How Much Does It Cost to Build an App in the UK?
Realistic price ranges, what drives the cost and the running costs people forget.
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Key takeaways
- Mobile apps are installed from app stores; web apps run in the browser.
- Web apps are usually cheaper and faster to launch, and can be found on Google.
- Mobile apps win for frequent use, device features and offline access.
- A progressive web app is often a smart middle ground for a first version.
What's the difference?
The mobile app vs web app question comes up in almost every project we scope. The difference is simpler than it sounds:
- A mobile app is downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play and installed on the phone.
- A web app runs in a browser. People open it with a link, on any device, with nothing to install.
- A progressive web app (PWA) is a web app that can be added to the home screen, work offline to a degree and send notifications on supported devices.
Both can look and feel like a polished app. The right choice depends on how often people will use it, which device features you need and how customers will find it.
Mobile app vs web app at a glance
| Feature | Mobile app | Web app / PWA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to build | Higher, especially for separate iOS and Android builds | Usually lower: one codebase for every device |
| Time to launch | Longer, including app store review | Shorter: publish when it's ready |
| Updates | Released through the stores; users may need to update | Instant for everyone |
| Found on Google | No; found in app stores | Yes, public pages can rank in search |
| Device features | Full access: camera, GPS, Bluetooth, biometrics | Good and improving, but more limited |
| Offline use | Strong | Possible with a PWA, more limited |
| Push notifications | Fully supported | Supported in modern browsers, including home-screen web apps on iPhone |
| Store fees | Commission on many in-app digital purchases | None to the app stores |
When a mobile app makes sense
- Customers will use it often, for example weekly bookings, loyalty or ordering.
- You need device features such as background location, Bluetooth or advanced camera use.
- It has to work offline, for example for staff in the field.
- Being in the app stores matters for trust or discovery in your market.
- Reliable push notifications are central to how the product works.
When a web app is the better choice
- People will use it occasionally, such as for quotes, portals or one-off bookings.
- You want customers to find it on Google.
- You need to launch quickly and test the idea on a sensible budget.
- It's mainly used on desktop as well as mobile, such as dashboards and admin tools.
- You want to avoid app store fees and review delays.
Start with the web, add an app later: many successful products launch as a web app or PWA, prove people want it, then build mobile apps once usage justifies the investment.
Five questions to decide
- How often will a typical customer use it? Daily or weekly points to an app; occasionally points to the web.
- Which device features are essential, not just nice to have?
- How will people find it? Search and links favour the web; an existing loyal audience can support an app.
- What's your budget and deadline for the first version?
- Who will maintain it? Two native apps plus a website means more ongoing work than one web app.
If you're weighing up budgets, our guide to app development costs in the UK explains what drives the price.
Talk it through with a developerWe'll give you an honest recommendation, even if that's "you don't need an app".
Book a free call Common mistakes
- Building an app because competitors have one, not because customers need one.
- Expecting people to download an app for something they'll use once.
- Forgetting that an app still needs a website to be found and trusted.
- Building separate native apps when one cross-platform build would do.
Check the store rules early: Apple and Google have rules on payments, content and privacy. If your app sells digital goods or subscriptions, find out how their commission and payment rules apply before you plan your pricing.
Mobile app vs web app FAQs
Is a web app cheaper than a mobile app?
Usually, yes. One web app works on every device, there's no app store review and updates go live instantly, which lowers both build and maintenance costs.
Can a web app be added to the home screen?
Yes. A progressive web app can be added to the home screen on Android and iPhone, opens full screen like an app and can send notifications in supported browsers.
Can I turn my web app into a mobile app later?
Yes. If the back end and design are built with that in mind, much of the work can be reused when you add iOS and Android apps.
Do mobile apps help with SEO?
Not directly. App store listings are found in the stores, while your website does the work on Google. Most businesses need a good website either way.
The bottom line
In the mobile app vs web app decision, let your customers decide. If they'll use it often and need device features, build an app. If they'll use it occasionally, find it through search or you need to launch quickly, start with a web app or PWA and add native apps once the idea has proved itself.