In today’s fast-moving world, checking your email across multiple devices should be effortless. Whether you’re using your phone in bed, your tablet on the go, or your laptop at work — your inbox should stay in sync. That’s where email services with IMAP and POP3 support come in handy. These two protocols let you access your email smoothly from anywhere, keeping things simple and connected.
TLDR:
Looking for email platforms that stay in sync across all your devices? IMAP and POP3 are your best friends. Most modern webmail services support them but some do it better than others. In this list, you’ll find the top 7 platforms that offer great features, easy UI, and full cross-device compatibility.
1. Gmail – The King of Clean & Easy
Gmail is probably the first name that pops up when you think of email. It’s clean, fast, and super easy to use. It supports both IMAP and POP3 so syncing across devices is a breeze.
- 15 GB of free storage
- Smart filters and spam protection
- Connects effortlessly to apps like Apple Mail, Outlook, and Thunderbird
To enable IMAP or POP3 in Gmail, just head to your Gmail Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab, and turn it on.
2. Outlook.com – For the Office Lovers
Microsoft’s Outlook.com brings that professional touch. Whether you’re a student or a corporate champ, it offers smooth access via web and email clients using IMAP and POP3.
- Great calendar and task integration
- Works great with Microsoft Office apps
- Very reliable spam filtering
It’s especially handy for anyone who already uses Microsoft 365. You can set up POP or IMAP for Outlook on almost any email client with ease.
3. Yahoo Mail – Still Going Strong
Many of us started our email journey with Yahoo Mail. Guess what? It’s still around and surprisingly powerful!
- 1 TB of storage — massive!
- IMAP and POP3 support included
- Good mobile apps and browser access
Just enable access in your settings and hook it up to your favorite client. It’s still a solid choice for those who need a generous inbox and classic UI.
4. Proton Mail (Bridge) – Privacy Meets Flexibility
Proton Mail is the privacy-first email provider with end-to-end encryption. Normally, encrypted email can’t be accessed via typical IMAP/POP3. But Proton Mail got smart.
Enter: Proton Mail Bridge. This tool allows you to integrate Proton Mail with IMAP- and POP3-supported apps securely — while keeping your data encrypted behind the scenes.
- End-to-end encryption
- Bridge tool for cross-device syncing
- No ads, no tracking
Great for users who value security but still want cross-device syncing through desktop clients.
5. Zoho Mail – Built for Business
Zoho Mail is super popular among small businesses and startups. It’s part of the bigger Zoho suite that offers CRM, invoicing, and more.
- Ad-free experience
- POP3/IMAP integration with email clients
- Custom domains support for businesses
With its clean interface and useful business tools, it’s perfect for teams that want easy and connected mail access without the clutter.
6. iCloud Mail – Apple’s Sleek Offering
If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem, then iCloud Mail is your friend. It comes automatically with Apple ID and syncs beautifully across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Secure and fully synced with Apple devices
- Supports IMAP and SMTP (no POP though)
- Easy integration with Mail app
It’s not the best for Windows or Android users, but if you live in Apple Land — there’s nothing smoother.
7. GMX Mail – The Underdog with Muscle
GMX Mail might not be as well-known, but it’s a hidden gem. It’s free, allows large attachments (up to 50 MB), and supports both IMAP and POP3.
- Unlimited storage
- Supports attachment up to 50 MB
- IMAP/POP3 and even SMTP support
Plus, it lets you create alias emails — a handy little perk for online shopping or newsletter sign-ups.
Bonus Tips: What’s the Difference Between IMAP and POP3?
If you’re wondering: “Wait, what’s the difference?” — here’s a quick guide.
- IMAP: Keeps your emails on the server. Syncs across all devices. You move/delete a mail on your laptop, and the change applies to your phone too. Great for multi-device users.
- POP3: Downloads your email and deletes it from the server (unless you change this setting). Great if you use just one device. Less useful if you’re switching between phone, tablet, and computer.
So, for most folks today — IMAP is the way to go.
Wrapping It All Up
With more devices and more screen time than ever, having email that follows you around is non-negotiable. Thanks to IMAP and sometimes POP3, these platforms let you access email anytime, anywhere, without losing track.
Here’s the quick rundown of the top picks:
- Gmail: King of email, simple and powerful
- Outlook.com: Great for corporate and Office lovers
- Yahoo Mail: Old but gold, very generous storage
- Proton Mail: Super private with Bridge tool for IMAP
- Zoho Mail: Business-friendly, sleek interface
- iCloud Mail: Magical for Apple users
- GMX Mail: Powerful features in a smaller package
No matter what your priorities are — security, simplicity, business needs, or just lots of storage — there’s a perfect email platform for you.
Happy emailing!