PWA or AMP: Detailed Comparison Guide

What is AMP?

AMP or Accelerated WebPages help to create faster loading web pages. Google launched this open-source mobile platform in 2015 to offer the best websites and mobile apps. AMP projects help developers with the latest features, technologies, and web APIs.

Google launched AMP to remove the use of inline JavaScript, which slows down the loading of web pages. Accelerated Mobile Pages offers HTML and CSS stripped-down versions that restrict the use of JavaScript. The CDN hosts these web pages and caches the website version of the page when a user accesses it.

Key Features of Accelerated Pages

• Improve the performance of the web pages.
• Deliver the content at the fastest speed to the users.
• Mobile SEO-friendly pages to increase traffic.
• Higher SEO rankings lead to a higher click-through rate(CTR).
• Publishers can control the visual designs.

Advantages of AMP

• Easy to load and cache the content.
• AMP supports ad formats.
• 4 x times faster than other responsive websites.
• The ideal solution is to create content-based websites like news, blogs, etc.
• Discoverable web pages on the front page of search engines.

Disadvantages of AMP

• Images are loaded with a lazy load when scrolling down the page.
• Only streamlined CSS files work for AMP.
• No tracking feature is available to check user activities on web pages.
• It is not possible to use for building eCommerce websites.
• No space to boost search engine ranking.

What are Progressive Web Applications?

Simple Definition: Progressive web apps or PWA are websites that look like native apps.

In addition, they offer a host of features that were previously only available in mobile apps. A progressive app combines the advantages of both the web and mobile. It is a technology that lets users enjoy a seamless browsing experience.

PWA apps are fast, reliable, and engaging to use. Unlike native apps, you do not need to install them from the app stores. Instead, open the PWA on your web browsers and add it to the home screen. Progressive websites are easy to share through links. It engages customers with its attractive design and layouts.

Key Features of PWA

• We can access PWAs from any device, including desktop, mobile, or tablet.
• It can work under poor network conditions.
• Service workers ensure the latest features, such as push notifications, automatic updating, content caching, etc.
• Use secure HTTPS protocols to ensure safe content and to prevent cyberattacks.
• Support native features, such as HTML5 Canvas, 60fps animations, full-screen launch, clipboard access, filesystem access, etc.

Advantages of Progressive Applications

• No installation or app updates are needed.
• The same codebase must be used to develop applications for different platforms.
• Fast loading regardless of the Internet network quality.
• Fresh and engaging content to attract visitors.
• Linkable, shareable and indexable web apps.
• Secure and less intrusive to prevent cyber threats.
• Cost-effective solution for startups and small enterprises.
• Increase customer engagement with advanced features.
• A better choice than native apps if you lack the resources.
• Reduced development time and cost.

Disadvantages of Progressive Applications

• Not all devices support PWA.
• The iOS app store has issues with publishing web apps.
• PWA does not have access to all hardware features, such as the contact list, SMS/MMS, task management, system log, settings, and so on.
• It does not support cross-app logins.

PWA or AMP : Comparison Based On

• Appearance

  When using PWA, you will not notice that you are viewing a web page. This mobile website offers an app-like appearance and browsing quality. AMP behaves like websites, as it looks the same as responsive web pages.

• Development

  PWAs can be developed from scratch. Also, the developers can convert existing websites into PWAs. An accelerated website is developed using the existing code of a web page.

• User Experience

  PWAs offer a better user experience because it develops with native app features. It doesn’t need to be downloaded if you want to use it. They are lighter than native apps. Also, they consume very less storage space in the device.

  Because of its faster loading speed, AMP offers a better user experience. They are user-friendly and responsive web pages. But, it cannot work offline.

• Performance

  AMP is more SEO-friendly than PWA. Google can easily list them in the carousel of top stories. It helps businesses to increase the Click-Through Rate. PWA cannot use SEO tools directly. But it offers a better user experience that enhances conversion rates and gains a higher rank in the search engines.

• Device Support

  PWA can’t access all hardware capabilities, such as Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or accelerometer. Not all devices support all PWA features. All major browsers on all devices support AMP.

So, Which is Suitable for Your Business: PWA or AMP?

🔥 AMP and PWA are powerful technologies to develop faster and more stunning web apps. The results of difference and comparison:

• AMP apps are suitable for businesses that post engaging content. Online magazines and newspapers can enjoy new opportunities with this technology. It is cheaper to develop than PWA. You cannot use it for eCommerce business.
• Progressive Websites are best suited for business, including eCommerce, social media, e-learning platforms, etc. Best PWA examples are Twitter, Aliexpress, Uber, and Spotify.

Our experts believe that Progressive Mobile Web Apps have a strong future. It can help you achieve your business goals. Try other software or mobile solutions if AMP and PWA will not meet your business needs.