IMAP vs POP3: Understanding the Difference

When setting up an email account, the question often arises which protocol to choose – IMAP or POP3. Both allow you to receive email, but they work in quite different ways. The right choice mainly depends on how you use email, the number of devices and your specific needs.

IMAP Protocol (Internet Message Access Protocol)

When using the IMAP protocol, emails remain stored on the server. All devices on which you have added the email account (computer, phone, tablet) are synchronized with each other.

This means:

• the message status is the same everywhere (read / unread),
• you can see received and sent messages, drafts and deleted mail on all devices,
• folders and subfolders are synchronized across all email clients.

Advantages of the IMAP protocol:

• suitable for use on multiple devices,
• ideal for shared mailboxes (multiple users),
• no risk of email being stored on only one device,
• access to email from anywhere (including via webmail).

Disadvantages of the IMAP protocol:

• email occupies storage space on the server,
• with larger volumes of email, regular cleanup or archiving is required,
• requires slightly more server resources.

We recommend IMAP when:

• you use email on multiple devices,
• multiple people access the same email account,
• you want messages, folders and statuses (read / unread) to be synchronized everywhere.

POP3 Protocol (Post Office Protocol)

With the POP3 protocol, email is downloaded from the server to the device and is then usually deleted from the server. Messages are therefore stored locally on the computer or another device.

Most email clients allow additional settings, such as:

• keeping a copy of messages on the server,
• automatic deletion of email after a certain number of days,
• downloading email to multiple devices (with limitations).

Advantages of the POP3 protocol:

• lower server storage usage / lower hosting package consumption,
• suitable for users with one primary device.

Disadvantages of the POP3 protocol:

• email is not synchronized between devices,
• higher risk of data loss in the event of device failure,
• limited visibility of email history on other devices.

We recommend POP3 when:

• you use email on only one device,
• you have forwarding set up to other email addresses,
• you want to reduce server storage usage.

For additional assistance, you can call us at +386 59 335 000 or email us at info@neoserv.com.