---
title: "Protocols articles"
description: "How mail moves and syncs: IMAP, SMTP and JMAP, how each protocol works and where it fits."
url: "https://nextmail.sh/blog/tags/protocols"
---

[Blog](https://nextmail.sh/blog.md)

# Protocols

How mail moves and syncs: IMAP, SMTP and JMAP, how each protocol works and where it fits.

Oct 31, 2026 9 min read

## What is an email client? How email clients work

An email client is the app you read and send mail in, apart from the service that holds your mailbox. How clients find servers, sync, send and guard privacy.

Benjamin Email clients

Oct 31, 2026 10 min read

## What is IMAP? How IMAP works: ports, sync and security

IMAP is how mail apps read and organise mail that stays on the server, in sync on every device. How it works, which port to use and how it compares with POP3.

Arta Protocols

Oct 31, 2026 6 min read

## What is JMAP? The JSON email protocol, explained

JMAP is the IETF standard for email, contacts and calendars over JSON and HTTPS. How it works, how it differs from IMAP, and who supports it in 2026.

Arta Developers

Oct 31, 2026 10 min read

## What is SMTP? How it works, from ports to reply codes

SMTP is the protocol that carries email from your app to your provider and between mail servers. How it works, which port to use and what each reply means.

Benjamin Protocols

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