Choosing the right SMTP port depends on the requirements of your email service provider and the specific needs of your email program. Here’s a brief overview of the four most commonly used SMTP ports and when to use them:
- Port 25: This is the default SMTP port for email transmission. It’s widely used, but many ISPs and email providers block this port due to spamming and other security concerns. If you’re using a reputable email provider, they will likely provide alternative ports that can be used instead.
- Port 587: This is the standard port for email submission, which is used to send email from email clients to the email server. It’s often used by email providers as an alternative to Port 25 because it’s less likely to be blocked by ISPs and offers a higher level of security.
- Port 465: This port is used for secure SMTP transmission over SSL/TLS. It’s less commonly used than Port 587, but it offers an additional layer of encryption for sensitive data, such as passwords.
- Port 2525: This is a non-standard port that some email providers use as an alternative to Port 587 or Port 25. It’s less commonly used but may be a good option if other ports are blocked.
In general, if you’re setting up an email client or program, you should use the SMTP port recommended by your email provider. If your email provider doesn’t specify a port, Port 587 is a good choice because it’s widely supported and offers a good balance of security and reliability.