Developers and businesses often face this dilemma – ‘Progressive web apps vs Native apps- which one should I opt for?’ While it’s safe to assume that PWAs have gained traction for being lightweight, cross-platform, and easy to deploy, Native apps … Continue reading
Developers and businesses often face this dilemma – ‘Progressive web apps vs Native apps- which one should I opt for?’
While it’s safe to assume that PWAs have gained traction for being lightweight, cross-platform, and easy to deploy, Native apps are better in terms of performance, stability and user experience. Native apps deliver a premium, high-performance, and secure streaming experience. So, if you are thinking whether to opt for Native apps or PWA — here’s what you need to know before you decide.
Lets get to the basics. Native apps are developed specifically for a particular operating system like iOS, Android, etc. using platform-specific languages like Kotlin/Java for Android or Swift/Objective-C for iOS. They are installed directly on the device via app stores and have full access to device hardware and system features.
To put it simply, native apps are purpose-built for higher performance ceilings— and that makes all the difference when you’re streaming HD content or managing interactive features like offline downloads, push notifications, or DRM-secured playback.
Here are some examples of popular native apps:
PWAs are enhanced web applications designed to mimic native app behavior. You can access Progressive Web Apps through a browser, and even install them on your home screen. They work across devices, offer basic offline caching, and require no app store downloads.
They’re cost-effective and convenient — but also limited by the browser environment, which means fewer capabilities, weaker integration, and lower performance ceilings.
Here are some examples of popular PWAs.
If you are still struggling with the Progressive Web Apps vs Native Apps debate, here’s a real breakdown of which one is suited for your requirements.
Native apps are built directly for a specific platform using optimized programming languages, so their performance is significantly faster and smoother. They can leverage the device’s CPU and GPU more efficiently, resulting in less loading time, better animation fluidity, and more responsive interactions.
In contrast, PWAs are browser-driven, which adds an extra layer causing lag, especially with complex features or graphics-heavy apps like video streaming or gaming.
In the debate of Progressive Web Apps vs Native apps, Native apps give you premium user experience as they dedicatedly follow each platform’s UX guidelines (iOS Human Interface, Android Material Design), giving users a familiar and consistent feel. Supporting intuitive gestures, Native Apps run full-screen without the browser bar, and offer a refined and more immersive interface — which is key to user retention and engagement.
PWAs, on the other hand, often look and feel like websites, lacking that premium “app” polish that users expect from top-tier streaming brands.
Native apps can access the full range of device hardware and OS features: camera, GPS, accelerometer, fingerprint scanner, ARKit for augmented reality, push notifications, background location, calendar integration, biometrics, and more.
PWAs? Not so much. Browser-based apps are still limited, especially on iOS, which restricts background updates, notifications, and DRM playback.
Another plus point of opting for native apps is its offline feature as they can store large amounts of data on the device and perform complex operations without internet connectivity . This is critical in regions with unstable network access.
While PWAs offer some offline capabilities through service workers and caching, native apps undoubtedly excel at providing seamless offline experiences.
When streaming premium or licensed content, security is non-negotiable.
Native apps leverage OS-level security like Keychain (iOS) and Keystore (Android), ensuring user data, credentials, and viewing history remain safe. They also integrate advanced Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems for content protection — a must-have for OTT businesses.
PWAs rely on browser storage and lack the same DRM support, hence increasing risk for platforms managing exclusive video libraries.
Since Native apps are published on official app stores, they get an additional credibility boost. App store listings not only enhance trust but also act as discovery engines — letting millions of users find, install, and review your app organically.
With PWAs, you don’t get that as it skips that step. While they’re easy to share via links, they often struggle with brand perception and lack the visibility that native apps get from app store optimization.
Native apps support rich push notifications that can be personalized, interactive, and delivered reliably across platforms. These notifications are crucial for user retention, re-engagement, and boosting app usage.
Although PWAs also support push notifications on compatible browsers, they are inconsistent and limited in reach (especially on iOS devices).
Native apps are designed to integrate seamlessly with advanced analytics tools providing detailed insights into reports, user behavior, etc.
PWAs are browser-based, offering limited tracking and weaker user attribution models. For businesses that rely on precise data to refine content strategy and user experience, that’s a deal-breaker.
Native apps can integrate with Ad SDKs, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and secure payment gateways. This is a major plus point for OTT platforms offering flexible monetization and secure payment gateways. PWAs are limited to web-based transactions, which often restrict revenue models and break user flow.
If native apps offer so many advantages, why do some businesses still choose PWAs? Mainly because of perceived cost and complexity. Native apps traditionally require more time, resources, and specialized developers to build and maintain multiple versions (Android and iOS). However, in the long run, Native apps give you better results, so it makes sense to invest in additional time and money.
This is where Muvi One changes the game. With Muvi One, you don’t have to choose between performance and convenience. You can launch fully native OTT apps across platforms — iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and Smart TVs — without writing a single line of code.
With Muvi One, you don’t have to choose between performance and convenience.
You can launch fully native OTT apps across platforms — iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung TV and LG TVs — without writing a single line of code.
That’s just the beginning! Every app you create on Muvi is fully customizable — thanks to our no-code designing studio – Visual Designer and our intuitive CMS, you can tailor every screen, layout, and interaction to reflect your brand identity perfectly. Whether you want a sleek cinematic layout for a movie platform or a content-rich grid for live sports and events, Muvi’s offers a wide range of templates letting you shape your apps exactly the way you envision.
Here’s what Muvi One offers you:
While Progressive Web Apps are cheaper than native apps, are quick to deploy, and good for content catalogs or lightweight user interactions, when it comes to performance and flexibility, native apps rule the game. Native apps are a gold standard to deliver a premium, high-quality streaming experience.
They’re faster, more secure, deeply integrated, and better suited for businesses that value performance, branding, and monetization control.
With Muvi One, you can go native across every device, build a global presence, and give your viewers a truly exceptional OTT experience — one that’s fast, immersive, and completely yours.
Launch your native OTT apps with Muvi One today! Start your 14-day free trial.
A web app runs in a browser and doesn’t need installation, while a native app is built specifically for an operating system like iOS or Android and can access device features such as camera, storage, and notifications.
Not ideally. Web apps struggle with high-quality video playback, offline downloads, and DRM security. OTT platforms perform best on native apps.
Most web apps require an active internet connection. While some progressive web apps (PWAs) offer limited offline functionality, they can’t provide full offline video playback like Muvi One’s native OTT apps, which support downloads for viewing without internet access.
OTT platform prefers native apps as they deliver better performance, discoverability, and monetization. They appear on app stores, work seamlessly with device features, and provide a superior viewing experience.
Written by: Sreejata Basu
Sreejata is the Manager for Muvi’s Content Marketing unit. She is a passionate writer with a background in English Literature and music. By week Sreejata spends her time in the corporate world of Muvi, but on weekends she likes to take short hiking trips, watch movies and read interesting travelogues.
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