What Is a Web App, and How Is It Different from a Website?
The difference between a website and a web app, with everyday examples, and how web app development helps small businesses.
The short answer
A website mainly shows information to anyone who visits. A web app lets signed-in people do things: book, update records, upload files, approve work or track jobs. Both run in the browser, and many businesses have both joined together.
Website vs web app at a glance
| Website | Web app | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Explain and win enquiries | Get work done |
| Who uses it | Anyone, often new customers | Signed-in staff, clients or partners |
| Typical pages | Services, prices, about, contact | Dashboards, calendars, records, requests |
| Found on Google | Yes, that's its purpose | Usually private behind a login |
Everyday examples of web apps
- Online banking and booking systems.
- A client portal where customers see the progress of their job.
- A back office where an owner manages bookings and enquiries.
- A staff app the team opens on site from their phone.
How a website and a web app work together
The website brings new customers in. When someone enquires or books, the details land straight in the web app, so nothing is retyped or lost. Dream Day Bays works this way: couples check availability on the public site, and the owner manages every booking in a private admin app.
Thinking about an app for your business?
Tell us how your business works, and Jack will reply within one working day with a fixed price.
Is a web app the same as a PWA?
A PWA is a web app that can also be installed on the home screen and opened like a phone app. Most web apps we build can work as a PWA at no extra cost.
What web app development costs
Banny Digital builds a website with a focused web app for £1,499. Larger platforms with several portals start from £2,500.
Thinking about an app for your business?
Tell us how your business works, and Jack will reply within one working day with a fixed price.
What to do next
- Write down the outcome you need before choosing features.
- Ask for scope, ownership and ongoing costs in writing.
- Compare the smallest useful version, not an unlimited wish list.