IMAP and POP3 are protocols for accessing email stored on a mail server. You can configure your e-mail software using IMAP or POP3. So what are the differences between IMAP and POP3?

IMAP

• You can set up your account on multiple computers and devices to access your emails. It allows you to access your mails via Webmail.
• Folders can be created on the server to better manage messages. The folders are then synced across all devices used to check your email.
• Sent messages are also saved in the sent folder, allowing you to view sent emails from any computer or device.
• The server records the status of an email (read, unread, replied, etc.). This allows you to view the status from any computer or device.
• Initially, only the header (from, date, subject) of an email is loaded. You can then decide whether you want to download the entire email message.
• You won't lose your emails if your mobile device or computer is stolen.

POP3

• All your emails are downloaded to the computer or device controlling the email. After the e-mails are downloaded, they are removed from the mail server.
• After the emails are downloaded to the computer or device, you can access your emails even if the device does not have an internet connection.
• Data such as emails and folders are not synchronized between different devices. This means that if you set up your email with POP3 on your mobile device, the emails will be downloaded entirely to your mobile device. POP3 removes emails from the mail server. It is no longer possible to read your e-mails in Webmail.