When setting up your email, you need to choose between IMAP and POP3. Both protocols retrieve your email from the server, but they work fundamentally differently. In this article, we explain the differences and help you make the right choice.

What is IMAP?

IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol. This protocol synchronizes your email between the server and all your devices.

How does IMAP work?

With IMAP, your emails stay on the mail server. Your email program (Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail) only downloads a copy to read. All changes you make - such as moving emails to folders or marking them as read - are synchronized to the server and thus to all your devices.

Example: You read an email on your laptop and mark it as read. Later you open your phone and see that the same email is also marked as read there. This is IMAP synchronization in action.

Advantages of IMAP

• Synchronization: All devices show the same emails and folders
• Access anywhere: Read your email on laptop, phone, and tablet
• Safety: Emails stay on the server, even if your device breaks
• Folder structure: Your folders are also synchronized
• Server backup: Your provider backs up your email

Disadvantages of IMAP

• Server space: Emails take up space on the server
• Internet connection: You need internet to read emails
• Quota: You can run into your storage limit
• Slower performance: Can be slower with large mailboxes

IMAP settings

What is POP3?

POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol version 3. This protocol downloads emails to your device and optionally deletes them from the server.

How does POP3 work?

With POP3, emails are downloaded to your computer or phone. By default, they are then deleted from the server. You can set a copy to remain on the server, but there is no real synchronization.

Example: You download emails on your desktop computer at home. When you're at the office later, those emails aren't available there - they're only on your home computer.

Advantages of POP3

• Offline access: Emails are stored locally, no internet needed to read
• Saves server space: Emails are deleted from the server
• Privacy: Emails are only on your device
• Speed: Local emails open faster
• No quota problems: Server space doesn't fill up

Disadvantages of POP3

• No synchronization: Devices don't show the same emails
• Risk of loss: If your device crashes, you lose your emails
• One device: Practically only usable on one device
• No folder structure: Folders are not synchronized

POP3 settings

IMAP vs POP3: Comparison

When to choose IMAP?

Choose IMAP if you:

1. Use multiple devices - Laptop, phone, tablet
2. Want access everywhere - Home, office, on the go
3. Value safety - Emails stay on the server
4. Work with a team - Shared mailboxes require IMAP
5. Also use webmail - IMAP synchronizes with webmail

IMAP is the default choice for most users.

When to choose POP3?

Choose POP3 if you:

1. Use only one device - Only a desktop computer
2. Want to save server space - Limited hosting package
3. Want to work offline - Without internet connection
4. Prioritize privacy - Emails only locally
5. Archive - Download old emails and store locally

Our recommendation

Use IMAP for the best experience. The synchronization between devices and the safety of server storage far outweigh the minor disadvantage of server space usage.

Tip: Combine IMAP with local archiving. Move old emails to local folders to save server space while keeping current emails synchronized.

Switching from POP3 to IMAP

Currently using POP3 and want to switch to IMAP?

1. Make a backup of your local emails
2. Remove the POP3 account from your email program
3. Add the account again with IMAP settings
4. Upload important emails back to the server

Need help?

We're here for you! Running into issues or have questions? Our support team is happy to help you personally. Drop us a message through the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and love helping you find the best solution.