The Most Useless Security Cam Features and Why You Don't Need Them

I could go on for hours about all the latest high-tech features in security cameras, including AI summaries, magnetic mounts and privacy zones. But all those extras can get overwhelming, especially if you're trying to ignore the clutter and save money.

Despite all their advances, security cameras still come with unnecessary features, and that's an advantage if you know where to look. You can simplify your setup and save cash by ignoring add-ons, no matter how much they're advertised. Here's my take on the least useful home security camera features -- and why you can skip them.

Pan/tilt capabilities

I've seen good pan/tilt cameras, but it's not a feature most homes need.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

Pan/tilt features aren't always bad news -- some of my top-reviewed cameras include the ability, giving them nearly 360 degrees of viewing range and tracking. The problem is that most home cameras don't actually need that capability.

Unless you're watching over a very, very large space or have your camera set up in the middle of an open floor plan (a very awkward placement for homes), you don't really need pan/tilt options. Today's cameras typically offer fields of view wider than 130 degrees, so with the right placement, you can capture most of a large room or backyard.

Skipping pan/tilt features can make cameras both more affordable and more durable. Add in motion detection with person recognition, and you should be set with a watchful cam that lets you know what's going on. Pan/tilt is a better option only if the camera is wired -- such as to a junction box or outdoor outlet -- and doesn't have a clear view of your access points.

NVR support

There are many wireless and wired security cameras that not longer need or benefit from NVRs.

Eufy

NVRs -- or network video recorders -- were common parts of very early security systems because they didn't really have any other way to capture and manage lots of video footage. Today, an NVR for home security cameras is largely unnecessary and, I'd argue, a significant drawback.

Not only are these extra hubs bulky, expensive and limited in what they can do, they're also outclassed by today's microSD cards for local storage, which can hold over 1TB of video. Add the wireless video management that mobile apps offer, and NVRs are best reserved for specific commercial applications.

Plus, NVR systems are often designed to use a PoE camera system, which requires much more installation work and isn't suitable for the average home unless you really want to avoid all wireless signals.

Protective enclosures

Unless you live very, very far north, a camera enclosure won't do you much good. 

Andrew Wevers/Stringer via Getty Images

Today's outdoor security cameras typically have IP64/IP65 weather resistance ratings, which means they can handle most outside conditions. An enclosure to protect the camera is both more work to clean and unnecessary in all but the most blizzardy climates. Also, it can be difficult to find a camera housing that fits your specific model.

If you're worried about someone damaging your home security camera -- say, with a baseball bat -- that scenario is so rare it's not worth paying extra for a protective enclosure unless you have evidence it's happening in your neighborhood. A nearby family of starlings is likely to cause more problems, in which case you may want a camera cover for around $20.

LTE connections

LTE cameras work well in remote locations, but they're unnecessary for most homes.

John Larsen/CNET

LTE cameras have built-in SIM card slots, allowing them -- like your phone -- to connect to cell towers and use a data plan to transmit video (along with the added fees). That's a great option for remote locations, but probably not necessary for your home.

Today's wireless security cameras offer very healthy Wi-Fi ranges suitable for all kinds of homes and Wi-Fi routers. The extra costs of an LTE camera are worth it for construction sites or off-grid cabins, but a poor fit for your backyard. If you get very frequent blackouts that knock out your Wi-Fi, you're better off investing in a powerful home backup battery than spending money on an LTE cam.

4K resolution

Generally, a 2K camera is the most resolution your home needs.

Lorex

A 4K camera offers much higher resolution, which means more detail on your security videos. I know that sounds like a high-value upgrade -- I even have a list of the best 4K cameras for those interested -- but it's not beneficial in the same way as 4K resolution is in your monitor or TV screen.

I'd skip 4K not just to save money, but because it consumes more bandwidth for live viewing and often requires additional storage for video clips. It can also introduce higher latency, which may lead to lag or visual glitches. Many cameras let you switch to a lower resolution to address those issues, but at that point, what's the benefit of paying for 4K in the first place?

That's why some of the latest and most powerful cameras I've tested, including late 2025 models from Google Nest, Arlo and Blink, stick with a 2K resolution, which I'd say is the sweet spot for security cam resolution. Save 4K for commercial cameras or very specific use cases where lots of detail is mandatory.

Spotlights

Spotlights are usually outclassed by floodlights, making it smarter to either upgrade or skip the feature entirely.

Ring

Spotlights occupy an awkward space in home security. Security cameras are often installed in areas that already have porch lights or other nearby illumination. And if not, modern night vision typically delivers excellent results without added lighting. If you do want illumination -- or the "scare" factor to deter trespassers -- a floodlight camera is almost always the better option. Battery-powered spotlight cams also tend to drain much faster when the light repeatedly triggers.

Those factors mean it's usually better to choose a floodlight camera, opt for a model without a spotlight or simply turn the light off altogether. There aren't many situations where a spotlight is truly necessary. It could make sense for a dark entryway or a set of shadowy patio steps as a safety feature, but in most cases, it's an add-on you can skip.

What about cloud storage?

Cloud storage and local storage both have their place.

Tapo

Cloud storage isn't a useless feature, but its value depends heavily on your camera and your preferred setup. Some cameras rely solely on cloud storage, which may offer only limited access -- such as Nest's six-hour event history -- or require a subscription to unlock full functionality, such as Arlo's $8-per-month Secure plan. Others include a microSD card slot or an optional hub for local storage, which carries a higher upfront cost but avoids ongoing fees. And some cameras offer both options.

Cloud and local storage each have their benefits. Local storage is cheaper in the long run and better for privacy, but it's more difficult to share, and you'll have to clear out your local storage occasionally. Cloud storage is convenient, enables more advanced AI features like video searches and lets you download any video you want, but it comes at a higher price. People may also worry about security companies sharing cloud videos with law enforcement or getting hacked, which are legitimate concerns.

Okay, what about the new AI features?

When enabled, Gemini for Home adds a new type of watchfulness to security cameras.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

Since advanced generative AI features -- such as object recognition that creates video summaries -- are currently limited to higher-tier subscriptions, they aren't the focus of this list. Instead, I've focused on the more tangible features you'll see on a security camera's box or product page, and which of those don't add much value.

For more info, check out the worst places to put your camera and what useless features to avoid if you want a full security system, too.