If you’re starting a business and choosing between desktop vs. web apps, or looking to move from one model to another, stay with us and discover the pros and cons of each.
Let’s start from the basics, defining what each application is all about.
What Are Desktop Applications?
A desktop application is basically software you download and install directly onto your computer. Once you complete the installation, it runs on your device’s operating system – such as Windows or macOS. Its main characteristic is that it remains on your hard drive and is ready to open at any time, regardless of whether you have an internet connection or not, although most require a connection for additional features.
They run locally, so they can easily tap into your computer’s resources. Which means they are faster and, in most cases, perform better when working with bigger amounts of data. If you’ve ever worked in Photoshop, you probably know the difference in performance when using desktop vs an online photo editor (most of which lag constantly).
For all these reasons, they are ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D modelling. However, they have some drawbacks, which typically include installation requirements and compatibility issues between operating systems. They might be pretty heavy and use a lot of memory. Additionally, there is a need for regular manual updates.
What Are Web Applications?
On the other hand, web applications reside within your browser. You don’t have to install anything – they run on remote servers. You simply log in through your browser of choice (e.g. Chrome, Safari, or Firefox) and you’re up and running. All your data is stored remotely, and you don’t need to sacrifice your devices’ capacity.
So, yes, web app is just a less popular name for websites.
What’s the fundamental prerequisite they need to run? Internet connectivity. That means their performance can vary depending on your connection speed.
Their considerable strength lies in accessibility – they aren’t tied to one device. It doesn’t matter if you’re at your office desk or on your smartphone while commuting. You can simply log in and continue where you left off.
Web vs Desktop Applications: The Key Differences
Although roughly mentioned above, to get a clearer picture of the differences between desktop apps vs. web apps, we organized them in a comparison table, putting them side by side:
| Feature | Desktop Applications | Web Applications |
| Installation | Installed locally on the device | No installation, browser-based |
| Accessibility | Limited to one device | Accessible from any device with a browser |
| Performance | Fast, hardware-dependent | Internet and server-dependent – may lag |
| Updates | Manual or semi-automatic | Instant, handled in the cloud |
| Scalability | Low – it’s hard to centralize data, control the updates etc | High – cloud hosting allows for quickly accommodating to traffic growth |
| Security and Privacy Issues | Better shield | May face risks |
Choosing between desktop and web applications often comes down to how software is installed and accessed. Desktop apps need to be installed on each machine, which can slow down deployment and increase IT overhead. Web applications eliminate that friction. They’re browser-based, so users can access them instantly from any device without manual setup.
The performance and scalability of each model highlight deeper architectural differences. Desktop apps typically run faster because they use local hardware directly. But they don’t scale easily—updates are manual, data is stored locally, and adding users can be complex. Web applications are built to scale. They run in the cloud, so updates can be rolled out instantly and performance can be managed centrally with more servers, better caching, and elastic infrastructure. While web apps may introduce some latency, they’re far better equipped to handle growing user bases and data volumes.
Security and privacy concerns are valid on both sides but take different forms. Desktop applications can offer stronger local control, especially when data never leaves the user’s device. But without centralized management, users may skip important updates or create inconsistent security postures.
Web applications centralize control, making it easier to enforce security policies and push patches immediately. However, they must guard against a wider range of threats across browsers, networks, and server infrastructure.
So, go for desktop if:
- You need offline functionality or operate in low-connectivity environments
- The app must access local hardware (e.g. GPUs, USBs, file systems)
- Performance is critical and must rely on the user’s machine
- Security policies prevent cloud-based data storage
- Your audience uses the software in a fixed, controlled environment
Go for web if:
- You want to support users across multiple devices
- Frequent updates and bug fixes are part of your process
- Collaboration or real-time syncing is important
- You need to scale to a large or global user base
- You prefer centralized data management and cloud infrastructure
What Are The Benefits of Web-Based Applications
The global move from desktop to web application has started during the bigger adoption of cloud technology. And it has already been adopted by many global tech companies.
Microsoft, once known for desktop-only products, now drives its productivity suite through Office 365 online. Adobe, long associated with heavy desktop programs, has created cloud-based versions accessible through browsers. QuickBooks, a desktop accounting staple, has evolved into QuickBooks Online.
Here are the main reasons behind the increasing trend in the business world to shift from desktop to web:
- Easier access – more users
Web apps allow users to work across devices, without being tied down to a single computer. In a world where remote and hybrid work are the new norm, you can imagine how essential this can be.
- Lower maintenance on user end
With web-based software, you say goodbye to manual updating. Adiós. Since updates occur on the server, everything is managed behind the scenes without your intervention. So, users don’t have to worry about downloading the latest version. You just enjoy the newest app version each time.
- Real-time collaboration
Another benefit of web-based applications is that they allow multiple users to work together simultaneously. This takes instant collaboration to the next level and is extremely time-saving. Desktop apps, on the other hand, struggle to replicate this feature.
- Scalability
The potential of scaling is always an issue once you get out of the startup phase. Web applications offer this opportunity. Businesses can quickly expand usage without worrying about every user’s hardware. The cloud does all the “dirty” job and handles the heavy lifting.
With all the above benefits of web-based applications in mind, you can easily understand why companies invest in migrating existing products and shifting from desktop to web.
What Does The Future of Applications Hold
The software world is moving toward hybrid models that leverage both types of apps. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a typical example that strikes the perfect balance between the two.
How? By running in a browser while offering offline functionality and installable versions. This evolution suggests that the divide between web and desktop applications will continue to narrow.
Ready To Take Your Business From Desktop to Web?
If you’re thinking of shifting from desktop to web, UniRidge has you covered. Our team specializes in helping businesses build and convert applications for the future.
We’re just a call away – ready to make your app smarter, faster, and cloud-ready.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between web and desktop applications?
It’s actually hidden in their names. Desktop apps are installed locally on a device and run within the device’s operating system. Web apps, on the other hand, run inside a browser, and you can access them via an internet connection and via various devices.
2. Is it easy to convert a desktop app to a web app?
It’s possible to begin with. The level of ease will depend on various factors, though. Overall, it’s not something that is done overnight. It requires careful planning, the right technology, and cloud hosting.
3. Are desktop apps going away gradually?
The scales between desktop vs. web applications tip in favour of web apps. Undeniably. But that doesn’t mean that desktop apps will disappear entirely. They will continue to represent the stronger option for resource-heavy tasks like video editing or 3D design.
