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The IMAP protocol, by default, allows the user to keep all messages on the server. It constantly synchronizes the e-mail program with the server and displays what messages are currently present. All the actions performed on the messages (reading, moving, deleting...etc) will be done directly on the server.
The POP protocol, by default, is set to download all the messages from the e-mail server onto your computer. This means that all the actions performed on the messages (reading, moving, deleting...) will be performed on one's computer. Because everything is kept on the user’s computer, the user will not be able to reopen messages from any location other than the computer where the messages have been downloaded.
IMAP - Internet Message Access Protocol
POP - Post Office Protocol
Both of these protocols are used to receive the emails from server and both are supported by almost all popular mail clients like Outlook, Thunderbird and Apple Mail
Advantage of IMAP:
1) Mail are save in remotely and you can use from anywhere until remove the emails forcefully from mail box
2) Easy to backup and archive locally or offsite
Disadvantage of IMAP:
1) Takes up a lot of server space – may easily exceed your quota
2) Slower in reading email – index of all messages downloaded
Advantage of POP:
1) Mail is stored locally you can access it when offline
2) Easier to maintain mail quotas
Disadvantage of POP:
1) Need to use workaround to read email on multiple machines
2) All mail can be lost if your hard drive or computer dies and you don’t have a backup
POP3 and IMAP are two different protocols (methods) used to access email.
Of the two, IMAP is the better option - and the recommended option - when you need to check your emails from multiple devices, such as a work laptop, a home computer, or a tablet, smartphone, or other mobile device. Tap into your synced (updated) account from any device with IMAP.
POP3 downloads email from a server to a single computer, then deletes it from the server. Because your messages get downloaded to a single computer or device and then deleted from the server, it can appear that mail is missing or disappearing from your Inbox if you try to check your mail from a different computer.
POP3 - Post Office Protocol IMAP - Internet Messaging Access Protocol You can use only one computer to check your email (no other devices) You can use multiple computers and devices to check your email Your mails are stored on the computer that you use Your mails are stored on the server Sent mail is stored locally on your PC, not on a mail server Sent mail stays on the server so you can see it from any device.
