Progressive web apps (PWAs) are revolutionizing the way we interact with websites and native apps. By combining the best of both worlds, PWAs load fast, work offline, and send push notifications without requiring users to download anything from an app store.

For brands, PWAs offer a cost-effective and efficient way to improve mobile experiences without building a native app. For users, they deliver app-like functionality with the convenience of a URL. In this article, we'll explore 50 PWA examples across various industries, showcasing what's possible with PWA technology and the results brands have achieved.

What Is a Progressive Web App?

A progressive web app is a website built using modern web technologies that delivers an app-like experience. PWAs can:

  • Load instantly on slow or unreliable networks
  • Work offline, using cached content when there's no connection
  • Send push notifications to re-engage users without an app install
  • Be installed on the home screen, without going through an app store

The term "progressive" refers to how these apps work for every user, regardless of browser or device, while progressively enhancing the experience for users with modern browsers.

Major Brands and PWAs

Leading brands are leveraging PWAs to reduce load times, increase engagement, and reach users who won't download a native app. The examples below show how different industries apply PWA technology:

Ecommerce & Retail PWAs

Starbucks

Starbucks built their PWA to let customers browse the menu and customize orders, even without a reliable internet connection. The offline-first design was essential for reaching customers in areas with spotty connectivity.

Results: 2x more daily active users among web visitors

What stands out: Offline ordering capability, seamless loyalty integration

Jumia

Jumia's PWA loads fast on slow connections and uses minimal data. Users can browse products and add items to cart even when offline.

Results: 33% higher conversion rate, 50% lower bounce rate, 12x more users compared to their previous mobile site (Source: Google)

What stands out: Data-light design, offline browsing

Alibaba

Alibaba's PWA targets mobile web users who aren't ready to commit to downloading an app. The PWA delivers a fast, app-like browsing experience that works across all browsers and devices.

Results: 76% higher conversion rate across browsers, 4x higher interaction rate from Add to Home Screen (Source: Google)

What stands out: Cross-browser consistency, home screen installation prompt

OLX.in

OLX.in's PWA delivers a robust category system for buyers and sellers. Users can easily search for specific products or score great deals.

Results: Higher CTR on ads, 80% drop in bounce rates since transitioning to PWA (Source: Google)

What stands out: Push notifications even in offline mode, easy camera-integration feature, search history feature

Flipkart

Flipkart's PWA offers a streamlined online purchase process and accurate search capability.

Results: Improved shopping experience, increased conversions

What stands out: Push notifications for latest news and updates, consistent online purchase process

Pure Formulas

Pure Formulas developed a PWA to improve their website and mobile app's checkout process. The result was higher conversions and an increase in average order value (AOV).

What stands out: Convenient checkout process, minimalist design, light device storage requirement, highly secured transactions

AliExpress

AliExpress built their PWA to reduce the friction of their mobile web experience. The app loads quickly even on 2G connections and uses push notifications to bring users back for flash sales and order updates.

Results: 104% increase in conversion rate for new users, 2x more pages visited per session, 74% more time spent on site

What stands out: Fast load times on slow networks, effective push notification strategy

Target

Target introduced a PWA after discovering its customers began their journey on mobile devices and completed purchases on computers. The result was improved shopping experiences.

What stands out: Swift app development capabilities, seamless user experience