Both responsive and adaptive design can create mobile-friendly websites, but they work differently. Here's what you need to know for SEO.
What's the Difference?
Responsive Design
One flexible layout that adjusts to any screen size using CSS media queries and fluid grids.
- Single codebase
- Fluid layouts that scale
- Same HTML for all devices
Adaptive Design
Multiple fixed layouts for specific screen sizes. Server detects device and serves appropriate layout.
- Multiple layout versions
- Fixed breakpoints
- Can serve different content per device
SEO Comparison
| Factor | Responsive | Adaptive |
|---|---|---|
| Google's preference | Recommended | Acceptable |
| URL structure | Single URL | Can vary |
| Content parity | Automatic | Requires effort |
| Maintenance | Easier | More complex |
| Link equity | Consolidated | Can be split |
Why Google Prefers Responsive
- Single URL is easier to crawl and index
- No need for redirects between mobile/desktop
- Content automatically identical across devices
- Social sharing links work universally
When Adaptive Makes Sense
- Legacy systems that can't be made responsive
- Dramatically different mobile experiences needed
- Performance-critical applications
- Device-specific functionality requirements
Responsive Design Best Practices
- Use flexible images that scale
- Implement CSS breakpoints thoughtfully
- Test on actual devices, not just emulators
- Prioritize mobile performance
- Don't hide content on mobile
The Verdict
For most websites, responsive design is the better choice. It's simpler to maintain, better for SEO, and recommended by Google. Only choose adaptive if you have specific requirements that responsive can't meet.
Related: Mobile-First Indexing Guide
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