Sọna is available both as a mobile app (iOS and Android) and on the web at readsona.com. Both give you access to your library and your reading, but a few things work differently depending on which one you are using. Here is a clear breakdown.
Buying Books: Web Only
Purchases are made on the Sọna website, not inside the app.
This is because Apple and Google require apps to process purchases through their own payment systems, which take a significant cut: money that would otherwise go to authors. To make sure authors are paid fairly, all purchases happen on the web through Paystack.
To buy a book:
- Open readsona.com in your browser
- Find the book you want
- Add to cart and checkout
- The book immediately appears in your library either on web + app or in the app alone.
Once purchased, you can read on either the app or the web, with no restrictions.
Reading: Web and Mobile Apps
Most books are available to read on both platforms. Your reading progress syncs automatically, so you can switch between web and app freely and pick up exactly where you left off.
A small number of books are set by the author to be available to be read only on the app. If you try to open one of these on the website, you will see a message directing you to open the Sọna app.
Feature Comparison
Available on both web and Mobile Apps
- Browse Catalogue
- Read Books
- Your Sona Library Collection
- Collections
- Wishlist
- Highlights
- Reading Progress Sync
- Light, Dark, Sepia, and Black themes
- Font Size Adjustment
- Reading Stats and Goals
- Report a Book (available on the book page)
- Claim Gift copies and eARCs
- Account Settings
- Restore a Deleted Book (via Account > Purchase History)
Web Only
- Buy Books (all purchases happen on the web)
- Apply Voucher Codes (applied at checkout)
App Only
- Offline Reading
- Read app-only Titles
- Notes
When to Use the App
- Offline Reading: The app lets you download books to read without an internet connection
- App-only Titles: Some books are exclusive to the mobile experience
- On the Go: the app is optimised for phone screens and one-handed reading
- Notifications: get alerts for new releases from authors you follow, order updates, and eARC invites
When to Use the Web
- Buying Books: all purchases happen here
- Applying Voucher Codes: vouchers are applied at checkout on the web
- Reporting a Book: The report feature is on the book page on the web
- Larger Screen Reading: The web reader works great on tablets and desktops
Downloading the App
iPhone/iPad: Search for Sona Reader on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. You can also go to readsona.com/download, and it will redirect you automatically.
The best experience is both: buy on the web, read anywhere. Get the app at readsona.com/download.
Related Posts
- How to Read on Sọna: reading in the browser and the mobile app
- Getting Started on Sọna: A Reader's Guide: account setup and your first book
- Your Library on Sọna: how your library is organised across web and app