--- title: Which is Right for Your Business, HTML5 or Native OS? description: A hot topic right now in mobile user experience is the debate between providing an HTML5 web app versus a more traditional Native OS app. image: https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/file-3419488935-jpg/blog-files/espn-screen-capture.jpg --- [![Key Lime Logo](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Key%20Lime%20Logo.png?width=200&height=39&name=Key%20Lime%20Logo.png "Key Lime Logo")](https://keylimeinteractive.com/) - SERVICES - [All Services](https://keylimeinteractive.com/services) - [UX Strategy](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-strategy-design/) - [User Research](https://keylimeinteractive.com/user-research/) - [UX/UI Design](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-design-strategy/) - [EmTech Strategy](https://keylimeinteractive.com/emerging-technology/) - OUR WORK - [Our Approach](https://dev.keylimeinteractive.com/our-approach/) - [Enterprise Clients](https://keylimeinteractive.com/work/) - [Public Sector](https://keylimeinteractive.com/public-sector-gsa-schedule/) - [ABOUT US](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Who We Are](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [People](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=1eb079d3-bb50-438a-a731-eaa18a982193&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US) - INSIGHTS - [CX Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com) - [Events](https://keylimeinteractive.com/upcoming-events/) - [Competitive Indexes](https://keylimeinteractive.com/reports/#rankings) - [White Papers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/reports/) - [CONTACT US](https://keylimeinteractive.com/contact/) [![](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/key-lime-interactive.svg)](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies/) - [Events](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies/) - [Events](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) [Contact us](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/contact) [![](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/key-lime-interactive.svg)](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies/) - [Events](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies/) - [Events](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) [Contact us](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/contact) - - - # Which is Right for Your Business, HTML5 or Native OS? [By Key Lime Interactive](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/author/key-lime-interactive) March 03, 2014 [UX Strategy](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-strategy) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/file-3419488935-jpg/blog-files/espn-screen-capture.jpg) ![Which-is-Right-for-Your-Business-HTML5-or-Native-OS-img1](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-photo-58639.jpeg?width=640&name=pexels-photo-58639.jpeg "Which-is-Right-for-Your-Business-HTML5-or-Native-OS-img1") A hot topic right now in mobile user experience is the debate between providing an [HTML5 web app](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML5) versus a more traditional [Native OS app](http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/definition/native-application-native-app). Simply put, HTML5 is a method of programming a mobile website to behave like an app (think m.youtube.com) which can be accessed through any modern tablet or smartphone browser. Conversely, apps written for a Native OS are developed to run directly on Android or iOS smartphones (they are designed for each native platform), and must be downloaded through the [GooglePlay Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_2013_playyourheartout?utm_source=HA_Desktop_&utm_medium=SEM&utm_campaign=pyho&pcampaignid=MKTAD1225PY7) or [Apple App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/us/genre/ios/id36?mt=8). Both approaches are a great way to provide web content to smartphone and tablet users, and they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Which of these approaches is right for your business? At Key Lime Interactive, we are exploring this question in depth, and have key information to help you make the right decision. [![Which-is-Right-for-Your-Business-HTML5-or-Native-OS-img2](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/file-3419488935-jpg/blog-files/espn-screen-capture.jpg?width=181&name=espn-screen-capture.jpg "Which-is-Right-for-Your-Business-HTML5-or-Native-OS-img2")](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/file-3419488935-jpg/blog-files/espn-screen-capture.jpg)From a development standpoint, HTML5 is the clear winner in both cost and flexibility. If your business has a website, it’s a given that you already have programmers on hand who can write HTML5 code. In addition, your programmers will only have to program the basic code once. Of course, during QA testing some minor edits will need to be made in order to support different browsers and browser versions in the marketplace such as Chrome, Safari, Explorer and more. It’s also important to note that since your code lives on the web rather than on a user’s device, you can make changes on the fly without having to roll out a new application update via an App Store update every time you make a change. If you decide to make a Native OS app, you will need to hire a team who know the specific language for each operating system, or a jack-of-all-trades programmer who knows all of the relevant languages. These programming skills are much less common, and therefore, can be more expensive, than HTML5-only developers. In order to provide a robust and compelling experience for each OS, you’ll need someone who understands the nuances of each platform. This requires a developer who can write for each operating system, and that’s no small task. If you decide to go the path of a a Native OS app then you’re developing for both Android and iOS and that means you’re now doubling every step of the cycle, including programming, testing/QA, and maintaining the code. When it comes time to update your apps, you’ll also need to release an update two versions via the GooglePlay Store or the Apple App Store.Publishing via either store requires approval before your app can be made available for download. So why use the Native OS app approach at all you might ask? It sounds expensive AND time consuming. We would submit that developing for a Native OS platform is the right choice. This approach excels at something that we at KLI hold near and dear to our hearts: you guessed it, user experience! Currently, an HTML5 mobile site compete to a Native OS app in look, feel, functionality, and overall speed. Of course, Android and iOS platforms have quirks which make for a unique user experience on each device but the robust and rich UX is worth the price of admission. See our[previous article](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/android-os-conformance-how-many-apps-are-getting-it-wrong) for a detailed discussion about how Android users can be alienated by seemingly insignificant design choices. When building an HTML5 web app to be standardized across all devices, you lose the custom feel ofa Native OS app. The functionality advantage for Native OS apps comes partially from a better support system – not only from Apple and Google - but from the online community of app programmers – and also from the apps being installed directly on the device. This allows easy access to smartphone features such as the camera, calendar, or contacts. HTML5 web apps are starting to add these functionalities as programmers begin to develop clever new approaches, but equivalency is a long way off at this point in time. Finally, it is well known throughout the industry that the HTML5 web apps react significantly slower than Native OS apps in both UI and load speed. These factors combine to create a smoother, faster, and more intuitive user experience for a Native OS app. [![Which-is-Right-for-Your-Business-HTML5-or-Native-OS-img3](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/file-3419488945-png/blog-files/fig-1-phil-176x300.png?width=176&name=fig-1-phil-176x300.png "Which-is-Right-for-Your-Business-HTML5-or-Native-OS-img3")](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/file-3419488945-png/blog-files/fig-1-phil-176x300.png)The other main areas differences between these two approaches relate to security, monetization, and accessibility, which will vary in importance can be depending on what you want from your app. Native OS apps have better security since the code and URL strings are not accessible like they are in an HTML5 web app. If you happen to want your app to be accessible online, you’ll need to stick with Native OS. To rely on an existing app store for monetization, you’ll need to either build a Native OS app, or use a program like [PhoneGap](http://phonegap.com/) to “wrap” your HTML5 web app to make it appear as an app in the app store that users can download, although it only behaves as a link to the web app itself. Of course, selling your app through an app store means giving away a cut of the profit to the owner of that store/ HTML5 web apps allows you to create your own monetization strategy and avoid the App Store fees. In conclusion, it takes careful consideration of your business, and knowledge of each approach to make the right decision for you. Do you need a less expensive, low-frills, dynamic experience? If so, an HTML5 web app would be the best approach for you. However, if your major concerns are usability, performance, and security, and you have a little room in your development budget, then a Native OS approach is the way to go. In our opinion, until HTML5 can catch up to the user experience provided by Native OS apps, enterprise companies will almost always want to represent themselves with Native OS apps for the enhanced usability and unparaelleled user experience. In the coming months, Key Lime Interactive will be conducting a study to measure the current user experience of HTML5 web apps, so stay tuned for more detailed information in a future newsletter.     ###### More by this Author [Key Lime Interactive](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/author/key-lime-interactive) ##### You might also like ![3 Areas Where UX Can Help Build Brand Goodwill](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/pexels-monstera-rising%20revenue.jpg) [3 Areas Where UX Can Help Build Brand Goodwill](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/3-areas-where-ux-can-help-build-brand-goodwill) March 03, 2014 ![4 Ways UX Researchers Can Learn From Nonprofit Work](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Wavy_Lst-18_Single-01.jpg) [4 Ways UX Researchers Can Learn From Nonprofit Work](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/4-ways-ux-researchers-can-learn-from-nonprofit-work) March 03, 2014 ![Design Futures and Strategic Foresight](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/pexels-ivan-bertolazzi-2681319.jpg) [Design Futures and Strategic Foresight](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/design-futures-and-strategic-foresight) March 03, 2014 #### Comments [Add Comment](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/html5-or-native-os-which-is-right-for-your-business#comment-form) ABOUT KLI [Key Lime Interactive](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us)is a user experience research and service design agency, with a sweet spot for emerging technology. As UX experts, our goal is to make your life easier, optimize user experiences, and make the world a better place. - [Recent](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/html5-or-native-os-which-is-right-for-your-business#tabs-0) - [Popular](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/html5-or-native-os-which-is-right-for-your-business#tabs-1) ![Upsell with Purpose: Fueling SaaS Growth Through User Insight](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Multiethnic%20group%20of%20young%20people%20sitting%20in%20conference%20room%20and%20brainstorming%20on%20business%20meeting.jpeg) [Upsell with Purpose: Fueling SaaS Growth Through User Insight](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/upselling-in-a-saas-environment-with-a-user-centric-approach) Jun 26, 2018 ![5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Working with a UX Research Consultant](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Attractive%20businessman%20speaking%20with%20fellow%20coworkers.jpeg) [5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Working with a UX Research Consultant](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/5-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-working-with-a-ux-research-consultant) Jun 26, 2018 ![Designing Engagement Through Micro-Interactions](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/A%20closeup%20shot%20of%20a%20finger%20gently%20tapping%20a%20digital%20button%20on%20a%20sleek%2c%20modern%20interface.jpeg) [Designing Engagement Through Micro-Interactions](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/the-significance-of-micro-interactions-in-shaping-user-engagement-and-experience) Jun 26, 2018 ![What is the Keystroke-Level Model?](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Keystroke.jpg) [What is the Keystroke-Level Model?](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/what-is-the-keystroke-level-model) Jun 26, 2018 ![Current-State vs. Future-State Journey Mapping](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/destination-2386255_1280.jpg) [Current-State vs. Future-State Journey Mapping](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/current-state-vs.-future-state-journey-mapping) Jun 26, 2018 ![A History of Voice Technology](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202020-08-11%20at%2012.18.34%20PM.png) [A History of Voice Technology](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/history-of-voice-technology) Jun 26, 2018 Create a UX Strategy [![key-lime-interactive-ux](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/key-lime-interactive-ux.png?width=635&height=634&name=key-lime-interactive-ux.png)](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-strategy-design) ### Post By Topics - [Research Methods](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/research-methods) - [UX Strategy](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-strategy) - [Events & News](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/events-news) - [UX Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-research) - [User Experience](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-experience) - [User Interface](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-interface) - [UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux) - [News](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/news) - [Mobile UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/mobile-ux) - [Usability Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/usability-testing) - [Competitive Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-research) - [UX Design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-design) - [Eye tracking & Biometrics](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/eye-tracking-biometrics) - [Qualitative Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/qualitative-research) - [Customer Experience](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/customer-experience) - [Journey Mapping](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/journey-mapping) - [DEI](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/dei) - [Remote Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/remote-testing) - [User Experience Consultant](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-experience-consultant) - [VR](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/vr) - [XR](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/xr) - [Multicultural UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/multicultural-ux) - [Mobile Banking](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/mobile-banking) - [Quantitative Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/quantitative-research) - [App Development](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/app-development) - [User Experience Research Studies](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-experience-research-studies) - [Diversity Equity Inclusion](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/diversity-equity-inclusion) - [UI](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ui) - [Voice Technology](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/voice-technology) - [Accessibility](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/accessibility) - [Behavioral Personas](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/behavioral-personas) - [Diary Study & Ethnography](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/diary-study-ethnography) - [Global Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/global-research) - [Inclusivity Index](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/inclusivity-index) - [User Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-testing) - [Card Sort & Tree Test](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/card-sort-tree-test) - [Human-first Approach](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/human-first-approach) - [Personalization](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/personalization) - [CX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/cx) - [Diary Study](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/diary-study) - [In-Depth Interviews](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/in-depth-interviews) - [Inclusivity](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/inclusivity) - [A/B Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/a-b-testing) - [CX Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/cx-research) - [IDIs](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/idis) - [Bias](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/bias) - [Personas](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/personas) - [Research Participant Recruitment](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/research-participant-recruitment) - [Usability](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/usability) - [Women in UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/women-in-ux) - [Workshops](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/workshops) - [Customer Journey Mapping](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/customer-journey-mapping) - [Remote Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/remote-research) - [Research Analysis](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/research-analysis) - [UX Methods](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-methods) - [Webinars](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/webinars) - [Anthropology](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/anthropology) - [Competitive Benchmarking](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-benchmarking) - [Competitive Insights](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-insights) - [Competitive Intelligence](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-intelligence) - [Confirmation Bias](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/confirmation-bias) - [Ethnography](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ethnography) - [Gaming](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/gaming) - [Healthcare CX Design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/healthcare-cx-design) - [Healthcare Customer Experience Design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/healthcare-customer-experience-design) - [Heuristics](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/heuristics) - [Unmoderated](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/unmoderated) - [sample size calculation](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/sample-size-calculation) - [AI development](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ai-development) - [Biometrics](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/biometrics) - [Communication](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/communication) - [Competitive Intelligence Analysis](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-intelligence-analysis) - [Concept Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/concept-testing) - [Consultant](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/consultant) - [Custom Projects](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/custom-projects) - [Dedicated Services](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/dedicated-services) - [Digital Divide](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/digital-divide) - [Impact](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/impact) - [Keystroke Level Model](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/keystroke-level-model) - [Literature Review](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/literature-review) - [Negotiation in UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/negotiation-in-ux) - [Nonprofit UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/nonprofit-ux) - [Presentation](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/presentation) - [Rapid Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/rapid-research) - [Report](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/report) - [SaaS](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/saas) - [UX Templates](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-templates) - [World Usability Day](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/world-usability-day) - [digital design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/digital-design) - [persona](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/persona) - [user engagement](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-engagement) ![ ](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/aicpa-soc-certified.png) ![Logo of the National Minority Supplier Development Council with colorful abstract shapes and text.](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NMSDC-Logo-NATIONAL-1024x716.jpg) ![Logo with the text "Insights Association" and colorful squares forming a pattern above the text.](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/insights-association-logo-v2.png) ![](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/key-lime-interactive.svg) Your Trusted Partner for UX Research Key Lime Interactive - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) Resources - [Case Studies](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies) - [Events + Workshops](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) Company - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Security & Compliance](https://app.vanta.com/keylimeinteractive.com/trust/cylnxu23wx6pzvej7bloh9) - [Public Sector GSA](https://keylimeinteractive.com/public-sector-gsa-schedule/) Get in touch - [Contact Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/contact) © 2025 All Rights Reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://keylimeinteractive.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms of Use](https://keylimeinteractive.com/terms/)