Difference between an Email Client and Webmail

By: | Updated: Feb-19, 2024
The contents of the Difference.guru website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website!

Would you know if you’re using an email client or web-based email? Read on to know more.

Summary Table

Email Client Webmail
A computer program that allows users access to their emails on a desktop computer Allows users access to their email via the device’s web browser
Emails are accessible without internet access Requires an internet connection
Emails can be backed up to the computer Emails can be backed up in the email server
Needs an up-to-date anti-virus program to scan emails Emails are automatically scanned for viruses by the service provider

Definitions

Email Client
Windows Live Mail is a perfect example of an email client.

An email client is a computer program that allows user to manage emails using a desktop computer. Users must have an email address set up and correctly configured in the email client before they can access the service. In addition to a working email address, other settings and configurations include passwords, email port server (e.g.POP3, SMTP), port numbers, and other preferred settings.

The email client can retrieve new emails from the email service provider’s server at a predetermined time. New emails are delivered via the email service provider’s mail transfer agent and stored on the desktop computer. When a user sends an email, the email client sends it to the service provider’s mail servers via the mail submission agent. An email client can also be set up to receive emails from other email addresses a user may have. Viewing and composing emails is possible even if the computer is offline. Since emails are downloaded into a desktop computer, an updated anti-virus is important to scan them. Mozilla Thunderbird, Microsoft Outlook, and Windows Live Mail are good examples of email clients.

Webmail
Examples of webmail providers

Webmail is an email service that is accessible through a device’s web browser when it is connected to the internet. Here, email messages are stored and accessed in the email service provider’s online servers. This allows users to access their emails wherever they are as long as their device is connected to the internet. However, experts advise against users accessing their webmail from a public computer as it may compromise account security.

Webmail can also be configured so that users can access it through an email client. Many internet service providers such as AOL and AT&T offer webmail to customers as part of their subscription. Some of the first webmail services offered to the public came from EarthLink, Verio (a web hosting service), universities, and large companies. In 1996, Hotmail and Rocketmail, both webmail service providers, gained popularity for the free service they offered to the public.

Email Client vs Webmail

Now, what’s the difference between an email client and webmail? These two email services are the same at their core. Both allow users to manage, send and receive email. It is even possible to setup an email client to access webmail. The only difference lies in the way each can be accessed.

An email client is a computer program that saves all incoming emails to the computer. This feature allows users to manage their email even if there isn’t an internet connection. Webmail allows users to access emails via a web browser and thus can only be done if the device has an internet connection. Here, emails are saved online in the website’s servers. Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo Mail are the more popular webmail services available today.

Which One is Better—Webmail or Email Client?

Webmail and email clients both have their benefits. But is one better than the other? Webmail, for instance, is easy to access and is portable (as long as you have an internet connection and a browser).

In addition, webmail ensures all your emails are backed on an external server. That means you can access your email even if your computer or device fails. Webmail makes it possible to keep all your email in one place without taking up space on your computer or other device.

On the other hand, an email client keeps all your email downloaded directly on your computer or other device. That way, you can backup emails to your cloud storage or hard drive.

You can also download emails offline with an email client. This does, however, require an internet connection. When your emails have been downloaded, you can access them at any time, even when not connected to the internet.

You may want to choose webmail if:

You like to have one inbox to deal with. All your email accounts can be directed to that one inbox, where you keep everything managed in one place.

You prefer web-based services rather than software installed on your computer.

You feel that keeping emails online and off your computer or other devices is more secure. You may choose webmail, for instance, if you frequently use public or shared computers to access email.

You may want to choose an email client if:

You have multiple email addresses with different domains. An email client allows you to manage emails from each domain from individual addresses while keeping all emails in one place.

You must access emails offline.

You prefer to back up email regularly, or you have limited email storage with your email provider. In that case, you may want to download emails from the mail server to your computer. However, if you don’t tell the email client to save a copy of the email on the mail server, the email will be lost.

You need to integrate with other desktop apps such as Microsoft Cloud, Dropbox, a calendar, and other tools/apps.

Video

Here’s a video that talks about the differences between webmail and an email client.

(Visited 2,391 times, 1 visits today)
Did this article help you?
Thank you!
Thank you!
What was wrong?