Web App vs Website — What's the Difference?
The web app vs website question is one of the most common things UK business owners ask us. The answer matters because it determines what you build, how much it costs, and whether it actually solves your problem. This guide breaks down the differences in plain English so you can make the right decision for your business.
Simple Definitions
What Is a Website?
A website is a collection of pages that display information. Visitors browse content, read about your services, view images, and fill in contact forms. A website is primarily a one-way communication tool — you publish, they consume. Think of it as your digital shopfront or brochure.
Examples include company homepages, blogs, portfolio sites, landing pages, and informational pages.
What Is a Web App?
A web application is interactive software that runs in a browser. Users log in, perform tasks, manage data, and interact with dynamic content personalised to them. A web app is a two-way tool — users input data, trigger actions, and get results back.
Examples include client portals, booking systems, dashboards, project management tools, and inventory management platforms. For a deeper explanation, read What Is a Web App?
Key Differences at a Glance
Here is how websites and web apps compare across the factors that matter most to business owners:
- Purpose: A website informs and attracts visitors. A web app enables users to complete tasks and manage data.
- Interactivity: Websites are mostly static — users read and navigate. Web apps are dynamic — users create, edit, delete, and interact with data.
- Authentication: Most websites do not require a login. Most web apps do, because each user has personalised data and permissions.
- Complexity: Websites are relatively straightforward to build. Web apps require backend logic, databases, APIs, and often third-party integrations.
- Cost: A professional website typically costs £1,500 to £5,000. A custom web app starts from £3,000 for an MVP and can range to £25,000 or more for a full application.
- Maintenance: Websites need occasional content updates and security patches. Web apps require ongoing monitoring, bug fixes, feature updates, and database management.
- Users: Website visitors are typically anonymous browsers. Web app users are identified, authenticated individuals with specific roles and permissions.
When You Need a Website
A website is the right choice when your primary goal is to be found online, explain what you do, and generate enquiries. You need a website if:
- You want to establish a professional online presence for your business.
- Your main goal is to attract visitors through search engines and convert them into leads.
- You need to showcase your portfolio, services, or products.
- You want a blog or content marketing platform to build authority in your industry.
- Your business model does not require users to log in or manage data online.
For most businesses, a website is the starting point. It is your digital foundation — the place people land when they search for what you do.
When You Need a Web App
A web app is the right choice when your business needs software that people use, not just pages that people read. You need a web app if:
- Users need to log in and see personalised information, such as their orders, projects, or account data.
- Your team needs an internal tool to manage operations — scheduling, inventory, client data, reporting.
- You want to automate manual processes like invoicing, status updates, or task assignment.
- Clients need self-service access to check progress, download documents, or book services.
- You are building a SaaS product or a platform that other businesses will subscribe to.
See real examples of what businesses build: Examples of Business Web Applications.
When You Need Both
Many businesses need both a website and a web app — and they serve different audiences.
Your website is your public face. It attracts potential customers, explains your services, and builds trust. Your web app is your operational engine. It is where clients log in to use your service, or where your team manages day-to-day work.
Here are common examples of businesses that use both:
- A fitness studio has a marketing website to attract new members and a web app where members book classes, track progress, and manage their membership.
- An accountancy firm has a website showcasing their services and a client portal where businesses upload documents, view tax returns, and communicate with their accountant.
- A SaaS company has a public website explaining the product with pricing and testimonials, and the actual software product that paying users log into.
If you are unsure which you need, we can help you figure it out. Explore our Complete Guide to Custom Web App Development for more context, or view our web application services.
Examples to Make It Concrete
Sometimes the easiest way to understand the difference is through examples you already use:
- BBC News is a website. You visit, read articles, and leave. You do not log in or manage data.
- Gmail is a web app. You log in, compose emails, organise your inbox, and manage contacts. It is software you use.
- A restaurant's homepage showing their menu and location is a website. An online ordering system where customers build their order, pay, and track delivery is a web app.
- A law firm's "About Us" page is a website. A secure client portal where clients review case documents and sign contracts is a web app.
The distinction is not about technology — it is about what the user does when they arrive. If they read, it is a website. If they do things, it is a web app.
Frequently Asked Questions
A website is primarily informational — it displays content for visitors to read. A web app is interactive software that users log into to perform tasks, manage data, and complete workflows. A website is like a brochure you hand out. A web app is like a tool your team and clients use every day.
Yes, and many businesses do. A marketing website attracts visitors and generates leads, while a web app provides the actual service or internal tool. For example, a SaaS company has a public website explaining the product, and a web app that paying customers log into to use it.
Generally, yes. Websites are simpler to build because they primarily display content. Web apps require backend logic, databases, user authentication, and often complex business rules. A brochure website might cost £1,500 to £5,000, while a custom web app typically starts from £3,000 for an MVP and ranges up to £25,000 or more for a full business application.
Not Sure Whether You Need a Website or a Web App?
We will help you figure it out. Tell us what your business does and what problems you are trying to solve, and we will recommend the right approach — no obligation, no jargon.