IMAP vs POP3: which should you use?
Short answer: IMAP, unless you have a specific reason.
| IMAP | POP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Where email lives | On the server | Downloaded to one device |
| Phone + computer + webmail | All show the same | Each device sees different email |
| Folders and read status | Synced everywhere | Not synced |
| Works offline | Recent email | Downloaded email |
| Server storage | Uses your quota | Frees space (if set to delete) |
Why IMAP is right for most people
Most of us read email on a phone and a computer. With IMAP, deleting, reading or filing an email on one shows on the other. POP3 was designed when people had one computer.
When POP3 still makes sense
When your mailbox is very small and you want to keep an archive only on one computer. Even then, make sure you have a backup.
ECOMHUTSY Webmail uses IMAP for reading and SMTP for sending.
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