You probably use web apps (web applications) every day without calling them that. Gmail, Netflix, Facebook and your online bank all open in a browser, just like a website, but they do far more than show information. This guide explains what a web app is, with real examples, from a small calculator to the biggest services in the world.
What is a web app?
A web app is a program that runs in your web browser. You don't download or install anything: you open an address, and you can start using it on a computer, tablet or phone.
The difference from an ordinary website is what you do there. A website mainly shows things: who you are, what you offer, how to get in touch. A web app lets people do things: log in, save their own data, book, calculate, upload, buy or track something. What appears on the screen changes depending on who is using it and what they have done before.
Web apps you already use every day
Many of the best-known online services are web apps. They all run in the browser, and most of them also have a phone app built on the same system.
- Gmail and Outlook, your own inbox: you read, write, sort and search your emails.
- Netflix and YouTube, everyone sees different recommendations, the service remembers where you stopped and manages your subscription.
- Facebook and Instagram, profiles, posts, messages, likes and a feed that is different for every user.
- Google Docs and Canva, documents and designs you create, save and share, even with several people working at once.
- Spotify (in the browser), playlists, search and your own library.
- Online banking, your balance, transfers and statements behind a secure login.
- Booking.com and Airbnb, searching, live availability, booking and paying.
- Google Maps, search, directions and saved places.
Three levels: from a small tool to Netflix
Not every web app is a giant. It helps to think of three levels.
1. Simple web apps, one clear task
A focused tool that does one job well: a calculator, a quote estimator, a quiz, a booking form or a personal tracker. Often there is no login, or only a simple one. For a small business, a tool like this can make life easier for customers: they can get a price or work out what they need in a few minutes, without having to call.
- Pergola Calculator, design a pergola in 3D and see the material list and the cost straight away.
- Budgeting App, record income and expenses, see charts, plan ahead and manage loans.
- Maths Challenge, a maths practice game for children with levels, timed rounds and daily challenges.
2. Business web apps, accounts, permissions and workflows
Systems that support the everyday work of a company: users log in, have different permissions, and the data builds up over time. They often replace spreadsheets, email threads and paper forms. Online shops and booking systems belong here too.
- Client Portal, new clients see which documents are needed, upload them and follow the status of each one.
- LaunchTrack LMS, staff training: courses that unlock in order, quizzes, certificates and an overview of who has finished.
- Quote Tracker, every quote in one place, automatic reminders and one-click acceptance for the customer.
- Rental Tracker: what equipment is out, with whom and until when, with fees, deposits and a signed handover record.
- WorkCafe, a café finder for remote workers with a live map, filters, accounts and check-ins.
3. Large platforms, millions of users
Netflix, Gmail and Facebook are at the far end: millions of users at the same time, huge amounts of data, and large teams working on them for years. A small business doesn't need anything like this, but the basic idea is the same as at the first two levels: people log in, do something, and the system remembers it.
Website or web app: which do you need?
- If you mainly want people to find you, understand what you offer and contact you, a website is enough.
- If customers or staff need to log in, save their own data or complete a process online, you need a web app.
- Many businesses use both: a website that brings in customers, and a smaller web app behind it that saves time every day.
There's a more detailed comparison in Website or web app: which one do you actually need?
What does a web app cost?
A focused web app with one main feature starts at £440. One with several screens and user accounts starts at £580. A full-featured app with dashboards starts at £720. Custom business systems are priced after a short conversation about how your work runs today. You can see the details on the Pricing page.
You don't need to know the technical words. Tell me what you'd like people to be able to do, and we'll work out together whether you need a website, a web app, or both.