The difference matters more than you think. Choose wrong and you will rebuild in 12 months.

By David Friedman , Founder of AppBrewers

I have built 50+ websites and 80+ web apps. Founders ask me the same question every week: should I build a website or a web app? The answer changes everything about cost, timeline, and tech stack. Here is how to decide in five minutes.

The Simple Definition

Website Web App

Purpose Inform, market, sell Do something interactive

Examples Portfolio, blog, landing page SaaS, booking system, dashboard

User action Read, click, contact Create, edit, calculate, book

Login required No Usually yes

Database Optional Required

Cost 500-3,000 Euro 3,000-25,000 Euro

Timeline 1-2 weeks 4-12 weeks

Rule of thumb: If your users need to log in or change data, you need a web app.

When a Website Is Enough

1. You Just Need to Show Up on Google

A marketing website with good SEO is the fastest way to get found. You do not need a database. You do not need auth.…