Apps Aren't Always Better: What 24,609 Real Problems Reveal About the Mobile-First Fallacy

I stumbled on this Hacker News discussion about the phrase “It works better in the app” and the common assumption that mobile apps always outshine mobile websites. The author, blenderob, makes a compelling case for why companies push users toward apps, citing user experience improvements as the main driver. It’s a familiar argument, but our data tells a more complex story.

We track 24,609 real problems and 11,373 app ideas across 88 industries. When you dig into that data, the “app is always better” narrative starts to crack. Yes, native apps offer better offline support, push notifications, and access to device hardware. But that doesn’t mean they’re the right solution for every problem.

Take healthcare. Out of 872 problems tracked and 489 app ideas, many solutions are web-based platforms or integrations, not standalone mobile apps. For example, ClinicsFlow—a practice management platform with a severity score of 5/5—is designed to streamline clinic workflows, but it’s primarily web-based. The problem it solves, disjointed clinic management, doesn’t require a native app; a responsive web platform works just as well, if not better, because it can be accessed from any device without installation barriers.

Then there’s DripSafe Verification, another severity 5/5 problem. It addresses the need for independent verification of infusion pump rates. In a high-stakes environment like an ICU, relying on a mobile app could introduce risk—what if the app crashes, runs out of battery, or fails to sync? A web-based dashboard or integrated monitoring system might be more reliable and fail-safe. The point isn’t that apps are bad, but that context matters. The blanket statement “it works better in the app” ignores these nuances.

Our data also shows that business motivations for pushing apps go beyond user experience. In retail, we track 253 problems, many centered on real-time visibility and control. A business owner who can’t see what’s happening at the cash register is vulnerable to theft. A mobile app with live sales feeds could solve that, but it also gives the owner unprecedented surveillance capability. That’s not necessarily about making things better for the user—it’s about data collection and control. The Hacker News article touches on this only lightly, but for indie hackers and agency devs, understanding this dual purpose is crucial. It affects how you pitch clients and design features.

Think about it from an indie hacker’s perspective. You’re building a solution for a specific pain point. Should you invest in a native iOS and Android app, or would a progressive web app (PWA) or responsive site be sufficient? Our data suggests that for many problems, a web-first approach is not only cheaper but more effective. For example, if you’re solving a problem for restaurant managers who need to track inventory across multiple locations, a web dashboard accessible on a tablet behind the counter might be more practical than a phone app. Managers are often moving, but they also have a fixed station.

The “it works better in the app” mantra is often a way to boost engagement metrics and gather more user data. But as a builder, you need to ask: better for whom? For the user, or for the company’s analytics? If you’re an agency dev working with clients, you can differentiate yourself by recommending the right platform, not just the trendiest one.

Our data shows that the best solutions match the context. In travel and hospitality, for instance, a mobile app is often ideal—travelers are on the go and need real-time updates. But in banking and finance, a web platform with strong security might be preferred for complex transactions. The key is to let the problem dictate the platform, not the other way around.

The Hacker News article is a great starting point, but it misses the data-driven reality. Apps are tools, not panaceas. Whether an app is “better” depends on the user’s environment, the stakes involved, and the business goals. Next time someone tells you “it works better in the app,” ask them: better for whom?