The main difference between IMAP and POP is that IMAP primarily stores all user data on the server and POP primarily stores all data on your local device.
Apart from this, there are several other factors to consider in the IMAP vs POP choice. In this article, we will break down and simplify all the angles that you need to consider while choosing an email protocol for Outlook.
What Are Email Protocols?
Email protocols are established rules that dictate how emails are handled during delivery. They govern the following email processes.
- Sending
- Receiving
- Storage location (server or local)
What is IMAP?
Internet Message Access Protocol or IMAP is an email protocol used to send and receive emails. This email protocol is the popular choice today as it makes your data easily accessible and efficient to use. It excels with the following features-
1. Server Storage: IMAP ensures that all your data is stored on a remote server. And you can access them from any device with an internet connection.
2. Accessibility: IMAP allows users to access their data from multiple devices at a time. You can access your Outlook data from your work PC but can also access the same data on Outlook through your phone.
Any edits, or changes you make in Outlook will be synced across all devices in real time with an internet connection.
Downloads: You can choose to download attachments or mail and store them on a local drive. Email attachments aren’t downloaded automatically.
What is POP?
Post Office Protocol or POP is an email protocol that used to be popular during the internet’s early days. The way POP works is that all your emails and related data are downloaded and stored locally on your device. After downloading an item, it is then deleted from the server. POP has a few unique features that may be considered unconventional today-
1. Local Storage- POP automatically stores all your data locally on the device.
2. Offline use- since all your data is stored locally, you can access your emails even when offline. If you do decide to send an email or make changes, it all gets synced once an internet connection is established.
3. Accessibility- POP accounts can only be used with one device since all data is stored locally.
4. Security- Since the data is stored locally on your device, it offers users more control over storage and improves security.
Key Differences Between IMAP and POP
1. Storage Location-
POP – Emails are downloaded and stored on the local device. POP users usually access their emails using 1 device.
IMAP – Emails are stored on a remote server which can be accessed using an internet connection. suitable for users who access their mails constantly from multiple devices
2. Device Synchronization-
POP- Changes or edits made to emails are not reflected in other devices.
IMAP- Any change made will reflect in all devices immediately.
3. Accessibility-
POP- Only one device is accessible at a time. No server-based folders are allowed.
IMAP- multiple devices can be used at once. users can also organize their data in various folders and the changes will be made across all devices.
4. Simplicity-
POP- Effortless and straightforward system, with less room for issues.
IMAP- This is more complex and issues may be harder to resolve.
IMAP vs POP- What’s Better?
Choose IMAP If…
- You want to use multiple devices (phone, personal PC, or work laptop) to access your mail.
- You are all right with standard levels of security.
- You have easy access to a stable internet connection.
Choose POP If…
- You use only one device for sending and receiving mail.
- You would like to take extensive security measures when it comes to your data.
- You do not have steady access to a good internet connection.
Conclusion
I hope that this article was able to help you understand the differences between IMAP and POP. IMAP vs POP is an important question that needs answering before setting up Outlook, it is important to pick an email protocol that suits your needs. If you are using a work email, it’s best to consult with your IT department beforehand.
