The verdict in three sentences
A PWA for a Toronto SMB costs 20 000 to 45 000 CAD with a single codebase, while two native apps (iOS + Android) run 55 000 to 120 000 CAD. Native doubles maintenance cost (two teams, two update cycles) and adds store fees and review processes. Choose native only if you need rich iOS push notifications, deep hardware access or strategic store presence; otherwise a PWA delivers 80 % of the value for 40 % of the budget.
PWA vs native: the numbers
The two approaches diverge sharply on total cost of ownership. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude for an SMB.
| Criterion | PWA | Native iOS + Android |
|---|---|---|
| Build cost | 20 000 - 45 000 CAD | 55 000 - 120 000 CAD |
| Codebases | 1 | 2 (or 1 cross-platform) |
| Annual maintenance | 12-18 % of build | 18-25 % of build |
| Delivery timeline | 6 - 12 weeks | 14 - 24 weeks |
| Store fees | 0 | 99 USD/yr + 25 USD |
| Update lead time | Instant | 1 - 7 days (store review) |
Over three years, a PWA with a 35 000 CAD build costs about 48 000 CAD TCO, versus 100 000 to 175 000 CAD for two native apps. The gap widens with every maintenance cycle.
What a PWA still can't do
PWAs have caught up on many fronts, but a few limits remain in 2026 and can, alone, justify the native premium.
| Capability | PWA | Native | SMB impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push notifications (Android) | Yes | Yes | Neutral |
| Push notifications (iOS) | Limited | Full | High if CRM push |
| Advanced Bluetooth/NFC | Partial | Full | High if terminal |
| App Store / Play presence | Non-native | Yes | Medium (visibility) |
| 3D / gaming performance | Medium | High | Low for SMB |
| Store-based acquisition | None | Possible | Medium |
If your model relies on intensive iOS push or specific hardware (NFC reader, sensor), native is warranted. For an internal tool, a client portal or a catalog, a PWA is more than enough.
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Mini case study
Marc, owner of a B2B distribution SMB in Toronto (45 staff), wants an app for his 300 reps and reseller clients. Native quote: 82 000 CAD build + 17 000 CAD/yr maintenance. PWA quote: 34 000 CAD build + 5 100 CAD/yr. Over three years the PWA costs 49 300 CAD versus 133 000 CAD native, saving 83 700 CAD. Since the app mainly serves catalog browsing and ordering (no hardware, non-critical push), Marc picks the PWA and reinvests the difference in his ERP.
FAQ
Is a PWA really cheaper than a native app? Yes: 20 000-45 000 CAD versus 55 000-120 000 CAD at build, because a single codebase serves iOS, Android and web. The three-year TCO gap often exceeds 80 000 CAD.
Can a PWA be installed like a real app? Yes, on Android and iOS via the home screen, with an icon and full-screen mode. The experience is near-identical for an internal tool or client portal.
When is native worth it? When you need rich iOS push, deep hardware access (NFC, Bluetooth), 3D performance or store-based acquisition. Below those needs, the 30 000-75 000 CAD premium does not pay off.
How much is annual maintenance? 12-18 % of build for a PWA, 18-25 % for native (two platforms). On a 35 000 CAD build that is 4 200-6 300 CAD/yr for a PWA versus 10 000-15 000 CAD native.
How long to deliver? 6-12 weeks for a PWA, 14-24 weeks for two native apps. Store review adds 1 to 7 days to each native update.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your target use cases (push, hardware, offline) and budget, and we will settle PWA vs native with a clear estimate. 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.
