
If you have an ecommerce business, you've probably already asked yourself this question: should I invest in an ecommerce app or improve my responsive website? Both options allow you to sell online from mobile, but their results are not the same.
According to DataReportal's Spain 2024 Digital Report, 90% of Internet users access the Internet from mobile devices, and more than 75% of online purchases are made on mobile devices. However, the way in which users interact with an app and with a website is completely different.
In this article we help you make an informed decision: we analyze the key differences between an app and a responsive website, their advantages and disadvantages, and we show you a real case of success with Micolet, the online second-hand clothing store that multiplied its sales thanks to a native app developed with Reskyt.
A responsive website is a version of your online store designed to automatically adapt to any screen size. Its main advantage is accessibility: the user can enter from any browser without having to download anything.

An ecommerce app is a native mobile application designed specifically to offer the best mobile shopping experience. It allows access to content in a direct, fast and personalized way. And that translates into more conversions.
In fact, studies by IAB Spain (2024) show that app users spend 37% more per purchase and repeat purchases up to 40% more than users who only browse the mobile web.
AppearanceWeb ResponsiveApp EcommerceAccessFrom browserInstalled on deviceSpeedDepends on browserFaster and smootherNotificationsNot availableCustomized pushUser experienceLimitedImmersive and smoothConversionAverage 2%Average 6-8%RetentionLowHigh
The difference is clear: if you are looking to sell more and retain customers, a native ecommerce app is the best option. However, both channels can coexist: the web is still essential to capture organic traffic and the app, to convert and retain it.

Micolet, the online second-hand clothing store, had a responsive website with good traffic, but wanted to increase purchase recurrence and direct communication with their customers. With Reskyt's help, they launched a native app connected to their ecommerce in just 4 weeks.
Micolet's app demonstrates that the decision between app or responsive web depends on the objective, but if the goal is to sell more and build loyalty, the app channel offers a clear advantage.
Before investing, evaluate these key factors:
In practice, many brands combine both channels: the web to attract and the app to retain. This omnichannel strategy is the one that best converts and reinforces the brand.
If you are starting out, a responsive website is a good starting point. But when your mobile traffic grows or you want to build loyalty, an app will be key to scale.
Yes, although platforms like Reskyt automate updates. Thus, any change in your ecommerce is instantly reflected in the app.
Of course. Current solutions allow you to synchronize catalogs, prices and stock between the web and the app in real time, avoiding duplications.
Yes. ecommerce apps have conversion and repeat purchase rates up to three times higher than mobile websites, according to Data.ai (2024).
The responsive website is still essential to capture organic traffic, but the app improves ASO (App Store Optimization) and visibility in mobile stores.
In the ecommerce app vs responsive web comparison, the key is not to choose one or the other, but to understand their role. The web attracts, the app converts. The web informs, the app builds loyalty.
With Reskyt, you can have both working together: an optimized website and a synchronized native app, with notifications, personalization and custom design. This way, your ecommerce adapts to every user, every time, and on every device.
Want to discover how an app can multiply your sales? Request a free demo and we will show you how your ecommerce can grow more with Reskyt.
