| Parameter |
POP3 |
IMAP |
| Full Form |
POP3 is an abbreviation for Post Office Protocol 3. |
IMAP is an abbreviation for Internet Message Access Protocol. |
| Introduction |
The POP is an Internet standard protocol on the application layer that the local email clients use for retrieving emails from any remote server over the TCP/IP connection. |
The IMAP is a protocol that allows distant users to access their emails directly from the server and read them on any device at any location feasible for them. |
| Complexity |
POP3 is a very simplified protocol. It can only download the emails on the local computer from the inbox. |
The IMAP protocol is very complex. It allows all the users to view their email folders easily and read them on the mail server itself (from any device they want). |
| Email Organization |
A user cannot organize the emails on the server using POP3. |
IMAP allows its users to organize their available emails on the server. |
| Need to Download |
POP3 downloads the mail first and then allows its users to read them. |
You can partially read your emails before downloading them in the case of IMAP. |
| Multiaccess |
POP3 only allows a single device at a time to access the emails. |
IMAP allows multiple devices at a time to access and read the available mails. |
| Updating of Emails |
A user cannot update or create emails on the mail server by using the POP3 protocol. |
You can use the IMAP protocol for updating or creating emails. It is easy to do so with a web interface or email software. |
| Search Emails |
You cannot search for mail content on any mail server using the POP3 protocol. The user needs to download the mail first and then search for the required content. |
You can easily search for mail content on any mail server using IMAP without downloading them. |
| Change and Delete |
POP3 does not allow its users to alter or delete any email available on the mail server. |
IMAP allows its users to use an email software or a web interface to alter or delete the available emails. |
| Speed |
POP3 is very fast. |
IMAP is slow as compared to POP3. |
| Syncing of Mails |
It does not allow syncing of a user’s emails. |
Users can sync their emails using this protocol. |
| Storage of Content |
It downloads the content on the local device unless someone selects a “Keep a copy on the server” via settings. |
It always stores content on the mail server. |
| Direction |
Unidirectional – The changes that you make on a device have zero effect on the content available on the server. |
Bi-directional – Whenever you make changes on the device or server, it shows on the other side as well. |
| Offline Usage |
You can read the emails offline because POP3 downloads them on the device. The device only goes online to download new emails. |
The downloaded mails are available for the user to read, edit, and delete offline. Any changes that one makes on the device get synced with the server. |
