---
title: "POP3 vs IMAP e-mail protocols"
date: "2014-12-18"
category: "email"
slug: "pop3-vs-imap-e-mail-protocols"
---

## Overview

POP3 and IMAP are two protocols for accessing e-mail stored on the server.

**POP3** ([RFC 1939](https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1939.txt), 1996) was designed for limited Internet connectivity and constrained server storage. It downloads mail to your computer and typically removes it from the server.

**IMAP** ([RFC 3501](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3501), 2003) keeps e-mail on the server and synchronizes message status (read, replied, forwarded, labels) across all connected devices. Reading a message on your phone updates its status on your desktop and vice-versa.

## Key Differences

| Feature | IMAP | POP3 |
|---------|------|------|
| Mail storage | Server | Local computer |
| Synchronization | Yes, across all devices | No, mail removed from server once accessed* |
| Sent mail | Saved on server | Saved locally |
| Deleted mail | Moved to Trash folder (must empty to free storage) | Removed from local client only |
| Disaster recovery | Yes, via server backups | No |
| Offline access | Requires Internet | Works without Internet |

\* POP3 can be configured to leave mail on the server, but this causes duplication across devices and is not recommended. Use IMAP instead.

## Which Should I Use?

**IMAP** is the recommended choice for nearly all users. POP3 is only preferable if you have very limited Internet connectivity and need offline access at all times.

## See Also

- [Comparing Two Approaches to Remote Mailbox Access: IMAP vs. POP](ftp://ftp.cac.washington.edu/imap/imap.vs.pop.brief)
