Within the mobile computing sector, web apps are sometimes contrasted with native apps, which are applications developers build specifically for a particular platform or device and install on that device. Native apps can commonly make use of device-specific hardware, such as a GPS or camera on a mobile native app.

Programs that combine the two approaches are sometimes referred to as hybrid applications. Hybrid apps work similar to web apps but install to the device as a native app would. Hybrid apps can also take advantage of device-specific resources by using internal APIs.

Downloaded native apps can sometimes operate offline; however, hybrid apps don't have this functionality. A hybrid app will typically share similar navigation elements to a web app since they are primarily based on web apps.