What Is POP (Post Office Protocol)?

With POP3, emails retrieved from the mail server are stored locally. In Outlook, for example, emails may be kept on the server for a few days before being deleted. After that, they exist only on your computer. This protocol is ideal if you use one device.
 

You Only See Recent Emails

If you don't see all your emails, your program may not have downloaded everything. Reconfiguring a POP3 account on another device will only show the most recent emails. That's why it's important to export emails from your old computer and import them to your new one.
 

How Is Backup Managed with POP3?

Since emails are only stored on the server for a limited time (e.g., 14 days), you're responsible for backing them up.
 

Advantages of POP

• Emails are retrieved quickly.
• The server mailbox doesn't fill up—you have plenty of storage.
• You can access your email even without internet.

Disadvantage of POP

• Emails aren't synchronized.

What Is IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)?

IMAP synchronizes emails with the mail server, allowing access from multiple devices.

If you delete an email, it's removed from all devices. Reconfiguring IMAP on another device downloads all server emails.
 

Automatic Backups

You can perform a 'disaster recovery' of the mailbox (up to 30 days), restoring the entire mailbox.
 

Mailbox Limit

IMAP stores more emails on the server, using more space than POP3. If the limit is reached, you won't receive new emails until you clean up or increase your limit.
 

Advantages of IMAP

• Create folders on the server and search/sort emails.
• Access emails on multiple devices.
• Backup.

Disadvantages of IMAP

• Mailbox fills up quickly.
• You can't open or edit emails without internet.
   

Which Is Best: IMAP or POP?

The best choice depends on your needs. IMAP is the more modern protocol. For most people, IMAP is best because it synchronizes emails.