PWA stands for Progressive Web App – a type of website that picks up some features typically associated with native mobile apps. It's a middle ground between a traditional website and a dedicated app you'd download from the App Store.
What makes a PWA different from a regular website?
Three main things: it can be installed on a phone's home screen (without going through an app store), it can work offline or with a limited connection, and it loads very quickly because key resources are cached locally. Users get an app-like experience through a browser.
Advantages for users
Faster loading, offline access to at least basic content, push notifications (if the site supports them), and the ability to launch straight from the home screen without opening a browser. On the right kind of service, these features genuinely improve the experience.
When does a PWA actually make sense?
For businesses where users return frequently and benefit from offline access – a recipe app, a transit timetable, a self-service client portal, or a tool the user opens on the go. For a standard business card site, the PWA layer adds complexity without a meaningful payoff.
Not a replacement for a native app
PWAs don't have full access to device hardware and aren't listed in app stores. If an app needs deep device integration (camera, GPS, Bluetooth, background processes), a native app is still the better fit. For many businesses though, a PWA delivers 80% of the app experience at a fraction of the development cost.