Pros and Cons of Responsive Websites vs. Native Apps

One of the challenges associated with smartphones is how to provide meaningful content for that small screen. It is a challenge that you’ll have to become adept at because smart phones are now the top devices used for online content. 

With the significant cost of launching an app on multiple operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, etc), the allure of creating a responsive website for mobile devices and stopping there can be persuasive. However not going native may cost you big in the long run.

My personal thoughts are that you have to have both. That’s just me and I’m not in charge of your budget, however in today’s mobile climate, you have no choice but to first make your website mobile friendly. And as any web developer can tell you, that in itself is no easy task. Taking your traditional website that is packed with all that critical information, then squeezing into a mobile version is no picnic. 

As for native apps, you gain a whole different level of engagement with your customers as you use the full capability of the device running the app, which is just not doable with a responsive website. So I think that you need that option as well.

Every situation is different (such as yours) and Phunware has put together a well thought out infographic that examines the responsive web vs. native app question. And you may be surprised at the recommendations that are found at the end of the infographic. You can view the full infographic here.