Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are gaining a lot of attention because they give users an app-like experience straight from their browser, no download or installation needed. They're quick, smooth, and highly interactive. With features like offline access, push notifications, and the ability to run across multiple devices, PWAs bring a lot of value to users. However, before jumping into development, businesses should also carefully consider the costs involved.
PWAs are web-based applications built to work on any device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. One of the biggest advantages of PWAs over native apps is how cost-effective they are. Since you only need to build one app for all platforms, you can save significantly on development. A report by Statista estimates that the global mobile app market will reach $995.2 billion by 2025, and web apps are a growing part of that market.
What Determines the Cost of a Progressive Web App?
The price of developing a PWA depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the app and the features you want. The location of your development team also plays a role. For instance, hiring a team from India usually costs less than hiring from the U.S. or Europe.
In this guide, we’ll break down what affects the cost of building a PWA, so you can plan your budget smartly.
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PWA Development Cost Breakdown
A high-quality PWA can boost customer engagement, build loyalty, and increase your sales. Typically, building a PWA costs between $10,000 and $100,000, depending on the project’s complexity. This cost usually includes planning, design, development, testing, and launching the app.
Once launched, maintaining your PWA will also cost money, usually between $500 $1,000 per month for updates, bug fixes, and support.
Compared to native apps, PWA development is about 4–5% cheaper because you don’t have to build separate apps for Android and iOS. PWAs can also be developed faster, thanks to modern web frameworks and tools.
Maintenance costs also matter. Typically, ongoing maintenance will cost about 20–25% of the initial development cost, depending on the app’s size and how often you plan to update it.
Here’s a rough breakdown of how the budget might be split:
Development Phase | Estimated Cost (%) |
Planning and Discovery | 5–10% of total project |
UI/UX Design | 15–25% of total project |
Core Development | 10–15% of total project |
Testing and Quality Assurance | 5–10% of total project |
Key Factors That Influence PWA Development Costs
1. Platforms You Want to Support
PWAs can be built to work across platforms like iOS, Android, Windows, and more. Each platform adds complexity, which can increase your total cost. Supporting multiple devices and screen sizes also requires additional design and testing.
2. Design and User Experience
The user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design significantly impact development cost. The more custom or advanced the design, the more time and money it will take. Features like responsive layouts and animations can also increase the cost.
If you're planning to offer custom web application development services, hiring a skilled design team ensures your app looks great across all devices without going over budget.
3. Features and Functionalities
The number and type of features you want in your app can also influence the final cost. For example, adding push notifications, offline access, and real-time chat will increase development time and effort.
4. Data Security
Every PWA needs to be secure. SSL certificates, data encryption, login systems, and malware protection all come at a cost. Depending on the security level needed, you might need additional third-party tools or expert services.
5. Development Team’s Location
Where your development team is based makes a big difference in the price. Here’s a quick comparison:
Country | Hourly Rate (USD) | Total Estimated Cost |
India | $15 – $40 | $5,000 – $30,000 |
United States | $100 – $250 | $30,000 – $100,000 |
United Kingdom | $90 – $180 | $25,000 – $60,000 |
Australia | $80 – $150 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
Canada | $80 – $150 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
United Arab Emirates | $60 – $120 | $15,000 – $35,000 |
6. Developer Experience
Hiring experienced developers usually costs more upfront but saves money in the long run. Skilled professionals can build your app faster, avoid errors, and ensure top performance.
7. Pricing Models
You can choose from different pricing models, each with its pros and cons:
Fixed-Price Model: Good for small projects with clearly defined requirements.
Time & Material Model: Offers flexibility to make changes during development.
Hourly Rate Model: Best for short-term or flexible projects.
Pick the one that fits your business goals and budget structure.
How to Keep Your PWA Development Budget in Check
Be Clear About Your Requirements
Before you start, define your goals, features, and functionalities. This helps avoid unnecessary expenses and keeps the project focused.
Choose the Right Technology Stack
Use the most suitable tools and technologies for your project. A team that specialises in custom web application development services can help you pick the right tools to stay within budget and still get excellent performance.
Hire an Experienced Development Team
An experienced team can save you time and money by using proven strategies and best practices. They can also anticipate and prevent issues that might otherwise slow down the project.
Avoid Hidden Costs
Hidden expenses can come from third-party licenses or last-minute feature changes. Work with a transparent team and keep communication open to avoid budget surprises.
Outsource Smartly
Consider outsourcing your project to regions where you can get expert services at a lower cost. Just make sure to check the partner’s portfolio, reviews, and references.
5 Real-World Examples of Great PWAs
Many leading companies have successfully used PWAs to improve user experience and save on development costs. Here are some inspiring examples:
1. Flipkart Lite (eCommerce)
Flipkart, a top Indian e-commerce platform, built a PWA to deliver fast loading times and smooth interactions, even in low-bandwidth conditions.
2. Twitter Lite (Social Media)
Twitter’s PWA is designed for users with limited internet access. It’s lightweight, fast, and supports key features like notifications and real-time updates.
3. BBC News (Media)
The BBC’s PWA ensures users can access the latest headlines and stories even when offline, offering a clean and easy-to-navigate experience.
4. Uber (Transport)
Uber’s PWA works well in slow networks and offers core functionalities like booking rides, viewing driver info, and making payments.
5. Starbucks (Food & Beverage)
Starbucks’ PWA lets users browse the menu, customise orders, and even save their favourite drinks—all with offline access and a sleek interface.
How The Dev Story Can Help
Dev Story specialises in Progressive Web App Development Services, including high-performance PWAs. Our team can handle everything from initial planning to ongoing maintenance. We use the latest tools and frameworks to make sure your app runs fast, looks great, and works on all devices.
Whether you're a startup or a growing business, our experts will work with you to create a custom solution that fits your goals and budget.
Conclusion
Progressive Web Apps offer an affordable and efficient way to build mobile-ready websites and applications. With features like offline access, cross-platform compatibility, and push notifications, PWAs can help you improve customer engagement without the high costs of native app development.
By understanding the factors that affect PWA costs and working with the right development team, you can build a high-quality app that supports your business goals without overspending.
