The verdict in three sentences
A B2B PWA costs 20,000 to 45,000 EUR in Berlin in 2026, with no publishing fee or store commission, versus 45,000 to 110,000 EUR for a native app. PWAs now support push notifications, offline mode and home-screen installation, which covers most internal B2B use cases. Reserve native for heavy hardware needs (Bluetooth, intensive NFC, sensors) or in-app sales.
Direct PWA vs native comparison
| Criterion | PWA | Native app |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 cost | 20,000 - 45,000 EUR | 45,000 - 110,000 EUR |
| Timeline | 3 - 4 months | 5 - 7 months |
| Store fees | 0 EUR | 99 USD/year + 25 USD |
| In-app sales commission | 0% | 15 - 30% |
| Push notifications | Yes (iOS 16.4+) | Yes |
| Offline mode | Yes (service workers) | Yes |
| Advanced hardware access | Limited | Full |
| Updates | Instant | Store review 1-14 days |
A PWA updates instantly server-side, bypassing Apple/Google review — a major advantage for B2B tools that change often.
The real impact of store commission
If you sell subscriptions or in-app content, Apple and Google take 15 to 30%. On annual in-app revenue the gap becomes decisive.
| Annual in-app revenue | 30% commission (native) | PWA (web payment) | Savings/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50,000 EUR | 15,000 EUR | ~1,500 EUR (card fees) | 13,500 EUR |
| 120,000 EUR | 36,000 EUR | ~3,600 EUR | 32,400 EUR |
| 250,000 EUR | 75,000 EUR | ~7,500 EUR | 67,500 EUR |
| 500,000 EUR | 150,000 EUR | ~15,000 EUR | 135,000 EUR |
By bypassing the store via a PWA with web payment, commission drops to card fees only (2-3%). Note: selling digital subscriptions outside stores remains governed by platform rules by region.
Decision grid by use case
| Use case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Internal portal, mobile intranet | PWA |
| Field app with forms and sync | PWA |
| B2B catalog + order taking | PWA |
| Consumer app with in-app payment | Native (or PWA + web) |
| Intensive scanning, NFC, Bluetooth LE | Native |
| Real-time game or 3D | Native |
Mini case study
Sophie, head of a B2B wholesaler in Berlin, is deciding on an order-taking app used by 40 reseller clients. Native quote: 72,000 EUR + 6 months. PWA quote: 34,000 EUR + 3.5 months.
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Upfront savings: 38,000 EUR and 2.5 months gained. Since orders generate ~180,000 EUR/year in transactions, a native app would also expose 30% commission on any in-app payments. By staying on PWA + web payment, Sophie avoids up to 48,600 EUR/year in commission. First-year total: over 86,000 EUR saved.
FAQ
Can a PWA send push notifications on iPhone?
Yes, since iOS 16.4, provided the user has installed the PWA to their home screen. That was the last real technical blocker, now removed.
What is the price difference between PWA and native in Berlin?
A PWA costs 20,000 to 45,000 EUR versus 45,000 to 110,000 EUR for native — about 50% less, excluding store commissions.
Does a PWA work offline?
Yes, thanks to service workers that cache data and interface. Robustness depends on the budget allocated to synchronization.
When is native truly justified?
For advanced hardware access (intensive NFC, Bluetooth LE, sensors), 3D performance, or a distribution strategy centered on consumer stores.
Can you migrate from PWA to native later?
Yes, by reusing the backend and APIs. Many B2B companies start with a PWA to validate usage before investing in native.
Let's scope your project. Describe your use case, user volume and whether in-app payments are planned, and we'll settle PWA vs native with a costed budget. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
