It behaves like a dedicated app — a focused interface, real-time controls, saved settings — without ever touching an app store.
Native apps mean permissions, storage space, and update prompts. A browser-based equivalent skips all three: open a tab, use the tool, close the tab. On most phones you can even add it to your home screen for one-tap access that feels just like a native app icon.
On iPhone, use Safari's Share menu and choose "Add to Home Screen." On Android, open Chrome's menu and choose "Add to Home screen" or "Install app." Either way, you get a launchable icon without ever visiting an app store.