Wait, you're still installing software?
Remember downloading a desktop app, installing endless updates, and crossing your fingers it worked on your system? Yeah, those days should be behind us.
Smart businesses are ditching all that hassle and going web-first. Why? Because web apps are low-maintenance, always available, and work from anywhere. Let's break down why they're winning and where desktop still makes sense.
Web apps: the new business BFF
Here's why smart businesses are making the switch:
Work from anywhere, no IT degree required
Your team's spread across cafés, coworking spaces, and airport lounges. Web apps don't care. They run in any browser: laptop, phone, tablet, whatever you've got.
No downloads. No "is this compatible with macOS?" panic. Updates happen automatically, so your team's always on the same version no matter where they are.
App vibes, minus the app store
Progressive web apps (PWAs) feel like native apps: offline access, push notifications, fast loading, but live in your browser.
I once saw a small bakery use a PWA so customers could order cakes on their phones, no app store required. Notifications alone boosted engagement by 120%.
For startups, PWAs offer app-like polish without the time and money sink of building native iOS and Android apps.
Save money, skip the drama
Desktop apps are like high-maintenance relationships. You need separate versions for every OS, and every update turns into a mini project.
Web apps? One version, hosted online, maintained by the provider. A SaaS founder I know cut their IT budget by 30% after switching to web-based tools. Pay a subscription, skip the server stress, and get back to business.
Made for the mobile world
Over 60% of internet traffic comes from phones. Your team and customers expect tools that work wherever they are.
Web apps let you run your store, manage your team, or tweak marketing campaigns, all just from a browser. I've knocked out social posts from my phone while waiting at an airport. Try that with desktop Photoshop.
Even the big players are going web-first
Microsoft now offers virtual desktops straight from the browser. Teams? Basically a web app with a desktop wrapper.
Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Cloud, they're all pushing toward the browser. If the giants are betting on web apps, they're probably onto something.
Keep customers engaged
Web apps make it easy to stay top of mind. Push notifications remind customers about sales, appointments, or updates.
One business I worked with saw engagement double just by switching from email to browser-based notifications. No downloads, no friction, just a smoother experience that keeps people coming back.
When desktop apps still win
Of course, web apps aren't perfect for every situation. Here are the key scenarios where desktop still makes sense:
Creative muscle
If you're editing video, producing audio, or designing print assets, you'll want desktop apps. Browsers just can't match the GPU power for heavy-duty creative work.
A friend at a marketing agency still relies on Premiere Pro to render client videos. Web tools just don't cut it for jobs that size (yet).
Need offline access or strict security?
Some businesses need full control: offline access, no external servers, or strict compliance. Desktop apps still rule here.
Think financial services, healthcare, or air-gapped environments where every byte matters. Web apps are getting stronger, but sometimes you still need that physical install.
Tied to specific hardware?
If you rely on custom gear, like manufacturing rigs or barcode scanners, then desktop apps integrate better.
A logistics startup I know still uses desktop software to sync with their warehouse robots. It's not flashy, but it works, and for them, it's critical.
Choose what fits your business
For most businesses, web apps are the obvious choice. They're cheaper, easier to deploy, and work from anywhere. Whether you're managing a remote team or running an online store, they've got you covered.
But if you're in a creative field, offline-first, or hardware-tied, desktop still has a place.
Let's build something great! Get in touch with us to bring your web app idea to life.