Quick answer: Use IMAP. It keeps your email synced across every device by leaving messages on the server, so what you read or delete on your phone matches your laptop. POP3 downloads mail to one device and often removes it from the server, which breaks multi-device use. IMAP is the right choice for almost everyone today.
| Factor | IMAP | POP3 |
|---|---|---|
| Where mail lives | On the server, synced | Downloaded to one device |
| Multiple devices | Stays in sync everywhere | Not designed for it |
| Server storage used | Higher (mail retained) | Lower (mail removed) |
| Best for | Almost all users | Single-device, low-storage cases |
POP3 can suit a single device where you deliberately want mail stored locally and off the server - for example to conserve limited mailbox space. For everyone using more than one device, IMAP is far better.
Will switching from POP to IMAP lose my mail?
Mail already downloaded by POP stays on that device. Set up IMAP as a new account and, if needed, copy old messages into the IMAP folders.
Which ports do they use?
IMAP uses 993 with SSL; POP3 uses 995 with SSL; outgoing SMTP uses 465 or 587.
Mailboxes on SoftSys managed VPS plans support both, with IMAP recommended for multi-device use.
