Apps can be downloaded and installed for free on most iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, and websites can only be accessed online.
On this page, we will be taking a closer look at the difference between mobile applications and websites and comparing them to see which of the two is the better, more convenient option, including several pros and cons for both.
Are Mobile Apps Better Than Websites?
At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer because what works well for you may not work well for someone else. It all depends on the task at hand and what you prefer as an individual.
For example, some people will always prefer going online and doing things on the website instead of downloading a mobile application onto their preferred device and doing those same things from within the app.
There are advantages and disadvantages for both, and it often depends on the tasks and activities at hand. Sometimes, the app will be the better option, whereas other times, the website will be the better option.
With that in mind, though, the general rule is that apps are better than websites because a well-designed, highly sophisticated, interactive, and user-friendly mobile app will perform better, have more features and functionality, and work much faster than the website version of that same brand/company.
Overall, the UX (user experience) is better for app users because apps work faster than websites and are more secure.
Let’s just say that you want to watch hours of your favourite movies or television shows in uninterrupted 4K Ultra HD quality on your favourite platform.
In this case, you might be better off downloading the Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+ mobile app onto your mobile device for a better overall viewing experience instead of watching online via your browser.
Similarly, if you want to watch your favourite football team play or place an in-play bet on that particular event, it’s better to do so from within a secure sports app that offers one or both services rather than doing things online from the website.
Pros and Cons of Mobile Applications and Websites
Some people will always prefer using downloadable mobile apps for their own personal reasons, and others will avoid downloading apps, where possible, and will always prefer using the website version.
Here are some pros and cons for both so you can decide which might be the better option for you:
- Compared to the website version of a business, mobile apps are designed to give users a more complete, interactive, and immersive experience
- Downloadable mobile apps come with top-notch built-in support and professionally trained customer service agents who are always on standby. The friendly, responsive, and professionally trained support will always demonstrate excellent customer service levels and be easy to reach
- Using a mobile app to carry out a range of tasks is more efficient and much quicker than going online and using a website to carry out those same tasks (i.e., mobile apps increase productivity)
- Mobile apps are far more secure than websites
- Mobile applications don’t always need the internet to run. The features, services, and products can be accessed offline. In comparison, websites can only be accessed when connected to the internet. You can’t visit them when offline
- Unlike websites, mobile apps can often be customised/personalised to enhance your experience, with more filters and features
- Similar to above, mobile apps have more functionality compared to websites and can be downloaded and installed for free onto almost any modern iOS or Android smartphone or tablet device
- Mobile apps are more secure than websites as they often have one or more secure login features to strengthen your account security, such as voice/fingerprint or facial recognition features and two-factor authentication (2FA)
Some people don’t like cluttering up their devices with an app for everything and will be very selective in which apps they decide to add to their device, which is why both options will always be available.
Websites are the better option in certain situations, but mobile apps are ideal for more frequent use.
Final note
Before downloading and installing a mobile application onto your preferred device, always check that it has been developed by a verified publisher/trusted source, and make sure that you keep it updated if you haven’t switched on automatic updates.