Updated September 2026 · Written and maintained by the Progression Agency strategy team
Progression Agency provides progressive web app development: web applications that install to the home screen, work offline, send push notifications and load fast on any device, from one codebase, without an app store in the way.
On this page · 11 sections
- What is a progressive web app?
- PWA development services
- Key features and components
- Common integrations
- Platform capabilities and limits
- Our progressive web app development process
- How much does progressive web app development cost?
- Technology we typically use
- Mistakes to avoid
- Why choose Progression Agency for progressive web app development?
- Related services
The short answerA progressive web app (PWA) is a website built to behave like an installed app: it can be added to the home screen, cache content for offline use, send push notifications and launch full-screen, using a web app manifest and a service worker. PWA development commonly costs $25,000-$120,000 as a planning figure, less than building native iOS and Android apps separately.
Cost ranges are US planning figures, not quotes.
What is a progressive web app?
A progressive web app is a web application that uses modern browser capabilities, a web app manifest and a service worker so it can be installed, work offline, run full-screen and send notifications, while remaining a normal, linkable, indexable website.
Publicly described examples of progressive web apps include Starbucks’ ordering PWA, Pinterest’s mobile web app and Uber’s m.uber.com; each chose the web to reach users on low-end devices and slow networks without an install step. See web app development and cross-platform app development for the alternatives.
PWA development services
Projects we are most often asked to build.
New progressive web apps
Ordering, booking, content and internal-tool PWAs built with React or Next.js, a manifest and a service worker.
Converting a website into a PWA
Adding installability, offline caching and notifications to an existing site without a rebuild.
Offline-first business apps
Field and retail tools that keep working without a connection and sync when it returns.
Push notification strategy
Permission flows and campaigns that re-engage without annoying users, including iOS web push.
Performance engineering
Core Web Vitals, app-shell architecture and caching that make the app feel native.
PWA vs native assessment
A written recommendation on whether a PWA, cross-platform or native app fits your users and features.
A written recommendation on whether a PWA, cross-platform or native app fits your users and features.
Key features and components
What separates a useful build from a costly one.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Web app manifest | Installable with icon and name |
| Service worker | Offline and caching |
| HTTPS | Required and secure |
| Responsive UI | Every screen size |
| Push notifications | Re-engagement |
| App shell | Instant loading |
| Background sync | Reliable submissions |
| Lighthouse-tested | Measurable quality |
Common integrations
Where the value usually comes from.
| System | What we connect |
|---|---|
| Frameworks | React, Next.js, Vue |
| Backend | APIs from your existing systems |
| Push | Web Push, Firebase |
| Payments | Stripe, Apple Pay and Google Pay on the web |
| Analytics | GA4, Mixpanel |
| Auth | OAuth, passkeys |
Platform capabilities and limits
PWAs can do most of what business apps need; the limits are worth knowing before you choose.
- Capabilities and browser support are documented at web.dev and MDN.
- iOS supports installed PWAs and web push (iOS 16.4 and later) with some limits compared with native apps.
- Deep hardware access such as Bluetooth or background location is limited on some platforms; we say when native is the better route.
- A PWA can also be packaged for the app stores where store presence matters.
Our progressive web app development process
We confirm the users and devices, decide the offline and caching strategy, design a responsive installable interface, build the manifest, service worker and app, test on real devices and with Lighthouse, launch on HTTPS with install prompts and measure installs and engagement.
How much does progressive web app development cost?
As planning figures, converting an existing site into a PWA commonly costs $10,000-$30,000, a new business PWA $25,000-$80,000 and an offline-first operational app $60,000-$120,000.
| Scope | Typical range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Convert an existing site | $10,000-$30,000 | 3-6 weeks |
| New business PWA | $25,000-$80,000 | 2-4 months |
| Offline-first operational PWA | $60,000-$120,000 | 3-5 months |
Technology we typically use
Mainstream, maintainable choices.
| Layer | Choice |
|---|---|
| Front end | React, Next.js |
| PWA | Web app manifest, service worker, Workbox |
| Push | Web Push API |
| Hosting | Vercel, AWS, Azure |
| Testing | Lighthouse, real devices |
| Store packaging | PWABuilder when needed |
Mistakes to avoid
Common causes of overruns and low adoption.
- Choosing a PWA for features that need deep hardware access.
- No offline strategy.
- Asking for notification permission on first visit.
- Ignoring iOS-specific limits.
- Skipping Lighthouse and real-device testing.
- Using a generic PWA builder for a product that needs custom flows.
Why choose Progression Agency for progressive web app development?
Engineering, design and go-to-market in one team.
- Web engineers who also build native apps, so the recommendation is honest.
- Offline-first experience for operational tools.
- Performance measured, not assumed.
- You own the code, data and accounts.
- Headquartered in New York City, working nationwide.
Related services
See web app development, cross-platform app development, native app development and app development cost.
Ready to scope it?
Tell us the users, workflow and systems involved. We will propose a first release and planning estimate.
Getting found in search
AI, AEO and what is changing
Paid media and lead generation
Websites and design
Choosing and working with an agency
Software and app development
- Mobile app development company
- Software development company
- Software consulting services
- AI consulting services
- UI/UX design services
- .NET development services
- Desktop application development
- AR/VR app development
- Wearable app development
- EHR software development
- Hire dedicated developers
- Software development life cycle
- Web application development
- AI app development
- AI agent development
- AI chatbot development
- AI integration services
- Cross-platform app development
- React Native app development
- Flutter app development
- Native app development
- iOS app development
- Android app development
- IoT app development
- MVP development
- SaaS development
- Enterprise app development
- App development outsourcing
- Hire app developers
- App development cost
- How to build an app
- App development tools
- Agile software development
- Custom CRM development
- ERP development
- Web portal development
- Marketplace development
- Dashboard development
- API development
- Backend development services
- Healthcare software development
- Healthcare app development
- Telemedicine app development
- Fintech software development
- Insurance software development
- Logistics software development
- Manufacturing software development
- Real estate software development
- Education software development
- Retail software development
- Ecommerce app development
- Delivery app development
- Restaurant app development
- Fitness app development
- Dating app development
- Taxi app development
- Travel app development
- Social media app development
- Video streaming app development
- App development in NYC
- App development in Dallas
- App development in Los Angeles
- App development in Houston
- App development in Atlanta
- App development in Austin
- App development in Miami
- App development in Chicago
- App development in San Diego
Social, content and brand
By industry and by situation
Related guides on platforms, frameworks and hosting
A progressive web app is a rendering and hosting decision as much as a feature set. See SSR vs CSR vs SSG, Next.js vs React and hosting for React and Next.js apps; for the native alternative see React Native vs Flutter.
- React development company: PWA engineering in React.
- Website speed optimization: PWAs live or die on Core Web Vitals.
- Vercel vs Netlify: PWA hosting.
- Front-end development company: design systems for app-like sites.
Frequently asked questions
What is a progressive web app?
What is an example of a progressive web app?
How much does PWA development cost?
How long does building a progressive web app take?
Is a PWA better than a native app?
Do PWAs work on iPhone?
Can a PWA send push notifications?
Can a PWA work offline?
Should I use a progressive web app builder?
Can you convert my existing website into a PWA?
Do PWAs help SEO?
Can a PWA be listed in the app stores?
What is a service worker?
What is a web app manifest?
Which frameworks do you use?
Do you build offline-first field apps as PWAs?
How do you measure a PWA?
Do you provide maintenance?
Who owns the code?
Where is Progression Agency located?
What is a progressive web application development service?
How do progressive web app development companies price work?
Planning an app?We design, build, launch and maintain iOS, Android and web apps, with a written scope before any code.
Get a free marketing proposal
Tell us what you are trying to grow and we will come back with a plan, not a pitch deck. Same-day reply on weekdays.