IMAP vs POP3: which should I use?

IMAP vs POP3: which should I use?

IMAP and POP3 are the two ways an email app can collect your mail.

IMAP (recommended)

  • Mail stays on the server and is synced to each device
  • Read, deleted and moved messages update everywhere
  • Ideal if you use more than one device or webmail
  • Uses your hosting storage, so keep an eye on mailbox size

POP3

  • Downloads messages to one device, then normally removes them from the server
  • Mail exists only on that device, so if it's lost or broken the mail goes with it unless backed up
  • Can be useful with very limited storage, or to keep an offline archive on one computer

POP3 settings

  • Server: your server hostname
  • Port 995, encryption SSL/TLS
  • Outgoing SMTP as normal: port 465 SSL/TLS

Most email apps have a POP3 option to leave a copy of messages on the server. If you use more than one device, turn this on, or better still, switch to IMAP.

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