A PWA is a web application with extra abilities: it can be added to the home screen, cache content for offline use and run in its own window. You build and update it like a website.
Advantages
- One codebase, one deployment, no store review for updates.
- Lower cost and faster changes.
- Reachable by a link, with no installation required.
Limits
- Less access to device features, and what exists varies by platform and browser.
- Notification and background behaviour can differ from native apps, especially on iPhone.
- No presence in the app stores unless you wrap it, which some stores restrict.
- Some users look for apps in the store and do not think of installing a website.
How to decide
If your product is mainly forms, lists, content or a dashboard, and your users will come from a link or a search, a PWA may be all you need and can be a good way to test the idea. If you rely on widgets, background sync, precise sensors or the visibility of the store, plan for native.
Because browser support changes, verify the specific features you need on the specific devices of your users before committing.