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A progressive web app, or PWA, is a website built with extra capabilities so it can behave like an app. People open it in their browser, can add it to their home screen, and get fast loading and limited offline use, all without going through an app store. It is a way to offer an app-like experience from a single website.
What makes a web app "progressive"?
The word describes how it works for everyone. A PWA runs as a normal website in any modern browser, and then adds features where a device supports them. Nobody is left out, and people on more capable devices get a richer experience.
What can a PWA do?
Depending on the project and the device, a PWA can:
- Be added to the home screen with its own icon.
- Open in its own window without the usual browser bars.
- Load quickly, because key files are stored on the device.
- Keep working in a limited way when the connection is weak or lost.
- Send notifications on supported devices.
Support for individual features differs between phones and browsers, so it is worth planning around what your users actually use.
What is behind a PWA?
Three things turn a website into a PWA:
- HTTPS: the site is served securely.
- A manifest file: tells the device the app's name, icon and colours.
- A service worker: a small script that handles caching and offline behaviour.
The rest is a normal website, which means it can be built with modern tools such as React and Next.js.
What are the advantages?
- One codebase: it works across phones, tablets and computers.
- No app store: there is nothing to download first, and updates reach users immediately.
- Speed: careful caching makes repeat visits feel fast.
- Reach: it is still a website, so it can be found through search.
- Cost and time: it is often quicker and cheaper than building separate apps.
What are the limits?
A PWA may not match a native app for every capability, particularly features that rely on deep access to a phone's hardware. Some features also behave differently across devices. If your product depends on those, a native app might be the better route.
Who is a PWA a good fit for?
A PWA often suits:
- Businesses that want an app-like experience without building several apps.
- Booking, ordering and membership tools.
- Online stores that want fast, repeat-friendly shopping.
- Internal tools and dashboards for teams.
- Content and learning platforms that benefit from being quick.
Does a PWA help with search?
Yes, as long as it is built well. Because it is a website, its pages can be crawled and ranked like any other. Speed and good structure help both visitors and search. See our guide to technical SEO for what that involves.
How we can help
We build fast, modern web apps and websites, including progressive web apps, using tools such as React and Next.js. Learn more about our web development and Next.js and React development, or tell us what you would like your users to be able to do and we will suggest the best approach.
Frequently asked questions
What is a progressive web app?
A progressive web app, or PWA, is a website built with extra capabilities so it can behave like an app. It can be added to a phone or computer, load quickly and keep working in a limited way when the connection is poor.
Do people need to download a PWA from an app store?
No. People open it in their browser and can choose to add it to their home screen. It does not need to go through an app store, although how installation looks varies by device.
Is a PWA better than a native app?
It depends. A PWA is usually quicker and cheaper to build and keeps one codebase for every device. A native app can offer deeper access to a phone's features. The right choice depends on what your users need.
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