12+ Pioneering Progressive Web App Examples That Redefine Mobile Experiences

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are changing how we experience mobile content. They are also redefining what an “app” can be. PWAs combine the reach of the web with the functionality of native apps. They offer fast loading, offline access, push notifications, and smooth performance across devices. This allows businesses to engage users in ways that weren’t possible before. 

In this article, we explore 12+ pioneering progressive web app examples that are pushing mobile experiences forward and inspiring new ideas for connecting with audiences in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Overview of Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) combine the best features of web and mobile applications. They deliver fast, reliable, and engaging experiences across all devices. Many progressive web app examples show how top brands use this technology. PWAs help increase user engagement, improve performance, and grow businesses. Unlike native apps, PWAs are built with standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Users can access them directly through browsers without installing anything from app stores.

Key Benefits of PWAs:

• Enhanced Performance: PWAs load fast and run smoothly. They work well even on slow or unreliable networks. This is possible thanks to service workers and caching.
• Offline Capabilities: Users can use the app even without an internet connection. This ensures the service continues without interruption.
• App-Like Experience: PWAs provide features such as push notifications, home screen icons, and full-screen mode. These make the app feel like a native application.
• SEO Advantages: Since PWAs are web-based, search engines can index them. This improves their discoverability and boosts organic reach.
• Cost Efficiency: Building one PWA for all platforms is cheaper than creating separate native apps. It also lowers maintenance costs.

How PWAs Differ from Native Apps

Native apps must be developed separately for iOS and Android. They are installed through app stores and usually take up more device storage. PWAs are different. They work on any platform, can be accessed via a URL, and update instantly without downloads. PWAs are lighter, easier to maintain, and offer many interactive features like native apps. 

For more details, see differences between progressive web app vs native app.

PWAs use a modern web app architecture for scalability, easy maintenance, and high performance. They rely on service workers, web manifests, responsive design, and modern JavaScript frameworks. This setup ensures a fast, reliable, and app-like experience on all devices and network conditions.

12+ Groundbreaking Examples of Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) combine the strengths of web and mobile apps. They provide fast, reliable, and app-like experiences directly in the browser. Many businesses use PWAs to improve performance and engagement. These 12+ examples of the best progressive web apps, including Alibaba, Flipkart, Twitter Lite, and Spotify, show how PWA technology boosts user satisfaction.

E-commerce 

E-commerce brands are using progressive web app examples. They choose these apps from the list of progressive web apps. PWAs deliver fast, reliable, and app-like shopping experiences directly in the browser. They help online retailers load pages quickly. They increase conversion rates. They let users shop smoothly, even on slow or unstable networks.

1. Alibaba

Alibaba is the world’s largest B2B e-commerce platform. Mobile usage for browsing and online transactions has grown significantly. Requiring users to download a native app created barriers due to app size and network limits. To solve this, Alibaba implemented a leading progressive web app example. This PWA uses both web and mobile features. It gives a smooth experience. Users don’t need to install it.

After launching the PWA, Alibaba reported impressive results:

• Mobile conversion rates went up by 76% after the PWA was launched.
• Monthly active users grew on both platforms. iOS saw a 14% increase, and Android grew by 30%, showing the PWA effectively attracts and retains users.
• Engagement with the "Add to Home Screen" feature increased four times. This shows users were more willing to interact with the web app.

These results show that switching to a PWA improves performance and user experience. It also brings real business benefits for e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.

2. Flipkart

Flipkart, India’s largest e-commerce platform, recognized the growing demand for a fast and seamless mobile shopping experience, especially for users in areas with slow internet connections. However, requiring users to install a native app created barriers due to app size and accessibility. To overcome this, Flipkart launched Flipkart Lite, one of the most notable progressive web app examples (PWAs), combining the advantages of web and mobile apps to deliver an app-like experience directly in the browser without requiring installation.

Results:

• 70% increase in conversion rates compared to the previous mobile site, leading to more purchases and higher sales.
• 3x more time spent on site, with users engaging for an average of 3.5 minutes, up from just 70 seconds on the previous mobile site.
• 40% higher re-engagement rate, indicating that users were more likely to return and interact with the site.
• 70% greater conversion rate among users who added the site to their home screen, highlighting the effectiveness of the PWA's installability feature.
• 3x lower data usage, making the site more accessible for users with limited data plans.

These results highlight Flipkart Lite as a clear example of the impact of progressive mobile apps in e-commerce, improving user experience while driving revenue and business growth.

3. Twitter Lite

Twitter Lite is a globally popular social media platform where users share news, updates, and multimedia content in real time. Recognizing the growing demand for a fast and seamless mobile experience, especially for users in areas with slow network connections or low-storage devices, Twitter launched Twitter Lite, one of the standout progressive web app examples (PWAs). This solution combines the advantages of web and mobile apps, allowing users to access the platform directly in their browser without installing an app, providing an experience nearly identical to a native app.

After implementing the PWA, Twitter Lite achieved impressive results:

• 65% increase in pages viewed per session.
• 75% increase in tweets sent.
• 20% reduction in bounce rate.
• 70% reduction in data consumption due to optimized images and content.
• Page load times under 3 seconds for returning visitors, even on slow networks.
• Over 10 million push notifications are delivered daily.

These results demonstrate that adopting a PWA not only enhances performance and user experience but also delivers tangible business benefits for social media platforms like Twitter.

Social Media

Social media platforms are leveraging progressive web app examples (PWAs) to offer fast, reliable, and engaging experiences directly in the browser. These PWAs are also considered among popular web based application examples, as they help reduce app size, improve load times, and enable offline access, making it easier for users to stay connected anytime, anywhere.

4. Telegram

Telegram, a secure and cross-platform messaging app, serves millions of users worldwide. To expand accessibility and enhance the mobile user experience, Telegram launched Telegram PWA, one of the notable progressive web app examples (PWAs). This solution combines the benefits of web and mobile apps, allowing users to access Telegram directly in their browser without installing the app, while providing an experience nearly identical to a native app.

After implementing the PWA, Telegram achieved notable results:

• Over 1 billion monthly active users as of March 2025, marking a significant milestone in Telegram’s growth 
• Improved accessibility across various devices and browsers, expanding reach and community growth.
• Enhanced performance and user experience, delivering smooth operation even on weak or unstable networks.
• Strengthened security and privacy features, maintaining Telegram’s commitment to protecting user data and personal information

5. Pinterest

Pinterest, a platform for sharing images and creative ideas, serves hundreds of millions of users worldwide. To improve the mobile experience, especially in areas with slow network connections, Pinterest introduced its PWA as a leading example of progressive web app examples. This approach leverages the benefits of both web and mobile apps, enabling users to access Pinterest directly in their browser without installation, while providing an experience nearly identical to a native app.

After implementing the PWA, Pinterest achieved impressive results:

• Reduced page load time: First contentful paint decreased from 4.2 seconds to 1.8 seconds, and full interaction time dropped from 23 seconds to 5.6 seconds, even on slow 3G networks.
• Improved performance and user experience: Pinterest PWA scored in the top 2% in all categories on Google Lighthouse tests.
• User growth: Within six months of launch, over 800,000 weekly users were engaging with Pinterest PWA directly from their home screens, almost like a native app.
• Enhanced accessibility: Pinterest PWA supports right-to-left languages and night mode, expanding access for users worldwide.

These results demonstrate that adopting a PWA not only improves performance and user experience but also delivers significant business benefits for content-sharing platforms like Pinterest.

Entertainment

Entertainment platforms are using progressive web app examples (PWAs) to provide fast, reliable, and app-like experiences directly in the browser. With the rise of progressive web application development, these PWAs help reduce load times, enable offline access, and improve engagement, offering users seamless access to music, news, and media content.

6. Spotify

Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform, serves hundreds of millions of users globally. To enhance the mobile user experience, especially in regions with slow network connections, Spotify launched Spotify PWA, one of the most prominent progressive web app examples (PWAs). This solution combines the advantages of web and mobile apps, allowing users to access Spotify directly in their browser without installing an app, providing an experience nearly identical to a native app.

After implementing the PWA, Spotify achieved notable results:

• Enhanced performance and user experience: Users reported smooth playback and a seamless interface, often outperforming the desktop app experience.
• Reduced storage and data usage: Spotify PWA saves device memory and mobile data, enabling convenient music streaming even on unstable network connections.
• Expanded accessibility: The PWA supports multiple languages and works across various devices and browsers, broadening user reach and community growth.

7. Forbes

Forbes, a leading global business magazine, serves millions of readers worldwide. To improve mobile user experience, especially in regions with slow network connections, Forbes launched its PWA as a notable example among progressive web app examples. This approach combines the benefits of web and mobile apps, allowing users to access Forbes directly in their browser without installing an app, while delivering an experience very similar to a native application.

After implementing the PWA, Forbes achieved notable results:

• Faster page load times: First contentful paint decreased from 6.5 seconds to 2.5 seconds, enabling users to access content more quickly.
• Enhanced performance and user experience: Forbes PWA scored in the top 2% across all categories on Google Lighthouse tests.
• User growth: Within six months of launch, over 800,000 weekly users engaged with the PWA from their home screens, similar to a native app experience.
• Improved accessibility: Forbes PWA supports right-to-left languages and night mode, broadening access for users worldwide.

Travel & Hospitality

Travel and hospitality brands are turning to PWAs as prime progressive web app examples to deliver fast, reliable, and app-like experiences for travelers. These solutions allow users to perform quick searches, make seamless bookings, and access content offline, even in areas with poor network connectivity.

8. Trivago

Trivago, a global hotel search engine that helps users compare hotel prices from millions of properties worldwide, launched Trivago PWA, one of the leading progressive web app examples (PWAs), to enhance the mobile user experience, especially in regions with slow network connections. Trivago chose a PWA to deliver a fast, smooth, and reliable experience across mobile devices, aiming to reduce loading times and improve accessibility for users with limited storage or slow network connections. Additionally, the PWA enables users to browse hotels and compare prices even offline, providing uninterrupted service. By leveraging PWA technology, Trivago also optimized data usage and device storage, making it easier for users to engage with the platform without installing a heavy native app.

Results After Implementing PWA

• Increased user engagement: Over 500,000 users added Trivago to their home screens, with engagement levels rising by 150%. (Think with Google)
• Higher visit frequency: Average weekly visits per user increased from 0.8 to 2, demonstrating improved user retention. 
• Improved conversion rates: Clicks on hotel deals increased by 97%, showing tangible business benefits from the PWA. 
• Offline accessibility: 67% of users continued browsing after reconnecting to the internet, illustrating the value of offline capabilities. 

9. MakeMyTrip

MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel company, rolled out MakeMyTrip PWA, considered a prime example among progressive web app examples (PWAs), to improve mobile accessibility. The PWA lets users book flights, hotels, and holiday packages directly in their browser, delivering an app-like experience without requiring installation.

With this approach, MakeMyTrip ensures fast and reliable performance even in low-network areas. Offline support allows travelers to continue accessing key information, while lighter data and storage usage enhance convenience and user satisfaction.

• Faster page load and improved performance: Users experienced significantly reduced loading times, resulting in a smoother booking process. 
• Higher user engagement: Users spent more time on the platform and interacted with multiple pages per session, showing increased interest in travel offerings.
• Increased conversion rates: The PWA helped boost bookings, with more users completing hotel and flight reservations directly through the browser. 
• Offline accessibility: Travelers could continue browsing travel options and view itinerary details even when offline, demonstrating the PWA’s value in maintaining user engagement. 

Other industries

Beyond e-commerce, social media, entertainment, and travel, progressive web app examples (PWAs) are transforming user experiences across various industries. These PWAs play an important role in operations in software development, providing fast, reliable, and app-like functionality that enables seamless interactions and offline access.

10. Starbucks 

Starbucks, the globally recognized coffeehouse chain serving millions daily, launched Starbucks PWA, regarded as a leading example among progressive web app examples (PWAs), to improve mobile ordering. This PWA delivers a fast, smooth, and reliable experience, even on slow networks, while reducing barriers for users hesitant to install a native app. Customers can browse menus, place orders, and manage rewards offline or with intermittent connectivity, ensuring a seamless and satisfying user experience.

Results After Implementing PWA

• Faster Load Times: The Starbucks PWA reduced page load time by 99.84%, making it significantly faster than the previous mobile web experience.
• Increased Engagement: The number of daily active users doubled, indicating higher user engagement and satisfaction.
• Reduced Data Usage: The PWA's size is 233KB, compared to the native iOS app's 148MB, leading to reduced data consumption and storage requirements.
• Improved Performance: The PWA improved load times significantly, allowing for immediate loading of the Store Locator, Menu, and food and beverage pages. 

11. Uber

Uber, a leading ride-hailing platform connecting millions of riders and drivers worldwide, implemented Uber PWA, recognized as one of the most notable progressive web app examples (PWAs), to improve accessibility for users with limited storage space or slow network connections. This solution allows users to book rides, track drivers, and manage their accounts directly from a browser, offering a fast, reliable, and app-like experience without requiring installation of a native app.

Uber opted for a PWA to deliver a seamless and efficient mobile experience across various devices, especially in regions with unreliable or slow network connections. The PWA ensures quick load times, smooth navigation, and consistent performance, allowing riders to request trips, view fare estimates, and track vehicles even with limited connectivity. 

• Faster page load: Uber PWA loads in under 3 seconds even on 2G networks, enabling users to request rides without delay. (
• Higher engagement and booking rates: The smooth PWA experience increased user interaction and ride bookings, especially in emerging markets. (Uber Blog)
• Reduced data and storage usage: The PWA requires less device memory and mobile data than the native app, allowing more users to access Uber services easily.
• Offline functionality: Users can continue browsing available rides and tracking trips even in areas with poor network connectivity. 

12. Tinder

Tinder is one of the world’s most popular dating platforms, connecting millions of users daily. To improve accessibility and performance, especially in regions with slow networks, Tinder launched Tinder Online, a Progressive Web App (PWA). This allows users to swipe, chat, and manage profiles directly from their browser without installing the native app, providing a fast, app-like experience.

Tinder implemented a PWA to reach users in markets where installing a native app is difficult due to storage or network limitations. The PWA ensures faster load times, smooth navigation, and offline-like capabilities, while supporting push notifications to keep users engaged.

• Faster page load: Reduced from 11.91s to 4.69s 
• Smaller app size: PWA is 90% smaller than the Android native app
• Higher engagement: More swipes, messages, and profile interactions 
• Increased CTR: 30% higher click-through rate 
• Lower bounce rate: 15% decrease in bounce rate (Tigren)
  
   

13. Yummly

Yummly is a comprehensive recipe app that allows users to search for recipes by ingredient, diet, allergy, taste, calories, price, cuisine, time, course, and source. It offers personalized recommendations to suit individual preferences and dietary needs, making meal planning easier and more efficient. Ideal for food enthusiasts seeking diverse and customized culinary options, Yummly is also featured in several PWA  marketplace platforms and showcases among popular PWA demos as one of the leading progressive web apps.

Yummly implemented a PWA to enhance the mobile web experience, particularly for users on tablets and mobile devices. The PWA approach allowed Yummly to provide a seamless and engaging user experience without requiring users to download and install a native app. This decision aimed to increase accessibility, improve performance, and reduce barriers for users with limited storage or data constraints.

Results After Implementing PWA:

• Tablet-First Approach: Embracing a tablet-first approach improved the real-life cooking experience for users and made the PWA really easy to use.
• Mobile Access: Approximately 83% of users access Yummly on mobile devices, indicating the importance of optimizing the mobile web experience.
• Enhanced Engagement: After the PWA launch, Yummly observed increased user engagement, with users spending more time browsing recipes and interacting with the platform.

Key Takeaways from These Inspiring PWA Examples

These progressive web app examples (PWAs) demonstrate how businesses across industries- e-commerce, social media, entertainment, travel, and more - are leveraging Progressive Web Apps to deliver fast, reliable, and app-like experiences. Key takeaways include improved performance, higher user engagement, seamless offline functionality, and increased conversions. PWAs prove to be a powerful solution for enhancing mobile experiences and driving measurable business results.

• Speed and UX Optimization: Fast loading times and intuitive user interfaces are essential to keep users engaged.
• Offline-First Approach: PWAs that work offline or in low-network conditions ensure continuous accessibility.
• Lightweight Design: Minimal app size reduces data usage and storage requirements, making the app more accessible.
• Push Notifications & Easy Installation: Engaging users with timely updates and simple “Add to Home Screen” functionality increases retention.
• Impact on Metrics: Successful PWAs have demonstrated measurable improvements in conversion rates and user retention, showing clear business benefits.

These progressive web app examples prove that adopting PWAs is not only a technical enhancement but also a strategic business decision that can drive growth, improve user experience, and increase engagement across industries.

Should You Build a PWA for Your Web App Project?

Choosing between a Progressive Web App (PWA) and a native app depends on your project When defining goals, target audience, and business strategy, progressive web app examples (PWAs) show that PWAs are ideal for delivering fast, accessible, and app-like experiences directly in the browser without requiring users to download a full app. Native apps, on the other hand, are better suited for applications that need deep device integration, complex performance, or advanced features like AR/VR or heavy gaming.

When to Build a PWA

• Reach and Accessibility: PWAs are perfect for businesses aiming to reach users across multiple devices and platforms without developing separate apps for iOS and Android.
• Cost Efficiency: Developing a single PWA is often more cost-effective than building and maintaining multiple native apps.
• Low Connectivity Environments: Industries such as e-commerce, travel, and food delivery, where users often face slow or intermittent internet connections, benefit greatly from PWAs.
• User Engagement: PWAs with features like push notifications and “Add to Home Screen” can boost engagement and retention without forcing downloads.

When to Build a Native App

• Advanced Device Features: Apps requiring access to hardware like camera, GPS, sensors, or AR/VR perform better as native apps.
• High Performance: Games, multimedia-heavy apps, and applications with intensive processing needs are best suited for native apps.
• App Store Visibility: If being listed in app stores is a key marketing or monetization strategy, native apps are preferred.

For many modern businesses, a hybrid approach works well: start with a PWA to validate user interest, gather feedback, and reach a wide audience quickly, then consider a native app for high-performance or highly integrated features. Prioritize speed, accessibility, and engagement when planning your web application development. 

For a detailed guide, refer to this comprehensive resource: Web Application Development Guide.

Conclusion

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are reshaping the way businesses deliver mobile experiences. From e-commerce and social media to entertainment, travel, and other industries, progressive web app examples (PWAs) like Alibaba, Flipkart, Twitter Lite, Spotify, Starbucks, Uber, Tinder, and Yummly demonstrate how companies can provide fast, reliable, and app-like interactions directly in the browser. These examples highlight tangible benefits, including improved performance, higher user engagement, offline functionality, and increased conversion and retention rates.

By adopting PWA technology, businesses can reach a wider audience, reduce development costs compared to native apps, and offer a seamless user experience across devices. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, PWAs offer a strategic opportunity to enhance mobile engagement and drive measurable business growth.

Contact Golden Owl Solutions for a free PWA development quotation.

FAQs

1. What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
A PWA is a web application that provides an app-like experience on mobile and desktop devices, offering fast performance, offline access, and push notifications, without requiring installation from an app store.

2. How is a PWA different from a native app?
PWAs run in browsers, are lighter, and update instantly, unlike native apps that need installation. Many PWAs also support offline features, making them true offline progressive web apps. 

3. Which industries benefit most from PWAs?
E-commerce, social media, travel, entertainment, food & beverage, and transportation benefit most. Leading progressive web app companies showcase examples in progressive web apps list to highlight industry applications.

4. Can PWAs work offline?
Yes, using service workers, offline progressive web apps let users interact without a network connection.

5. Are PWAs cost-effective?
Yes. PWAs reduce development and maintenance costs while offering high performance, as seen in top progressive web app examples and mobile web application examples.