The Best Progressive Web App Frameworks in 2025

This blog guides developers and product teams on selecting the best Progressive Web App (PWA) framework. It addresses the challenges of building fast, offline-capable, native-like apps with limited resources across devices.

Building a fast, reliable app that runs smoothly across all devices isn’t easy, especially with limited time or budget. You want something more than a simple website.

Choosing the right progressive web app framework can make a big difference in what you build and how quickly it grows.

In this blog, we break down the most popular options available today. You'll learn what each framework does well, how it handles real-world needs, and where it might fall short. Also, we’ll point out which ones are better for quick launches versus long-term scale.

When picking the right setup for your next app, let's determine what matters.

What is a Progressive Web App?

A progressive web app (PWA) is a web application that behaves like a native app while running in the browser. It leverages modern web capabilities to offer an app-like experience without requiring installation from app stores.

Key PWA Features:

• Installable on the home screen

• Offline functionality using a service worker

• Push notifications even when the web app is closed

• Works across various devices with a single codebase

• Runs smoothly on a limited or no internet connection

Why Developers Choose Progressive Web Apps

Progressive web apps reduce the friction of downloading, updating, and maintaining mobile applications across platforms. A single web codebase can now deliver a native app-like experience.

This allows developers to:

• Cut development time and costs

• Use familiar web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

• Provide a uniform user experience across web and mobile applications

• Reach more users via links without app store barriers

Features to Look For in a PWA Framework

When evaluating a progressive web app framework, consider the following factors:

Top PWA Frameworks to Create Progressive Web Apps

1. React with Workbox

React is a powerful JavaScript framework known for its virtual DOM, component structure, and large community. Developers can easily integrate service workers and caching strategies by pairing it with Workbox.

Key Tools and Features:

• Customizable service worker generation

• Fine-grained caching control

• SPA support via React Router

• Works seamlessly across browsers

Best For: Projects that prioritize UI and scalability with advanced PWA capabilities.

2. Angular with Angular CLI & Angular Universal

Angular offers a comprehensive framework built by Google. Combined with Angular CLI and Angular Universal, it supports server-side rendering, push notifications, and home screen installation.

Features:

• Out-of-the-box PWA features with ng add @angular/pwa

• Built-in service worker module

• Pre-rendering and lazy loading

• CLI-managed manifests and theme colors

Best For: Enterprise-grade web applications requiring high structure and scalability.

3. Vue with Vue CLI PWA Plugin

Vue is known for its simplicity and flexibility. The Vue CLI PWA Plugin allows developers to add PWA features with minimal setup.

Advantages:

• Lightweight and fast

• Supports virtual DOM for efficient rendering

• Auto-generates manifest and service worker

• Friendly to newcomers in app development

Best For: Startups or small teams aiming to create PWAs with faster development time.

4. SvelteKit

SvelteKit compiles code into pure JavaScript with no virtual DOM, resulting in lightning-fast web apps. It integrates smoothly with service workers and supports offline functionality natively.

Why Use It?

• Minimal runtime overhead

• Native PWA capabilities

• Built-in support for routing and SSR

Ideal For: Developers focused on performance and simplicity.

5. Ionic with Capacitor

Ionic uses web technologies to build cross-platform mobile applications and web apps. With Capacitor, it supports PWA development alongside iOS/Android builds.

Features:

• Shared UI components across platforms

• Direct access to native device APIs

• Customizable home screen experience

• Push notifications and background tasks

Best For: Teams creating both native apps and PWAs using a single codebase.

6. Next.js

Next.js adds server-side rendering and static site generation to React. It offers excellent SEO and performance for progressive web applications.

Capabilities:

• SSR + automatic code splitting

• Support for service workers and manifest files

• Great for large-scale web apps

Use Case: Projects needing high performance with a scalable structure and full PWA features.

7. PWA Builder

This Microsoft-backed tool helps developers quickly convert a website into a progressive web app by automating service worker creation and manifest configuration.

Useful Tools:

• Manifest generator

• Build options for Android and Windows

• Push API integration

Best Use: Fast conversions of existing websites into installable apps.

How PWA Frameworks Compare

When to Choose a Specific Framework

Final Notes: Picking the Right PWA Framework

Selecting the right PWA framework depends on your project’s needs, development time, and user experience goals. Whether you prioritize offline functionality, push notifications, or a seamless home screen experience, the options above allow you to build powerful, scalable progressive web apps.

Keep in mind:

• Use service workers wisely to manage files, data, and caching

• Ensure consistent performance across browsers and devices

• Choose a framework that aligns with your team’s skills in JavaScript, app development, and deployment

By understanding the strengths of each progressive web app framework, you’re better equipped to create apps that look and feel like native apps but have the reach and flexibility of the web.