Purelymail is the cheapest paid mail provider that still offers standard IMAP, SMTP, and POP3: a single tier at roughly $10/year with unlimited domains, mailboxes, aliases, and no per-user seat pricing. Configuration uses smtp.purelymail.com, imap.purelymail.com, and pop.purelymail.com against your full custom-domain address. Purelymail is run by a single developer out of Delaware (USA), which shapes what to expect: no polished onboarding, no marketing polish, minimal webmail (Roundcube), but the fundamentals work and the price is unmatched. This guide covers the exact ports, the metered vs unlimited storage clarification, and why the setup matches almost any other IMAP provider.
Setup notes
Custom domain requiredSingle-tier pricing
Purelymail requires a custom domain (no @purelymail.com addresses for customers). Add the domain in the dashboard, configure Purelymail’s MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records at your registrar, wait for validation. Storage and outbound send counts are metered per usage: below the free-tier thresholds ($10/year covers most personal use), no additional charges apply. Heavy senders (thousands per day) may see additional metered charges beyond the base subscription. Reference: SMTP authentication.
Quick reference: Purelymail server settings
All three protocols use SSL/TLS and full-address authentication. Username is the full email at your custom domain, password is the mailbox password set at mailbox creation in the Purelymail dashboard.
| Protocol | Server | Port | Encryption | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMTP | smtp.purelymail.com | 465 or 587 | SSL/TLS or STARTTLS | Full address + password |
| IMAP | imap.purelymail.com | 993 | SSL/TLS | Full address + password |
| POP3 | pop.purelymail.com | 995 | SSL/TLS | Full address + password |
Purelymail SMTP settings
Purelymail SMTP uses smtp.purelymail.com on port 465 with implicit SSL/TLS. Port 587 with STARTTLS is the fallback. Authenticate with the full custom-domain address and the mailbox password. Purelymail signs outbound mail with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC once DNS is configured, giving deliverability parity with other reputable small-provider mail (Fastmail, Migadu, Mailbox.org).
Send counts are metered: the $10/year base covers a generous personal amount (thousands of emails per month). Bulk senders see additional metering charges billed monthly. Purelymail publishes the exact rate on its pricing page. Never use port 25.
Purelymail IMAP settings
Purelymail IMAP uses imap.purelymail.com on port 993 with SSL/TLS. Same credentials as SMTP. IMAP keeps mail on Purelymail’s servers with standard folder sync (Inbox, Drafts, Sent, Trash, Spam, custom folders).
Storage is metered rather than tier-capped: the $10/year base covers a large personal quota, and heavy users see additional metering. In practice, personal accounts under 10 GB rarely exceed the base allowance. Roundcube is available as webmail at purelymail.com for occasional access.
Purelymail POP3 settings
Purelymail POP3 uses pop.purelymail.com on port 995 with SSL/TLS. Same credentials as SMTP and IMAP. Use POP3 only for single-device workflows; otherwise IMAP is the safer default. Purelymail supports POP3 primarily for legacy compatibility and automated fetchers rather than as a recommended everyday choice.
Pricing model: metered rather than tiered
Unlike Fastmail or Mailbox.org which sell fixed-storage tiers, Purelymail bills a $10/year subscription plus metered usage for storage and outbound send counts that go beyond the base allowance. Personal users almost always stay within the base: a family of five with light-to-moderate email use pays the flat $10/year with no metered add-on. Heavy users (marketing sender, high-volume newsletter) see the metering charges kick in.
Payment: credit card, PayPal, and cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Monero) are all accepted. The crypto option makes Purelymail a common choice for privacy-conscious users who prefer non-KYC payment channels alongside the mail itself.
IMAP, POP3 and SMTP Integration into Gmail
Configure Gmail with external IMAP/POP3/SMTP to send/receive emails from your custom domain through Gmail’s interface. Perfect for professionals managing multiple accounts in one place.
- Google Account β Security β App passwords (2-Step Verification must be enabled).
- Generate App Password for “Mail” β copy 16-character password.
- Gmail β Settings β See all settings β Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
- Enable IMAP β Save Changes.
- Incoming (IMAP):
[IMAP SERVER]:993 SSL| Outgoing (SMTP):[SMTP SERVER]:587 STARTTLS. - Use your full email + App Password (not regular password) for authentication.
β Gmail Result: Send/receive custom domain email directly in Gmail interface with full search/folder integration.
WordPress SMTP Plugin Configuration (WP Mail SMTP + MailPoet)
Configure SMTP in WordPress to fix email delivery issues and prevent spam folder placement. WP Mail SMTP and MailPoet ensure reliable transactional emails, contact forms, and newsletters deliver successfully.
- Install and activate WP Mail SMTP or MailPoet plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to WP Mail SMTP β Settings or MailPoet β Settings β Sending tab.
- Select “Other SMTP” as your mailer method from the dropdown.
- Enter SMTP settings with Port
587and STARTTLS encryption (when available). - Input your full email address and password in the authentication fields.
- Click Save Settings and send a test email to verify the configuration works.
β Result: WordPress contact forms, user registrations, and newsletter emails now deliver reliably via your SMTP server.
This configuration includes these plugins and tools within WordPress:
- HappyForms
- Elementor Forms
- Gravity Form
- WooCommerce Checkout Form
- Contact Form by BestWebSoft
- Fluent Forms
- Contact Form 7
- WPForms
- Ninja Forms
- Default WordPress Reg Form
- Forminator Forms
- Formidable Form
- WordPress Comment Form
- Mail Mint Form
Thunderbird OAuth2 Email Setup (IMAP + SMTP)
Secure IMAP & SMTP using OAuth2 token authentication in Thunderbird. This modern method eliminates password storage for enhanced security.
- Open Thunderbird β Account Settings β Account Actions β Add Mail Account.
- Enter your email address and click Continue to begin setup.
- Select IMAP protocol and choose OAuth2 authentication method.
- Thunderbird opens a browser window β log in to your provider β Grant access permissions.
- Automatic configuration applies: Incoming: use the IMAP server address from the settings table above, port 993, SSL
- Click Done β Thunderbird begins syncing folders and emails immediately.
OAuth2 advantage: Token-based authentication enhances security over traditional password methods while maintaining full functionality.
Outlook IMAP, POP3 & SMTP Setup (Auto + Manual)
Outlook configuration supports both automatic server detection and manual IMAP/POP3/SMTP settings for complete control over your email setup.
π Auto Setup (Recommended):
- Go to File β Add Account β Enter your email address + password.
- Outlook automatically detects IMAP, POP3, and SMTP server settings.
- Click Connect β setup completes in approximately 30 seconds.
βοΈ Manual Setup (Advanced Users):
- Authentication: Use your full email address + password for both servers
BlueMail Two-Factor Authentication + OAuth2 Setup
BlueMail security setup combines OAuth2 authentication with two-factor authentication (2FA) for maximum account protection.
- Open BlueMail β Account Settings β Security β Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- Link your phone number or authenticator app for 2FA verification codes.
- Add email account β Choose OAuth2 or manual server configuration.
- Enter server details from the table above
- Complete login with 2FA code β enhanced security layer activated.
Apple Mail IMAP Configuration (iCloud + Manual)
Setup IMAP in Apple Mail for seamless synchronization across Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices with full folder support.
- Open Apple Mail β Mail β Add Account β Other Mail Account.
- Enter your name, email address, and password β click Continue.
- Select IMAP account type β Incoming server.
- Next: Outgoing server
- Click Sign In β Mail verifies settings and begins folder synchronization.
iOS Mail App Setup (iPhone/iPad)
iPhone/iPad Mail configuration syncs IMAP folders across all Apple devices with native push notifications.
- Go to Settings β Mail β Accounts β Add Account β Other.
- Enter name, email, password β Next.
- Account Type: IMAP β Incoming:
[IMAP SERVER]Port993SSL. - Enter your outgoing SMTP server and port.
- Next β Save β iOS verifies and syncs immediately.
Push enabled automatically: new emails appear instantly on Lock Screen.
Android Mail App Configuration
Android Gmail/Email app setup works with any IMAP/SMTP provider for native device integration.
- Go to: Settings β Accounts β Add Account β Email (or Gmail app).
- Enter email + password β Next.
- Account Type: IMAP
- Outgoing server details β Require authentication.
- Next β Sign In β Android syncs contacts/calendar if enabled.
Sync interval: 15min default (battery optimized) – change in Account Sync settings.
eM Client Manual IMAP & POP3 Sync Configuration
Configure your email settings on eM Client with either automatic setup or through precise IMAP/POP3 server settings for reliable email synchronization and full folder support.
- Click New Account β Mail
Authentication requires full email address + password for both incoming and outgoing servers.Click Next β Finish β Send/Receive All Folders to begin synchronization.
Mailbird OAuth2 IMAP & SMTP Integration
Secure Mailbird setup using OAuth2 authentication eliminates password storage while providing full IMAP/SMTP functionality.
- Mailbird β Add Account β Enter your email address to begin.
- Choose Manual Setup β OAuth2 authentication method from options.
- Browser opens your provider’s login page β enter credentials β Authorize Mailbird.
- Mailbird receives access token and automatically configures IMAP/SMTP servers.
- Setup completes β full email synchronization begins automatically.
Mailspring OAuth2 IMAP Configuration
Mailspring OAuth2 setup provides secure email access without storing passwords directly in the application.
- Add new email account β Select Custom IMAP configuration option.
- Incoming
IMAP SERVERand outgoingSMTP SERVER. - Mailspring prompts OAuth2 authorization via browser window for secure login.
- Log into your provider account and grant Mailspring access permissions.
- Mailspring automatically manages authentication tokens β seamless email access established.
Postbox Manual IMAP Synchronization
Postbox IMAP setup with manual synchronization control for precise email folder management and immediate updates.
- Add IMAP account β Enter IMAP Server details.
- Outgoing SMTP with full email authentication.
- Postbox connects and displays folder structure automatically.
- Right-click any folder β Get Messages for immediate manual synchronization.
- Manual sync updates local mailbox instantly with server changes (read status, deletions, organization).
SendBlaster SMTP Configuration (Bulk Email)
Bulk email SMTP configuration in SendBlaster requires precise server authentication for reliable campaign delivery.
- Open SendBlaster β Settings β SMTP Configuration section.
- Enter SMTP Server and Port: do not forget to Enable TLS encryption.
- Authentication: Your full email address + password (required).
- Click Test Connection β verify green success indicator appears.
- Save settings β SendBlaster ready for bulk email campaigns and newsletters.
MailJerry IMAP Real-Time Synchronization
MailJerry IMAP setup enables real-time access to email folders stored on your provider’s server across all devices.
- Incoming Server and encryption required.
- Authentication: Full email address + password for secure connection.
- Enable real-time folder synchronization settings in MailJerry preferences.
- Folders update instantly with new messages, read status, and deletions across devices.
Clean.email OAuth2 Synchronization Setup
Clean.email OAuth2 setup provides secure mailbox access without sharing passwords directly with the application.
- Add new account β Select OAuth2 authorization method.
- Your provider opens login portal β enter credentials securely.
- Grant Clean.email permissions for email read/write access.
- OAuth2 token enables real-time message management, filtering, and organization.
- Setup complete β Clean.email maintains secure, ongoing mailbox synchronization.
Common IMAP/POP3/SMTP Troubleshooting
- Authentication failed: Always use your complete email address, never just the username portion.
- Port blocked by ISP: Try alternative SMTP port as fallback.
- SSL certificate errors: Ensure certificate validation is enabled in client settings.
- Slow or no IMAP sync: Check folder subscriptions and enable all folders in client settings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Purelymail actually reliable at $10/year?
Yes. Purelymail has run stably since 2019 with no significant downtime incidents. It is a one-person operation, which is the main trade-off: no 24/7 support, no SLA, no enterprise polish. For personal use and small-team hobbies the reliability record is comparable to bigger providers at 10x the price.
Do I need a custom domain to use Purelymail?
Yes. Purelymail does not sell subdomain email. Bring your own domain from any registrar (Namecheap, Porkbun, Cloudflare, Gandi), configure Purelymail’s DNS records at the registrar, and validate the domain in the Purelymail dashboard.
Can I pay with cryptocurrency?
Yes. Purelymail accepts Bitcoin, Monero, and other cryptocurrencies alongside credit card and PayPal. This is one of the reasons Purelymail is popular in the privacy-oriented community.
How does Purelymail compare to Migadu and Mailbox.org?
Migadu ($19-490/year) has similar per-domain pricing but tiered plans and higher polish. Mailbox.org (1-9 EUR/user/mo) is per-user and includes calendar/documents. Purelymail is the cheapest of the three at $10/year with metered add-on, best for users who accept less polish for a much lower base price.
Does Purelymail have webmail?
Yes. Roundcube is available at purelymail.com after login. It is functional but minimal (no scheduled send, no snooze, no rich search). Users who want a polished webmail should look at Fastmail or Mailbox.org; users happy with a mail client (Thunderbird, Apple Mail, K-9) will not miss the polish.
What happens if the developer stops running Purelymail?
Purelymail publishes a shutdown plan on its site: sufficient advance notice, full data export via IMAP fetch, and refund of any prepaid balance. The single-developer risk is real but managed openly. Users concerned about continuity can maintain a backup destination via IMAP-to-IMAP replication with tools like imapsync.
About this guide
These Purelymail server settings were verified against Purelymail’s official documentation at purelymail.com/docs in July 2026. Purelymail’s metered-pricing model and hostnames have been consistent since 2019. SMTPedia re-verifies each provider quarterly.
About the Author
Alaa Β· LinkedIn
Email infrastructure specialist with 8+ years of hands-on experience in SMTP, deliverability, and email verification. Iβve configured and troubleshot mail systems across Postfix, Exchange, and cloud relays, managed IP reputation and warmup campaigns, and built verification pipelines processing millions of addresses. My work spans DNS authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, BIMI), bounce handling, blocklist monitoring, and compliance frameworks including CAN-SPAM and GDPR. I write every article on SMTPedia to give email professionals, developers, and marketers the accurate, RFC-grounded reference they need.
About SMTPedia
SMTPedia is an independent email industry reference covering SMTP, IMAP, POP3, email deliverability, marketing platforms, DNS authentication, and email verification. Every article is researched from official provider documentation, IETF RFCs, and industry best practices. Settings and configurations are verified quarterly.
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