POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3)
- Downloads mail from the server and typically deletes it afterward
- Stores emails in local storage only
- Results in emails appearing on just one device
- Risk of losing all emails if local storage is damaged
- Offers minimal benefits in modern usage
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
- Better suited for users accessing email across multiple devices
- Keeps emails on remote servers rather than downloading locally
- Synchronises changes across all connected devices
- Can download just email headers for faster performance
- Ideal for smartphone and desktop users
Recommendation: We recommend you use IMAP.