We’re on the bottom at CES in Las Vegas all week to sift by the hype and discover the merchandise that ought to really be worth your cash this yr. Check out our guide to CES 2026 for our newest hands-on impressions proper from the present flooring.
Only at CES are you able to see a laundry-folding robotic, a swiveling laptop screen and a 130-inch TV all below the identical roof. As entertaining as these things will be, although, only a few of these flashy showpieces see the sunshine of day for buyers, and in the event that they do, they’re exorbitantly costly. That’s why yearly, we make it our mission to seek out the cool, sensible merchandise you may really wish to purchase this yr.
We spent practically every week trudging the crowded hallways of Las Vegas’ conference facilities, assembly with dozens of top manufacturers, attempting tons of the latest tech products and punctiliously deliberating over winners (to not point out crushing our step targets within the course of). After all that, we got here away with 18 merchandise we predict can actually make life just a little simpler, higher and extra enjoyable this yr, from modular transportable chargers and refreshingly easy smartwatches to a clock constructed that can assist you sleep and get up higher. Here’s the very best tech we discovered at CES 2026.
CES 2026: what really stood out
At a CES the place the opposite massive TV titans targeted on gigantic and/or blindingly vivid RGB TVs, the LG Wallpaper W6 stood out from the pack by mixing into the room. Its wi-fi connection field and impressively skinny 9-millimeter design mix to let it float on a wall. But the large win got here in LG’s OLED panel that breathed tons of life into the Impressionist work I do know properly from after I labored on the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Images swap out sooner than on Samsung’s The Frame Pro, however that’s a small worth to pay in alternate for getting an artwork TV with LG’s new Hyper Radiant Color tech it’s utilizing for its new C6 and G6 OLED TVs. — Henry T. Casey, electronics author
CES is a land of guarantees of future-focused innovation, however I don’t go for the robots. I search for options to actual issues, such because the Nimble Champ Stack 10K, which solves the all-too-real annoyance of sharing a pocket-sized transportable charger. If you, like me, have that one pal or colleague who all the time wants juice, this energy brick that splits in half is one you want to look ahead to this spring when it drops for $80. Each facet has USB-C connectors so that you don’t must convey cables, and I can’t wait to check it within the wild world of low-battery notifications. — Henry T. Casey, electronics author
The once-best Windows laptop computer available on the market is again to problem for the throne once more, as Dell’s mounted the three largest flaws of its flagship laptop computer. First off, it’s now not referred to as the Dell Premium 14, a complicated title that signaled an absence of care. More importantly, the brand new Dell XPS 14 lastly has bodily function-row keys once more, so no extra tapping on that capacitive glass row of lights. Also, the touchpad is definitely seen once more, so no extra guessing the place to faucet. On top of that, Dell managed to pack in a 14-inch show whereas nonetheless attaining a smaller footprint than you get with the 13-inch MacBook Air M4. I can’t wait to check it and see the less-expensive configurations which are coming in February. — Henry T. Casey, electronics
The Dell XPS 14 is a return to type that brings again bodily operate keys and a extra intuitive touchpad.
I by no means personally used the unique Pebble Time Round smartwatch, first launched again in 2015, however I do realize it garnered fairly the next. Now that I’ve had an opportunity to check out its reboot, the Pebble Round 2, I can see why. Its e-paper show is enticing and straightforward to learn, and the watch itself regarded fashionable on my wrist and felt extraordinarily light-weight and comfy to put on. It was enjoyable to make use of precise buttons somewhat than a touchscreen to navigate its purposefully easy options. This isn’t a watch you make cellphone calls on or use to watch your coronary heart price, and that’s the entire level. I ditched my Apple Watch way back for being too overstimulating, however the Pebble Round 2 is a smartwatch I may really see myself sporting. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico and I agreed that the Pebble Round 2 felt like a considerably analog breath of recent air among the many AI assistants and literal robots on the CES flooring. Luckily for me, it’s out there for preorder now, beginning at $199. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
The return of this fan-favorite smartwatch options an e-paper display and three fashionable coloration choices.
I see an increasing number of folks sporting open-ear headphones today, seemingly as a result of they’re unobtrusive and make it straightforward to remain conscious of what’s happening round you. I get the enchantment and have enjoyed using them, however as somebody residing in New York City, I can’t think about not having energetic noise cancellation for drowning out crowded streets and subway vehicles. With the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro, I now not have to decide on between the 2.
These “dual-form” earbuds function a rotating hinge on every bud, permitting you to flip between an open-style match that rests above your ear canal and an in-ear match for immersive sound and ANC. Changing modes was straightforward, and the buds felt good and light-weight on my ears in each configurations. And whereas most conventional earbuds supply transparency modes that amplify the true world, nothing beats with the ability to hear your environment together with your precise human ears. The AeroFit 2 Pro provide the finest of each worlds in a means I haven’t seen earlier than, and this might be simply the turning level that makes me a long-term open-earbud person. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
These distinctive earbuds can swap between an open-ear and in-ear match inside seconds.
As somebody who video games on trendy consoles, PCs, retro techniques and even my cellphone, I personal what some may name an unhealthy quantity of online game controllers. GameSir and Hyperkin’s X5 Alteron might be the explanation all of them get put into storage. Compatible with Nintendo Switch consoles, telephones, tablets and computer systems, this modular Bluetooth controller can simply morph to suit no matter — and wherever — you play.
Want a standard PlayStation or Xbox structure? Just swap within the corresponding joystick and button modules. Going retro with some N64 and GameCube titles in your Switch? There’s a part for that. The X5 Alteron felt strong and comfy in my temporary hands-on time, and swapping out modules was easy and snappy. Hyperkin is focusing on a worth vary of roughly $100 to $150 when the X5 launches later this yr, which appears affordable for what might be your one gamepad to rule all of them. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
A wise lock’s largest draw back is that if it loses energy, you could possibly get locked out. But that’s by no means going to be a difficulty with Lockin’s newest, the V7 Max AI Smart Lock. The lock is powered by wi-fi optical charging through a know-how referred to as AuraCharge; a separate machine is plugged in inside 13 ft of the lock and mechanically beams energy to the lock’s receptor. It’s seemingly a step up from different sensible locks, which depend on solar energy and, thus, have to be located in daylight or on batteries that must be manually modified as they run out. Not to say, it contains a bunch of different high-tech bells and whistles — biometric safety, video doorbell performance, twin contact screens — and it appears to be like fairly smooth (a former chief designer from Apple is behind the design). Look out for these smarts to hit doorsteps beginning in early 2026. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
This distinctive sensible lock is powered by a wi-fi optical charger that ensures it by no means runs out of battery.
Dreo makes our favorite space heater, favorite humidifier and one of our favorite cooling fans, and the model continues to impress at CES. This yr, I used to be blown away (pun supposed) by the brand new Dreo 765S TurboCool Misting Fan, which mixes highly effective tower fan capabilities with a cooling mist that’s suited to indoor use. The secret is ultrafine mist particles that evaporate earlier than creating wetness on surfaces; after holding my hand and my cellphone immediately within the mist’s stream, I used to be amazed that they have been each left fully dry, so I’m assured that furnishings and pets will probably be protected from dampness. Dreo can also be launching a smaller tabletop model that I’d like to have in my AC-less residence workplace come summer season and an outside mannequin that will probably be a sport changer for yard hangs in scorching climate. Expect your complete collection to launch in April earlier than the mercury rises. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
The model behind our favourite robotic vacuum and robotic mop is formally coming on your yard. Roborock debuted the two-legged, jumping Saros Rover to a lot fanfare at CES this yr, nevertheless it was its new line of robotic garden mowers that caught with me as a streamlined addition to the class. The flagship RockMow X1 LiDAR is the clear chief of the pack, because of Sentisphere LiDAR Environmental Perception know-how, which it makes use of to assemble a 3D mannequin of your yard for real-time navigation. Meanwhile, AI permits it to determine and react to obstacles like backyard gnomes and hoses, plus four-wheel drive and dynamic suspension hold issues rolling alongside over any terrain. Combine all that with myriad security and safety features (people and animals in its path immediate a swift U-turn, as an example), spectacular sturdiness and — oh yeah, grass reducing! — and a pristine garden with zero effort will lastly be inside attain later this yr. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
In 2026, we’re executed utilizing smartphone alarms to get up within the morning. Calling the brand new Dreamie from Ambient only a nightstand clock is promoting the bedside companion a bit brief, because it does extra than simply setting alarms. The built-in lamp can be utilized by itself or with the dawn simulation options for waking up every morning, with an onboard white noise machine that can assist you go to sleep at evening.
In a hands-on demo, each Chelsea Stone and I have been impressed by the general appeal and polish of the Dreamie to life. I notably appreciated that each one the customization will be executed proper on the machine, as there’s no companion app to obtain. We additionally each cherished the design, which contains a touchscreen show on the entrance and pairs with a bodily quantity knob and contact panel on the again for controlling the lamp with out interacting with a display.
From our brief time testing it out at CES, the Dreamie appears like a promising strategy to ditch your smartphone alarm out of your morning routine. — Rikka Altland, senior offers editor
This bedside companion lets you wind down and get up peacefully with out having to convey your cellphone to the bed room.
Flat irons are some of probably the most damaging styling instruments on the market, as they apply excessive warmth on to your hair, so it’s about time somebody got here up with a greater answer. L’Oréal’s latest innovation options patented near-infrared gentle know-how (reminiscent of past Best of CES winner, the L’Oréal AirLight Pro) that penetrates hair fibers to reshape inside hydrogen bonds, leading to a glance that’s two instances smoother, achieved 3 times sooner with fewer passes than conventional scorching instruments, per the model, and utilizing far much less warmth. In truth, this styler doesn’t exceed 320 levels Fahrenheit — most straighteners make the most of warmth properly over 400 levels Fahrenheit — to higher protect hair well being and mitigate warmth injury. And what would a CES magnificence debut be and not using a personalised expertise courtesy of machine studying? Smart inside sensors with built-in algorithms choose up on and adapt to customers’ gestures on top of all of the instruments’ hair-boosting advantages.
While I wasn’t capable of strive it alone hair for hygienic causes, our senior offers editor Rikka Altland and I have been handled to an in-person demo of the Light Straight + Multi-Styler, wherein we watched a robotic arm straighten and curl some check hair strands to spectacular outcomes. As somebody with curly hair, it sometimes takes two to 3 passes to get my strands trying something near straight, so I’m trying ahead to utilizing it alone curls when it launches someday in 2027. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
The Clicks keyboard is a nifty accent that turns your cellphone right into a modern-day Blackberry with satisfying bodily keys, nevertheless it leaves you with a cumbersome setup. The new Clicks Power Keyboard solves this very downside with a magnetic snap-on design and a slide-open keyboard, which lets you summon these snappy keys whenever you want them and put them away whenever you don’t. Oh, and it’s additionally a full-on MagSafe energy brick that may cost your cellphone wirelessly whilst you sort. I used to be genuinely stunned to be taught that each one this performance will be had for $80, an attractive early chook worth that’s set to leap increased later this yr. – Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
The Clicks Power Keyboard has a useful slide-out design and doubles as a magnetic charger.
We’re massive on emergency preparedness at NCS Underscored, which is why I used to be enthusiastic about iOttie’s latest addition to its line of automobile merchandise. At CES, the model, which makes one of our favorite car phone mounts, confirmed off the Arkx Portable Air Pump, a compact, 3-in-1 gadget that may reinflate your tires (or actually, any inflatable), recharge your units because of a built-in 5200 mAh battery and act a lightweight supply through one of its three modes (flashlight, ring gentle and crimson SOS beacon). At $80, it looks as if a no brainer addition to any trunk as soon as it launches in March. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
My first actual “wow” second of CES 2026 was seeing Samsung’s The Freestyle+ projector beam a picture onto a flowy set of curtains — sometimes a nightmare floor for this type of factor — and magically type an ideal rectangle that made it straightforward to see what was enjoying. This new transportable projector packs auto-keystone know-how that’s designed to make your content material look good on any floor, whether or not you’re watching in a tent whereas tenting or within the nook of a room as a result of restricted wall area. It additionally makes use of AI to mechanically fill any devoted projection surfaces you could be utilizing, which labored inside seconds with out us having to tinker with a single setting. It’s the precise innovation we prefer to see: cool to have a look at and enjoyable to play with, but additionally fixing one of the most typical issues of transportable projectors. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
We’ve hit a really pretty second with residence tech equipment the place firms are beginning to encourage more healthy habits. Such is the case with TwelveSouth’s Valet wi-fi charging tray, which is the epitome of subtlety. It may simply appear like a key and pockets and sun shades tray you retain by your mattress or door, however its 15W wi-fi charging puck is cleverly positioned face-up. This means your cellphone goes to lie flat, passively telling you to cease checking your notifications and take the display time break all of us want. Oh and it’s made of luxurious Napa leather-based, so it’ll match into or improve no matter area you place it in. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
This smooth tray contains a 15W wi-fi charger on your cellphone and many of area on your on a regular basis equipment.
I’m a sucker for a cool lamp, and Ikea’s viral Varmblixt donut lamp is one of the good. Now, in its first-ever CES look, the famed Swedish furnishings firm has introduced that it’s getting even higher: a wise model of the enduring lamp, created in collaboration with Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis, will probably be out there beginning in April of this yr. The new dimmable matte Varmblixts function color-shifting capabilities in a complete spectrum of delicate, vibe-y hues, managed through Ikea’s Home Smart app and an included distant. You’ll have the ability to select from desk and wall variations of the lamp, but when a pair months’ wait feels insufferable, there’s completely no disgrace in picking up the glossy original proper now. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
In our expertise, even the very best headphones turn out to be worn and scuffed over time. What’s worse, they’ll generally succumb to a busted battery. Lots of people will simply purchase a brand new pair when this occurs, however what when you didn’t should? That’s the concept behind the Fender Mix, a modular set of headphones that help you change the ear cups, cushion and even battery to maintain your cans trying recent and performing their finest.
The audio big’s first-ever headphones have a slick, understated look that felt snug to put on, and, extra crucially, they have been straightforward to disassemble after I wished to get contained in the ear cups. Their audio high quality and noise cancellation impressed me throughout my temporary testing, they usually’re loaded with connectivity choices together with Bluetooth, a traditional headphone jack and wi-fi USB-C with lossless audio assist. Add in Fender’s declare of 100 hours of battery life and also you’ve received a uniquely promising set of cans that I can’t wait to place by their paces once they launch later this yr for $300. –— Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
Lego stunned us by making an look at CES 2026 to indicate off its new Smart Play system, and I received a primary have a look at how Lego is bringing its upcoming Star Wars units to life utilizing this slick new tech. Living as much as its title, the brick comes loaded with tech like an accelerometer, gentle detector, sound sensor, miniature speaker, wi-fi charging capabilities and even an onboard synthesizer.
That mixture of sensors, plus some new Smart Minifigures and Tags, signifies that putting the brick in an X-Wing can have the enduring automobile from a galaxy far, far-off make noise and light-weight up as you swoosh it round your private home. It can know whenever you place Luke Skywalker within the pilot’s seat or play totally different audio primarily based on if the villainous Darth Vader has commandeered the experience. The system may inform if a Death Star cannon has shot in its course, enjoying an applicable sound impact and lighting sample in flip, or when you dodged the assault by spinning and sending R2-D2 right into a screaming match.
Amplifying the bricks I already love with this new reactive know-how wowed me in my hands-on demo, and I’m excited to check the kits formally once they launch in March. — Rikka Altland, senior offers editor
Products unveiled at CES actually run the gamut relating to availability. Some are up for preorder the minute they’re introduced, whereas others have nebulous “coming soon” launch home windows (and in our expertise, some simply by no means come out). However, most of the winners we’ve chosen above are arriving within the first half of 2026.
Again, it’s a large spectrum. Some of our favorites just like the Nimble Champ Stack 10K and Clicks Power Keyboard are lower than $100, whereas our favourite TV and laptop computer picks can go properly into the $1,000 and up vary.
NCS Underscored has a staff of expert writers and editors who’ve a few years of expertise testing, researching and recommending merchandise, and we guarantee every article is rigorously edited and merchandise are correctly vetted.We speak to top specialists when related to make sure our product testing is correct as we converse to the professionals and cons of every merchandise.
To compile this checklist, senior tech editor Mike Andronico, electronics author Henry T. Casey, editorial direct Chelsea Stone and senior offers editor Rikka Altland roamed the halls of CES 2026 for practically every week, assembly with main manufacturers and testing out dozens of new merchandise with a view to discover the true standouts. We factored in hands-on impressions, our earlier expertise with a given model and whether or not or not a product goals to unravel a sensible downside as a substitute of simply being a cool attraction.