What this PWA budget includes
- Service worker (offline mode)
- Web app manifest
- Push notifications
- Responsive design
- App-store-like UX
- API integration
- Performance optimization (LCP < 2s)
- Cross-browser compatibility
PWA vs native app: what makes the difference?
A PWA runs in the browser but behaves like a native app — it can be installed on the home screen, work offline, and send push notifications. The key cost advantage is that a single web codebase covers all platforms: iOS, Android, and desktop.
PWAs are ideal when you need broad reach, SEO visibility, and fast iteration. Native apps are better when you need deep hardware integration (Bluetooth, NFC, camera with complex processing) or high-performance graphics.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a PWA cost?
- A mid-scope PWA for LATAM costs around $42,450 USD and takes 5 months with a blended team at ~$45/hour. This includes service worker, offline mode, push notifications, and Core Web Vitals optimization.
- Is a PWA cheaper than a native app?
- Yes, typically 30–50% cheaper because a single codebase covers all platforms. However, if you need deep hardware access or complex animations, a native or React Native app may be more appropriate. Compare with the React Native vs Flutter guide.
- Can a PWA replace a native app?
- For many use cases, yes — especially content-heavy apps, tools, and dashboards. PWAs fall short for games, AR/VR, or apps needing advanced hardware (NFC, Bluetooth LE). When in doubt, start with a PWA and validate before investing in native.
- Does it get indexed by Google?
- Yes. PWAs are standard web pages and fully crawlable by Google. Combined with proper meta tags and structured data, they perform well in organic search — an advantage native apps don't have.