POP3 vs IMAP – Key Differences

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🔁 POP3 vs IMAP – Key Differences

FeaturePOP3 (Post Office Protocol v3)IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
📨 Where emails are storedDownloaded to your device, then (usually) deleted from the serverEmails are stored on the server and synced across all devices
📱 Multi-device accessNot ideal – messages only exist on the device that downloaded themPerfect – changes sync across all devices
📶 Offline accessYes – once downloaded, you can read emails offlineYes – but full sync requires internet
💬 Folder managementLocal only – can't see or use server-side foldersFull access to server folders (Inbox, Sent, etc.)
🗑️ Deleted emailsDeleted from the device (may still exist on server if not configured to delete)Deleted across all devices if deleted on one
💾 Backup needed?Yes – emails live on your device onlyLess critical – emails are safe on the server
🛠️ Common port numbers110 (non-secure), 995 (SSL)143 (non-secure), 993 (SSL)
📧 Use caseSimple access from one device (e.g. old desktop setup)Multi-device access (phones, tablets, laptops)
🔒 Security & reliabilityLess secure (unless configured correctly)More modern and secure

🧠 In Summary:

  • POP3:
    ➤ Downloads email to one device and deletes it from the server.
    ➤ Best for offline use and limited server storage.
    ➤ Not good for syncing between multiple devices.

  • IMAP:
    ➤ Syncs email between your device and the server.
    ➤ Ideal for modern users who check email on multiple devices.
    ➤ Keeps everything consistent across all platforms.

✅ When to use IMAP:

  • You access email from multiple devices.

  • You want to keep your mailbox in sync everywhere.

  • You want cloud-based access to email (like Gmail, Outlook.com, etc.).

✅ When to use POP3:

  • You only use one device for email.

  • You want to store emails locally and remove them from the server.

  • You have limited server storage or a slow internet connection.

If you’re setting up an email account, IMAP is almost always the better choice today unless you have a specific reason to use POP3.


Port Number of POP3        Port Number of IMAP

Port 110: Default                143- TCP

Port 995: Securely              993- Securely


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