Natively vs Median

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App creation

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Both Natively and Median allow users to convert websites into mobile apps, but they differ in their approach:

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Natively: Uses a WebView to embed the website inside the app, adding native mobile features (push notifications, location, etc.) through plugins and an SDK. It’s no-code, ideal for non-developers.
Median: Also uses WebView but offers customization for developers with features like JavaScript Bridge to interact with native functions, so developers can write custom JavaScript functions that trigger native behaviors, giving them flexibility and control over how the app behaves and interacts with the device.

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Both Natively and Median support websites built on platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Webflow.

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Native features

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Median uses a more developer-centric approach, allowing deeper integration with native functions, whereas Natively simplifies the process for non-developers.

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Median's most popular native features: Biometric authentication (Face ID, Touch ID), QR/Barcode scanning, push notifications, camera access, location services, document scanning, native app settings, deep linking, and full offline functionality.

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Natively's top native mobile features: push notifications, geolocation, QR/Barcode scanning, social authentication, and in-app purchases.

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Pricing

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Natively offers a free plan for users to start building apps, with limited access to features and no app publishing. It also provides a 14-day free trial for paid plans. The lowest paid plan starts at $32/month (or $384/year) for full app publishing on iOS and Android. The full-service option starts at $3,000 and includes end-to-end support from building to app store publishing. There’s also an Enterprise plan for larger organizations.

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Median offers a free self-serve plan that includes app building and testing. However, it doesn't include app store publishing or access to advanced native features. The basic self-serve plan is free for building and testing, but publishing and advanced features are only available in their higher-priced tiers. The Full-Service Agency plan starts at $7,200, with a top-tier Enterprise plan starting at $18,000, offering advanced customization and complete app development services.

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So, Natively is more affordable for small businesses and startups with more straightforward needs, while Median offers more advanced features and customization, making it preferable for apps requiring developer control.

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Support

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Natively Support:

Documentation: Detailed guides and setup instructions are available through the Natively Docs.
Discord Community: Users can join the Natively Discord for real-time support and discussions with other users. Join Discord
Email Support: You can reach out to their team via email, typically found on their contact pages.
FAQ: Natively also offers an FAQ page for common questions.

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Median Support:

Documentation: Comprehensive developer guides are available on their site. Access it here: Median Docs.
Help Desk/Contact: Users can submit tickets for technical support or questions through their Help Desk.
Community Forums: Median also offers forums or similar spaces for users to exchange knowledge.
FAQ: You can view answers to common questions at their FAQ page.

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Comparison: Natively vs. Median

Criteria	Natively	Median
Technology	Uses a WebView to embed websites, with native mobile features added via SDK and plugins. No coding is required.	Uses a WebView, but offers a JavaScript Bridge for advanced customization of native mobile features, tailored for developers.
Pricing	- Free plan for basic testing and preview. - Paid plans start at $32/month. - Full-Service plan starts at $3,000.	- Free self-serve plan for building and testing. - Full-Service plan starts at $7,200. - Enterprise plan starts at $18,000.
Target Audience	Designed for startups, small businesses, and non-developers seeking a quick, no-code solution for turning websites into apps.	Geared towards developers, startups, and enterprises needing more control, flexibility, and deeper customization of their mobile apps.
App Store Publishing	Self-publishing is supported for both iOS and Android with detailed instructions. Paid plans include app publishing services to the App Store and Play Store.	Full support for app store publishing with a 100% approval guarantee. Median also offers managed services for the entire publishing process.
Update Process	Updates are simple, with changes to the website reflected in the app without needing app store resubmission (unless native features are changed).	Changes to the web app can be reflected without needing app store resubmission, but deeper native changes might require it. More control over native app updates.

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Summary

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When comparing Natively and Median, both platforms serve the same purpose of converting websites into mobile apps but cater to different audiences and needs.

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Natively is ideal for non-developers, small businesses, and startups looking for a simple, no-code solution to turn their websites into functional mobile apps quickly. The platform is perfect for those who want to get their app up and running quickly without getting into complex development tasks.

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On the other hand, Median is designed for developers, startups, and enterprises who need more control over their app's functionality and performance. Median’s advanced native features and performance optimizations make it a better fit for complex, highly customized apps.

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In summary, Natively is an excellent choice for users seeking a straightforward, affordable way to create apps with essential native features. At the same time, Median is better suited for those who need a highly customizable solution.

What clients say about Natively

Alex Dow

Bubble.io Agency Founder

"The steps are really easy to follow and they have great documentation for custom native features like push notifications and in-app purchases. I highly recommend using Natively as it's more cost efficient and works perfectly every time.”

Idir Bechar

Founder

"Despite not being a developer, I found the process surprisingly straightforward. If you're contemplating whether BuildNatively is the right solution for you, let me assure you it certainly is.”

Roderick Smyth

Serial entrepreneur

"The documentation is step by step in great detail so no way to get lost even for a beginner. The app deployed successfully and was approved quickly. I'm not sure I'd like to be in competition with these guys - they set the bar high!”

Ben. A

Founder

"Really innovative features and very responsive support. The mobile elements they provide it top-notch! Using Natively can shave months off the app creation process. I appreciate the great work these guys do!”

Julie

Team Lead

"Natively is really great. The wrapping process itself is super simple and the documentation is perfect. We had an app that was already wrapped and the transfer was very easy.”

Tobias

No code developer

"Been using The BDK for about a year. Switched to Build Natively, and they're significantly better in every way: Automatic build and export to App Store Connect, great docs, more reliable features, and much better support. Highly recommended!”

Frequently asked questions

Our customers usually ask us these important questions. Need more information? You can learn even more in Natively Documentation or Discord Community. Or, Contact Us and our dedicated Natively team will assist.

Natively or Median?

Natively and Median: main similarities

Cross-Platform. Converting web platforms into native mobile apps for both iOS and Android.

Native mobile features. You can easily elevate your product with game-changing mobile features like push notifications, biometrics, location, deep links, etc.

Preview and Testing. Features, allowing users to see how their app will function on mobile devices before it goes live.