Tech You Think You Need but Will Never Use

You don’t need most of the tech you think you do. This article identifies the gadgets and software features that sound essential but end up unused by the vast majority of buyers, and explains how to avoid wasting money on them.

Why We Buy Tech We Never Use

Manufacturers and marketers are very good at creating a sense of need. They pair a new feature with a lifestyle image—a drone following a mountain biker, a smart speaker controlling your entire home—and it feels like the future is incomplete without it. But the reality of daily life is far more mundane. A 2020 survey by the consumer research firm Which? found that the average UK household owns about 12 unused gadgets, with a total value of over £1,000. The most common culprits were old phones, cables, and e-readers, but the same logic applies to newly purchased tech: we buy for the imagined use, not the actual one.

The Biggest Culprits: Gadgets That Gather Dust

Some products are notorious for high purchase rates and low usage rates. Here are the most common ones:

• Dedicated e-readers: Most people read on their phone or tablet. A dedicated e-reader adds another device to carry, charge, and keep updated.
• Action cameras: Unless you’re an extreme sports enthusiast, the camera on your phone is good enough for 99% of your videos. Action cameras are often bought for a single trip and then forgotten.
• Tablets: Many households own a tablet that is used less than once a week. Laptops and phones cover most needs.
• Smart speakers: They’re useful for timers and music, but many people rarely use voice commands beyond that. The novelty wears off.
• 3D printers: The learning curve is steep, and the print quality often disappoints. A large percentage of 3D printers are used a few times and then shelved.
• Gaming consoles: If you’re not a regular gamer, a console is an expensive paperweight. Many are bought for one game (like a sports title) and then never turned on again.

Software Features You’ll Probably Never Touch

It’s not just hardware. Software is packed with features that most people never open. For example, Microsoft Word has hundreds of advanced formatting options, yet most users stick to bold, italics, and bullet points. Similarly, photo editing apps have layers, masks, and curves—tools that professional photographers use but that the average user never touches. The same goes for:

• Virtual desktops: Windows and macOS both offer multiple desktops, but most people just use one.
• Automation apps: IFTTT and Shortcuts can be powerful, but setting them up takes time and effort. Most people never create a single automation.
• Built-in VPNs: Some browsers and operating systems offer built-in VPN services, but they are rarely used because they slow down the connection and are often limited.
• Email rules: Setting up rules to automatically sort emails sounds great, but most people just delete or archive manually.

How to Decide What You Actually Need

Before buying any new tech, ask yourself three questions:

1. Does it solve a problem I have right now? Not a problem you might have, but one that is currently annoying you.
2. Will I use it at least once a week for the next six months? If the answer is no, it’s probably not worth the money.
3. Is there a free or cheaper alternative? Your phone, laptop, or existing software can often do the job.

Another trick is to wait 30 days after you first want something. If you still want it after a month, it’s more likely to be a genuine need rather than a passing impulse.

Common Misconceptions About Tech Usage

One common misconception is that more features mean more value. In reality, the opposite is often true: a simpler device that does one thing well is more likely to be used than a complex one that does everything poorly. Another misconception is that you need the latest version of everything. Tech companies release annual updates, but the improvements are often marginal. Your two-year-old phone is probably fine. Also, many people think that buying a high-end product will motivate them to use it more, but that rarely happens. The motivation has to come from you, not the device.

Costs of Unused Tech

The financial cost is obvious, but there are other costs too. Unused tech takes up physical space, adds clutter, and creates e-waste. It also consumes your attention: every gadget you own is a potential update, a potential problem, and a potential distraction. The environmental impact is significant as well. Manufacturing a single smartphone produces about 60 kg of CO2, and if you never use it, that’s a waste. In the US alone, unused electronics contribute to millions of tons of e-waste each year.

Alternatives to Buying New Tech

Before you buy, consider these alternatives:

• Use what you have: Your current phone, laptop, or tablet can likely do what you want.
• Borrow or rent: For occasional needs (like a drone or a 3D printer), borrowing from a friend or renting from a service is much cheaper.
• Buy used: If you’re sure you’ll use it, buying a used model can save you a lot of money.
• Wait for a sale: If you’re not in a hurry, waiting for a discount can make the purchase more justifiable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying a tablet if I have a laptop and a smartphone?

For most people, no. A tablet is a middle ground that doesn’t do anything better than a laptop or phone, except maybe for reading or watching videos. If you already have both, a tablet is likely to be redundant.

How can I stop buying tech I don’t need?

Implement a 30-day waiting rule. Write down the item and the price, and if you still want it after 30 days, then consider buying it. Also, set a budget for tech purchases each month, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.

What is the most commonly unused tech item?

Surveys consistently show that dedicated e-readers, tablets, and action cameras are among the most commonly unused items. Old cables and chargers are also very common, but they are less expensive.

Should I buy a smart speaker if I already have a smartphone?

Only if you specifically want voice control for music, timers, or smart home devices. Otherwise, your phone can do the same things. Many people find that they use the smart speaker less than they expected.

Is it okay to buy tech just for fun?

Yes, if you have the money and it brings you joy. The problem is when you buy something thinking it will be useful, and it ends up unused. If you’re buying for entertainment, be honest about that and don’t expect it to change your productivity.

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