POP or IMAP

Choosing between POP and IMAP depends on how you want to manage your e-mails and which devices you use. Let’s go over the main features of each protocol to help you decide:

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

• Server Storage: With IMAP, messages remain stored on the server, allowing you to view and manage them from multiple devices (computers, mobile phones, tablets).
• Multiple Devices: Ideal if you need access to your e-mails from multiple devices, as changes sync across all devices.
• Saves Device Storage: Since messages stay on the server, they don’t take up much space on your device, unless you download them locally.
• Server-Side Deletion: If you delete an e-mail on one device, it is automatically deleted on the server and, therefore, on all your devices.

Best for: Those who need to access their e-mails from multiple devices and want real-time synchronization.
Attention: You should be aware that, with IMAP, at some point, the server’s storage capacity will reach its limit, requiring renewal or an upgrade. This will be an ongoing requirement.
A more sustainable solution would be to migrate your e-mail to a Google account with Google Workspace, which offers monthly subscription plans and ample storage.
This transition involves specific steps. The process can be somewhat challenging for someone without prior experience, so it’s recommended to take a full backup of your e-mails before making any changes.

POP (Post Office Protocol)

• Download and Delete from Server: With POP, e-mails are downloaded to your device, and depending on the settings, they may be deleted from the server after download. This means they won’t sync across devices.
• Offline Use: You can read and respond to e-mails locally without an internet connection, as they are downloaded to your device.
• Limited Multi-Device Support: Not recommended if you use multiple devices, as POP doesn’t sync changes on other devices.
• Local Storage: Useful if you want to keep e-mails only on your device and free up space on the server.

Best for: Those who use only one device for e-mail and want local storage without keeping e-mails on the server.

Which one should you choose?

If you need synchronization and access to e-mails from multiple devices, choose IMAP. If you prefer to store e-mails only on one device and free up space on the server, then POP might suit you better.

For most modern needs, IMAP is the more versatile and popular choice.