Beyond native apps: Why PWAs for SaaS are the future of development

Introduction

In the SaaS world, speed, accessibility, and user engagement drive success. Yet, many platforms struggle with slow load times, high development costs, and inconsistent mobile experiences. The question isn’t whether mobile optimization matters but how to achieve it efficiently.

You can continue investing in costly native apps, requiring separate development for iOS and Android, or you can embrace Progressive Web Apps — a streamlined, high-performance alternative that delivers a native-like experience without the overhead.

What are Progressive Web Apps?

Progressive Web Apps are web applications that deliver a native app-like experience directly through a browser. They leverage modern web technologies to provide fast performance, offline functionality, and push notifications without requiring installation from an app store.

How PWAs work: The technology behind the performance

PWAs run seamlessly across all devices and operating systems. They offer offline access, push notifications, and real-time communication yet maintain the discoverability and accessibility of web-based SaaS platforms.

Key technologies powering PWAs

How PWAs bridge the gap between web and native apps

PWAs deliver native app-like experiences while retaining the flexibility of the web. Here’s how they compare:

Key features of PWAs for SaaS

Unlike traditional web applications, PWAs enhance user engagement, improve performance, and reduce development costs. These aspects make it safe to say that PWA is an ideal solution for scalable SaaS platforms.

1. Offline accessibility and reliable performance

Traditional web-based SaaS applications depend on constant internet connectivity, which can disrupt productivity. PWAs solve this issue by leveraging service workers and IndexedDB, allowing users to stay productive even when offline.

How it works:

• Service workers cache essential resources, ensuring continued access and functionality even without an internet connection.
• IndexedDB enables local storage of large datasets, automatically syncing changes once connectivity is restored.

Example. Google Docs PWA allows users to edit documents offline, with automatic syncing once reconnected.

2. Push notifications for user engagement

SaaS platforms depend on consistent engagement to drive productivity and retention. PWAs utilize the Push API to send real-time notifications, keeping users informed without requiring a native app installation.

How it works:

• Timely alerts keep users updated on tasks, system notifications, and workflow updates.
• The Push API ensures notifications reach users even when they aren’t actively using the app.

Example. Slack PWA sends instant notifications for team messages, keeping remote teams connected seamlessly.

3. Speed optimization with instant loading

PWAs dramatically reduce load times and improve responsiveness, leading to higher engagement and lower bounce rates.

How it works:

• Pre-caching with service workers stores frequently accessed resources, ensuring instant page loads even on slow networks.
• Google Lighthouse tests show that PWAs reduce page load times by up to 63%, leading to higher conversions.

Example. Twitter Lite PWA reduced load times and data consumption, leading to a 65% increase in pages per session and a 20% lower bounce rate.

4. App-like experience and full-screen mode

PWAs deliver a native app-like experience while maintaining the discoverability and flexibility of web applications.

How it works:

• Web App Manifest allows users to install the app directly from the browser onto their home screen.
• Full-screen mode and smooth navigation create a distraction-free, immersive experience.

Example. Spotify PWA replicates the native app experience while using less storage and fewer system resources.

5. Security and HTTPS encryption

Security is a top priority for SaaS applications, especially those handling sensitive user data. PWAs enforce industry-standard security protocols to ensure data protection and compliance.

How it works:

• HTTPS encryption protects data transfers, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks and unauthorized access.
• OAuth 2.0 and JWT authentication enhance API security and user authentication.

Example. Slack PWA secures communication and authentication using end-to-end encryption and HTTPS security layers.

Benefits of PWAs for SaaS providers

With more than 50% of SaaS users accessing platforms via mobile, businesses need fast, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Industry leaders like Twitter, Uber, and Spotify have already embraced PWAs to:

• Lower development and maintenance costs with a single codebase across all platforms.
• Boost engagement and retention with real-time notifications and offline functionality.
• Improve performance with instant loading speeds and native-like responsiveness.

In other words, PWAs are the present for SaaS companies looking to deliver high-performance applications without the overhead of native app development.

1. Cost savings on development and maintenance

Developing and maintaining separate native applications for iOS, Android, and the web is expensive and time-consuming. PWAs eliminate this redundancy by allowing a single codebase to serve all platforms, reducing both initial development costs and long-term maintenance expenses.

How PWAs cut costs:

• One development effort covers web, desktop, and mobile, reducing engineering overhead.
• No app store fees or platform-specific updates, lowering ongoing costs.
• Uses standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), making it easier to find and hire developers compared to platform-specific expertise.

Companies using PWAs report up to 70% savings in development costs compared to maintaining separate native applications.

Consideration: While PWAs reduce costs, they may have limited access to some native device features and may experience performance variations on older devices.

2. Increased user engagement and retention

SaaS platforms thrive on consistent user interaction to drive subscriptions and retention. PWAs enhance engagement through faster load times, push notifications, and offline capabilities, ensuring users stay connected even with unstable internet.

How PWAs boost engagement:

• Push notifications keep users informed about updates, messages, and tasks without requiring a separate app.
• Offline mode ensures users can continue working without the internet, syncing data once back online.

Example: Twitter Lite (PWA) increased pages per session by 65% and reduced bounce rates by 20%, proving how PWAs significantly boost engagement.

Consideration: While notifications improve engagement, businesses should provide user controls to prevent overload and ensure a positive experience.

3. SEO and discoverability for higher traffic

Unlike native apps, PWAs are indexed by search engines, making them easier to discover and accessible through standard web searches, increasing organic traffic and user acquisition.

How PWAs improve discoverability:

• Rank in Google Search results, unlike native apps that rely on app store visibility.
• No platform restrictions—users can find your SaaS platform directly via search engines.

Example: Pinterest’s PWA implementation led to a 40% increase in time spent on the site and a 44% rise in user engagement, proving the SEO advantages of PWAs.

Consideration: To fully leverage SEO benefits, businesses must invest in SEO optimization to stay competitive in search rankings.

4. Improved mobile accessibility

With over 50% of SaaS users accessing platforms via mobile, ensuring a fast, smooth, and lightweight experience is crucial. Unlike heavy native apps, PWAs offer:

• Faster performance via pre-caching, service workers, and optimized data handling.
• Cross-platform compatibility across smartphones, tablets, and desktops: no need for multiple versions.
• Lightweight installation — users bypass app stores, reducing drop-off rates.

Example: Spotify’s PWA uses less storage while maintaining high performance, making it more accessible on lower-end devices.

Low-code vs. no-code PWAs: Key differences and best use cases

For SaaS providers looking to accelerate development and reduce costs, low-code, and no-code platforms offer viable alternatives to traditional PWA development. The right choice depends on business needs, customization requirements, and scalability expectations.

• Low-code offers more flexibility, allowing developers to integrate custom APIs and workflows.
• No-code prioritizes ease of use, enabling rapid deployment but with limited customization.

Understanding low-code vs. no-code PWAs

When to choose low-code for PWA development

Low-code platforms strike a balance between speed and flexibility, making them ideal for SaaS providers needing custom workflows, API integrations, and enterprise security.

Key benefits

Supports complex workflows. Ideal for multi-tenant SaaS, custom dashboards, payment systems, and role-based access control (RBAC).
API integrations. Easily connects with CRM, ERP, and third-party analytics tools.
Scalability. Designed for business growth, making it a solid choice for subscription-based SaaS models.

Example: A CRM SaaS provider builds a low-code PWA using OutSystems to integrate customer data, automate sales pipelines, and connect with marketing automation tools.

When to choose no-code for PWA development

No-code platforms prioritize speed and simplicity, making them ideal for MVPs, internal apps, and lightweight SaaS solutions. However, long-term scalability can be limited due to restricted customization options.

Key benefits

Rapid deployment. Great for testing ideas and launching products quickly.
No technical expertise is required. Non-developers can build and manage SaaS PWAs without coding.
Cost-effective for simple use cases. Best for event booking systems, content portals, or inventory trackers.

Example: A startup uses Bubble to build a PWA for event ticketing, enabling users to browse events, register, and receive mobile notifications—all without writing a single line of code.

The trade-off: Flexibility vs. speed

Choosing the right approach for your SaaS PWA

Use low-code if:

• Your SaaS requires custom API integrations, multi-user roles, or advanced automation.
• You need high scalability and compliance (e.g., fintech, healthcare SaaS).
• Your platform will evolve with enterprise-grade features over time.
• You have developers available to manage customization and maintain code integrity.

Use no-code if:

• You need to launch quickly with minimal investment.
• Your application has basic user interactions and limited backend logic.
• You are testing an MVP or internal tool before scaling further.
• You prioritize speed over long-term flexibility.

Hybrid approach: Some businesses start with no-code to validate ideas and later transition to low-code for scalability. However, switching platforms often requires rework, so plan accordingly.

The SaaS revolution runs on PWAs — are you ready?

The SaaS industry is evolving fast, and traditional web and native apps are struggling to keep up. Rising costs, performance limitations, and platform constraints make them less practical in a digital-first world. Success now depends on speed, accessibility, and seamless cross-platform functionality, making PWAs the clear frontrunner.

For SaaS providers, PWAs offer a significant advantage:

• Blazing-fast performance
• Offline functionality for uninterrupted productivity
• Lower development and maintenance costs
• Higher engagement and retention

No solution is perfect, but PWAs consistently outperform traditional approaches, making them essential for any forward-thinking SaaS strategy. Whether you’re building from scratch or leveraging low-code/no-code platforms, one thing is certain: PWAs aren’t a trend; they’re the future.

What’s next for SaaS?

• Smarter, AI-powered applications. AI-driven SaaS PWAs will personalize experiences and automate workflows like never before.
• Seamless offline access. Service workers and IndexedDB will keep users connected, even when the internet isn’t.
• Cost-efficient scalability. PWAs will continue reducing overhead while outperforming native apps.

Your next move defines your market position

The SaaS leaders of tomorrow are adopting PWAs today. Companies that hesitate will struggle to keep up.

Will you lead the charge or watch your competitors take the edge?

Egor Kaleynik

IT-oriented marketer with B2B Content Marketing superpower. HackerNoon Contributor of the Year 2021 Winner – MARKETING. Generative AI enthusiast.
Featured in: Hackernoon.com, Customerthink.com, DZone.com, Medium.com/swlh
More info: https://muckrack.com/egor-kaleynik