The eternal dilemma for early-stage startups building digital products has always been: web app or native app? Each path offers benefits and compromises that can significantly impact development speed, user experience, and ultimately, market fit. But what if this dichotomy is becoming outdated?

The False Binary of Web vs. Native

For years, the standard advice for cash-strapped startups was to build a web app first, then graduate to native when resources permit. This approach prioritized speed and breadth over depth and engagement.

The conventional wisdom looked something like this:

Web Apps:

• ✅ Single codebase
• ✅ Rapid iteration
• ✅ No app store approvals
• ✅ Instant updates
• ❌ Limited device features
• ❌ Compromised performance
• ❌ Reduced engagement

Native Apps:

• ✅ Superior performance
• ✅ Full device integration
• ✅ Higher engagement metrics
• ✅ Premium user perception
• ❌ Multiple codebases
• ❌ Longer development cycles