This tutorial will cover the differences plus the pros and cons of IMAP and POP3. While it is up to you what delivery method you choose, we recommend using IMAP for most email accounts.
IMAP (Most Common and Recommended)
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol, currently version 4) has features found in both POP3 and Exchange protocols.
When using IMAP, your Inbox is stored on the mailserver whereas the Sent Items are still stored locally (unless otherwise specified). When you check your mail, your computer contacts the mailserver to show you the new Incoming Mail. All of your Inbox is available from any computer and you can check it from anywhere in the world by using RoundCube.
- Pros
- Incoming Mail always available on multiple computers and mobile devices
- Incoming Mail can be permanently deleted from any device/mail client that accesses it.
- Cons
- Sent Items available locally ONLY (no copy exists at all times on the mailserver)
POP3
When using POP3 (Post Office Protocol, version 3), all of the messages are downloaded from the mailserver and saved locally. Your Email is only accessible from one computer/device and Incoming Mail is no longer available when using WebMail or any other computer/device (unless configured otherwise).
- Pros
- Mail always available on the computer/device for offline consultation.
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Cons
- Sent Items available locally ONLY (no copy exists at all times on the mailserver)
- Speed of mail download dependant on bandwidth (large attachments may take some time).