Portal Home > Knowledgebase > cPanel > POP3 vs IMAP. What's the difference?
POP3 and IMAP are two different protocols used to access email. POP3 and IMAP function very differently and each has its own advantages.
POP3 is useful in checking emails from a computer that is in a specific location.
IMAP is the better option when you need to check your emails from multiple locations, such as at work, from home, or on the road, using different computers and/or devices such as a smartphone.
The main differences between POP3 and IMAP are as follows:
POP3 - Post Office Protocol IMAP - Internet Messaging Access Protocol
- Intended for one computer/device.
- You can use multiple computers/devices to check your email.
- Email is stored on your computer hard drive locally.
- Email is uploaded and stored on the email server for accessibility from another machine or device (email is syncronized).
- Maybe faster if your internet connection is slow, since everything is done locally.
- Maybe slower if your internet connection is slow, since everything is done locally and remotely.
Add to Favourites 
Print this Article
