stores, and PWAs may feel unfamiliar or “less trustworthy” to those users.

⚠️ Offline Functionality Can Be Complex
Though offline support is a key benefit, implementing it properly requires thoughtful planning and can be tricky to manage.

Should You Build Your Next App as a PWA?

PWAs are a powerful option for many businesses—especially those looking to launch across multiple platforms quickly, reduce costs, and improve accessibility. At 10 Grounds, we assess your goals and recommend the best architecture to bring your digital product to life.

Whether you're building an MVP, extending your existing web platform, or exploring alternatives to native mobile development, PWAs are worth serious consideration.

🚀 Want to explore how a PWA could benefit your business? Let’s talk. Contact the 10 Grounds team today.

Looking for experienced progressive web app developers to bring your vision to life? Our team at 10 Grounds combines deep technical knowledge with a user-first mindset to deliver scalable, modern solutions tailored to your business goals.

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