IMAP vs. POP3 – Which one is your choice?

Read time 5 minutes

This blog gives information about two popular email message protocols – IMAP & POP3 with a brief introduction, advantages, and a comparison to aid in choosing the suitable one. It will also guide IMAP server users to find a smart backup solution.

Introduction to IMAP & POP3

Both IMAP and POP3 are message access protocols but functions differently. POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol which first contacts the email service and then downloads emails to a local system, after which emails get deleted from the email server. So, now emails can be accessed from the downloaded storage location only and not via any other device.

Note: Users can select or enable the option in the POP3 server settings saying “Keep email on server” to retain emails on the server even after the download.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) on the other hand, offers email access from any device and from anywhere as emails reside on the email server only when it is being opened or read. The download of emails and attachments works on the user’s command only.

How is POP3 beneficial?

Users should opt for POP3 service in the following situations –

When working with a single email client on a dedicated system
When using an old email provider with the lack of storage space
When having a bulk email history
When there is a limited internet connection (not good bandwidth)
When there is a need to fetch all emails together at a time
When you require consolidations of multiple email accounts
When you deal with confidential information frequently

How is IMAP beneficial?

IMAP service suits your best when you have the given requirements –

When need to access and sync emails from anywhere on multiple devices
When need to open and view emails before the download
When you do not want to use local storage space or there is a shortage of space
When you have a fast and stable internet connection
When you have enough storage space available on your email server
When you need to have a continuous backup of emails on the cloud

Now that we have learned the advantages of both IMAP and POP3 server protocols let us understand their differences.

Comparison between POP3 and IMAP

Read and review this comparison table created with the different functions and features of POP3 and IMAP server protocols.

COMPARISON	POP3	IMAP
Email Readability	Need to download emails to read	Can read emails on the server itself (partial check on content before downloading)
Content Search	No facility to search email content before downloading	Can search content for a particular string before downloading
Functions	Limited functionalities	Robust & varied features
Modifications	No provision to create, rename or delete mailboxes	Provisions to create, rename, or delete mailboxes on the server
Storage	Local system storage for downloaded emails	Both server and local system storage after emails download
Emails Download	On a single local device, only	Available on server & can be synchronized to many devices
Multiple Account Consolidation	Supports	Does not support
Offline Accessibility	To access emails, no requirement of internet	Requires internet connection to access the complete email content
Partial Download Facility	Need to download emails completely (no partial download)	For limited bandwidth, partial download of emails is possible

Do you know that even IMAP server data requires backup? For foolproof security from cyber threats, phishing, and other malicious activities, company/regulatory compliances, record maintenance, and for a permanent copy of IMAP serve database, backup is important.

We would like to help our readers here with a smart IMAP backup solution that is reliable and efficient in all manners.

Kernel IMAP Backup – The best tool for IMAP Server Backup – Why?

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Back up all IMAP Servers, including Gmail, Outlook.com, AOL, Amazon WorkMail, G Suite, Notes, Exchange, Office 365, etc.
Detailed information like IMAP server names and port numbers on the interface for convenience
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Advanced facility for incremental migration
Smart filter options – folder, date range, item type, saving data hierarchy to a separate folder, etc.
Bulk and automated IMAP mailbox backup through mapped CSV file

Now, you have each and every reason to get this advanced utility to backup your valuable IMAP mailbox data. Trial for the tool is free and available https://www.nucleustechnologies.com/imap-backup/

Summing Up

IMAP and POP3 are used to receive emails from email servers. But one is simple but with poor features, but the other is complex yet powerful. Choosing a protocol solely depends on the user’s requirements. The blog includes all the details which can help users in making this decision. For IMAP backup, they can rely on the advanced Kernel IMAP Backup tool.