Engadget's CES 2026 Highlights: The Most Impressive Tech in Las Vegas

Our Top Picks and Best in Show

This year, more than 4,000 exhibitors gathered in Las Vegas for CES, showcasing a vast array of innovative products. The Engadget team hit the ground running, attending press events that were largely dominated by AI discussions, often lacking in concrete product announcements.

Several companies opted to skip major announcements during their sessions, choosing instead to issue low-key press releases later. This focus on AI reflects the industry's current trend despite its rising costs through increased utility prices and device expenses. Companies seem keen to promote AI potential rather than unveiling tangible innovations.

Engadget isn't against AI per se; however, our team is captivated by physical products that enhance everyday life rather than minor adjustments to AI models. Thus, beyond the grandiose presentation of NVIDIA and Lenovo's presentations, it was fulfilling to explore peculiar gadgets and high-tech wonders seeking attention.

After thorough evaluation and spirited discussions, our CES crew culled through countless innovations to determine our top selections. From an initial roster of about 50 diverse products, we determined our 15 favorites and honored one with our best in show accolade.

Even though we've already covered nearly 200 articles from the show, there's still more to share. Meanwhile, meet our winners, highlighted by the editors who know them best.

Top Robot: Switchbot Onero H1

CES 2026 boasted a range of robots showcasing amazing functionalities. A standout was Switchbot's Onero H1, which we observed handling tasks like laundry loading. Despite limited demonstrations, this useful robot is expected to hit sales floors this year. While pricing isn’t fixed, the goal is a sub-$10,000 tag, making us hopeful of its broader accessibility beyond the CES venue.

Leading Accessibility Innovation: WheelMove

Offering a simple enhancement for manual wheelchairs, WheelMove facilitates navigation across tricky terrains, such as grass or uneven paths. This add-on lifts the wheelchair's front caster wheels, provides five-speed power assist, and prevents excessive speed down slopes. Promising practicality and ease of use, WheelMove stands as a practical upgrade fitting current wheelchair designs.

Best Television: LG’s Wallpaper TV (OLED Evo W6)

Few televisions at CES captivated like LG's OLED Evo W6. A refined revival of the 'Wallpaper TV,' it's slimmer than ever and operates independently from a soundbar thanks to its wireless control box. Promising a 20% increase in brightness with its latest OLED tech, it remains an artistic display piece even when switched off, essentially vanishing from side views.

Remarkable AI Hardware: Subtle Voicebuds

Subtle’s Voicebuds deliver a unique AI experience by accurately transcribing speech in chaotic environments or whispers in quiet zones. However, they require internet access and subscription to Subtle's app for optimal performance. These innovative earbuds mark a noteworthy venture into AI-focused hardware, offering a challenge to well-established tech brands.

Outstanding Smart Home Solution: IKEA Matter-Compatible Devices

At its first CES, IKEA impressed with a straightforward selection of Matter-enabled smart home items. This lineup includes affordable smart plugs, bulbs, and sensors, epitomizing IKEA's marriage of function and price accessibility, as opposed to the more complex, costly options seen from competitors incorporating AI or robotic tech.

Top Home Theater Gear: Samsung HW-QS90H Soundbar

Soundbars frequently promise bass-rich sound without separate subwoofers, but Samsung's HW-QS90H genuinely delivers through its Quad Bass system. Designed to adapt whether mounted on a wall or laid flat, it provides reliably solid bass output, fulfilling long-held desires for deep sound in an aesthetically pleasing form.

Leading Audio Tech: Shokz OpenFit Pro

Known for overcoming the challenge of effective noise cancellation in open-fit earbuds, Shokz introduces the OpenFit Pro. Its design ensures comfortable wear outside the ear, while sound suppression effectively dims moderate ambient noise. These improvements are complemented by updated drivers and Dolby Atmos support, ensuring superb audio delivery.

Best Outdoor Tech: Tone Outdoors T1

Breaking away from conventional power tools, Tone Outdoors emerges from aerodynamics experts Whisper Aero with the T1 leaf blower. It’s notably quieter than standard gas models and possesses impressive power, ensuring a peaceful yard work experience without sacrificing effectiveness.

Top Toy: Lego Smart Play

Lego evolves with its Smart Play system, transforming basic sets into interactive experiences with advanced Smart Bricks. These bricks, embedded with sensors and speakers, let children engage more dynamically, fueling imaginative play without needing a screen or app.

Best Computing Innovation: Dell XPS 14 and 16

Dell's recognition is shared by its latest XPS iterations, maintaining their iconic status with refined aesthetics and cutting-edge components. After an rebranding, they return to form with enhanced Intel chips, OLED screens, and improved usability, including classic function keys and optimized touchpads.

Innovative Health Tech: Eyebot Vision Kiosk

Streamlining optometric services, Eyebot’s kiosk automates vision tests, condensing traditional appointments to minutes. With physician-approved results, this quick, accessible solution provides an efficient alternative to conventional eyewear prescription processes, reflecting tested accuracy and convenience.

Top Gaming Gadgets: ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo

Boasting dual OLED displays up to 1,100 nits, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo capitalizes on screen real estate, ideal for multi-tasking gamers. Its powerful build supports high-end visuals and performance, catering to intense gaming demands and creative pursuits alike.

Best Mobile Technology: Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold captured attention with its innovative design, making a 10-inch tablet compactly fold into a 6.5-inch smartphone. Balancing size and function, it enhances versatility and potential, even though a premium price point is anticipated.

Most Promising Concept: Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable

Lenovo's conceptual Legion Pro Rollable illustrates the possibilities in adaptive gaming screens, allowing users to dynamically expand displays for an immersive experience. Although niche and yet unrealized, its potential in enhancing visual gaming scopes is noteworthy.

Breakthrough Technology: IXI Autofocus Glasses

IXI unveils breakthrough glasses that automatically adjust focus, thanks to innovative LED and photodiode technology. These lenses promise a seamless transition between focal depths, heralding a modern shift from traditional multifocal designs.

Overall Best: Lego Smart Play

At CES, it's rare to see lasting trends; however, Lego defies this with a steadfast commitment to imaginative play. Smart Play, integrating tech subtly, reimagines classic construction kits to allow new interactive opportunities, emphasizing creativity free from digital constraints.