What’s your take on mobile apps vs. mobile browsers for forums?

[Cedric]

With everyone glued to their phones, do you think having a dedicated mobile app makes a real difference? Or is a solid mobile-friendly website enough to keep your community connected on the go?

Have you tried apps/PWAs for your forum? Did it boost engagement, or do your members tend not to notice?

 

[ruscoe]

Purely my opinion here, but I'm tired of having apps for everything. I use my mobile web browser (I like Brave) as much as I can. For example, I find Amazon's mobile site so good that I've been using it for years without ever installing their app.

I find mobile sites these days provide a pretty consistent and easy experience, while I've run into lots of buggy, half-finished apps that don't.

That said, if you do create an app, focus on a quality user experience over everything.